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For the Stad Amsterdam photo gallery click here
History From 1820 onwards, a new breed of sailing ships was needed, a type of vessel built for speed. They were called clippers. There a several explanations around for the word clipper, two of the most accepted are both related to its most significant feature, its high speed . The first says that clipper relates to the way it sails the waves, as in the expression going at a good clip, while the second explanation refers to the fact that these vessels clip days of the length of their voyages. Clippers were relatively small ships, with knife sharp bows, a special narrow hull form and a large sail area. They were constructed of wood when built in America, while British and Dutch shipbuilders used steel to build their hulls. They were hard driven ships to squeeze the highest possible speed out of them. Sails and rigging were often damaged along the way, but getting their cargo or passengers as fast as possible to their destination more than made up for this. The speed record of sailing the largest distance in 24 hours is held by the Lightning, which covered 436 miles. The James Baines circumnavigated the world in 133 days! Top speeds of 20 knots per hour were possible with these vessels.
Tea clipper Thermopylae In two specific situations, their phenomenal speed was most appreciated: when transporting tea and other goods from the Far East to Europe and America, and to transport gold diggers to Australia and California, the Gold Rush where relatively large quantities of gold were found. Alas the era of the clippers ended at the end of the nineteenth century when the steamship was introduced, which albeit at a much slower speed, could carry many times as much freight without being very dependent on weather conditions. Today, only a few major clippers exist. Of course there is the famous Cutty Sark, now a museum in England, and in active service, the passenger carrying Dutch clipper Stad Amsterdam sails the oceans.
Cutty Sark, now a floating museum in Greenwich The Stad Amsterdam made her maiden voyage in 2000, after more than three years of construction, the first two years at the Damen Shipyard in Amsterdam where the hull was constructed. She was fitted out at the Dutch Shipping Museum location also located in Amsterdam. Plans to build her had originated during Sail Amsterdam 1995, nautical festivities celebrated every five years when the world most celebrated sailing ships visit Amsterdam at the end of a most exciting race. She was financed by two parties, the city of Amsterdam and Randstad Holding een uitzendbureau.
Stad Amsterdam entering the port of IJmuiden, June 2006 Her builders were inspired by the Amsterdam of 1854. However, Stad Amsterdam is no exact replica of this ship. It took 200.000 hours to build her. Her hull is made of steel, but her woodwork, especially the woodcarving, shows the skill of those who built her. Under her bow sprit, Stad Amsterdam features a female figurehead which symbolises the protection she gives to the vessels' crew and passengers and the belief that she can calm the seas to ensure smooth sailing..... Stad Amsterdam was intoduced during the festivities of Sail Amsterdam 2000 and she was christend by Mrs. Rita Kok, wife of the Prime minister of the Netherlands in those days, Mr. Wim Kok.
On deck Bar On board Stad Amsterdam features a 60 meter long deck. Passengers are encouraged to assist the crew, which adds to the experience of sailing on such a majestic vessel. There is an outside bar to enjoy drinks on deck. 14 luxury cabins, measuring 11 sq m, fitted out in wood and brass can accommodate up to 46 passengers, but are mostly used for double occupancy. They feature airconditioning, TV and each have a porthole.
Cabin The main public space on board is the Long Room, which has a bar and seating capacity of 55. It is fitted out in wood and brass, features a bar, staircase, several ship models and really is a most elegant room. Flowers won't be found on the ship because the owner does not want to have them on board as to his opinion they distract attention from the classic interiors of the ship. This room is a multi purpose room as it can be used for dining, presentations, and part of it can be used as a library.
The Long Room Ropes on the ceiling to hold on to when the ship encounters rough weather add to the sailing ship sailing ship experience. Voyages The Stad Amsterdam divides her time between the Caribbean and European waters. In the winter she sails on leisurely cruises in the Caribbean accommodating just 28 passengers. In Europe part of her schedule consists of day trips and other short cruises. Stad Amsterdam regularly enters a race like in 2006 the STI Race from La Coruna to Antwerp. Stad Amsterdam can also be used for seminars or business meetings. For this purpose audio-visual equipment is present on board.
Stern of the Stad Amsterdam
For the Stad Amsterdam photo gallery click here Back to Special Cruises page..... All text and photographs (unless stated otherwise) © Paul Timmerman |
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Wheel house