Captain Vanderdecken left Terneuzen harbour on Easter Monday against the wishes of his wife to set sail for Indonesia. Upon reaching the Cape of Good Hope he got caught up in violent storms lasting nine weeks. Vanderdecken tried in vain to round the Cape. The totally exhausted crew pleaded with him to return to Table Bay and to wait there for better weather. But Willem Vanderdecken refused and threw his helmsman over board in his anger. Whilst doing this Vanderdecken screamed: “God or the devil, I’ll round the Horn even if I have to sail to Judgement Day!†Since then his ship sails as a ghost ship on all the world’s oceans against the wind. The crew is dead and go about their tasks in silence without answering the captain. The captain himself has to stay alive. He stands at the helm and brings bad luck and doom to every ship he encounters.
The Flying Dutchman – culturally and culinary!
The Flying Dutchman is still alive in the maritime town of Terneuzen, his home port. Here you can also take a stroll with the Flying Dutchman – alone with the route map in your hand or in a group with a guide. In order to find a little time to take in all the impressions gained on the stroll you can drink a Flying Dutchman beer in the Café De Vriendschap or eat a Flying Dutchman pastry in the De Graanbeurs restaurant.
Unique Souvenirs
Those wanting to learn more about the legend can buy the detailed book by Reggie Naus about the Flying Dutchman (in Dutch) at the Terneuzen VVV/ANWB on the Market square. Nice souvenirs of the Flying Dutchman can also be found here: a replica of the legendary ship. There is a choice of gold, silver or bronze coloured models. Not only as a memento but as a present for business clients, for an anniversary or as a sports prize.