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Barge-racing in Friesland, north Netherlands

by Han
(Brittany, France)

Hi,
I've found an exciting video for you aboard a racing "skûtsje", a Friesian barge. They race every summer: a class of mostly 100-years-old flatbottom barges, about 70 ft. long and a width of about 11 ft., 40 tonnes and a draught of less than 2 ft.

They don't look like they are, but they're FAST: 12 knots is quite normal!

This is the kind of racing I like:

Comments for Barge-racing in Friesland, north Netherlands

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Wow, what a great video!
by: Alex

Han, that is some serious sailing! Those ships are enormous and it is amazing hot they sit in front of the sails. Fearless! I don't think I could do that.

Best,
Alex

Sailing Barges
by: kb3pwc

These look like they weigh a huge amount but they are flying. Seem to defy physics. Not only are they beautiful, fast and exciting but they must have been practical too. The lee-boards are a thing of beauty.

Thanks for posting this wonderful video. We sure don't have many of these on the Chesapeake Bay. :)

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