On Nov. 8, 9 and 10, 2024, the fair will once again open its doors.You will find the fair at Willemsoord. Preparations are in full swing. The EOC Traditional Ships Fair (EOC-TSB) is being organized for the seventh time in Den Helder. The fair aims to be a meeting place for everyone interested in traditional ships, maritime crafts, culture and history, and to learn more about them. The fair hopes to appeal to a wide audience from potential world travelers looking for the trip of a lifetime aboard an ocean sailor to volunteers who want to work for the preservation of the traditional ship. From young people who dream of operating a ship to older generations who would like to take another trip on their own yacht, or pass on their knowledge to new generations. Also the youth who will be attending a sailing school for the first time, or looking for sponsors for their time aboard a Tall Ship.

Various activities will be organized during the fair. Lectures will be held in the meeting rooms of De Kampanje – on a variety of topics. Presentations will be given on sailing trips aboard ships. Various crafts will be displayed in the Medemblikkerloods (next to Building 66) and many ships will be on display.

Aboard the ships in the harbor, you are welcome to stop by and have a look during the day. But you are also welcome to stay for a night!!! On the basis of Boat and Breakfast you can stay a night aboard several ships to really soak up the atmosphere of the traditional ships.

Not sure yet if you will come? Den Helder may seem a bit far, but please remember that we want to show you the most beautiful side of Den Helder! That is why we have chosen to cooperate with the Reddingmuseum, the Marine Museum, the Museumhaven with its wood and metal workshops in the Medemblikker shed and Building 73. Together we offer you a unique glimpse of the historic maritime world, and you can also visit the museums (which are within walking distance) with your entrance ticket to the fair, making it a wonderful weekend out! In addition, you can be shown around and learn more about Willemsoord every day from 2:00 pm on our organized tour.

Still need a little inspiration? In short, here are a few ideas – getting a breath of fresh air on the Den Helder dike is a 10-minute walk, Texel is a 30-minute boat ride away. On Willemsoord there are several restaurants and cafes to warm up or have a night out. There are also a cinema and a theater on Willemsoord to make the evening complete.

So come to Den Helder – Come – See – Experience (and stay a night!).

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The
Foundation In order to keep the EOC Traditional Ships Fair alive, a foundation was created to ensure continuity and value in the market. The Traditional Ships Fair Foundation has been in existence since 2016. The Foundation has no profit motive and will only be involved in setting up and organizing the EOC Traditional Ships Fair.

Our mission
To enthuse young and old about traditional sailing / shipping in and out of the Netherlands. Over the years, ships have come and ships have gone. From trade or fishing, they have now been given a new purpose. That may be museum status to preserve a piece of history, but also training young people in the maritime industry or sailing with adventurous vacationers. And some ships have even returned to cargo shipping after long wanderings. All have a great story to tell and we hope to reach as many people as possible with these stories. The EOC Traditional Ships Fair would like to combine all these initiatives. Together we are stronger. Together we can give a great picture of what is possible with our sailing heritage.

EOC Ship Insurance serves as the main sponsor of the EOC Traditional Ships Fair, providing fine, reliable support and a solid foundation for the success of this special maritime fair.