Tossing Schroders - Skipper of the Zuid-Holland

Born on land, but shaped by the sea.

Tossing grew up on the island of Terschelling, where the wind always had something to say and the sea never sounded the same. With a grandfather who was a captain on coasters and a mother who spent her youth on ships, it was perhaps inevitable: the water called to him.

"After elementary and vocational school, I completed the SPW MBO program. At 21, I had the choice to go to university, but the ships in Harlingen and on Terschelling attracted me too much. That's what I wanted, and that's what I was going for. On a Wednesday, I applied; on Friday, I had an interview; on Sunday, I was on board; and on Monday, we cast off the lines. We're now nearly 14 years on, and from day one, I knew what I wanted: to sail, to be a skipper, and to have my own little ship."

The Job of a Thousand Roles

"Being a skipper isn't just about sailing. You are a host, a guide, a plumber, a cleaner, a planner, and so much more." For Tossing, the profession is all-encompassing. It demands craftsmanship, improvisation, and humanity. That's what makes it so valuable: it is never monotonous, always in motion. "That's the beauty of being a skipper: you become a jack of all trades, and that's something I really respect about colleagues who are too. Being a skipper is having a lot of freedom in a confined environment. It's about experiencing adventures and being able to quickly switch between situations. It keeps you sharp."

Custom Fun

"Safety first. Beyond that, we don't take ourselves too seriously. Everyone is equal, and everyone deserves a top-notch experience." On the Zuid-Holland, no two days are the same, and that's exactly the point. Nothing is a must, everything is allowed. "We don't just have to go fast, even though that's a great thing to do. Exploring places, swimming, or finding a sandbar is also wonderful, of course. With us, you can experience all sorts of things. And if not, we'll make sure it's possible."

No Route Is the Best

"The most beautiful place is the ship itself." Nevertheless, Tossing has a soft spot for Terschelling. "Because there's something there for everyone, and running aground... no explanation needed, right? And anchoring to get far away from the daily grind. We are mainly seen on the Wadden Sea."

Tossing Schroders (Zuid Holland) - Custom Fun

At Home on Deck

"We often hear that we are open with our guests; they quickly feel at home with us on board. The peace and guidance we provide are often seen as something guests feel good about. But our enthusiasm, jokes, and stories are also always a big hit." The Zuid-Holland is cozy below and spacious above. It's comfortable, warm, and, above all, inviting. The calm and attention that Tossing and his crew offer create trust—and room for fun. "We are enthusiastic. And that doesn't change."

Sharing the Adventure

"We go sailing together; we set out together. This does something for everyone. It's always so wonderful to see when people are interested in what's happening around them. The questions about how the sails work, steering, or what kinds of creatures live all around us are always fun." Tossing sees it happen time and again: how young people connect, how guests marvel at the wind and water, and at the life beneath the waves and in the air. "If we do it right, something is created—a group, a feeling, a memory. That's why I do this."

Plenty of Stories, but You Have to Come Get Them

"There are plenty of beautiful and exciting stories—all of them true. But... you'll only hear them if you come on board." A little mystery is part of it. Just like adventure. And who knows? Maybe you'll be the next person to add a story to the logbook.

Tossing Schroders (Zuid Holland) - At Home on Deck

What remains?

“The power to enjoy life. Because you've seen how beautiful it is.” A few new facts, a mind full of memories, and the desire to return. That's what Tossing hopes to give his guests.

When will you step aboard the Zuid-Holland?

Discover the Zuid-Holland