History

Tecla, registration number KW143, was built in 1915 to plunder the rich North Sea fishing zones of herring. Launched under the name Graaf van Limburg Stirum, she fished as one of the last true commercial sailing vessels for 10 years before being forced into early retirement in Katwijk Harbour, Holland. In 1935 she was sold, fitted with her first engine and became christened Tecla. Tecla then sailed the coastal waters of the Denmark transporting heavy grain, stone and turf between the Danish islands.

Charter vessel

Tecla returned to Holland in the 1980's to be re-fitted as a charter sailing vessel. For 17 years, owned by Jaap Vreeken and Jenny Pierik and sailing again under her original Dutch colours, Tecla has explored Irish, French and British waters from her home port of Enkhuizen, North Holland. In 2006 Tecla changed owners and the family Bouwman & Sluik treated Tecla to a well-earned re-fit. Together the family of Jan, Jannette, Gijs and Jet, muster 65 years of traditional charter sailing experience and invite everybody to join them aboard to be a part of the history of Tecla.