Morgenstern
Class: A
Rigging: Brick 2 masts
Height: 25 m
Hull length: 38 m
Country of origin: Netherlands
Year of construction: 1919
Home port: Den Helder
Morgenster was launched in 1919 as the herring lugger "Vrouw Maria". SCH 324 for the den Dulk fishing company. She was built at the Boot shipyard in Alphen.
In 1927, she was motorised (200 HP La Meuse) and extended by a further 7 metres. It was here that she received her new name "Morgenster". She continued as a motorised fishing boat until 1970. Due to certification requirements, the owner retired her from fishing. She was sold to Jaq Vrolijk, who operated her on day fishing trips.
After losing certificates for this venture, she was sold to a Rotterdam singer who allegedly prepared the vessel for ether piracy. The singer was prosecuted, but after a series of trials and two and a half years, he was released and regained possession of his ship.
In 1983, Marian and Harry Muter bought the ship in a terrible state of repair. The ship was towed to Zijkanaal B near the charming little village of Spaarndam. Serious repairs and maintenance were carried out over the winter. After selling STV 'Jantje' in 2005, Marian and Harry had the opportunity to work full-time on their project with Morgenstre.
Finally, in June 2008, she was officially blessed in the sailing world by the very sympathetic Minister Maria van der Hoeve. Morgenster has proved to be a fine vessel ever since, fast enough in all weathers and easy to manoeuvre.