Thursday May 20, 1999, Zwerver passes The Needles and enters the Solent on its way back to The Netherlands, when a speed boat catches up to starboard and starts escorting us. The driver, who is alone, watches Zwerver intensely without uttering a word. After a while he finally comments: "I raced against her, back in 1961". "Then you lost" is our prompt reply. He nods, adding "She is still looking good". Then he bears off and opens the throttle.

The "She is still looking good" part was polite rather than honest. Zwerver was visibly worn out after two decades of chartering in the Mediterranean Sea, and a 5,000 nm trip back home.

Zwerver, a 1956 Sparkman & Stephens design, has been completely restored by Arjen Bouwmeester, with guidance from the New York office of S&S. Everything about the restoration process, the history of Zwerver, the trip back to Holland, the races and trips sailed after the restoration and future plans may be found on this website.

 

 

(since nov 17th 2002)

Photo update: Bailly de Suffren

Welcome on board at Zwerver NED 1038