The Waarschip

Between 1968 and 1976, about 1500 Waarschip-725s built at the shipyard of the same name in Holland. Apart from the 725, only the smaller boats Waarschip-570 (620 units) and Waarschip-600 (650 units) achieved larger numbers. In total, the Waarschip shipyard sold over 4000 Waarschips from the 570 to the 1220 (the number always indicates the length of the boat) until 1997. Easily, you can find more information on the internet. All boats built by boatbuilding plywood until 1990.

The shipyard’s concept of selling kits with finished hulls naturally favoured the smaller boats. These were building projects, many people dared to undertake in order to build a small yacht with little money. Today, one might smile at this designation, because only boats of 10 m and more considered as real yachts. Consequently, boats in this size range nowadays called a daysailer or pocket cruisers. Affectionately I call my 725 a keel dinghy with a roof.

However, this should not obscure the fact that these boats built extremely sturdily as multi hard chine boats and can be very durable if well looked after. In addition, they considered seaworthy, and especially the smaller versions have an enormous speed potential for their size. That is why the 725 was also a popular regatta boat as a Kwarttoner. Of course, she can no longer keep up with modern racers.

A Waarschip 725 is a very lively boat. Wobbly and rank should characterize the boat well. Due to the construction with a round bow and a narrow, tapered stern, a 725 has very good sea-keeping qualities. In addition, the Waarschips floating on the water like a cork. Especially in light winds, small Waarschips show their advantages; from zero to fife knots in 2-3 seconds is something someone has to imitate first. The hull speed of about 5.5 knots, you can reach relatively quickly. However, surfing is also still possible.

Pure data

Length: 7.25 m

CWL: 5.50 m

Beam: 2.50 m

Draft: 1.25 m (standard, also versions with 1.00 m or 1.50 m)

Weight: 1200 kg

Keel weight: 600 kg

Sail area on wind: 20 m² (standard, amica modified 24 m²)

Spinnaker: 36 m² (standard, amica modified 44 m²)

Amica was fitted with a higher rig in 2003, hence the deviations from the standard.

My Waarschip-725 amica

Unfortunately, there are no documents about my 725 about the construction phase. However, I was able to narrow down due to the construction number 1107 the approximate construction time to 1972. The kit seemed delivered towards the end of 1971. Launching was in 1973 at the latest, because in this year first regatta results achieved on the Upper Elbe. This 725 was assembled and built by a carpenter, which especially be seen in the attention to detail below deck and the care taken with all the joints. This good craftsmanship immediately enticed me to buy her in 1989. I got her almost first hand; an interlude of 2 years by my previous owner can be neglected. Today, after many revisions, I can confirm, the boat is in perfect health. In the meantime, over the years, amica has undergone a refit, some technical innovations have been installed and since 2003, she has been consistently trimmed for regatta. Now, however, I am starting to make her suitable for touring as well. Read more under Refit.