Re-calling Michiel de Ruyter

I want to tell you something about one of our most famous citizens. Michiel de Ruyter is Holland’s best-known Naval hero. He was born in Vlissingen in 1607. As a child, he worked as an assistant rope-maker. There is a story that he climbed upon the St. Jacobs Toren (tower) to overlook the town and the sea.

In 1618 he signs up as a sailor on merchant vessels and on warships. In 1637 he was captain of a pirate ship. He not only crossed European waters, but he also went to America.

When the First Anglo-Dutch War broke out, de Ruyter was asked to take charge of a number of ships. He kept on working for the Admiralty and became a Commander of the Dutch fleet until he was mortally wounded in 1676 in a battle in the south of Italy. During his life he already had become famous.

In 2007 it was 400 years ago since he was born.

As North Sea Dancers we commemorate him by printing his picture on our flyer and by naming our special after him: the Admiral’s Delight. There will be square- and rounddancing and our delightful afterparty. In 2009 we will not be organising the Admiral's Delight. Last year we have been dancing in a dance hall from the Ruyter Maritime Institute with a view over the sea!

Vlissingen and its surroundings have more to offer than just dancing.

We have beautiful beaches, the famous Delta Werken, delicious fish, interesting museums etc. And if you want to climb St. Jacobs Toren, you have to go up the stairs. The way Michiel climbed the tower is not allowed anymore, nowadays.

Hereby a link to some pictures made during Sail de Ruyter 2007.