We spent a weekend in Drachten. During our tour, we decided to round off Saturday evening with dinner at ‘t Far in Terherne. After a hearty meal, we planned to take a short walk. Normally we walk from Wetterwille to ‘t Far, but this time it was the other way around. Alexander and Petra had the fleet looking its best to welcome guests on Easter Monday. By chance, we ran into Alexander, who was putting the finishing touches on everything.
He enthusiastically showed us his ships. And before long, we were aboard the Alsace. The engine compartment cover was open—no diesel engine anymore. It had been completely converted to a hybrid. An electric motor with an (auxiliary) generator. We checked the instrument panel and started it up. Does it actually run? The gauges say it does, and so does the propeller.
Fancy a test sail? It was too late for that—twilight was already falling over the Frisian countryside. And what about tomorrow, Alexander asked? Well, as a Toyota Prius Hybrid driver, it was very tempting not to say no to that! On Easter Sunday, April 12, we reported to the Wetterwille harbor office. After a brief briefing, we cast off. Is the engine running? Yeah, just check the instrument panel. After the Bertina and Minerva, this is a different experience. On all those boats, we used the helm on the upper deck. Here, you’re inside. But you get used to it quickly. A small, compact boat, perfectly suited for trips for just the two of us—without our 13- and 16-year-old sons.
Once you’ve reached the Kalde Mage, ease off the throttle a bit, and you won’t even hear the propeller anymore. So this is hybrid! Gliding along the reed beds, water birds startle but stay put. You’re sailing with a different mindset; you’re out to enjoy nature. It’s like drinking rooibos tea.
Back on the Goiingarypster Puollen and the Snitser Mar. A thumbs-up here and people waving there. The “hybrid” advertising text on both the starboard and port sides certainly catches the eye. Apparently, many people are already aware of the hybrid. You can also open up the throttle on the Snitser Mar and in the Princess Margriet Canal. But that really drains your batteries.
Our next weekend getaway with my wife will be to Alsace—unless, as a reader of this report, you’ve just snatched the reservation right out from under us! All that’s left is to thank Petra and Alexander for this generous offer. It was a very successful trip and, on top of that, an educational one.
Date: April 2, 2009 (Easter Sunday)
Route: Kruswetter, Kalde Mage, Haklanshop, Terkaplester Puollen, Goiingarypster Puollen, Snitser Mar, in about two hours.
Boat: Kent 27 OK Hybrid “Alsace”
Wishing you lots of fun with water sports from:
Sjak, Marie-Christine Neelen
Neer (Limburg), 256 km to Terherne.
