Balder was built by and for the Dutch Navy as a tugboat/icebreaker. After active service, the ship was completely renovated and converted to a two-mast schooner sailing ship as a live aboard for a family - with a luxurious interior, completely built in light oak.
Now the ship has been converted to a motorboat (all of the sails and rigging excepting for the 20 meter masts are complete and available). The ship is very suitable as a permanent live-aboard home, whether at sea - sailing or motoring - or permanently lying in a harbour.
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The Pleasure of Sailing
And Feeling at Home
A Working Pleasure Ship
The ship has been brought to its present high standard by the current owner, a professional designer and life-long sailor who has incorporated every detail of quality possible. The result is this unique motor sailing yacht of outstanding class. One of two remaining ice breaker steam tug boats of its kind, the other is pre-served in the Royal Dutch Naval Museum in Den Helder.
Built as a working ship in 1936, the 19 metre long BALDER served the Royal Dutch Navy until its retirement in 1977. Since then it has undergone several major transformations to become a 2-masted schooner under 6 sails and now once again a motor ship.
The powerful line of this ship belies its exceptional comforts. The entire ship's interior is beautifully ap-pointed in fine solid wood cabinetry and rich upholsteries. Spacious steering house/dining and lounge cab-ins are filled with natural light. Each space accommodates 8 diners or guests. Abundant headspace enables everyone on board to move around freely. The roomy afterdeck serves in fine weather as a meeting place for cocktails or informal dining while the fully equipped galley can give an opportunity to create fine meals. The wine storage holds more than 50 bottles securely. The office area of the lower lounge has ample space for 2 people to work comfortably.
Three roomy sleeping cabins house 6 persons. The bath features a full bathtub and standing shower. The laundry room is complete with full-sized washing machine and tumbler dryer. There are two toilets on board. A fully equipped separate workshop has sufficient storage for the multitude of tools kept on board such a yacht. The technical spaces - engine and battery rooms - are spacious, well-ventilated and meet the current Dutch safety regulations. In fact, due to the meticulously designed interior, there is more than am-ple cabinet and closet space to keep a houseful of objects carefully stowed so that not only does the interi-or remain visually spacious, but the boat is also ready to sail in a few moment's time.
Comfort on Board
All aspects of comfort on Balder have been addressed. Even in the coldest weather the temperature on board is maintained at a comfortable level. Each cabin can be individually controlled as part of the central heating system which guarantees a cosy sail under all conditions. A wood burning fireplace in the lower lounge is the centre point for romantic evenings. Even in heavy weather, the ship's keel and weight ensure a smooth performance while the strong, reliable engine makes for fast travelling under motor. Solid, high railings ensure extremely safe working on deck. The large indoor steering cabin spoils the entire crew on inclement days.
BALDER is a timeless ship, full of character with an intriguing history. This is a ship to be proud of for years to come.
