“I come from a real skipper's family,” says Willem Verboom. “My four brothers and I all sail. It's a big part of our lives, but because of our individual interests, we all have a different take on it. I am passionate about technology and innovation. I love to see how things develop and what makes a new innovation possible. Over the years I have had many innovations installed or applied during the construction of a new ship. Why not? Innovations ensure that sailing becomes easier and safer and, in my view, also more fun, because sailing becomes much more relaxing!”

AlphaRiverTrackPilot

It was therefore a logical choice for the skipper to have the AlphaRiverTrackPilot installed on his ship. Willem Verboom: “For those who are not yet familiar with it, the AlphaRiverTrackPilot is a fully automated course system that allows a ship to sail on a predefined line. You choose the appropriate log line based on the water level and draft. You know that you are always in the right position under those circumstances.” The AlphaRiverTrackPilot is continuously further developed by JRC| Alphatron Marine. “The company continues to collect data, so that the system becomes even more accurate – as far as possible. In addition, the AlphaRiverTrackPilot now also has a 'collision warning' and it alerts you if another vessel is sailing on your set course. You can also set the system to your own wishes. This system is such an innovation that makes sailing a lot more relaxing. For example, you can sail the entire route on the Moselle with all the bridges you encounter there, exactly in the central fairway with little rudder deflection, with the thought that you only need to intervene if you receive a warning for a colleague or at the sluice.” Even more benefits The AlphaRiverTrackPilot also contributes to fuel savings. “The system calculates the necessary rudder positions for steering the ship and the rudder deflection is therefore limited. You can see this clearly if you look backwards: the propeller water always goes straight back. That means maximum return. In the longer term, this means less wear and tear, so that's another advantage," says the enthusiastic skipper. “What is not often mentioned, but what I also think is an advantage of the AlphaRiverTrackPilot, is that it is also a good learning tool. You can let the system sail the line, but at the same time you can also choose to steer yourself. While sailing, the staff member in training can then keep an eye on the line he or she is expected to sail and will therefore not quickly make wrong choices. In addition, the system gives a warning when you deviate (too far) from your course or something crosses your sailing route. In short, a great technical development!”