Out in All Weathers

We have just witnessed a massive winter spectacle. A time during which Dutch lakes and rivers slowly change into long ice rinks. This is the time in which the boat is massively exchanged for ice skates.

The weather has no impact on Vripack. During the winter months Vripack has also been working diligently on designing various vessels. Ever since childhood, designing yachts has been my greatest passion. In October 1961, I started out as an independent designer. Vripack operates as a professional, full-service organisation that is involved during the whole building process. I have turned my passion into my profession and last year I proudly accepted the HISWA Excellence Award and the ISS Person of the Year Award.

The Dutch have been leading the maritime industry for centuries. Though considerably small in size, the Netherlands has a long and honourable history with water. It are the Dutch who protect the world’s urban areas from rising seawater, creating new land such as the Palm Islands in Dubai. Furthermore the Dutch are innovative in the offshore as well as the oil and gas production industry.

Yet, the industry has to endure her version of heavy weather conditions, but let us not dwell on this, as we could influence each other negatively. Where there are threats, there are also chances. Vripack is renowned for its designs and implementation of innovative ideas with regard to the design and construction of yachts.

Vripack’s naval architects are in an advanced stage with regard to realising a high level of fuel efficiency, which lowers costs and minimizes the impact on the environment. This has been achieved through an efficient hull form, bulbous bow, advanced weight-sparing measures and very efficient propellers and engines. This proves that most traditional yachts can be called ‘greener’ if they are designed with the correct interest. Due to hybrid sailing, a new upcoming trend, I am currently looking into the development for green power systems on board of superyachts.

The remaining question is: where will Vripack be in 50 years? Will vessels still run on diesel or will hybrid win the race? I am sure many ships will be sailing with an ‘e’. The use of solar and wind energy will become more important, but the inescapable fact is that as soon as it starts to freeze, the ice skates will appear once more.

To the future, filled with a good mixture of innovation and creative thinking!

Dick Boon

Founder Vripack