Sailmaker De Vries Maritime looks back on Corona year: "Many adjustments made, ultimately very successful and innovative year".

2020 is not something we easily forget, although most of us would probably like to! Nevertheless, we look back, because it is and remains a special year. How did Zeilmakerij De Vries Maritiem experience this year? We asked our colleagues and management. 

"Corona presented itself in March. We immediately pulled out all the stops to see what measures we needed to take in order to continue working as well as possible. Looking at the things that could still be done, that was the focus."

What exactly did that mean? "We split the team and started working in shifts to minimize any contamination. For a number of colleagues it was possible to work from home. The opening hours were extended and collection and delivery of tarpaulins and canvas could be done at the door. Because all workplaces are spacious, with sufficient distance between them, we were able to work according to the normal schedule again after the summer vacations."

Compliments for our customers

Our customers have been very flexible and keeping their distance was not a problem. Fortunately, we have more than enough space in and around our premises. The coordination of the delivery and collection of sails went extremely smoothly, everyone understood the situation. 

One customer made a lasting impression on us, and other port visitors. While working on a beautiful Branch Cutter, the owner stayed on his ship. He is a service mechanic and wanted to do something during his time in the harbor with us. So he decided to give the engines of our customers in the harbor a free service. Thank you for this wonderful gesture!

Fewer outings, familiarisation difficult, yet also more restful

The majority of our team did not like this year very much. The uncertainties created by corona are sometimes difficult to deal with. Communication was also quite difficult during the shift period. Not surprisingly, we all had to work in a totally new way, so everyone had to get used to that. Fortunately, our team has been expanded with new colleagues, which is great news in itself! Of course, it does make for a crazy start when you only see half of your new colleagues. 

The fact that you don't speak to each other as much as colleagues was a pity. Some colleagues you don't see for weeks because of the schedules. On the other hand, we had more intensive contact with some colleagues, which was a very positive experience. A colleague sums it up nicely: "It has made us stronger. Everyone is positive, the atmosphere is good and we know that as a team we can react quickly.

We had less direct customer contact, while we normally get a lot of energy from that. Fortunately, we did speak to our customers more often by telephone. 

Some colleagues secretly admit that fewer trips, events and voluntary work also gives some rest. That rest was perhaps also needed after a number of very busy years. 

The biggest challenge of 2020: tent for large tour boat

We don't look forward to seeing ships enter our private harbor. But this year we were surprised! A large canal boat came to our sailmaker for new tents. What a beautiful and challenging job.

The plan for these new tents was not yet completely fixed. That happens often, we usually consult with the customer to find the best solution for the ship. You don't just think up a tent yourself. In consultation, new ideas and tent parts were added all the time. We are proud of this special product. 

Once again sailing ship equipped for long journey

Every year a number of ships knock on our door for advice and materials for a long sailing trip. We now know which materials, sail shapes and canvas are most suitable for heavy loads of sun, sea but also cold. This year we were allowed to provide a beautiful Colin Archer with a totally new rig with new sails. Together, wishes became reality, and we found it very special to be part of the anticipatory fun. 

Good to see people continuing to pursue their sailing dreams, even in these strange times!

Biggest improvements by 2020: more digital work, less waste, new materials

It seemed like corona gave our creativity and innovativeness an extra push this year. We now use Proliner so we can digitize and elaborate our designs even better. As a result, we use less mold film, and we have much less waste. It also allows us to work longer outside in bad weather.

In terms of our product range, we have not been idle either. We introduced a new type of cloth for winter tents: weathermax and top notch, in a wide range of colors. Our winter production went very well: we delivered a record number of winter tents. 

Challenges for 2021: new sailmaker in our team

Corona is not over yet, so we will have to deal with that again next year. We will do so with great confidence, our team has shown such resilience this year! 

One of the biggest challenges is to find another new colleague in our canvas and sail making team. If you know someone who is interested in watersports, who likes to combine working with hands and head and who likes a challenge: we would like to hear from you!

What we are proud of: our flexibility, new workplaces, more consideration for the environment

As down-to-earth Frisians, we are not so quick to express what we are proud of. Yet we once had that conversation, with each other, in the canteen. 

"The flexibility of the colleagues when we had to work in shifts, everyone was able to switch quickly and adjust their working hours. That made a big impression on our team. You don't know what you are capable of until you are put in front of it!" Another colleague mentioned the new workstations with new tables and sewing machines, also something we are very happy about. Another thing that makes us proud: we regularly get compliments on the port about our products.

We are especially proud of the steps we have taken to benefit the environment. We are all thinking more and more 'green', even in these special times. The vehicle fleet has been replaced with more economical cars and we now have 3 electric cars. The modifications to the building have resulted in lower energy consumption. 

One colleague summed up our year beautifully, "I am proud that we have continued to run so well despite the changing world. The positivity between colleagues and our customers is great. Once again we have delivered beautiful products and made customers happy."

Final word from the management: considerable impact due to corona, but recovered well

Our management also looked back on last year: "We made a dynamic start in 2020 with the use of Proliner and the purchase of our new fleet with more economical cars. Then in March came the corona blow, which left us and everyone around us with our backs against the wall. What to do now? After proper internal consultation, we were able to work in shifts and from home where necessary. We also took the necessary measures regarding hygiene. Unfortunately we could not allow customers to enter our premises, but the handling at the door went fine. Fortunately, many customers were still able to get on the water and we could continue our work.

After an excellent summer, where everyone was able to enjoy the nice weather, we are again on edge. Corona figures rise again. What a setback... 

We are able to carry out our work as usual due to a good arrangement of the workstations. We have great new ideas for the future and have therefore expanded the team with a production manager. We are looking forward to next year, in which hopefully corona will only play a minor role. We wish everyone beautiful and warm holidays, and a happy and healthy 2021!" 

Ruben Hoekstra and Bouwe Gert de Vries

Thank you Eddy, Pierre, Tom, Rinke, Michel, Marko, Wieke, Jenny, Sylvia, Helmyn, Johan, Teun, Latifa, Doreen for your openness and beautiful answers!