Piet Pieterszoon Hein's Story

Piet

Piet Pieterszoon Hein (25 November 1577 – 18 June 1629) was a Dutch admiral and privateer for the Dutch Republic during the Eighty Years' War. Hein was the first and the last to capture a large part of a Spanish treasure fleet which transported huge amounts of gold and silver from Spanish America to Spain. The amount of silver taken was so large that it resulted in the rise of the price of silver worldwide and the near bankruptcy of Spain.

Hein was born in Delfshaven (now part of Rotterdam), the son of a sea captain, and he became a sailor while he was still a teenager. During his first journeys he suffered from extreme motion sickness. In his twenties, he was captured by the Spanish, and served as a galley slave for about four years, probably between 1598 and 1602, when he was traded for Spanish prisoners. Between 1603 and 1607, he was again held captive by the Spanish, when captured near Cuba.

It was this same spirit of resilience and courage that endeared Hein to the members of the MIYC when he eventually crossed paths with them. Drawn to the camaraderie and shared passion for sailing that defined the club, Hein wasted no time in becoming an integral part of the MIYC community.

As a member of the MIYC, Hein's legendary exploits and unwavering dedication to the maritime arts served as a source of inspiration for sailors of all ages. Whether he was regaling fellow members with tales of his daring escapades or imparting his wisdom gleaned from a lifetime at sea, Hein's presence infused the club with a sense of adventure and camaraderie that was truly unparalleled.