Please select your home edition
Edition
Leaderboard FD July August September 2023

Wim van der Valk retires: Management buyout of Dutch Shipyard

by Van der Valk Shipyard 20 Apr 2024 22:58 PDT
Wim van der Valk © Van der Valk Shipyard

Having been at the helm of the shipyard that bears his name since its foundation in 1967, Wim van der Valk marked his 79th birthday on 18 April by officially confirming his retirement.

A management buyout of Van der Valk's shares in the yard has taken place, financially supported by a family of experienced yacht owners who have previously commissioned three custom superyachts from Van der Valk Shipyard; LeVen, EDGE and Lady Lene. With a full order book stretching well into 2026, including the largest superyacht built to date, confidence in the future is high.

Van der Valk has firmly established itself in recent years as one of the only yards in the world with the capacity and flexibility to build all-custom superyachts up to 45 metres in length. It has over 9000 m" of state-of-the-art facilities at its location in Waalwijk (NL), opening its seventh construction hall last November. The management team of Enrico Theuns, Bram Kooltjes and Yoeri Bijker can leverage on decades of combined experience in the high-end yachting industry and will continue to enjoy the ongoing support of President Emeritus Wim van der Valk as an advisor to the board.

"The significant capital investment will enable Van der Valk to continue growing our unique niche in the market for bespoke yachts between 25 and 45 metres," comments head of sales Yoeri Bijker. "The new primary shareholders fully understand our yard's ethos having built several award-winning yachts with us and are committed to ensuring Van der Valk retains its Dutch structure, heritage and quality. We have a solid financial future as an independent entity with various options available for further expansion. Wim's unrivalled legacy could not be in safer hands."

Related Articles

Kieler Woche Day 3
A Tough Test for Athletes and Equipment Fresh to strong south-westerly winds with stormy squalls pushed participants to their limits on Monday at Kieler Woche. Posted on 23 Jun
iQFOiL International Games at Kiel day 3
Full power foiling shakes up leaderboard The third day of racing at the iQFOiL International Games in Kiel delivered exactly what the fleet had been waiting for: wind, power, and pure adrenaline. Posted on 23 Jun
Tschüss 2 powers ahead in Transatlantic Race
Her nearest rival, some 300 miles astern, is Oliver Kobale's VO65 Sisi Six days into the West-East Transatlantic Race, Christian Zugel's Volvo 70 Tschüss 2, co-skippered by Johnny Mordaunt, has raced over 2,000 miles and is the clear leader for both Monohull Line Honours and the overall IRC win. Posted on 23 Jun
Rolex TP52 Worlds in Cascais preview
Eleven teams hoping the Portuguese venue lives up to its reputation Given that it is a long time since the 52 SUPER SERIES fleet raced in big winds and waves, a breezy final few training days before the start of next week's Rolex TP52 World Championship in Cascais would be universally welcomed by the 11 teams. Posted on 23 Jun
Multiple 2025 Melges 24 ranking circuits heat up
Collectively more than 100 team entries have hit the starting line in pursuit of glory With summer in full swing, the 2025 Melges 24 racing season has hit its stride across North America, and the momentum is building. Posted on 23 Jun
Ullman Sails Long Beach Race Week overall
Class Leaders Win Big at 20th Edition There were few surprises on the final day of racing at Ullman Sails Long Beach Race Week as class leaders who took control on Day 1 skillfully navigated the unusual-for-Long Beach conditions to prevail in their respective classes. Posted on 23 Jun
Challenging winds for Edgartown Race Weekend
Rick Egan's Corbeau wins Venona Trophy, Chip Hawkins' Caneel collects three trophies It looked as if the M32 multihull Yonder, sailing in 'Round-the-Island race at Edgartown Race Weekend, might set a record, but a large wind hole near the finish of the 55-mile circumnavigation of Martha's Vineyard put a decisive end to that possibility. Posted on 23 Jun
SailGP opens tender process for two new teams
SailGP has confirmed 2026 expansion plans, unveiling details of a tender process to seek investment. SailGP has confirmed 2026 expansion plans, unveiling details of a tender process to seek investment for ownership of two new teams entering the global racing championship next season, alongside available stakes across existing national teams. Posted on 23 Jun
America's Cup - #3 Finish Line
The Cup is still undecided. And somewhere, in one last simulation, the universe holds its breath. The Cup is still undecided. And somewhere, in one last simulation, the universe holds its breath. Step into the last leg. This is where legends break — or rise. Posted on 23 Jun
National Women's Invitational Team Race overall
California team seals the deal in must-win final race Newport Harbor Yacht Club won the 5th edition of the National Women's Invitational Team Race for the Thayer Trophy in dramatic fashion. Posted on 23 Jun
Maritimo 2023 S600 FOOTERHenri-Lloyd Dynamic RangeAllen Dynamic 40 Footer