Pearl of The Langstraat: Rondvaart Wiljo Heusden

Last week it was still very cold, but De Wiljo, Koosje and De Zeearend were still able to enjoy bobbing up and down in the water the day I visited. I had a conversation with Wilco van Delft. Together with his brother he started the tour company Wiljo in 1995. Here is a look from the (other) side!

Another view!
I didn't have to wait on the "side," as I saw Wilco ahead of me already walking onto the boat. I took a few more pictures outside, but unfortunately the weather was not entirely cooperative. Then I was welcomed inside with a cup of tea and great stories.
"I have often sat on the 'good side' of the bar, the step side of the bar so to speak," Wilco continues. "From here, then, comes my interest in the hospitality industry. I used to organize a lot of parties at a youth club. This organizing is in my blood and I really enjoy it." Wilco also ran a party organization agency from home for a few years where he took care of weddings, parties at people's homes and catering work, among other things. Since he still had some time left, he worked in the catering business, at the Wiljo. The former owners of the Wiljo were acquaintances of his, so it felt right away. And he really liked that view, from behind the bar!

And then everything took off at a brisk pace
Wilco sailed on the Wiljo for six months with parties and day trips. At one point he was asked if, since the then owners wanted to sell the boat, this wouldn't be something for him. "At first I was like; 'I don't know anything about boats', but a few days later I did think to myself; it is a very nice company!". Together with his brother Cornée, who was working in the engineering of gaming machines at the time, he has been the owner ever since. "Cornée is the technician and I am not at all, but I can organize and know a lot about the hospitality industry, a nice combination. For me, the most important thing is that the party runs well!"

Sailing, sailing, standing still is not one of them.
Even though it is obviously a lot of seasonal work they never stand still and follow their ambition. Three years after the Wiljo was purchased they bought the Zeearend as a cargo ship and converted it to a passenger ship. Also Koosje was bought about eight years ago for smaller groups and possibly for their own use. But the latter is not so forthcoming. Cornée does have his sailing license, but Wilco is only allowed to sail in Koosje. This sailing doesn't interest him either. "At a party of four hours alone in the wheelhouse, looking out over the water, I don't like that! I want to be among the people and make sure the people are entertained. I make sure the guests are enjoying themselves and from there I can also "steer" things." The maintenance of the three boats is a lot of work and here Cornée has his hands full. Last year the entire interior was also renewed!
Besides the canal boats, Wilco and Cornée took over Het oude Tramstation in Elshout as a café about twenty years ago. From 2013, it changed to restaurant where they sell the most delicious schnitzels. But we'll write more about this soon!
Fortunately, Wiljo still finds some free time to enjoy his hobbies; acting, hiking, biking and not to forget eating out. And once in a while he goes out on the water, but that often falls through.

And then it's time for a celebration!
It has now been 25 years since the then 29-year-old Wilco and his two years younger brother Cornée started this adventure. What a great company they have built up. Many miles have been sailed, but they are not tired of it yet. "It's the group that makes the sailing so much fun," Wilco says enthusiastically. Always a party! Perhaps that is why they have set up a special site for the canal cruises; Feestje op de Maas. Here, in addition to the canal cruise, they look at the entertainment on the boat such as with a Dutch evening, a casino party or just a party with band only. Wilco makes you happy with a Dutch evening; cosiness, spontaneity and singing and dancing together.

If you would like to experience a canal cruise (possibly with a party on the Maas) yourself, click here for more information about Rondvaart Wiljo Heusden.