The Iepen Fryske Kampioenskippen Skutsjesilen (IFKS) championship started on August 1, 2026, in Hindeloopen. More than 60 traditional skutsje vessels are taking part in the multi-stage competition.
The event runs through August 8, with races scheduled at various Frisian locations.
After Hindeloopen and Stavoren, the fleet moves to Heeg, Sloten, and Echtenerbrug, concluding on the IJsselmeer at Lemmer.
A rest day is planned for August 5.
Local Crews and Their Preparations
The Eastermar team, sailing De Broekophalder in the A-kleinklasse, starts its races daily at 12:45 p. m.
To prepare, the crew released a custom team beer and an official skutsje song titled 'Sile Mei Elkoar' by artists SOUW and Theunis Lourens.
Mike Okkema, a crew member, said they practiced at the Feanhoop Festival and went to Albufeira.
He added that being together and enjoying the sociable atmosphere is a big goal.
The Eastermar team originated as a group of friends. They aim to improve after finishing mid-table in previous seasons due to poor starts and collisions.
Okkema noted they know they can do better and hope to succeed this year.
Eelke Hoekstra, a board member, expressed confidence in the fleet's readiness. He said the men and the skutsje are ready for a beautiful start on Saturday afternoon.
In the A-klasse, the Koudum entry Grytsje Obes, skippered by Arjen de Jong, returns after staying in the top division since 2019.
Koudum is also represented in the C-klasse by Ierdswel, skippered by Sybren Gosse van der Velde, which finished sixth overall in 2025 after maintenance at Workumer Jachtservice.
