VMG Yachtbuilders

09/09/2025

DEFINING A DECADE: ONE OFF SAILING YACHT ‘TAEKE HADEWYCH’

‘Taeke Hadewych’ is not just a yacht, but a living piece of Dutch sailing history. Previously owned by renowned sailors Eerde Beulakker and Hedwig van den Brink, he holds a special place in the hearts of many. Toon van Westerhoven first encountered him as a young boy on Terschelling, where he was drawn to the striking yellow yacht frozen in the ice. This meeting led to unforgettable sailing adventures under Eerde’s guidance.

Years later, ‘Taeke Hadewych’ found a new home with the Van Westerhoven family, who had grown deeply attached to him. To preserve his legacy and prepare him for the future, they decided on a refit that would honor his soul while bringing him up to modern standards.

In 2023, VMG Yachtbuilders carried out a complete interior and exterior refit in collaboration with Olivier van Meer. The goal was to stay true to his character while preparing him for the years ahead. Although the initial plan was to preserve as much as possible, nearly every aspect was disassembled and rebuilt to achieve the best possible result. The interior was carefully reconstructed, maintaining his original charm by reusing solid wood and traditional fittings, while the exterior underwent a full repaint and hull restoration.

The refit of ‘Taeke Hadewych’ was a project of dedication and craftsmanship, requiring creative solutions to maintain his unique identity. Now, fully restored, he is ready for new adventures with his owners, continuing his legacy as a true sailor’s yacht.

✨ Celebrating 10 years of VMG Yachtbuilders, defining a decade of craftsmanship.

03/09/2025

THE RIGHT YARD MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE

If you have ever been responsible for overseeing a yacht build or refit, you know just how much depends on having the right partner. Not just a yard with the skills to deliver the work, but one that understands your role and supports the process you need to run.

At VMG Yachtbuilders, we work closely with naval architects, owner’s representatives, project managers and other professionals who represent the client. We know what is expected: detailed planning, technical know-how, open communication and full transparency throughout the project.

Whether it is a full custom build, a partial refit, or support on complex installations, our in-house specialists are used to working in collaboration. We can take the lead or support your process behind the scenes. From aluminium and steel construction to composite work, engineering, systems integration and interior joinery, we bring together all disciplines under one roof with one goal: delivering on time, on spec and to the level your client expects.

Looking for a yard that understands what professionals need? We are happy to connect and see if we are the right fit for your next project.

28/08/2025

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE YARD – SUMMER UPDATE

Summer at VMG Yachtbuilders is coming to an end and it has been anything but quiet. With multiple yachts in different stages of construction and refit, there has been plenty to see and do across the yard.

Simmerdream is nearly ready to return to the water. Both technically and visually, she has come a long way. Trials are coming up soon and we’re looking forward to seeing her back at sea.

In the hall, you’ll spot ‘Jeff’, one of the original Little Ships of Dunkirk. She’s a wooden yacht and right now she’s drying out after years in the water. This process takes time but is essential before we can start the next phase of her restoration.

The deck of the Puffin 42 has been fully painted and is now protected with a temporary film to prevent damage during the next stages of the build. Her aluminium hull will remain unpainted and work continues indoors to bring her closer to completion.

The first of the three sport fishing boats has had her first trials and is now being finalised for delivery. The photos in this post give a good sense of what these boats will look like on the inside.

It has been a busy and productive summer. More updates will follow soon. See you in September!

26/08/2025

DEFINING A DECADE: SALOON BOAT ‘SALLY’

Built in 1910, ‘Sally’ is a rare survivor of the golden age of Dutch saloon boats, once the preferred means of transport for the wealthy in the early 20th century. More than a century later, she remains in beautiful condition thanks to the care of her owners and several timely restorations.

In collaboration with Olivier van Meer Design, Jongkind Service Medemblik, and Super Duplex Hulls, she underwent a significant refit at VMG Yachtbuilders. Her hull structure was reinforced, the cockpit floor lowered, and new portholes were added to improve both form and function. The entire propulsion system was renewed and a jet stern thruster installed to increase manoeuvrability.

Her exterior woodwork and brass fittings were brought back to their original shine, while her interior received new teak frames and updated varnish. Every detail was carefully considered to respect her heritage while preparing her for the future.

✨ Celebrating 10 years of VMG Yachtbuilders, defining a decade of craftsmanship.

26/08/2025

VACATURE: ASSISTENT PROJECTLEIDER JACHTBOUW 🛠️

Ben jij een organisatorisch talent met een passie voor jachten?

VMG Yachtbuilders zoekt een Assistent Projectleider voor ons team in Enkhuizen. Je ondersteunt de Projectleider bij het coördineren van de bouw van hoogwaardige custom en semi-custom zeil- en motorjachten, van tekening tot oplevering.

Je stelt planningen op, stuurt leveranciers aan, beheert technische documentatie en bent de schakel tussen engineering, werkvloer en externe partners. Je signaleert knelpunten en denkt actief mee over oplossingen.

📍 Enkhuizen
🕓 38 uur per week
🎓 MBO+/HBO-niveau
💡 Ervaring met projectondersteuning of technische werkvoorbereiding is vereist

Wil jij meewerken aan jachten die de geschiedenisboeken ingaan?
📩 Stuur je sollicitatie naar [email protected] of bekijk de vacature via:
🔗 https://hubs.li/Q03FqFJ70

21/08/2025

BRINGING YOUR BRAND TO LIFE STARTS WITH THE RIGHT BUILD PARTNER

At VMG Yachtbuilders, we understand that building a brand is about more than designing a good-looking boat. It is about delivering consistent quality, using smart production methods, and working with a partner who understands your ambitions.

Over the years, we have collaborated with both emerging and established yacht brands to build hulls, decks, interiors, and complete yachts. Whether you bring a fully detailed 3D model or just a concept and a sketch, our team supports you in bringing your brand to life with a practical, quality-driven approach.

We know how important it is for your product to not only look the part but also perform reliably. That is why we get involved early on. Together, we review your preferred build method, your market, your logistics, and your production goals to find the smartest way forward.

In our shipyard, aluminium, steel, wood and composite come together under one roof. We can build in-house or collaborate with your trusted partners, depending on what suits your brand best. Whether you aim for small production runs or full scalability, we tailor our role to match your ambition.

Want to learn more about how we support brand owners in building reliable, high-quality yachts? We would be happy to explore how VMG Yachtbuilders can contribute to your production journey.

20/08/2025

SPORT FISH 48’ FLYBRIDGE: FIRST TRIALS COMPLETED

A big milestone in the build of the sport fishing boats: the first boat has successfully completed her first trials last month! This first one is a Flybridge version of this high-performance sport fishing boat, and she was launched for testing and performed exactly as expected.

After months of careful construction, system integration, interior work and precision finishing, it was a proud moment to see her on the water. The boat handled beautifully and confirmed the quality and stability we have aimed for throughout the build.

Now that the trials are done, we are focusing on the final details. Most of the teak has been placed, the interior is complete, and we are going over everything one more time to make sure she is fully ready for handover.

Meanwhile, work on hulls number 2, 3 and 4 continues steadily. The production is running at full speed, and with every hull, this American-designed sport fishing series is being realised to Dutch quality standards.

14/08/2025

DEFINING A DECADE: BESTEVAER 50 ‘STORMVOGEL’

‘Stormvogel’ is a custom-built Bestevaer 50, designed by Gerard Dijkstra. Her hull was completed in 2000, and after starting the outfitting phase in 2007, she was launched in 2009. Built for long-distance cruising, she is easy to sail with a small crew, thanks to her furling boom, electric winches, hydraulic genoa furler, and proportional bow thruster.

In 2023, she underwent a comprehensive refit at VMG Yachtbuilders. The work focused on renewing the exterior, servicing technical systems, and refining her setup for shorthanded sailing. Although always well maintained, this was the moment to inspect every system thoroughly and make targeted upgrades.

As her owners put it:
“We faced several issues during our trip to the Azores and knew she needed proper care. We called Tim while sailing along the Belgian coast. His answer was clear: ‘Just keep sailing to Enkhuizen. We will make a plan to get her reliable again.’ And they did.”

With fresh varnish, system upgrades, and improvements to her handling, ‘Stormvogel’ returned to the water, once again in top condition and prepared for the adventures ahead.

✨ Celebrating 10 years of VMG Yachtbuilders, defining a decade of craftsmanship.

13/08/2025

13/08/2025

DISCOVER THE PUFFIN 42: NOW ON YACHTWORLD ⛵

Compact, capable and full of character. The Puffin 42 is the smallest in the Puffin range, but she offers everything you expect from a true bluewater cruiser.

Designed by Olivier van Meer and built at VMG Yachtbuilders, the Puffin 42 is a safe and comfortable yacht for long-distance sailing. Her aluminium construction, protected cockpit and distinctive design make her ideal for sailors who want a reliable and stylish yacht in a manageable size.

The 42 was created with shorthanded sailing in mind. Her systems are straightforward and easy to operate, and the layout is designed to make life on board enjoyable during both weekend escapes and extended voyages.

Whether you are sailing solo, with a partner or with friends, the Puffin 42 gives you the confidence and comfort to go wherever you want.

She is now listed on Yachtworld with full specs and photos:
🔗 https://hubs.li/Q03CvPFX0

Interested in learning more? Reach out to us at [email protected]

07/08/2025

DEFINING A DECADE: PUFFIN 50 ‘SEABEAR’

As the builder of Puffin yachts, VMG Yachtbuilders is always pleased to welcome one back to the yard. Puffins are a regular sight at our yard, and the Puffin 50 ‘Seabear’ was no exception.

Even before the sale was finalised, we were already in close contact with the broker, the buyer, and the yacht herself. Once the deal was complete, we got to work aligning her with her new owner’s wishes. The refit, completed in 2023, brought ‘Seabear’ into her next chapter—refreshed, refined, and ready to go.

With her steel hull, variable draft between 1.45 and 3.10 metres, and unmistakable Puffin features like the deckhouse windows, heart-shaped stern, and negative bow, ‘Seabear’ embodies everything that makes a Puffin unique. A future classic, kept in top condition by the team at VMG.

✨ Celebrating 10 years of VMG Yachtbuilders, defining a decade of craftsmanship.

05/08/2025

THE PUFFIN PHILOSOPHY ⛵

This movie is based on the life story of Olivier van Meer. In this movie he explains how and why he designed the Puffin range as it is, why it has been a success for over 30 years and why these yachts have been sailing all over the world.

No two identical Puffin yachts have ever been built, as each Puffin is customized to fit her owner’s wishes and needs. From watertight bulkheads and a high, protected cockpit to smart rigging choices and practical onboard systems, every detail serves a purpose. Puffins are yachts designed for real-world cruising: safe, comfortable and easy to handle.

What makes a Puffin a Puffin?

🎥 Watch the video: https://hubs.li/Q03zJMkZ0

Curious to learn more? [email protected]