Sebastiaan Prins – Skipper of the Fortuna

From discovering a dead body to the birth of his child on board – the life of Sebastiaan Prins, skipper of the Fortuna, is anything but ordinary.

Sometimes the course of life sets itself – just like it did for Sebastiaan, who more or less stumbled into the profession of sailor by chance.
“I’ve been sailing since my youth. A friend and I taught ourselves – with everything that comes with it: making mistakes, tripping, getting back up again.”
Through summer jobs at a sailing school, he found his way into the charter world. “On a skiing trip with the sailing instructors, I met Klaasjan from the Strijd. He happened to be looking for a deckhand for the season.” And that’s how it all began. After three seasons as a mate and two years as a relief skipper on the Nirwana, it was time for his own ship: the Fortuna.

The sailing caretaker – with a passion for people and the sea

Sebastiaan calls being a skipper the ideal job: independent, varied, and different every season.
“Sailing with guests is about wind and weather, about the sailing itself – but also about people: being out there with all kinds of personalities. You also need a bit of technical knowledge. You’re basically a caretaker at sea – making sure there’s hot running water, working drains, and power in the sockets. That mix of technology and human connection really suits me. And best of all: the job is seasonal, and each season brings its own rhythm and energy.”

Sailing as a shared adventure

What makes sailing so special for him? “There’s no fixed program – you follow the wind and weather. That’s what makes every trip unique.”

A personal highlight? “With the Fortuna, I sail to many destinations between Amsterdam and Terschelling. What I love most is spending at least one night at anchor with the group. It’s great for group dynamics and breaks the usual daily rhythm. A beautiful evening atmosphere, maybe a quick swim – that’s the icing on the cake (and it doesn’t cost a thing 😉).”

Sebastiaan Prins (Fortuna) - Sailing as a shared adventure

Welcome aboard the Fortuna – where you can feel a bit like Tarzan

Guests don’t just come aboard to sail – but also for the ship itself and its special atmosphere. “Often, people choose based on looks, comfort, or capacity,” says Sebastiaan. “But what many don’t realize yet is that the skipper and mate have a huge influence on whether the trip becomes a real success. That’s where we can make the difference.”

And that difference lies in the details: in the relaxed, friendly way of interacting, in a clean and well-kept ship – and in a few playful extras. “The Fortuna impresses with her beautiful looks and spacious, sheltered deck area. Guests especially love climbing the mast for a view, swinging under the yardarm, or jumping into the water with the rope – all in true #Tarzan style.”

Success lies in the little things

For Sebastiaan, welcoming guests on board is all about intuition. “Every group is different. For me, it’s a wonderful challenge to create an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable.”

That doesn’t happen through big gestures, but through many small ones. “I’m convinced that success lies in the sum of small acts during the trip – the right conversation at the right time, a quick hand here, a bit of preparation there.”

Sebastiaan Prins (Fortuna) - Welcome aboard the Fortuna – where you can feel a bit like Tarzan

A ship full of stories

Choosing a single anecdote is difficult. “Over the years, you experience so many memorable – and sometimes less pleasant – moments with guests. There were trips with exceptionally good or bad weather, the discovery of a body, the rescue of a drowning man... And of course, little mishaps happen too – like accidentally running aground or a failed attempt to dock.

For me, work and family life have always been closely connected: for years, the ship was also our home. Our children were conceived on board – and one of them was even born there.”

What does he wish for his guests?

“That something as simple as spending a few days out on the water can bring such deep satisfaction.” Anyone who steps aboard the Fortuna steps out of time for a moment – and takes something lasting home. Would you like to experience that too? Then come aboard the Fortuna – and feel it for yourself!

Discover the Fortuna