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.
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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.
