The Dutch Yacht XVII-XVIII

[Anatol]

De Nederlandse jacht XVII-XVIII.
Dutch yachts (jachts) of the 17th and 18th centuries were small, fast vessels used for official duties, patrols, mail transport, and private use.
They were used for quick trips, escorting merchant ships, and as personal transport for wealthy merchants.
The yachts had a relatively shallow draft, allowing them to navigate the shallow inland waters of the Netherlands. Their flat bottoms were ideal for shallow coastal waters and canals, yet they were capable of going out to sea.
They were distinguished by a distinctive rounded hull, rich decoration, the presence of leeboards (sideboards) lowered into the water to prevent the vessel from being blown away by the wind), and high maneuverability.
The yacht's rig typically consisted of one or two masts with a gaff sail, which ensured high speed and ease of handling. The most famous type is the Statenjacht (States General yacht), used by high-ranking officials. Other types included the Speeljacht (pleasure yacht) and military or postal yachts.
When yachts appeared in Holland, the term was applied to a vessel called a Jaght Schip. It denoted speed and probably pursuit or hunting, as early Dutch yachts were used for a wide variety of purposes. However, over time, the use of Schip ceased, and only Jaght came into use.
When yachts first began to be used and built in Holland is unknown; likely very early. Naturally, given the country's characteristics, they were a necessity, as were private carriages and public coaches in other countries before the advent of steam engines.
The variety of yacht types used in Holland was as great as their purpose; we should feel deeply indebted to the Dutch artists of the period, whose canvases often depicted yacht portraits: The image shows the painting "Calm: Dutch Ships Weighing Anchor" by WILLEM van de VELDE the Younger, painted around 1655.
The oldest yacht, the portrait of which was discovered thanks to careful and attentive research, belonged to the mayors of Amsterdam around 1600.
Nederlande 2025; 1,0.
Sources: https://www.shipmodell.com/index_files/ ... UTCH_YACHT. htm, and other sites.