“Sperwer” (Hawk), Tjotter, circa 1913
van der Werff Brothers,
Sneek, Friesland, Kingdom of the Netherlands

Tjotters were originally workboats used to transport cargo through canals and across the shallow Ijsselmeer (Inland Sea).

As the Netherlands became increasingly industrial, new working boats began to reflect a more modern design. Still, many Dutch sailors with a sense of nautical heritage have converted the sturdy tjotters into pleasure yachts.

Tjotters have a distinctive bluff bow and a full, graceful shape. The large leeboards on each side are lowered into the water to aid in steering the boat.