New Dutch luxury yacht builder Sichterman has opened its doors, constructing yachts ranging in size from 15m/50ft up to 26m/85ft in length.
Named after Dutch VOC merchant Jan Albert Sichterman, the shipyard has already sold four vessels, which will be built using decades of family expertise in craftsmanship, smart design and technology more often seen in superyachts. As such, the Sichterman yacht series will have the luxury found in larger vessels in a more compact hull better suited to close exploration of coasts and archipelagos.
Beginning life as an idea back in 2015, Sichterman CEO Bart Rehe is witnessing the concepts become reality.
“I visited WJH Yachtservice in Workum (Friesland) back in 2015, exploring business for the Dutch sailing yachts Lemsteraken. Talking to Jelle Douma, frontman of WJH, our conversations shifted towards the development of innovative luxury motor yachts and the rare opportunity we had if we joined forces. Today, those conversations finally become reality.”
The leap into luxury yachts was a significant change for Jelle Douma and the family business, which adapted to the new challenges of this ‘incredible adventure’.
Renowned yacht designer Cor D. Rover and naval architects Van Oossanen are also involved in the build process to create a new and ‘exciting fleet’ based on their extensive expertise in superyachts.
A vertical bow creates a modern and sturdy appearance which is also fuel-efficient in the water, further enhanced by the Hull Vane and Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) that have been incorporated into the design.
The first Sichterman hull is expected to launch soon, in time for the Mediterranean luxury yacht charter season.