The “Klipperaak” is derived from the Dutch inland sailing clipper and differs from the (inland) clipper in its stern. Instead of a sloping stern and the sternpost behind the rudder stock, the klipperaak has a full and round stern with an attached rudder, like the aak or tjalk. For this reason, the ship originally had no steering wheel but was steered using a helm. This full stern also gave the ship a larger aft cabin than the clipper, providing more living space for the skipper and his family. Klipperaken were built at various Dutch shipyards between approximately 1890 and 1930.
The “Klipperaak” is derived from the Dutch inland sailing clipper and differs from the (inland) clipper in its stern. Instead of a sloping stern and the sternpost behind the rudder stock, the klipperaak has a full and round stern with an attached rudder, like the aak or tjalk. For this reason, the ship originally had no steering wheel but was steered using a helm. This full stern also gave the ship a larger aft cabin than the clipper, providing more living space for the skipper and his family. Klipperaken were built at various Dutch shipyards between approximately 1890 and 1930.
After many years of sailing as a cargo ship in Goes, between 1995 and 2005 the current owner extended the ship from its original 20 metres to 27.45 metres and completely rebuilt it from the original hull.
The entire superstructure, wheelhouse, engine room and steering gear, navigation equipment, cabins, all electrical and sanitary facilities were reinstalled with an eye for authenticity, professional quality and a high level of comfort. The result is a beautiful, habitable and perfectly sailing “klipper” barge with a rich history.
The installed “Brons” slow-running diesel engine is the absolute icing on the cake, preserving the ship's authentic sailing characteristics, albeit without a sailing mast and centreboard.
On board, you imagine yourself in a nautical fairy tale world. The living areas on the ship have been carefully decorated with hand carvings in various exotic woods, and the East Indian-style owner's cabin with its hand-carved “Kama Sutra” panel as an entrance door is, to say the least, the stuff of dreams.
Any lover of classic ships will hold this “Mystique” in high regard. A visit on board can be easily arranged by appointment with Nauticus Yachting.