With the wind in the sails and a good dose of fun we came together in Harderwijk on Saturday 22 November for our Autumn meeting. It became a day full of history, stories, delicacies and of course as lot of catch-up. Helms and Els had  taken care of all details in the organisation – hats off!

Reception at Hotel Baars

At 09.30 am we berthed at Hotel Baars, where coffee and cakes were ready. After a warm welcome from our chairman Alexandra started a nice day. Even our patroness Riekie was there, which made it extra special.

City walk – three themes, one city full of stories

At 10.30 am we set off in small groups for a city walk. Each group chose its own course:- Fishing and Zuiderzee – Stories about life on and around the water.- University town of Harderwijk – a surprising look at the academic past.- Fortifications – solid walls and tall stories.

It was chilly, but as a real sailor knows: headwind only makes the adventure more beautiful. The city walk had an exceptional look at a special building for all groups in line with the theme, one in a cellar during an excavation of the city wall and the finds, the others in an authentic wall house.

Botter Museum – history and craftsmanship

Around 11.45 am we set course for the Botter Museum. In two groups we got a look behind the scenes: one group listened to the fascinating story about the botters and their role in Harderwijk, while the other group visited the workshop where restorations took place. Then the groups switched. And if that wasn't enough, we were treated to gingerbread cookies – sponsored by the largest gingerbread factory in Europe Van Delft.

Lunch on the canal boat

At 13.00 we boarded the tour boat. While the water was rippling outside and the wind was quite bleak, we enjoyed an extensive coffee table inside. There was so much catching up that our skipper – who would not be out of place at a fair with his voice – was sometimes drowned out. What a fun! Along the way we saw how Harderwijk has changed over the years. A beautiful Hanseatic city that still has a lot of charm.

Leisure and members' meeting

After returning at 15.00 we had free time. Some chose to visit a museum, others went shopping. At 17:00 we came together again for the members' meeting in Hotel Baars. The board makes a report of the members' meeting. Of course Helms and Els were warmly thanked for the organization; they received a very nice set of cheese knives that matched exactly with the snack board with Trintella logo! Of course, our patroness was also put in the spotlight with a nice book about friendship; We are of course a circle of friends!! All members were surprised; We also received a beautiful snack board and a beautiful calendar for the year 2026. The calendar has beautiful photos of our ships during the Ascension weekend in Hoorn! We can enjoy it for a whole year !! 

Drink as a buffet

After a short refreshment and drinks break, we enjoyed a delicious buffet in the restaurant of Hotel Baars. The day ended with full stomachs and warm hearts. A wonderful meeting, where we were once again firmly at the helm of our Circle of Friends.

Thanks to everyone who was there, and especially to Helms and Els for their fantastic organization. We are already looking forward to the next get-together – hopefully with as much wind in our sails as this day!