Your stay at the Zwarte Valk
On board the Zwarte Valk (Black Falcon) it is all about style and sustainability.
Waking up and see nature do the same, with your back leaning against the deckhouse (the living area of the skipper) a cup of coffee or tea in hand, will make you put everyday life into perspective. No mobile phone, different impressions and a fresh breeze in your face will give you new energy and a broader vision.
As the vessel is relatively wide, she will stay more upright during sailing. The Zwarte Valk is very suitable for a holiday on and near the water for families or groups of friends or for a weekend of team building with the company, a club or youth group. The great hospitality on board makes everyone feel welcome instantly and above all, the atmosphere is relaxed!
Sailing on the Zwarte Valk
The Zwarte Valk is one of the faster, traditional sailing vessels on the IJsselmeer and the Wadden Sea. During many sailing competitions (Pieper race, Klipper race and Brandaris race) the vessel was among the first to reach the finish. The vessel is easy to sail and thanks to the hydraulic centre-board winches, operating the centre board is a piece of cake. However, the group can always assist with all activities on board. Sailing experience is not required, the skipper and the seaman will teach the art of how to sail an authentic ship.
Home port of the Zwarte Valk is Makkum. From the Zwarte Valk’s mooring you pass the lock at Kornwerderzand within one hour and sail into the National Park, Natura 2000 area and UNESCO world heritage Wadden Sea. An area with outstanding flora and fauna. During your visit to one of the Wadden Islands, all kinds of different activities are possible. If you are interested, please inquire at the office. The skipper will be happy inform you during your visit on board.
Due to the fact that Makkum is located at the IJsselmeer, you can also make a sailing trip on the IJsselmeer. Enkhuizen, Medemblik, Stavoren, Workum, are attractive water sport locations and possible destinations. Discuss this on board with the skipper and marvel at the many well-known and lesser-known villages on the Frisian and West-Frisian coast.
Enjoy the overwhelming nature of the Wadden area and the historic harbours on the IJsselmeer together with your enthusiastic skipper Hessel.
Sustainability
The owners highly value sustainability and owing to their management the Zwarte Valk has a Golden Green Key quality label certificate, the highest possible level within Green Key.
The engine complies with the latest environmental requirements. Dutch Oak was used for the finishing (two trees came from Zwolle, one oak tree from an estate in Vollenhove) and the vessel mainly uses LED lighting. Sustainability was also a key issue during the construction.
This means that guests are provided with biodegradable dishwasher tablets, washing-up liquid, toilet cleaner, toilet paper, so there is no need to bring these yourself.
Zwarte Valk's crew
At the helm of the Zwarte Valk is mainly owner / skipper Jantine van Berkel. She makes every effort to give the group the feeling of 'home' and sails with an enormous passion, enthusiasm and respect for mankind, nature and vessel!
Layout
From the cockpit, quarter round stairs lead to the light, pleasant lounge with two oak wood tables, an attractive lounge bench and a spacious kitchen. The lounge area invites to an elaborate meal, a board game and an enjoyable gathering. You can finish the day in a relaxed atmosphere on the lounge sofa. The two glass deck hatches allow lots of daylight to enter the lounge and the kitchen. The kitchen is fully equipped and cooking for a large group is no problem thanks to a gas stove with 6 burners and oven, two fridges and a dishwasher.
The bow of the vessel has 8 double cabins. 4 cabins with twin beds, the other 4 cabins have bunk beds. The beds have firm mattresses and the cabins are fitted with a wash basin with hot and cold running water, a radiator, a port hole or skylight.
The vessel has modern sanitary facilities, two toilets and two shower rooms are available for the group.
On board you can relax and enjoy the company and the surroundings, sitting in the cockpit or on the aft deck with the skipper. On board, a number of bean bags are available to make yourself comfortable!
Facilities on the Zwarte Valk
The Zwarte Valk’s history
As the first charter vessel, the Zwarte Valk from 1889 has an illustrious past. Thanks to its restoration in 2008, the last of the Dutch clipper barges from ’s Gravenmoer has started a new life for the 4th time.
De Zwarte Valk was launched in 1889 at the wharf of Kalkman in Capelle aan de IJssel. At the time the vessel was called 'Vier Gebroeders' (Four Brothers). Initially, the one-mast clipper barge transported cargo on the river Maas. Not until 1956, the mast was removed, and an engine installed. Until that time the vessel had only sailed. In 1970, the vessel was renamed “Zwarte Valk” and used for sailing passenger transport. At the time it had a hold with berths alongside and a table in the centre.
In 2006, the present owners Arjoderik and Jantine Van Berkel purchased the Zwarte Valk and they entirely converted the vessel within 2 years.
