Guusjen! That was the shout that once echoed when a ship was in distress. Now, those times come back to life during impressive demonstrations with the classic rowing lifeboat. A true spectacle.

A rowing lifeboat from the year 1900 and a team of ten Frisian horses: these are the main ingredients of the folkloric spectacle that brings the legendary past of the Dutch lifeboat service on Terschelling to life. Just like in the old days, ten strong Frisian horses pull the lifeboat through the dunes, across the beach, and into the sea. This rowing lifeboat, Secretaris Schumacher, is the only operational rowing lifeboat left and has been included in the Dutch Network for Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2023.

Four horse riders lead the way. They scout the route for holes and obstacles, ensuring the convoy’s safe passage to the sea. The route is about one kilometer long, and along the way, stories of remarkable rescues are told.

If the surf is not too dangerous, a launch into the sea follows. For the rowers, the helmsman, and the horses, safety is the top priority. The boat will not go into the water if the skipper deems the surf too dangerous.

Demonstrations

In the summer, demonstrations are given on Terschelling with the classic rescue rowing boat. The 'Secretaris Schumacher' is pulled on the launch vehicle through the dunes and over the beach with ten Friesian horses. If the surf is not too dangerous, a launch will follow into the sea.

The following dates are on the calendar for 2025:

• Thursday, July 17, 7:30 p.m. Location: Beach Oosterend at Heartbreak Hotel (Paal 18).
• Thursday, July 31, 7:30 p.m. Location: beach Paal 8, passage KNRM and back along beach pavilion
• Thursday, August 14, 7:30 p.m. Location: Beach Oosterend at Heartbreak Hotel (Paal 18).
• Sunday, September 14, 14:30 hrs. Location: beach Paal 8, transition KNRM and back along beach pavilion

For more information, visit: www.museumreddingboot-terschelling.nl.

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