SKS Championship Skûtsjesilen

As an umbrella organization, the Sintrale Kommisie Skûtsjesilen has the task of ensuring that the competitions run smoothly. To achieve this, various other parts of the SKS are active alongside the participating skûtsjes and race committees. The race jury ensures that the races are conducted according to the rules, while the Zeilraad provides an independent review of the decision of the jury in case of an appeal by a skipper. Using the SKS Handbook, the Amels Commission ensures that the skûtsjes comply with the originality requirements. In addition, the Minwaarrii (foul weather committee) advises the local race committees on whether or not races should be held in bad weather. There is also an owners committee that takes care of exploitation and financial support of skipper and crew.

Because there was little freight in the summer, the need arose in the mid-19th century for recreational sailing with the cargo ships during this period. Because skûtsje skippers succeeded each other for generations and the familymembers were generally close, family ties were strengthened during these sailing events. This led to competitions, of which innkeepers soon took over the organization. For example, they organized a competition during an annual fair. However, they also had a commercial ulterior motive: the pub / hotel became the epicenter of the competition day. Not only the route discussion and prize-giving took place in the establishment, but the cozy after-party as well.

In the course of the years, the emphasis shifted more and more to the competition element. Skippers and crew asked local sailing clubs to organize the competitions and the competitions were given a more or less fixed order.

After World War II, when the commercial use of skûtsjes decreased further, some people with a far-sighted view stood at the cradle of the SKS. This umbrella organization provided structure to the organization and the regulations. Over the last 20 years, media attention has gained momentum. In addition to the regional media, national and international media, such as TV and film, as well as newspapers, have been paying more and more attention. The character and atmosphere in the fleet changed with this increasing attention, the crews experienced more and more pressure.

• Once a year, a sailing camp is organized for children to teach them how to sail with flat-bottomed boats ('gws schouwen'). In this way, the basis of flat-bottom sailing is laid.
• Prospective crew members come on board of a skûtsje at a young age where they start as "ranja (lemonade) boy or girl". After that, they grow into, for example, the position of boards man.
• In connection with the requirements set by the Safety Region, there is regular consultation with them. In these consultations, the problems of the SKS are disclosed and a satisfactory solution is sought for both parties.
• The SKS board consults with the local authorities annually to untangle the logistical knot of the organizing fleet. Together, all those involved make a planning schedule in the spring.
• Because skûtsjes are historical ships, if necessary there is consultation between the Ministry of Environment and Transport and the SKS board.
• During the races, the skûtsjes are followed by a large fleet of interested people. All these ships must be given a berth on location in the evening. To deal with this problem, a skipper and crew representative has been appointed within the SKS board to consult with local parties, such as harbor master / local and provincial government, to resolve this issue.