The Launch

Easter 2018 was a great milestone. More than 10,000 hours of building had finally led to the launch of Fram.

In the final days—and night—before the launch, friends stepped in with spontaneous help, for which I am deeply grateful. Without their creativity and support, I would not have managed to get the boat out of the shed and into the water in time.

Because of the hectic pace and stress, I did not want to turn the launch into a major event. The first priority was to get the boat into the water and ready to sail to her home port. There were, however, a few supporters who did not want to miss this unique moment.

A first launch without any celebration, of course, is incomplete. So one week later we made up for that, with many guests present to witness the christening of Fram by my wife and daughter.

The engine received its oil only shortly before the maiden trip to the home port Parkhaven in Lelystad. Because the diesel tank was not yet connected, I temporarily used a jerrycan as the fuel supply. The maiden voyage was also the first real test of both boat and engine. As the passage crosses the open water of the IJsselmeer, it was reassuring that one of my friends, together with a volunteer crew, accompanied us with his boat all the way to our home port.

Although she could sail independently, much still remained to be done. The interior was unfinished (read empty), as were the beams, the technical systems, and—of course—the rigging.

Our view from our backyard and terrace, however, has improved drastically.