Nil Desperandum

The Nil Desperandum was built in 1894 as a sailing freighter for voyages on the Rhine, Maas and Zuiderzee. The cargo then included potatoes, sugar, beets, fertiliser and peat. In 1992, the ship was converted into a large three-masted schooner; a stable, practical and safe ship with a shallow draught. Today, the Nil Desperandum is equipped for up to 30 people to experience an unforgettable sailing trip on the IJsselmeer or the Wadden Sea. Whether you are an experienced sailor or have no sailing experience at all, everyone is welcome!

From a day’s sailing on the IJsselmeer or the Wadden Sea to visiting several Wadden Islands, everything is possible. You can cook for yourself or book a trip with full board. We offer various arrangements for small and large groups, as well as for individual travellers. Send us your request with your wishes so that we can make you a tailor-made offer.

The Nil Desperandum has three 4-person and eight 2-person cabins, providing the ship with room for a total of 28 people. Two of the 4-person cabins are actually equipped for 5 people, allowing for up to 30 people on school or youth trips. All cabins have private washing facilities with hot and cold water and a 220V socket.

In the open kitchen, you will find everything you need to prepare a delicious meal. There is a 6-burner gas cooker, an oven and a fridge freezer. You will also find a bar with its own beer tap on board.

There are also three large showers and three toilets at the Nil Desperandum.

Ship Type
Three masted schooner
Ship type
Flat-bottomed ship
Sailing area
IJsselmeer, Wadden Sea

Prices for groups (for max. 30 persons)

You can hire the Nil Desperandum for a group trip on the Wadden Sea and IJsselmeer from Stavoren (NL). The prices shown are the rental for the entire ship on a self-catering basis for the 2024 season.

Send us your request with your desired travel period. From a day to a week... anything is possible.

DescriptionPrice
Weekend (Fri. 20:00 to Sun. 15:00)€ 4.847
Week (Sat. 10:00 to Fri. 15:00)€ 9.895
Midweek (Mon. 10:00 to Fri. 15:00):€ 6.628
Schoolweek (Sun. 20:00 to Fri. 09:00)€ 6.500
Day trip (max. 50 persons)€ from 2.790

Included in price

Engine hours
Personnel costs for skipper and sailor
Bedding
Port charges and tourist tax
Insolvency insurance (VZR Garant guarantee fund)
Final cleaning
VAT

Not included in price

Catering
Travel to/from the port of departure
Tracel/cancelation insurance
Towels

Interior

Cabins
  • 8x 2-bed cabins and 3x 4/5-bed cabins
  • Sink with hot and cold water
  • 220V sockets
  • Spacious beds (210x80cm)
Saloon
  • Central heating
  • Board library
  • Games
  • Bluetooth Box
Kitchen
  • Gas cooker with 6 burners
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Freezer
  • Coffee machine
  • Beer tap
Sanitation
  • 3 toilets
  • 3 showers
Extras
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer

Exterior

Ship Type

Schooner

Year Built/Yard

1894, Duijvendijk

Length/width/depth

36m / 6,25m / 1,20m

Masts

3

Sail Area

450m²

Standard Sails

6

Engine

DAF 1160 TURBO, 250 PS

Extras
  • Electric sword winches
  • Swim ladder
  • Rain canopy
  • Binoculars
  • Barbecue

Sailing trips

Single travellers, families and small groups who want to experience an active yet relaxing holiday on a traditional sailing ship have the opportunity to take part in the following sailing trips. Don’t worry, sailing experience is not necessary – anyone can join! The Kaat Mossel is sailed by an experienced and qualified crew who will guide you in the right way Learn the basics of sailing, climb in the jib net and set the sails. Learn the basics of sailing, climb in the jib net and set the sails. Learn the basics of sailing, climb in the jib net and set the sails.

18 May
 to 23 May 2025
From
€ 555
  5 days
  Wadden Sea, IJsselmeer
Enjoy a wonderful sailing trip together with your peers on the three-master Nil Desperandum. Whether you want to relax and enjoy nature or actively participate in the sailing action – both are possible!
25 August
 to 31 August 2025
From
€ 655
  6 days
  Wadden Sea, IJsselmeer
During this trip, you will have the opportunity to explore the Dutch Wadden Sea on this more than 100-year-old traditional sailing ship. Experience the mudflats while sailing on the Nil Desperandum and then explore the islands by bike or on foot.