Rupelmonde

D'n Bruinen
In 1800s dozens of "hengsten" (small, sturdy fishing boats) sailed from the Scheldt delta with their catch (fish and crustaceans) to Flemish ports upstream. Ports on the Scheldt and its arms were called on such as Antwerp, Mechelen, Brussels and even Tournai! And all this "on electric power" and sails: motors had not been invented yet. D'n Bruinen is one of the original oak "hengsten". It was built in 1893 in Paal and is considered to be a typically Flemish flatboat. At the Centrum Nautisch Rupelmonde yard D’n Bruinen is currently being restored to its former glory. Until the autumn of 2006 you will be able to witness the progress in hammering and planing in person.
After the restoration D’n Bruinen will once again be admired during maritime events and will be available for group sailings.
Practical: You can visit the restoration of D'n Bruinen in Rupelmonde (CNR, Dijkstraat) from Monday to Saturday, preferably by appointment. Free admission.
Information: Stichting Tolerant, 16 Brugstraat, 2960 Sint-Job-in-'t-Goor, tel. 0032-3 637 50 50 of
0032-495 38 25 63, www.tolerant.be
Practical: A combination of visits to the Getijdenmolen, Westhinder, D'n Bruinen and
CNR yard is possible.
Information: Tourist Office Rupelmonde, 1 Nederstraat, 9150 Rupelmonde, tel 0032-3 744 10 13, www.kruibeke.be