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Looking back on a year full of change and craftsmanship
2025 was a special year for sailmaker De Vries Maritiem. We said goodbye to a well-known name within our company, we saw colleagues grow in their work, and we made some great technical advances. Time to take a brief look back.
We appointed director Ruben Hoekstra a number of questions about the past year. Several colleagues also share their experiences of the year.
The 2025 end-of-year interview with Ruben Hoekstra:
1. The year began with a change in management. What did that mean for the company?
Ruben:
“At the beginning of the year, we said goodbye to Bouwe Gert as owner and director. He has supported the company for many years, and we are grateful for that.
From that moment on, I took over complete responsibility for the business. This sailmaker's workshop is built on a foundation of almost 200 years of craftsmanship. With this rich history, I look to the future with confidence.
We are continuing in the same tradition, but with fresh energy and new ambitions. What remains unchanged? Enjoyment of our work and appreciation for everyone who moors with us, whether in a sloop, sailing yacht, tender, or superyacht.
2. Which project are you particularly proud of?
Ruben:
“We have completed a number of notable projects:
- The biggest event of the year, the Thales Rotterdam, 7 x 6 meters with a sturdy stainless steel construction.
- Sunshades on superyachts, with one of our technicians even traveling to the Côte d’Azur for the installation.
- We helped a traveler get a new sail. Using video calls, we measured it together in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, and after we made the sail, it was delivered to Argentina!
- On a thirty-meter yacht, we have everything canvas work and all pillows Renovated on three decks
3. Innovation has played a major role at De Vries Maritiem sailmakers for many years. What stood out this year?
Ruben:
“The investments made in recent years are now really starting to pay off. The Zünd is cutting more than ever, resulting in a more efficient work process.
Digital measuring has also become indispensable: it is faster, more accurate, and much clearer. This gives us more room for truly customized work and personal contact.
And the great thing is: other sailmakers now know where to find us too. We cut parts for colleagues and design complete cutting packages. B2B work is growing rapidly, which is wonderful to see.”
4. What changes in the market have you noticed?
Ruben:
“The market is undergoing significant changes. While sales of new sailing boats are declining, we are seeing growth in tenders and sloops. There is a real shift taking place on the water. Fortunately, we have always been versatile, which means we can create something unique for every boat owner.
What makes us most proud is that our private client base continues to grow, even in a shrinking market. Existing customers keep coming back, and new customers know where to find us. That says a lot about the trust they have in us and the quality we deliver.
At the same time, we are seeing fellow sailmakers increasingly turning to foreign suppliers because labor is becoming much more expensive here.. That is understandable, but it is not how we want to work. We do not make concessions: everything we make is done from start to finish in the Netherlands. We deliver traditional craftsmanship, not mass production.
And perhaps the biggest change: the disappearance of truly customized work at many companies. More and more sailmakers are opting for standard products. Not us. We are specifically sought out for unusual shapes, difficult models, and unique projects. And honestly? We enjoy it. We rarely say ‘that's not possible’; we say, “bring it on.”
5. How did your team develop in 2025?
Ruben:
“We have a close-knit team with a wealth of professional knowledge, and you can see that every day. Nevertheless, we continue to consciously invest in collaboration. That's why we took a training course at the end of last year at Mark and Herre van Nocht in Lemmer. That gave us new insights into communication, teamwork, and how to understand each other better. You can see that reflected in the workshop now: we have become even stronger as a team.”
Ruben:
“This year, we also saw some great individual progress within the team:
- Peter (18) is our super young talent and probably the youngest sailmaker in the Netherlands. He has a natural feel for hoods and tents, picks things up quickly, and works as if he has years of experience. Definitely someone to keep an eye on!
- Lothar is our bearded, energetic mechanic with roots in the brown fleet. Not only is he a master at assembling hoods, but he now also helps with sail repairs. A true all-rounder who works with great passion.
- Kevin Started as an apprentice but is now an independent craftsman and mentor. He has a penchant for unique sails and effortlessly absorbs Eddy's knowledge. For special sails, Kevin is the right person to turn to!
- Teun He is quietly working towards his retirement, but his professional knowledge and precision are almost legendary in the workshop. Every day, he shares stories from times gone by, always in good spirits, a tower of strength for us all.
- John has years of experience advising departing sailors about their sails and equipment. Now it's time for his own adventure: in 2026, he and his wife will set off on a trip around the world. It's a bold move, and we wish him all the best. His knowledge remains with us, and we will definitely stay in touch because his experience with departing sailors remains invaluable.
6. What are you most proud of this year?
Ruben:
“What I am most proud of this year is that we remain strong as a team. We have been around for almost 195 years, and yet we continue to learn, grow, and improve every day.
What many people don't know is that sailmaker De Vries Maritiem is a pioneer in many areas that are still relevant today. come along. For example, the sprayhood as we know it today was once conceived and developed by Zeilmakerij De Vries Lemmer. This craftsmanship has been ingrained here for generations. It is wonderful to see that we still have this knowledge. use. Whether it's a gray DCX sail for a large Sailing yacht, smaller sails on a Midget 21, a cockpit cover, or a winter cover. Large or small, we do it all. Customization and craftsmanship, for every boat.
Washing sails and boat covers also began at Zeilmakerij De Vries in Lemmer, as the first sail laundry in the Netherlands. To this day, cleaning and maintaining sails and boat covers remains a significant part of our work.
I am also incredibly proud that so many different customers, from enthusiastic private boat owners to large yachts and companies, know where to find us. That trust gives me the energy and motivation every day to steer the ship with passion and get the best out of our team.
Typical quotes from colleagues
Tjitske (planning)
“I'll give the customer a call.”
Rens (sailing advice & design)
“You have some reading material in your email today.”
Pierre (canvas design)
“Together sharp, together strong”
Germ (Canvas advice)
“Sure thing! That'll be done in no time.”
Eddy (18)
“Well, it is what it is. I'll fix it.”
Teun (mechanic)
“Look, back in the army, we used to have...”
Johan (sailing advice & design)
“Simplicity, keep it simple!”
Looking ahead to 2026
We have a clear course for 2026. We want to continue growing our B2B division, expand our specialism in boat cushions, and make the cleaning and repair of tents and sails even more efficient. We will also continue to invest in modern technology and equipment. And, of course, we are committed to maintaining a stable and well-coordinated team.
“We see that AI is becoming increasingly important in our industry,” says Ruben. “Not to take over the profession, but to organize our work more intelligently, from planning to design and communication. At the same time, customer opinions remain crucial. Good reviews help others make the right choice and give us valuable feedback. We are therefore very grateful when customers share their experiences with us.”
2026 will also be special because Johan will be leaving for his world trip. A wonderful, big step that we wholeheartedly wish him well with. Of course, it will take some getting used to without him, because Johan has played an important role in our work and team for many years. Fortunately, his knowledge has been well transferred, so that everything can continue as usual. We will miss him, both as a colleague and as a person, and wish him a fantastic trip and a safe journey!
“We are in a strong position. The course is clear, our team is rock solid, and we have all the ingredients we need to make great strides in 2026. Of course, there will always be challenges, but with the experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm within our team, I am confident that we can tackle them together. I am therefore looking forward to what the new year will bring with confidence and enthusiasm. It feels good to be able to move forward with such a motivated group of people and to build the future of De Vries Maritiem together.”
On behalf of the entire team at De Vries Maritiem, we wish you a wonderful and safe sailing year. We thank you for your trust and look forward to serving you again in 2026. Enjoy every moment on and around the water!
