Saturday, April 19, 2014, will see KM Yachtbuilders, the Dutch manufacturer of aluminium customer-built sailing yachts, once again open its doors to the public. To be open from 10 to 16 hours, visitors will have a possibility to view the shipyard and its work in Makkum: a number of yachts (around 7) are in build indoors, while a number of finished yachts (around 17) can be found out in the water. In addition, there will be two presentations by a living legend, Jimmy Cornell.
Lectures by a living legend
Jimmy Cornell has sailed around the world 3 times, is founder of several sailing rallies such as the well-known Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) and has given hundreds of lectures. He has written many books about cruising, planning, new destinations and being on board for longer periods of time. During our Open Day he will also talk about the advantages of aluminium yachts for long haul cruising to high latitudes.
His presentations will take place at 11:30 hrs and at 13:30 hrs. Before and afterwards you can find Mr Cornell in his ‘Cornell Corner’ where he will have more information about his voyages, his books and the cruising rallies he organises.
From 45 to 73 foot
Eeuwe Kooi, The director and owner of KM: “The ships here give a good idea of what our shipyard does. We not only construct the aluminium Bestevaer and Stadtship yachts but also the Bestewind 50, which is the smaller polyester version of the Bestevaer.
“When is our Open Day interesting for you? If you are planning to have a sailing yacht custom built. If you are interested in aluminium custom and polyester semi-custom yachts. But also if you’re ‘simply’ a boat lover.”
“Of course you can visit us at any other time, but the Open Day is the ideal opportunity to view many yachts at the same time. Each year, owners of KM yachts moor in Makkum. These are yachts which normally sail the most beautiful routes. With so many ships lined up, it is fascinating to see how each owner has made their own choices. That is the beauty of custom yacht building, each owner has his own wishes he cannot find in the market for series built yachts,” explains Eeuwe.
Refits
Are you looking for a shipyard for a refit or maintenance job? KM Yachtservices, sister company of KM Yachtbuilders, is the place to be. There is a stand with information on this, and a number of ships can be viewed as showcases.
Four of the presented ships are also for sale. These are the Bestewind 50 ‘Kooi Aap’, Bestewind 50 ‘Abel T.’, Bestevaer 53ST ‘Zeerover’, Bestevaer 50S ‘Everdina Maria’ and the Koopmans Concord 45 ‘Shaula’.
Other activities
Besides the ships under construction and the ships moored outside, KM has organised much more to entertain visitors.
A number of suppliers, such as Yanmar, Esthec, Pantaenius, Cuno, OnDeck, Asa Boot Electro and Holland Nautic, will present and exhibit their projects. If you’re feeling peckish or thirsty, ESB Catering is on hand. And Makkum beach is nearby, for family fun once you’ve seen enough at the shipyard.
There is no need to register for the Open Day, everyone is more than welcome!
