A very special, fun and prestigious project, working on a boat with a story. The “Taeke Hadewych”, a well-known yacht for many sailors, came to VMG for a total interior renovation. The “Taeke Hadewych” used to belong to the famous sailors couple Eerde Beulakker and Hedwig van den Brink, and is now owned by the family Van Westerhoven.
- Name/Type Taeke Hadewych
- Category Sailing yacht
- Year Early 1980’s
- Berths 2
- Length 13 m
- Material Steel hull
About the Taeke Hadewych
A boat with a story.
“On Terschelling, the eighteen-year-old boy Toon van Westerhoven marvels at a frozen, jogged yellow ship: the Taeke Hadewych. Torn away from waves of thoughts, a head suddenly pops through the hatch, belonging to a man by the name of Eerde Beulakker. Eerde tells Toon he needs a sailing buddy. “We’re going to Nova Zembla, Toon!” They never reached Nova Zembla, but they followed Willem Barentsz as far as Bear Island. They also visited many other places where you can see your breath when exhaling.” (Zeilhelden).
Before the yacht became family property to the family Van Westerhoven, Toon had already gotten to known him very well. Over the past 10 years, Eerde Beulakker’s boat has slowly but truly turned into the boat of the family Van Westerhoven. There have been times when they thought about trading him in for another boat, but the consequences of selling their beloved “Taeke Hadewych” are too big. That’s why they contacted naval architect Olivier van Meer. He helped them put together a plan for a refit, focused on keeping the soul of the boat alive.
We are very proud to have this family’s trust in making this project into a success and we are going to build something great together.
Refit of the Taeke Hadewych
The Taeke Hadewych is no ordinary yacht. Previously owned by the renowned sailors Eerde Beulakker and Hedwig van den Brink, the vessel has a rich history. The Van Westerhoven family, who now cherish this yacht, have a deep connection to its storied past. Toon van Westerhoven’s journey with the Taeke Hadewych began when, as a young boy, he first marveled at the frozen yellow ship on Terschelling, ultimately leading to unforgettable adventures guided by Eerde Beulakker.
A New Beginning
Taeke Hadewych had already left a lasting impression on Toon. Over the past decade, the yacht transitioned from Eerde Beulakker’s vessel to a beloved family treasure. Despite moments of doubt about selling, the Van Westerhoven family chose to preserve its legacy. They collaborated with naval architect Olivier van Meer to craft a refit plan that honored the boat’s soul while rejuvenating it for the future.
The Refit Journey
Embarking on the refit of the Taeke Hadewych was a labor of love, involving close collaboration with Olivier van Meer. His vision guided the process, executed by our team. Despite initial plans to preserve much of the original structure, we ultimately disassembled and rebuilt almost every aspect to achieve a truly exceptional result.
Craftsmanship & Challenges
Working on the Taeke Hadewych showcased the ultimate ‘old school’ craftsmanship. This project, with its unique challenges and absence of straightforward references, demanded constant precision and creativity. Our foreman Eschwin, drawing from past experiences on similar projects, led the team through intricate tasks, such as restoring symmetry after modifications and applying custom insulation to suit the yacht’s needs.
Exterior Transformation
Externally, the Taeke Hadewych underwent extensive treatment and repainting, ensuring every spot was carefully derusted, primed, and covered. The new deck hatches were perfectly finished, and the new custom transparent dome, crucial for visibility in rough seas, was specially crafted to fit the yacht.
Interior Overhaul
The interior of the Taeke Hadewych has been completely reimagined. Except for the original table, which has been carefully restored, the entire interior was dismantled and rebuilt. Our team reassembled each piece inside the yacht, maintaining the integrity of the space despite the constraints of a small entrance. We reused solid wood and original locks, ensuring that the essence of the Taeke Hadewych remained intact. The entire interior was hand-painted, a technique that adds depth and highlights the yacht’s traditional elements.
Ready for New Adventures
The Taeke Hadewych is now a perfect blend of historic charm and modern elegance, ready for a remarkable sailing season with her owners. We’re honored that they trusted us with this refit and we cannot wait to follow the adventures that await this beloved yacht.
