The Syl used to be the harbor basin of Heeg. In the past, it was bustling with activity, filled with ships, boats, and fishermen.
From the center of Heeg, the eel trade took place. In addition to the eel barges and skûtsjes, there were also 'ielbûsen' here. These were slender sailing ships. The eel was collected from all over Friesland to Heeg using these fast ships. The eels were kept in the 'leggers', floating containers with water. They were located in the waterways in Workum, Gaastmeer, and Heeg. In 1879, Heeg was a home port for many skûtsjes, barges, and farm boats. Even now, it is still the home port of the eel barge Korneliske Ykes II, owned by the Palingaak Foundation.
