Skûtsje

In the 1920s and 1930s, many skûtsjes were fitted with engines, and after World War II the sails were often removed.

Nevertheless, other, much larger, powered boats took over water transportation in the area and many skûtsjes were rebuilt into houseboats or luxurious sailing yachts.

This racing already started early in the 20th century when villages in Friesland or more precisely often the bar and hotel owners made prizes available for the winner.

At that time the skipper and his family lived on board in a narrow cabin and before the race, the family and the interior of the cabin were placed ashore to make the boat as light as possible at the start of the race.

The Skûtsjemuseum[1] in Eernewoude (Frisian: Earnewâld) started building a new skûtsje named the Æbelina,[2] out of wood in the old traditional way, it was launched in August 2009.