The Dutch East Indiaman The Amsterdam is a replica of an 18th century VOC ship. These ships were used for sailing to the Far East. They were sailing up to 8 months to get to Far East and the return was 1 month less. From 1602 to 1795 East Indiaman made 4800 voyages of which less than 4% (192) was lost at sea.
In 1749 The Amsterdam sailed up the North Sea but during a storm the rudder snapped and the master decided to beach the brand-new ship at the south coast of England trying to save the people, cargo and vessel. Unfortunately the East Indiaman sank into the mud. The wreck of the original East Indiaman provided archeologists with valuable information about the construction of VOC ships, their cargoes and life on board.
Almost 200 years later after the demise of the Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie construction of a new ship started. During construction the original East Indiaman was largely copied but there are also some differences as a result of modern standards. The hull and the decks are now made of tropical wood instead of oak and there enough space between the decks to stand up straight. Also the spars are glued and the ladders are replaced by stairs. The Amsterdam was constructed by more than 400 volunteers and was berthed at the Maritime Museum in 1991.
The 'Amsterdam' statistics
Keel length: 42,5 m
Length from stem to stem: 48,0 m
Beam: 11,5 m
Draught: 5,5 m
Height from keel to mast top: 56,0 m
Displacement: 1100 tons
Guns (original): 42
Guns (replica): 16
Visitor information
East Indiaman Amsterdam is moored at science center NEMO
Oosterdok 2
1011 VX Amsterdam
Tel. +31 (0)20 5232 222
Entrance 5 EUR pp
The East Indiaman Amsterdam is opened from Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Also opened on Mondays during school holidays and in June, July and August
Closed on Christmas (December 25) New Year's Day and Queen's Day (April 30)
Visit the website for more information: http://www.scheepvaartmuseum.nl/english/collection/eastindiaman-amsterdam
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