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PIET HEIN Joins the Feadship Heritage Fleet as Its New Flagship
A distinguished chapter in Dutch maritime history was honoured this week as the iconic Royal yacht PIET HEIN was officially welcomed into the Feadship Heritage Fleet, joining an exclusive collective of classic yachts preserved for future generations.
The 31-metre motor yacht, originally gifted by the Dutch people to Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard on the occasion of their 1937 wedding, now stands at the helm of the fleet as its newly appointed flagship. Designed by celebrated naval architect Henri W. de Voogt, whose vision helped shape the foundations of Feadship, Piet Hein embodies the enduring elegance and national pride of early Dutch yachtbuilding.
The formal ceremony took place in Amsterdam, gathering dignitaries from the National Maritime Museum, SAIL, Feadship, Stichting Piet Hein, and the Feadship Heritage Fleet board. Representing SAIL were Chairman Mr. Woltering, Treasurer Mr. Parmet, board member Mr. Stunnenberg, and Adjutant Mr. Soetendaal, while the Piet Hein Foundation was represented by Vice-Chairman Mr. Post and Secretary Mr. Kodde.
Founded to unite owners of Feadships over thirty years old, the Feadship Heritage Fleet is committed to preserving these vessels, sharing knowledge, and fostering a vibrant community of classic yacht enthusiasts. The fleet now counts 85 members, all driven by a shared mission to safeguard these floating pieces of history.
Under the stewardship of Stichting Piet Hein since 1980, the yacht has been meticulously maintained with the support of volunteers. Her induction was marked by the official signing of the membership certificate and the affixing of the Feadship Heritage Fleet insignia aboard.
In a powerful display of tradition meeting spectacle, PIET HEIN led 35 Feadship Heritage Fleet yachts into Amsterdam as part of the Sail-in of SAIL, a proud symbol of her new role and an enduring emblem of Dutch royal and nautical heritage.