Skûtsjesilen Earnewâld

There’s little wind today, but the skûtsje crews are totally focused. This is a battle of honour, as it has been for decades in Friesland. By skippers whose fathers and grandfathers before them stood at the helm of the skûtsje representing their town. The rivalry between the sailing dynasties has reached mythical proportions and the people of Friesland lap up the spectacle, year after year. Skipper Pieter Sietseszn Brouwer sails towards us, the H of Heerenveen in his mainsail. He was champion in 2006, 2008 and 2010 – a man to be reckoned with. Along the shore motorized shipping looks on from the comfort of their deckchairs. These are children of a different era, not worthy of a second glance from a real sailor.