From POL IV to Stedemaeght

Lelystad,11 September 2015 – It is now a well known fact. Being aboard the three-masted barque Stedemaeght guarantees you a magnificent day on the water. So little wonder that NAUPAR's flagship in 2015 has received the Zoover Award Silver. But beside all of the wonderful things that the Stedemaeght has to offer its guests – such as crossing the IJsselmeer under full sail, the cherry wood and mahogany furnishing in the interior and the strikingly spacious deck – there is, of course, much more to say about this distinctive vessel. For example, where did its name come from?

A special history

The Stedemaeght has a special history. In 1926, the ship was employed as a whaler in Oslo (Norway). It was a fast and manoeuvrable vessel that was equipped especially for whale hunting. In 1948, the Stedemaeght was converted in order to continue its career as a freighter. When the ship came to the Netherlands in 1991 it was converted into the impressive three-masted barque that it now is. This luxurious vessel currently sails on the IJsselmeer for a multitude of events and with a wide range of group compositions.

Several name changes

The ship bore the name POL IV when it worked as a whaler. One day an enormous blue whale appeared right next to the ship. This animal followed the POL IV and made an impressive display of its strength, as if it had an eye on the ship. To demonstrate its love it smashed its immense body against the ship repeatedly for several days. The POL IV remained rock-steady and the disappointed whale eventually disappeared into the depths of the ocean. The admiration of the crew prompted them to give her the nickname Steady Maiden, because of her determination to keep her virtue. This was gradually corrupted to Steddymaid, and once in Dutch hands this became Stedenmaagd. To make it sound even more romantic, the vessel is now called Stedemaeght.