He spent a good part of his life as the master and commander of a much-loved sailing ship that has long been at home in Wells-next-the-Sea.

And now Ton Brouwer, 75, has shared tales of his 40 years as owner of the famous Dutch sailing clipper Albatros in a new book, called My Life on the Albatros.

Mr Brouwer brought the ship in 1979 from a port in Copenhagen and the book explores different chapters in the vessel's past, as well as his life. 

These include his life as a student at the University of Amsterdam from the age of 16, how he bought the ship, and how he sold it in 2020.

Fakenham & Wells Times: Ton Brouwer has shared his 40 years of owning the famous Dutch sailing clipper in his new book, My Life on the AlbatrosTon Brouwer has shared his 40 years of owning the famous Dutch sailing clipper in his new book, My Life on the Albatros (Image: Aaron McMillan)

Mr Brouwer said: “The response from the people who have read it is unbelievable.

"I’ve had people tell me, that they’ve loved reading its story or thanking me for reminding them of their time on board.

“I’m not only surprised by the reaction to the book, but I am still very surprised about how many people want to buy it."

Mr Brouwer started writing the book last year. It has been self-published, and was released in November thanks to help from Fakenham Prepress Solutions and his proofreaders.

Fakenham & Wells Times: Photos from inside Ton Brouwer's new book, My Life on the AlbatrosPhotos from inside Ton Brouwer's new book, My Life on the Albatros (Image: Aaron McMillan)

Under Mr Brouwer's ownership, Albatros' many roles include serving as a cargo vessel, supporting a Greenpeace education programme, and returning to Norfolk to become a floating restaurant by the Wells quayside. 

Mr Brouwer said: “Graham Walker, the harbourmaster when I arrived in Wells was the one who encouraged me to write a book, and his words never left my mind.

“I want to share with people what I have done with the ship, most people know just one part of its history.

"Some people remember the night on board or the Dutch pancakes, I want to share all my history with the ship with anyone interested."

Fakenham & Wells Times: Photos from inside Ton Brouwer's new book, My Life on the AlbatrosPhotos from inside Ton Brouwer's new book, My Life on the Albatros (Image: Aaron McMillan)

The book is available online at captaintonbrouwer.co.uk, as well as some local bookshops. Mr Brouwer said he hoped it would soon be sold at other outlets across Norfolk.