1997 - The real work starts
After Goldschmeding and Amsterdam City Council had finalised the financial arrangements, the real work began. Former professional sailing champion and world-renowned naval architect Gerard Dijkstra designed a ship that would be built for a top performance underwater while captivating the hearts and minds sailing enthusiasts’ above the water line.
In December 1997, work on the steel hull commenced at Niron Steel - part of Shipdock dockyard in Amsterdam. Upon completion in December 1998, the frame was moved to Amsterdam’s Dutch Maritime Museum, where the rest of the ship was built. Her radiant woodwork, lavish copper trimmings, impressive staircase and graceful details all demonstrated the height of modern Dutch craftsmanship, as well as respect for the authentic atmosphere of a Victorian vessel.
Goldschmeding enjoyed the building process and, as is his style, making sure the project offered opportunities to school leavers and the unemployed. The chance to work with master craftsmen provided them with a set of skills that would later help them find new positions.