Rudy Jurg and William Collier join the Helsinki Classic Yacht Symposium Committee

Rudy Jurg and William Collier join the Helsinki Classic Yacht Symposium Committee © Helsinki Classic Yacht Symposium

The Helsinki Classic Yacht Symposium continues to grow in stature and influence, making it essential to strengthen its organizing team.

With great pleasure, we announce that William Collier and Rudy Jurg have joined the Central Committee of the Classic Yacht Symposium. Both are former speakers at the event, bringing with them exceptional organizational skills, extensive international networks, and a shared passion for fostering collaboration within the classic yacht community. Kim Weckström, Samppa Vilkuna, and John Lammerts van Bueren warmly welcome William and Rudy aboard, thanking them for their commitment to strengthening the Central Committee of the Symposium.

William Collier

A lifelong advocate for preserving yachting history, William Collier has dedicated decades to discovering and restoring iconic vessels. Since the 1980s, he has traveled the globe, uncovering hidden treasures and working through an international network of classic yacht enthusiasts to return them to their former glory. As one of the world's foremost yachting historians, William also leads G.L. Watson & Co Ltd, the oldest independent naval architecture firm. With over 150 years of innovation, G.L. Watson & Co. has shaped yachting history—from pioneering steam yachts to designing America's Cup challengers and royal vessels.

Rudy Jurg

Originally from Holland and now a global citizen, Rudy Jurg has centered his life around classic yacht sailing and racing. Professionally, he has worked with leading companies such as Gurit (SP Systems), Rondal, and currently Southern Spars. Rudy has been instrumental in restoring classic yachts and engineering cutting-edge superyachts. Over the past 30+ years, he has raced in 6, 8, and 12-Metre classes, Dragons, Illusion, and many more. He is a passionate sailor and a core crew member of Falcon, a 1930 William Fife-designed International 8-Metre. In Finland, Rudy embraces winter by racing DN iceboats.

With William and Rudy on board, the Classic Yacht Symposium looks forward to an even brighter future as it continues to celebrate and preserve the timeless legacy of classic yachts.