Company outing: sailing on a Zeetjalk

Sailing and the Netherlands go together like stroopwafels and coffee. As early as the Middle Ages, rivers and lakes were the highways of their time. But it was especially during the Golden Age that our country grew great through shipping and trade. Amsterdam developed into a world port, and all along the coast, clippers and tjalken rolled out of the shipyards. Back then, a sailing ship was much more than a means of transportation: it stood for power, wealth, and progress. On deck, everything revolved around discipline and teamwork. Every sailor knew what he had to do—and that the rest of the crew depended on him. Only by trusting each other implicitly could such a ship safely navigate storms and waves. And to be honest: you can still recognize that dynamic today during a corporate sailing outing. You’re at the mercy of the wind, you need each other’s commitment, and you have to adapt quickly when conditions change. Where once a captain steered his crew through rough weather, you now see managers and colleagues setting the course together on the IJsselmeer or the Frisian Lakes. A lot changed in the second half of the last century. Cargo was now transported by motor and steam ships, and the old sailing vessels were in danger of disappearing. Fortunately, entrepreneurs recognized the charm of those sturdy ships. Old cargo clippers were given a second life as charter vessels and were suddenly fully booked again—this time not with grain or wood, but with groups of people who wanted to take to the water together. The deck became a training ground for collaboration and communication. Things really took off in the ’80s and ’90s. Companies discovered that you had to literally put people “in the same boat” to foster genuine connection. Hoisting the sails, steering, or hauling up the anchor together—whether you were a CEO or an intern, everyone was equal on board. A day out on the IJsselmeer evolved into full-fledged packages featuring team-building activities, gourmet dinners on board, and even multi-day trips where you’d fall asleep in a cabin on board to the gentle rocking of the water. What makes sailing so wonderful is that you can experience it your own way. One company wants a relaxed day with drinks and a barbecue in the evening sun, while another goes for fiercely competitive regattas where multiple boats race against each other. Whether it’s laid-back or adventurous, bonding or competitive: sailing adapts to the group. And that feeling always remains the same: the wind in your face, the scent of the water, and the impressive moment when the sails fill with tension.