Sailing ship Askoy II

Did you know that Zeebrugge is the home port of the Askoy II, the legendary sailing yacht of singer Jacques Brel? Built in 1960 for the famous Belgian architect Hugo Van Kuyck, it was the largest sailing yacht in Belgium at the time. The Askoy II quickly gained international fame and was even included in a list of the 20 most beautiful yachts in the world.

On a world tour with Brel
 In 1974, Jacques Brel bought the Askoy II and embarked on an adventurous world tour with his girlfriend. Because of Brel's illness, their tour ended prematurely in the Marquesas Islands in the Pacific Ocean, and he sold his ship in 1976. The Askoy II then changed hands a few times and was finally stranded after a storm in New Zealand.

Restored to former glory
After more than a decade of neglect at Baylys Beach, the Wittevrongel brothers, along with some sailing and Brel fans, established a foundation to bring the Askoy II back to Belgium and restore it. With great passion and dedication, they transformed the sailing yacht over 16 years from a rusty wreck into a beautiful, seaworthy vessel that once again exudes her former glory.
 
Recognised as sailing heritage
In 2022, the Askoy II was protected by the Flemish government as sailing heritage. Since the completion of the restoration, the non-profit organisation Save Askoy II has been opening the yacht to visitors. Through sailing trips and educational tours, they keep the rich history of the Askoy II alive, reviving the spirit of Jacques Brel. Or as Brel himself sang: Ne me quitte pas.