Thirty years and flying high

Claasen Shipyards in the Netherlands is celebrating thirty years of service to the yachting community in 2015. From Truly Classics to super Js, from flat-bottomed racers to the F-class Firefly, the yard has built up an excellent reputation for its ‘high up wind, down to earth’ approach.

Founded in 1985, Claasen Shipyards first made its name in the Dutch market for flat-bottomed yachts. By the mid-1990s the yard had started building yachts which combine traditional looks with ultra-modern underwater configurations: nineteen of these Truly Classics have be
en launched to date. Claasen has also been part of the J-class revival, launching Lionheart in 2010 and currently building ‘SVEA’, based on the 1937 design by Tore Holm.

As managing director Joachim Kieft makes clear, Claasen Shipyards has ambitious plans for the years ahead. “Our aim is to expand our presence in the 30 to 40-metre segment of the market where we are specialists in classic and performance sailing yachts. The yard will also become even closer to owners and crews by taking part in and sponsoring events like the Superyacht Cup.

“The forthcoming launch of a Truly Classic 126 will showcase the increasing focus on new technologies and innovations at Claasen Shipyards. At the same time we will continue to maintain our reputation as down-to-earth yacht builders who are very close to their clients. This spirit of cooperation has been the yard’s driving force over past thirty years and will continue to be crucial in the future.”