VOLUME 32, NO. 55 / OCTOBER 2019 | ISSN 2213-4255 2019ISSN | OCTOBER 55/ NO. 32, VOLUME LINSSEN LINSSEN FROM YACHTS MAGAZINE BOATING & LIFESTYLE magazine Maasbracht (NL) 16, 17and18November Boat Show Linssen Yachts INVITATION CELEBRATING YEARS WE TAKE YOUR PLEASURE SERIOUSLY®
Indian summer
By the time you read this piece it will no doubt be over, but at the time of writing it seems that an Indian summer is on its way so that we can all still enjoy ourselves on the water before it turns to ice and we can skate again. A beautiful late summer ensures that the tail end of the season can also be spent on board. At the begin ning of September we enjoyed the annual lantern tour in Roermond, a procession of about 50 illuminated boats.
How did you spend the summer? We’ve enjoyed our last summer holiday with “Henri Mer”. Yes, you read it right, she’s been sold to a new, happy owner. On the one hand, that’s very nice but on the other hand I had to swallow hard at the official sale. Let’s just say the champagne didn’t taste like it usually does.
When I told the children, I got an unexpected reaction, especially from Mathijs (7). He just burst into tears and was especially angry with his mum. (I suddenly remembered how angry I used to be when my father came home for the umpteenth time and told me that “the boat didn’t go through” because other people had bought it). Sophie (5) didn’t like it either, but was less upset.
Yes, Mathijs was angry. And really very sad. He thought I should call the people and tell them the sale wasn’t going ahead because it was “our Henri Mer”! So from that point of view, it certainly was a very special holiday. But we enjoyed it. Every moment spent on board. Our destination was Zeeland. The children caught crabs in Bruinisse and Port Zélande, we had a delicious meal at Da Roberto in Scharendijke (highly recommended!) and we visited our seal “Sturdy” at A Seal in Stellendam. On the way home we had pancakes in Heusden and stayed a few days at Leukermeer holiday park in Well where we ended the holiday and returned to Maasbracht. We left Henri Mer with mixed feelings. Yes, there will certainly be a new Henri Mer
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LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 CELEBRATING EDITORIAL
(more about that later), but it still feels weird. I understand very well how you feel when you leave your boat with us. You’re sad because you are saying goodbye to a “family member” but at the same time you’re happy with a new acquisition that still needs to be built. We close the door on Henri Mer with many fond memories in our thoughts.
“Bye bye, dear Henri Mer,” say Mathijs and Sophie... We had three great seasons.
Dear Len & Kathy, we wish you many enjoyable moments aboard of your “Gloria”! Take good care of her…
Yvonne Linssen
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LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 Advertisement
Adv DMS A4 180914.indd 1 14-09-18 13:38 CELEBRATING
• Sailing in Dutch and Belgian Limburg. �������������������26 Contents • World first: the Grand Sturdy 480 AC Variotop® ���������������������������������������������������������32 • Editorial ������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 2 • Linssen Yachts programme ������������������������������������36 • Linssen Yachts Boat Show ������������������������������������������ 6 • Make the most of fast delivery times • World first: the new Grand Sturdy 35.0 AC for various yachts. ��������������������������������������������������������38 and Sedan ������������������������������������������������������������������������10 • After 30 years of building hulls, Peter Zentjes • The four variables of the Variotop® �����������������������20 starts to wind down �����������������������������������������������������40 • Linssen Boating Holidays®; We are looking for • IWI: European Waterway History ����������������������������42 new destinations ����������������������������������������������������������22 • International Boat Shows & • News Linssen Events 2019 ���������������������������������������������������46 Anniversary celebrations • New series: the Linssen SL ���������������������������������������47 at Linssen Yachts ����������������������������������������������23 • New LBH locations �������������������������������������������������������49 Exercise by voluntary fire brigade ��������������23 • Making things easier with ICCESS. Nomination Linssen Grand Sturdy Including in the engine room. �����������������������������������52 35.0 Sedan ����������������������������������������������������������24 • 17 years of the Linssen Easter Tour ����������������������54 Staff party to celebrate Linssen Yachts’ • An up-to-date listing from the 70th birthday �����������������������������������������������������24 Linssen pre-owned section ��������������������������������������59 “Our” seal Sturdy ����������������������������������������������25
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EDITORS TRANSLATIONS: The editors of Linssen Magazine cannot ac Yvonne Linssen, Wendy Linssen, Paul Beelen Balance/Livewords, Maastricht (NL) cept responsibility for the contents of any [email protected] articles submitted by third parties. The WITH THE COOPERATION OF travel reports do not concern ventures rec Linssen Yachts, Linssen Boating Holidays®, Linssen Magazine is the in-house magazine ommended by the editor, but are merely an Zebra Fotostudio’s, Dick van der Veer Foto of Linssen Yachts B.V., and focuses on the objective account of journeys actually made. grafie, Peter Linssen, Patrick de Bot en products, development, production and sales Each owner/skipper/captain is solely respon Eveline de Bruijn-Mevis (www.manvanhet infrastructure of this Limburg boatyard and sible for the destinations or waterways he woord.nl), Yacht Charter am Prerauer Stich, is distributed free of charge to Linssen own or she has chosen, for the overall prepara Puur Yachtcharter, Kurt Vandeweert, Michel ers and many others in the yachting industry. tion and for his or her crew. Neither Linssen Custers, Transmanche Publications, Mike Linssen Magazine is published in Dutch, Ger Yachts B.V., nor its employees, nor the au Clark, Inland Waterways International man, English and French. thors of the articles or the editors of Linssen Magazine are responsible in any way what PUBLISHER/PRODUCTION © COPYRIGHT soever for any choice of destination. Linssen Yachts B.V. Reproduction of editorial articles is permitted Brouwersstraat 17, NL-6051 AA Maasbracht on the condition that the source is acknowl Postbus 7172, NL-6050 AD Maasbracht edged or in consultation with the publisher. Tel. +31 (0)475 - 43 99 99 Please consult the publisher about reproduc Fax. +31 (0)475 - 43 99 90 tion of illustrations. [email protected] The illustrations may show certain functions www.linssenyachts.com or special features which are not included in 5 our standard package. Please check with the boatyard or your Linssen representative.
LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 st 21
LinssenBoat Yachts Show
Linssen Yachts Boat Show: 16-17-18 November 2019
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LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 CELEBRATING
CELEBRATING
YEARS
Linssen Yachts BOAT SHOW
Text: Linssen Yachts; Photos: Linssen Yachts
Our anniversary year is almost over. It’s been a busy year, with many events celebrating our 70th anniversary, many boat shows with our firsts (the new Grand Sturdy 35.0 AC and Sedan and the 480 AC Variotop®) on display and many improvements and alterations to our production system. For example, the main warehouse has been upgraded to include a roller conveyor for incoming parcels, we have outsourced the cutting process, the hull plant has been remodelled so that we can now build all the hulls in one plant, and there’s a separate department where the entire Variotop® section is prefabricated. More about this in a later edition. We now focus on the upcoming Linssen Yachts Boat Show.
This 21st show is again packed full of new things. The To meet the requirements of our market, the Linssen most important of these is the launch of this year’s Yachts design team, in collaboration with design studio firsts: KesselsGranger DesignWorks, has chosen a colour • the Grand Sturdy 35.0 AC range that creates tranquillity but at the same time is • the Grand Sturdy 35.0 Sedan also rich in contrast. This makes the 35.0, just like the • the Grand Sturdy 480 AC Variotop® 30.0, look even more spacious due to the interplay of light and the interior. Grand Sturdy 35.0 The smooth lines of the silhouette reveal themselves Grand Sturdy 480 AC Variotop® in the beautifully curved three-part window section In addition to the Grand Sturdy 450 AC Variotop® with an extra-large glass surface. The windows create launched at the end of last year and the Linssen Yachts a lot of light in the interior, with the colour structure flagship, the Grand Sturdy 500 AC Variotop®, this line from floor to ceiling providing an optimal spatial expe now also includes the Grand Sturdy 480 AC Variotop®. rience. This also means the maximum possible amount of daylight in the saloon. 7
LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 Perfect dimensions With a length of 14.95 m and a width of 4.65 m, it is compromising on luxury, comfort and safety compared larger than the Grand Sturdy 450, so that three sleep to the 500, the new Grand Sturdy 480 AC Variotop® is ing cabins can be provided, but slightly shorter and a bit more manoeuvrable in the various inland water narrower than the 500. Just like the 500, the Grand ways. Sturdy 480 AC Variotop® has six fixed berths in three cabins, a spacious saloon with an L-shaped sofa and The Linssen Variotop® – a wheelhouse that combines a large starboard pantry. The dinette and a spacious an inside and outside steering position – is unique cupboard unit are located on the port side. The dimen in yacht building. The concept that Linssen has been sions of the Grand Sturdy 480 have been deliberately applying since 1996 has been technically refined to chosen to ensure that both European inland water such an extent that it is now being applied to the Grand ways and coastal and marine areas pose few naviga Sturdy 450, now the Grand Sturdy 480 and the Grand tion problems. The 480 is shorter, narrower and lower Sturdy 500, making it a fully-fledged yacht series. than the 500 and therefore almost all inland water ways can be sailed with this luxury yacht. Without
Full details of the new Grand CELEBRATING Sturdy 35.0 are already included in The Linssen Grand Sturdy YEARS Series the new brochure for the Linssen Timeless Dutch Motor Yachts Grand Sturdy series. Since 1949... Download the brochure from the website or request it from:
www.linssenyachts.com The Linssen Grand Sturdy Series [email protected]
Linssen Yachts B.V. | Brouwersstraat 17, NL-6051 AA Maasbracht | +31(0)475 439 999 | www.linssenyachts.com GB INVITATION 480 Premiere world premiere
500 AC VARIOTOP® 16.45 x 4.88 x 1.29 m
480 AC VARIOTOP® 14.95 x 4.65 x 1.20 m
450 AC VARIOTOP® 13.75 x 4.65 x 1.20 m
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LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 CELEBRATING
INVITATION LINSSEN YACHTS BOAT SHOW 16, 17 AND 18 NOVEMBER
Small. Big. New. Pre-owned. AC. • Grand Sturdy 40.0 AC WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING Sedan. Variotop®. We would be • Grand Sturdy 40.0 Sedan YOU IN MAASBRACHT ON 16, 17 delighted to show you the full • Grand Sturdy 45.0 Sedan OR 18 NOVEMBER. extent of our range during our • Grand Sturdy 450 AC Variotop® Linssen Yachts Boat Show. • WORLD FIRST: Grand Sturdy 480 Daily from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm AC Variotop® On display in our showroom: • Grand Sturdy 500 AC Variotop® There is no need to register. • Grand Sturdy 30.0 AC • WORLD FIRST: Grand Sturdy 35.0 Available for river trials: Sedan • Grand Sturdy 40.0 AC • WORLD FIRST: Grand Sturdy 35.0 • Grand Sturdy 40.0 Sedan 9 AC • Grand Sturdy 30.0 Sedan
LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 Worldfirst
World first: Grand Sturdy 35.0 AC and Sedan
Text: Man van het Woord; Photos: Zebra Fotostudio's
Our Linssen Yachts Boat Show in November is traditionally the moment when we present our new models to you. However, in this Linssen Magazine we are providing a number of previews of the world firsts that will be waiting for you next month. One of them is our completely remodelled Grand Sturdy 35.0 ‘Intero’. Intero is a style that we started for the first time last year with the Grand Sturdy 30.0. And we’ve now also applied it to the AC and Sedan versions of the compact but extremely full-featured Grand Sturdy 35.0. If you can’t wait until November, you can admire the new 35.0 now by booking a preview appointment at our showroom in Maas- bracht.
Light and space, these are the key concepts in the in wide strips for optimum depth. Okoumé hardwood Intero style that we have developed in collaboration with a cherry finish has always been used as our inte with design studio KesselsGranger DesignWorks. rior finish. However, with Intero we have deliberately Some will call the new elements in the interior and chosen a lighter cherry shade that contrasts beauti exterior ‘sporty’, others perhaps ‘elegant’ or ‘contem fully with the leather upholstery of the furniture. porary’. We are curious to know what words will come to mind when you board the new Grand Sturdy 35.0 More space, more functionality for the first time. What you will certainly notice are the The Grand Sturdy 35.0 is an exceptionally universal flowing lines. The curved three-part window section boat with a large amount of flexible storage space. The with its extra-large glass surface is a striking example extra length (10.70 m) compared with our Grand Sturdy of this. This is not only beautiful, it’s functional as well. 30.0 (9.70 m) has allowed us to add various functions The large surface area allows a maximum amount of to the interior. And let’s not forget the functions that daylight to enter, which contributes to a pleasant living are often taken for granted on a Linssen but should environment. absolutely not be, when you compare it with other yachts on our market. A number of highlights from the Balanced materials interior and exterior of the new 35.0 AC and 35.0 Se Compared to the interiors of previous models, the new dan are listed below. You will get the complete picture interior is lighter and more contrasting. It starts with in our showroom. the floor with a warm, deep brown Wenge finish, laid 10
LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 Linssen Magazine | World first: Grand Sturdy 35.0 AC and Sedan CELEBRATING
What do you need on board? AC or Sedan? You temporarily move your living and working space You can choose a Grand Sturdy 35.0 AC or 35.0 Sedan on land to a comfortable place on the water. We cre based on the composition of your travel group (not to ate this space on board our Grand Sturdy yachts. The mention your taste and style preferences). At Linssen question we always ask ourselves is: what needs do Yachts we say: the 35.0 AC is the ideal boat for 4+2 Linssen owners have in terms of space, functionality people, the 35.0 Sedan for 2+2 people. The AC has and ease of use when they stay on board for a longer two cabins used as permanent sleeping quarters and period of time? We also focused strongly on this in the one flexible sleeping option in the saloon. The Sedan development of the 35.0 ‘Intero’. has one cabin used as permanent sleeping quarters and one flexible sleeping option. The Easy Convert Sleep System, which transforms the saloon couch into a double bed in no time at all, provides this flexible sleeping option.
Easy Convert Sleep System
Grand Sturdy 35.0 AC
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LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 Multifunctional desk In the AC version of the 35.0 you will find a proper workstation in the form of a desk in the saloon next to the L-shaped saloon couch. This desk can be used, for example, as a navigation table. Here you can take your time to study your navigation charts and prepare your trips. Or maybe to write a new blog or vlog or just to Skype with the family at home.
Grand Sturdy 35.0 Sedan. For 2+2 people Saloon sofa and sofa bed A large saloon and a large open cockpit together form the central living space of the completely remodelled Grand Sturdy 35.0 AC. For 4+2 people Grand Sturdy 35.0 Sedan. A lot of handy storage space No lack of (storage) space is provided under the rear cockpit floor, where you can Unlike day trips, a longer stay on board requires more store your bicycles, for example. space and storage space. We meet this need in a number of ways. For example, the saloon and both The L-shaped saloon sofa is special because of the bedrooms are very spacious, especially considering the many guises it can take on easily. First of all, of course, size of the 35.0. it’s a comfortable sofa. By partially sliding the table under the desk on the starboard side, you can also use Over the past seventy years, we have been able to the Easy Sleep Convert System to turn it into a sofa outdo ourselves on several occasions in making the bed. Depending on your preferences and the number of most of the available space. It’s perhaps best reflected people on board, you can configure it to your needs. in the aft cabin of the 35.0 AC. Not only does it contain a large, almost free-standing bed, it also boasts a spa Additional boating chair cious wardrobe and plenty of storage space. When one person is sailing, the other one wants to watch and “actively” sail. From now on, that will be Under the large hatch in the saloon floor is the stor perfectly possible on the 35.0 Sedan. As an option, we age basement. The plastic boxes allow you to organise can install a second high seat for you, so that together your provisions the way you want them. We at Linssen you have a comfortable place to sit behind the steer have even thought about that. ing position. When the backrests are folded down, the
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LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 Linssen Magazine | World first: Grand Sturdy 35.0 AC and Sedan CELEBRATING boating seats become an extension of the saloon sofa. This creates a U-shaped layout that can accommodate 6 to 7 people.
Desk On the port side, we have created a two-tier desk in line with the kitchen worktop. The top tier is a flap that flips up. Optionally, a display can be attached to the inside of this flap, which can be used as a TV or PC screen.
Solar technology gives you a sense of freedom We can install high-quality solar panels on the roof of the 35.0 Sedan (or 35.0 AC) as an option. That gives you even more freedom. After all, why should you moor in a marina, when you can also find a quiet spot in the countryside?
If you’re curious about the Grand Sturdy 35.0 AC and/or 35.0 Sedan ‘Intero’, we’ll be delighted to welcome you to our showroom in Maasbracht. And of course to our Linssen Yachts Boat Show in November.
Grand Sturdy 35.0 Sedan
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LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 GRAND STURDY 35.0 SEDAN
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LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 Linssen Magazine | World first: Grand Sturdy 35.0 AC and Sedan CELEBRATING
GRAND STURDY 35.0 SEDAN
Basic specifications Grand Sturdy 35.0 Sedan • Construction: HPH® (Hardchine Prestressed Hull) • CE-classification: C (coast) • Bottom/hull/decks/superstructure: 5/4/4/4 mm • Engine: 1 x 4 cyl. Volvo Penta Diesel • Weight/displacement: ±8.500 kg / ±8,5 m³ type D2-75, 55 kW (75 HP) • LOA x beam x draft: ± 10.70 x 3.40 x 1.00 m ZF 25-H / 2,8:1, 3000 rpm • Minimum air draft: ± 2.30 m. (2.37 m. with Alternator: 115A-12V Linssen Variodeck®) • Fuel tank capacity: ± 240 l • Headroom FC/saloon: ± 1.83/1.94m • Water tank capacity: ± 220 l • Holding tank capacity: ± 240 l 15
LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 GRAND STURDY 35.0 AC
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LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 Linssen Magazine | World first: Grand Sturdy 35.0 AC and Sedan CELEBRATING
GRAND STURDY 35.0 AC
Basic specifications Grand Sturdy 35.0 AC • Construction: HPH® (Hardchine Prestressed Hull) • CE-classification: C (coast) • Bottom/hull/decks/superstructure: 5/4/4/4 mm • Engine: 1 x 4 cyl. Volvo Penta Diesel • Weight/displacement: ± 9.000 kg / ± 9 m³ type D2-75, 55 kW (75 HP) • LOA x beam x draft: ± 10.70 x 3.40 x 1.00 m ZF 25-H / 2,8:1, 3000 rpm • Minimum air draft: ± 2.45 m Alternator: 115A-12V • Headroom FC/saloon/AC: ± 1.83/1.94/1.87 m • Fuel tank capacity: ± 240 l • Water tank capacity: ± 220 l • Holding tank capacity: ± 240 l 17
LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 2020
18 Location: Oolderplas, Roermond (NL)
LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 Linssen Magazine | World first: Grand Sturdy 35.0 AC and Sedan CELEBRATING
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LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 The four variables of the Variotop®
Text: Man van het Woord; Photos: Zebra Fotostudio's / Kurt Vandeweerdt
Nothing is as changeable as the weather. Especially in our own wet country. Sun, rain, cloudy skies. They alternate faster than we’d sometimes like. In order to deal with these vicissitudes and fluctuations in a pleasant way, we developed our Variotop® wheelhouse system. Varying in order to adapt to the elements, that’s the thought behind it. With the arrival of the new Grand Sturdy 480 AC Variotop®, this is the perfect time to home in on this folding roof, which is much more than just a roof.
A Linssen with a Variotop® means that you, as a boat Cockpit bench up, wind in your hair ing enthusiast, can be flexible enough to adapt to all Sailing means making contact with the elements. And weathers. When the sun shines, you want to be out preferably with the pleasant elements such as sun side enjoying the open air. When it rains, you prefer and wind. The slightest breeze is a breath of fresh air to hide away and seek shelter. In addition, when the in hot weather. Have you opened the folding roof to weather is bad, it often gets colder. Then you don’t get a breath of fresh air? The cockpit bench for two just want a roof over your head, but preferably a well people is electrically adjustable in height and depth. If insulated roof. Our Variotop® wheelhouse system you raise the bench, you can sit with the wind in your contains four variables that you can control to cool hair. It also gives you a perfect view of the water. If and/or heat the wheelhouse. These four variables are: you want to cool down a bit more, a compact wet bar the Variotop® folding roof, the height-adjustable cock with sink and refrigerator is always within easy reach. pit bench, the doors and the bimini function. Outside or inside space More than a roof The wheelhouse of the Grand Sturdy 450, 480 and Of course, we don’t have to explain anything more to 500 is a high-quality finished space in which you will Linssen owners. But people who don’t know us very want for nothing. Here you can sit behind the chic well often don’t have the full picture of our Variotop® steering position with all the necessary instruments wheelhouse system. They see Variotop® only as the around it. At the push of a button, the Variotop® roof name for the roof, whereas it is in fact an integrated can be fully opened and folded back. This creates an system for the wheelhouse. Variotop® means the enormous amount of outdoor space on the aft deck. entire room, the layout of the steering saloon and Within a few seconds you can control your 450, 480 the steering position. Of course, the folding roof is an or 500 from a real flybridge. When you close the roof iconic feature, but it’s only one part of the system. again, you create a comfortable extra interior space with lots of privacy. 20
LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 Linssen Magazine | The four variables of the Variotop® CELEBRATING
Open and yet windproof Folding arch The wheelhouse doors are an important part of the As we write about this in the article on the new Grand Variotop® system. In spring, when the sun is shin Sturdy 480 AC Variotop® on page 32: not every yacht ing but the temperature could be a little higher, you can cross France without any problems and set course can still sail with the roof open. If you keep the doors for the Mediterranean. The 450 can and the 480 will closed, you won’t be in the wind but you will be in the be able to shortly. This is not only because of the sun. As the weather gradually warms up, you open the dimensions of these two stars of the Variotop® series. doors and let the wind do its work in the wheelhouse. The well thought-out Variotop® system also makes a significant contribution. The fact that the arch in which Bimini: keeps out the sun, lets in the wind the Variotop® roof disappears when it is opened can You can also use the Variotop® folding roof as a fully- be folded down, means that the clearance height is fledged bimini top. This extra function is very pleas reduced. And your sailing opportunities in France con ant, especially if you’re sailing in warmer areas such siderably increased. as southern Europe. In the bimini position, the roof is kept slightly open. This means that you have a sunroof Variotop® series over your head, while the wind can simply pass under Since its introduction on our first Grand Sturdy 500 the roof. Exactly what you need in a Mediterranean in 1996, Variotop® has become a household name in climate or during those increasingly hot Western the Dutch yacht building industry. A striking and sym European summers. pathetic product that many boating enthusiasts have fallen for over the years. With our Variotop® model line, consisting of the 450, the new 480 and the 500, we want to let an even larger audience enjoy this still revolutionary invention.
Cockpit bench up, wind in your hair
Outside or inside space Bimini: keeps out the sun, lets in the wind
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LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 LINSSEN YACHTS & LINSSEN BOATING HOLIDAYS®
We are looking for new We are looking for new We are looking for destinations investors new partners
These may be entirely new loca One way for you to become part Is it time to update your charter tions, but also locations that are of Linssen Boating Holidays® is fleet? already in operational use but do to invest in a charter yacht. not have Linssen yachts. Have you already considered our We are seeking friendly investors Buy&Lease formula? Linssen yachts can be a valuable to ensure the continued expan addition to your existing charter sion and constant renewal of our If you purchase several boats, fleet. The yachts offer you the fleets. In recent years, the LBH Linssen Yachts will make an opportunity to address a new fleets have developed dynami extra boat available via our lease target group with guests who cally with the help of such inves formula*. consciously choose the quality, tors and they are set to continue sailing characteristics and image to grow. *Ask for an exploratory meeting. of a Linssen.
If you are interested in becoming an LBH partner or would like to know more about the terms and conditions, please contact [email protected]. without obligation.
CHARTER A LINSSEN IN EUROPE 22 NETHERLANDS • BELGIUM • GERMANY • FINLAND • NORWAY • FRANCE • CROATIA • UNITED KINGDOM-SCOTLAND • SWITZERLAND • IRELAND LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 Linssen Magazine | News CELEBRATING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS AT LINSSEN YACHTS
Several anniversary celebrations were held at Linssen internal transport department joined us in 1969 and Yachts in 2019. At a company that has existed for 70 celebrated by holding a big party in the showroom this years and has many permanent, loyal employees, it is summer together with family, friends and colleagues not surprising that anniversaries commemorating 25 to mark his anniversary. years and more are regularly celebrated. Ten years ago, the 2009 Linssen Yachts Boat Tom Leblanc, Rob Coelen, Jacky Cruijsberg, Wendy Show – the 60th anniversary show – got off Linssen-Stoffels, Martijn Soentjens and Jos Schmitz to a special start, when Piet and his brother Jan have been in service for 12.5 years (Tom as of March Michels received a royal distinction, awarded by 2018). the mayor of Maasbracht. Both brothers were appointed members of the Order of Orange- Tony Hodzelmans, Frits Geraets, Thijs Jeurninck, André Nassau: “It has pleased Her Majesty...” Lamerichs and Robert Heilkens celebrated 25 years’ service. Congratulations on behalf of the editorial staff at Linssen Magazine! This year we had a 50th anniversary, which trumps them all. Something that’s almost impossible to imagine in this day and age. Piet Michels of our
EXERCISE BY VOLUNTARY FIRE BRIGADE
Two Linssen Yachts employees are members of the voluntary fire brigade. As part of their role, they may be called up from their workplace to attend an emergency.
On 15 March, a major exercise was carried out at Linssen Yachts by the voluntary fire brigade and Linssen Yachts’ emergency response team. Various disasters were simulated, which were adequately resolved thanks to the excellent cooperation between the emergency response team 23 and the fire brigade.
LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 NOMINATION LINSSEN GRAND STURDY 35.0 SEDAN
The Grand Sturdy 35.0 Sedan has been nominated for European Powerboat of the Year 2020 in the This award is presented on displacement category. the basis of the opinion of leading international industry journalists, who nominate products for the award in various categories. They test for quality, product 2020 innovation, price/quality ratio, sailing characteristics and construction.
The award will be presented during the opening ceremony of the Düsseldorf Boat Show, on Saturday, 18 January 2020.
STAFF PARTY TO CELEBRATE LINSSEN YACHTS' 70TH BIRTHDAY The whole of 2019 has been dominated by the 70th Linssen Yachts was founded on 1 April 1949. To anniversary of Linssen Yachts. Since the Linssen mark the occasion, a staff party was organised on Yachts Boat Show at the end of 2018 we have the ‘Upper Deck’ in the showroom. With DJ L’Yves organised a variety of activities involving a large providing the music and regular caterer Wolfhagen number of participants. laying on a delicious buffet, it was a very pleasant evening.
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LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 Linssen Magazine | News CELEBRATING “OUR” SEAL STURDY
Over the Ascension Adopters may give the seal a name, and ours became weekend, we visited the - very appropriately - “Sturdy”. “A Seal” seal sanctuary Sturdy grew well, had some difficulty eating, but at the in Stellendam together end of August we received the message that Sturdy with Alexander Jonkers. During a conversation on the spot with Karola van der Velde who told us about the sanctuary and the possibility of adopting a seal, we became more and more enthusiastic about the adoption plan. Adoption supports A Seal, a charity that depends on visitors, gifts, donations, sponsors and donors. was now strong enough and could be released by us The territory covered extends from the Belgian border on the beach in Ouddorp. along the coast to IJmuiden. A Seal rescues sick, At 7 p.m. on Friday evening, 7 September, the time injured, weakened and orphaned seals. had come. Under the watchful eye of Mathijs and There are two types of seal in the Netherlands: the Sophie, Sturdy was first “lured” into a basket and then common seal and the grey seal. The seal is the largest transferred into a crate. predator in the Netherlands. An adult grey seal (male) can grow up to almost 3 metres long and weigh about The crate was placed on the beach and Mathijs and 300 kilos! Sophie were allowed to open it. Sturdy was in no hurry, but he eventually crawled curiously into the sea. A Seal believes it’s important for the public to learn a lot about the seal and its habitat. That’s why the We wish you all the best, Sturdy! centre provides a lot of information on the animals, as well as on other subjects relating to nature and the environment. An exhibition on sustainable fishing staged in collaboration with Stellendam’s fishing community and the Good Fish Foundation is running until the end of 2019. A Seal also provides an educational programme for children at primary schools with teaching packages for several age groups and the possibility of an educational outing to A Seal itself. In the specially built seal hospital, financed from a bequest, A Seal’s vet can examine animals on site, operate, perform ultrasounds and even perform X-rays. We spontaneously decided that Linssen Yachts, together with Jonkers Yachts, wanted to help a seal If you’d like to visit A Seal or adopt pup and we signed up for adoption. a seal yourself, go to: On 21 June, we were informed that Seal 659 was A Seal Stellendam available for adoption. It was a seal pup of the Haringvlietplein 3 A common seal species. The animal had been found on NL-3251 LD Stellendam the beach at Renesse. He was thought to be about a Tel: +31 (0)88 27 47 780 25 week old. He weighed less than 10 kilos. [email protected]
LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 Sunny side up… Sailing in Dutch and Belgian Limburg. A feast for all the senses.
Text: Peter Linssen. Photos: Zebra Fotostudio's. Map: Transmanche Publications
It started promisingly right away and the water was quickly up to temperature. We even had tropical moments, but there were also refreshing periods of cooling weather. In short, this was another fantastic summer. You know that feeling: when the weather is nice, you only want one thing and that is to go travelling! To pack your things and go. To experience the charm of the strange and the distant, of anonymity and tran- quillity. Unfortunately, it isn’t always possible to just jump on a plane. It’s just as well that such experiences are perfectly possible here too, yes, here, in our own back yard! Just get aboard your boat. Every weekend if you want. And the stress seems very far away as soon as you take the first turn out of the harbour. It’s like you’ve left on a long voyage...
Beautiful Limburg beauty of the Meuse and its lakes, you are recom Limburg’s beautiful Meuse Valley is a unique lifeline mended to take an introductory tour on one of the in a remarkably sunny, warm and dry microclimate. beautiful tour vessels of the Limburg shipping compa The Meuse and the Meuse Lakes form and connect nies. a vast, continuous network of large and small lakes, created by thousands of years of Meuse water flow This water sports area with its excellent water qual ing through and by decades of gravel extraction, after ity is diverse and therefore a Mecca for anyone who which the landscape and the remaining gravel pits wants to stay on or near the water. You can go boat have been beautifully redesigned. It’s still not well ing, sailing, surfing, rowing, canoeing, swimming or enough known – or is it just a well-kept secret? – that diving. But there is also room for young, dynamic the Meuse Lakes, with a surface area of over 3,000 water sports such as water-skiing, flyboarding and hectares, form the largest continuous water sports wakeboarding. As well as cycling, hiking, playing sports area in Benelux. To get an impression of the size and and horse-riding on well-maintained roads alongside
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LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 Linssen Magazine | Sunny side up… CELEBRATING
the water. In the summer months, the lovely, clean and the Limburgers. This gives them their work ethic, beaches and trendy beach clubs are the places to be. their pleasant manner and their natural sense of In other words, everyone is covered. Young and old savoir-vivre. alike. Beautiful historic towns and lovely villages on the lake The Meuse and its lakes are a particularly pleas shores await you. You can soak up the rich history, the ant and varied sailing area for larger motor or sailing unique cultural mix and great variety wherever you go boats. You can comfortably sail to and from a lake or or stay. Figuratively, but also literally. to a harbour, village or city, navigating green, mean In the heart of the Meuse Valley, for example, you dering waterways. Boat owners and charterers can will find Europe’s northernmost pinot vineyards, on a moor and spend the night in the many atmospheric sunny south-eastern slope in the picturesque village marinas, which are equipped with all the latest facili of Aldeneik – just a stone’s throw from the town of ties and where the friendliest of harbour masters Maaseik with its many outdoor cafés and cultural ven give you a warm welcome. Or maybe you’d prefer to ues. It’s another well-kept secret that we’re only too be in the middle of the city, in the passer-by harbour, happy to reveal. surrounded by nice boutiques, shops, pubs and res taurants? Or would you rather be in the middle of Karel and Tine Henckens-Linssen grow excellent wines the countryside enjoying a BBQ? Then look for a nice with passion on their 10 hectare Aldeneyck Wine spot on one of the well-constructed landing stages. Estate, including: Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir Limburg has it all. and a sparkling Pinot Brut. Blessed with the warm and dry microclimate in the If you don’t own a open sloop, motorboat or sailboat stony Meuse Valley and the unique mineral-rich (yet) but are passionate about sailing, then chartering Meuse gravel terroir, they grow wines with an incom is definitely an option, possibly in combination with a parably elegant, fruity and mineral taste. The pinot short training or sailing course. wines produced by the Aldeneyck Wine Estate have been voted Best Belgian Wine several times. Living like God in France? Better yet. You are in the Limburgs! When cruising through Limburg, a visit to the tasting Over the centuries, Flemish, French, Dutch and also room on the beautiful domain is a must! German cultural aspects have influenced the develop (www.wijndomein-aldeneyck.be) ment of the Dutch and Belgian provinces of Limburg
Enjoying the Meuse Valley... Dream away and imagine ... you moor up with your brand new Linssen at the Aldeneyck vineyard and enjoy a delicious meal and a prize-winning Pinot Gris Barrique there with family and friends, sitting among the vines...
Slow down… and start living!
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LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 The Zuid-Willemsvaart. The Canal du Midi of the two past wonderful natural (and hiking and cycling) areas, Limburgs? through one of the greenest regions of Flanders, with In 1821, the visionary ‘Canal King’, King William I, the Hoge Kempen National Park, Meuse Valley River approved the plans for a new canal to be constructed, Park and the Kempen-Broek Border Park as its top the Zuid-Willemsvaart. In doing so, he was continuing attractions. It is definitely worth mooring there and Napoleon Bonaparte’s ambitious plan for the con exploring by bike, on foot or with the dog. You are sure struction of the ‘Grand Canal du Nord’, some sections to be surprised by the hospitality, the local products of which were actually completed (1803-1810) and put and the varied landscape you find there. You can also into use. The Neuss-Neersen section was used until visit many cities or villages, often steeped in history. 1840, as well as the Nederweert-Beringen section Striking examples include ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Helmond, (Noordervaart) and the Nederweert-Lozen-Maastricht Weert, Bocholt, Bree, Maaseik, Neeroeteren, Dilsen- section, which later became part of the Zuid- Stokkem, Maasmechelen, Lanaken and Maastricht. Willemsvaart. Most of the section built in Belgium became the Kempen Canal. The canal still has enormous economic potential in 2019. It offers great opportunities for tourism. The On 11 November 1822, Governor De Brouckère of rich history (the mines, the wars, even a newspa Limburg laid the first cornerstone at lock 1 in ‘s-Her per ‘De Zuidwillemsvaart’’ was published in 1881), togenbosch for the Zuid-Willemsvaart, as we know it the beer museum in Bocholt, attractive locations today.* such as Rekem (‘Most beautiful village in Flanders’), Neeroeteren, the restaurants ‘t Eilandje and Oud The Zuid-Willemsvaart initially became an economi Oteren, the Maasmechelen Village outlet centre, excel cally and strategically important north-south water lent gastronomy and much more besides, are still way connection between Maastricht and ‘s-Hertogen waiting to be discovered. bosch, and later took on a more historically important role. The canal passes through the provinces of Dutch The fact that it crosses the border twice makes the Limburg, Belgian Limburg and Noord-Brabant. On the canal even more exciting and unique. 123 km long route, the Zuid-Willemsvaart takes you Around the Limburgs. The Willems Route...
This illustrates the great historical significance of Canal King William I. A bronze statue of King William I was unveiled on 20 October 2018 on the Bisdomkaai in Ghent. Remarkable. King William I was the founder of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1815, which then also included Ghent. William I took important decisions that still define Ghent today. He is regarded as the founder of Ghent University in 1817, the man who commissioned the Ghent- Terneuzen canal, an important artery of Ghent’s economy, and the man who made Ghent the textile capital of the continent.
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LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 Linssen Magazine | Sunny side up… CELEBRATING
Sailing without borders in Dutch and Belgian Limburg: Meuse Lakes – Border Meuse – Zuid-Willemsvaart In 2010, the Dutch Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management (RWS) launched the campaign ‘The Willems Route: an attractive alterna- tive for recreational shipping’, with the aim of reliev- ing the pressure on the Juliana Canal to allow the extensive renovation work for the four-layer container shipping industry. The Willems Route was promoted as an alternative route for getting from Roermond to ‘s-Hertogenbosch or to Maastricht and vice versa. The recommended route (from Maasbracht-Roermond) runs via the Wessem-Nederweert Canal to the Zuid- Willemsvaart. There are several convenient mooring facilities.
It is a beautiful route for recreational sailing, easy to navigate and quiet. The maximum clearance height on the Willems Route is five metres. The only excep- tion to this is the historic route through Maastricht via lock 19, directly to the Bassin, with a clearance height of approximately 3.30 metres. There is an alternative route via Bosscherveld lock to get to the beautiful Bassin via a short stretch of Meuse and lock 20.
Shall we reveal another well-kept secret? A special recommendation is the ‘detour’ through a beautiful part of Flanders: the Bocholt-Herentals Canal and the Canal to Beverlo heading towards Lommel and Leopoldsburg.
The RWS campaign was remarkably successful and to this day this is borne out by the many enthusiastic sounds of crews who have actually sailed the Zuid- Willemsvaart.
Experience the Limburgs with Aqua Libra Yachtcharter Aqua Libra, run by Arlette and Luc Vanthoor, is one of the few professional yacht charter compa nies in Limburg. Their base and home port is the De Spaanjerd Marina in Kinrooi (B). Aqua Libra is a proud member of the international Linssen Boating Holidays® (LBH) network, which was created in 2006 to support the Linssen charter companies in Europe by providing an umbrella marketing label. Now, season 2019/20, fifteen LBH partners in ten countries are offering around 85 Linssen motor yachts. 29
LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 Special holidays are ‘in’. Sailing with your ‘own’ motor every day that the experienced water-borne tourist yacht is still, increasingly, a tempting option. Aqua has a great interest in and appreciation of Limburg as Libra aims to offer its customers an impeccable and a sailing area. unforgettable ‘boating experience’ and to let them enjoy all that the Limburgs have to offer. In addition, Epilogue they provide bespoke packages for companies and Limburg as a water sports destination is actually still groups, focusing on the region’s highlights in a special ‘a well-kept secret’. It’s almost impossible to list all the way. facilities, providers and destinations in full. This article The positive word of mouth advertising is a natural has only mentioned a few specific examples and we consequence of the experience their customers have don’t want to leave anything or anyone out. All the had. For Arlette and Luc, the concept of hospitality stakeholders in the region’s hospitality and tourism is embedded in all their actions. Their number one industry stand shoulder to shoulder to make guests priority is to keep their customers satisfied. They feel at home. With a fantastic product: Limburg. Come invite them to become ‘members of the family’ and sailing here, and experience... sincerely embrace ‘Mother’ Linssen’s slogan ‘We take your pleasure seriously!®’. That is why many regu lar customers are convinced: ‘Once Limburg. Always Limburg!’ In view of the expansion of their fleet to feature ten of the latest yachts from the Linssen range and the number of customers from distant continents and Sources: almost all European countries, Aqua Libra proves *De geschiedenis van de Zuid-Willemsvaart, Cees Verhagen, ISBN 90-9014-027-1 Waterway maps (ANWB, ‘De Willemsroute’, Waterway map of Dutch and Belgian Limburg). The Maasplassen Magazine of VVV Midden-Limburg and information about activities on and around the Meuse Lakes can be obtained from the Tourist offices in Central Limburg vvvmiddenlim- burg.nl
Book your boating holiday now!
Receive a free wine package from the Aldeneyck wine estate on board when you book a boat from the Aqua Libra fleet for the 2020 season.
Valid for bookings of at least 1 week made before 15 January 2020. To take advantage of this offer, please mention “Pinot Gris” in your booking request.
30 For more information, please contact Aqua Libra Yachtcharter at www.aqua-libra.be
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Worldfirst
Text: Man van het Woord; Photos: Zebra Fotostudio's New number in a sublime series World first: the Grand Sturdy 480 AC Variotop® Until now, the Grand Sturdy 450 AC Variotop® and the 500 AC Variotop® have together formed our Grand Sturdy Variotop® series. This will change from November onwards, as the Grand Sturdy 480 AC Variotop® is on its way. It’s a small 500. Or a big 450. It just depends on the perspective you’re looking at it from. The space of a 16-metre yacht and the agility of a 13-metre yacht have been brought together in the design of this (almost) 15-metre yacht. The official presentation of the 480 AC Variotop® will take place at the Linssen Yachts Boat Show in November. You’ll be making your first acquaintance with it ... in this article.
You heard us say it when we launched the Grand European inland waters effortlessly. Sturdy 450 AC Variotop® and we’re repeating it now: While you might encounter challenges in ‘la belle the 480 has the same DNA as the 450 and 500. They France’ on a 500, you won’t on a new 480. The 480’s are soul mates with more similarities than differ clearance height is just a bit higher than the 450’s, ences. Of course we understand that you want to have namely 3.44 m, but less compared to the 500. It something to compare it with. Because if you have doesn’t seem like much, but it will certainly open up to choose between a 450, 480 or 500, you need to a large number of waterways for you in France. Do consider your options. That’s why we are already pro you prefer sailing on the big rivers, along the coast viding you with the necessary information about the or maybe even along the shore? Then the 500 AC latest model from our top line. By the way, our sales Variotop® is the yacht for you. team is always on hand to answer your questions about our new Grand Sturdy 480. Back to the original 500 In 1996 we launched our first generation Grand Sturdy France-proof 500 including the Variotop® wheelhouse system on to At a length of 14.95 metres, the Grand Sturdy 480 the market. We kept that revolutionary yacht in mind AC Variotop® is a good one and a half metres shorter when developing the Grand Sturdy 480 AC Variotop®. than the 500. This makes it, like the 450, an extremely In fact, the new 480 has exactly the same dimensions 32 manoeuvrable boat that allows you to navigate (14.95 x 4.65 x 3.42 m) as the first 500. You might call
LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 Linssen Magazine | Grand Sturdy 480 AC Variotop® CELEBRATING
it getting back to our roots. However, the new 480 AC Variotop® has much more interior space, three instead GRAND STURDY of two bedrooms and contemporary design and styl 480 AC VARIOTOP® ing.
Sleeping space for 6 people The 450 AC Variotop® has a spacious master bedroom Centre cabin and a generously proportioned guest room. We have The centre cabin contains two single beds. It’s a chosen the layout of the 500 AC Variotop® for the 480 functional space where, for example, you can let the AC Variotop®. This means a third bedroom in the form youngest passengers sleep. You can also offer pas of a centre cabin, like we introduced for the first time sengers who are only spending a short time on board on our second generation Grand Sturdy 500 (2002 and a comfortable place to sleep in this cabin. The two later). Only now it’s even more spacious and comfort single beds can be turned into a double bed in the blink able. of an eye. Feel free to ask about alternative layouts for this centre cabin. Master bedroom In the aft cabin you will find the master bedroom for Centre Line Traffic the captain-owner, which boasts a king-size double Whereas the 500 has two decentralised staircases at bed (1.80 x 2.00 m), lots of cupboard and storage the rear, we have followed the line of the 450 when space and an office corner. From this room you have designing the 480 at this point. The aft deck can direct access to your own wet room with electric toi be accessed from one central point. To use Linssen let, washbasin and shower. You will find even more jargon: the new Grand Sturdy 480 is equipped with storage space in the hallway from the aft cabin to the Centre Line Traffic. This choice was made in order to saloon. This is also the ideal place to install extras achieve the sense of space that we wanted to cre such as a second refrigerator. ate in the aft cabin. We wanted to chip away as little space as possible from the master bedroom. Guest room The spacious guest room in the front of the ship has a On the aft deck, we have placed a special table next to large double bed with lots of storage space around it, the U-shaped bench seat. Two leaves can be pushed and an en suite shower and toilet. All this is completely together to create a single table. And they can be separate from the other rooms, guaranteeing your pushed apart again to create a passage to the central guests’ privacy. staircase.
Photos Grand Sturdy 450 AC Variotop®
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LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 Interior styles There’s a simple reason for this. We don’t and can’t The six interior styles designed by Bertine Creemers expect you to make all the important choices before of PUUR Binnenhuisarchitectuur for the 500 and 450 your yacht is built. After more than 70 years, we know are also available for the new Grand Sturdy 480 AC that it doesn’t work that way for most people. It’s Variotop®. You choose the style that suits you. In this often only once you’re on board that you find out what way, you can create your own world of experience on your needs are, for example with regard to interior board. Will you go for soft natural tones (interior style design and layout. That’s precisely why we build our Sand), restful and pure white (interior style White), a yachts as universally as possible. We think ahead for calm Scandinavian atmosphere (interior style Grey), you as much as possible. And give you the opportunity the classic yachting experience (interior style Marine) to flexibly adapt and complete certain items even after or for one of the new colour options? the yacht is handed over.
Organised flexibility Modular design At Linssen Yachts, we don’t believe in custom building. An example of our ‘standard customised’ approach is
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LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 Linssen Magazine | Grand Sturdy 480 AC Variotop® CELEBRATING the flexible cabinets in the aft cabin. The layout of the cabinets is fixed, but you can specify the details your self. If you decide at the last minute that it shouldn’t be a wardrobe but a cupboard, that’s not a problem. We give you the same freedom of design in the place GRAND STURDY where a dressing table is often chosen in the aft cabin. 480 AC VARIOTOP® If you would rather have a shoe cupboard or a desk there, these modules are also available for you.
Proven quality The Softchine Prestressed Hull (SPH®) hull shape we Finally, a few unsurprising facts about the new Grand developed for the 500, on which we also built our 450, Sturdy 480 AC Variotop®. The styling, the equipment, is also the 480’s hull shape. This hull construction is the choice of materials and the finish are of course what produces the yacht’s excellent sailing character up to the Linssen standard. No concessions, only the istics. Do you remember them? Less resistance while best. This can be seen for example in the saloon with sailing, less noise and lower fuel consumption. sofa and table, in the spacious pantry with all con ceivable equipment and in the dinette with functional Superyachts for the inland waterways dining table for breakfast, lunch or dinner. By the More and more often we hear that Linssen Yachts way, you can also choose a different module for this delivers a quality equal to that delivered in the dinette. 25-metre (and larger) yacht segment. Our products are regarded as the most advanced in the market and At the heart of the 480, you will find systems and we are proud of that. As the market leader, this new technologies that have already proven their worth in Grand Sturdy 480 AC Variotop® will enable us to con the 450 and 500. The engine room (incl. 2 Volvo Penta tinue our steady course. engines) and the silent drive concept are identical and the green LIPPCON® (Linssen Integrated Propulsion With this new Grand Sturdy 480 AC Variotop, we are and Power Configuration) system continues to provide continuing steadily on course as market leader. on-board power management by means of smart energy control and a silent generator.
Basic specifications Grand Sturdy 480 AC Variotop® • Construction: SPH® (Softchine Prestressed Hull) • Engines: 2x 5 cyl. Volvo Penta Diesel • Bottom/hull/decks/superstructure: 6/5/4/5-4 mm type D3-110, , 2x 82 kW (110 HP) • Weight/displacement: ± 25,000 kg / ± 25 m3 ZF 45-H / 3,031:1; 3000 rpm • LOA x beam x draft: ± 14.95 x 4.65 x 1.20 m Alternator: 2x 180A-12V • Minimum air draft: ± 3.44 m • Fuel tank capacity: ± 2x 750 ltr • Headroom FC/saloon/AC/Wheelhouse: • Water tank capacity: ± 720 ltr ± 2.00/1.98/1.98/2.00 m • Holding tank capacity: ± 400 ltr • CE-classification: B (sea) 35
LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 Linssen Yachts programme
The Grand Sturdy series 30.0 | 35.0 | 40.0 | 45.0
GRAND STURDY 30.0 AC GRAND STURDY 30.0 SEDAN
9.70 x 3.35 x 1.00 m 9.70 x 3.35 x 1.00 m
GRAND STURDY 35.0 AC GRAND STURDY 35.0 SEDAN
10.70 x 3.40 x 1.00 m 10.70 x 3.40 x 1.00 m
GRAND STURDY 40.0 AC GRAND STURDY 40.0 SEDAN
12.85 x 4.30 x 1.20 m 12.85 x 4.30 x 1.20 m
GRAND STURDY 45.0 AC GRAND STURDY 45.0 SEDAN
13.98 x 4.35 x 1.20 m 13.98 x 4.35 x 1.20 m
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LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 CELEBRATING Linssen Yachts programme
The Variotop® series 450 | 480 | 500
GRAND STURDY 450 AC VARIOTOP®
13.75 x 4.65 x 1.20 m
GRAND STURDY 480 AC VARIOTOP®
14.95 x 4.65 x 1.20 m
GRAND STURDY 500 AC VARIOTOP®
16.45 x 4.88 x 1.29 m
No other motor cruiser in the world can match the There are seven different Grand Sturdy models to Linssen Grand Sturdy®. The unique combination choose from, plus a multitude of options: of classic styling, high-tech performance and all- • the Grand Sturdy 30.0 AC / Sedan round design excellence has made her the reigning • the Grand Sturdy 35.0 AC / Sedan queen of the waterways. • the Grand Sturdy 40.0 AC / Sedan • the Grand Sturdy 45.0 AC / Sedan Whichever one you eventually decide on, you have • the Grand Sturdy 450 AC Variotop® the assurance that by choosing a Linssen Grand • the Grand Sturdy 480 AC Variotop® Sturdy motor cruiser you’ve identified yourself not • the Grand Sturdy 500 AC Variotop® just as a genuine boating enthusiast, but as a true connoisseur.
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LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 MAKE THE MOST OF FAST DELIVERY TIMES FOR VARIOUS DEMO YACHTS.
These four yachts feature in various trade fairs such as the Düsseldorf Boat Show, Hiswa, Linssen sailing days and photo shoots and are available at special prices. Delivery time by arrangement.
Grand Sturdy 30.0 Sedan Grand Sturdy 35.0 AC
sistership sistership
In addition to the extensive standard specification, this In addition to the extensive standard specification, this yacht is equipped with: yacht is equipped with: Electric anchor winch, stern thruster, side ladder, read Side ladder, stern thruster, heating outlet steering position, ing lights FC, heating (blower) in cockpit, indirect lighting additional battery, battery charger/inverter, stainl. steel rope saloon, electric toilet in the FC, heating (blower) in FC toilet, fender caps, electric anchor winch, toilet comparment in the TV-connection in the saloon, additional battery, TV-antenna AC, indirect lighting saloon, reading light in the AC and FC, Glomex, battery charger/inverter, cushions for deck boxes in stainless steel banister saloon entrance, electric toilet in the Sandsurf FC and AC, TV-connection in the saloon, TV-antenna Glomex, TV in saloon, removable right arm rest saloon settee, cushions for deck boxes in Sandsurf, cabrio over aft deck, provisions for autopilot
Now also included: the Linssen Sedan Variodeck and the Now also included: the original Linssen teak deck on the Base navigation package (rudder indication, Axiom 7 dis aft deck and the base navigation package (rudder indica play) tion, Axiom 7 display)
Special price: € 259.000,- (incl. 21% VAT) Special price: € 326.000,- (incl. 21% VAT)
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LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 CELEBRATING Special MAKE THE MOST OF FAST DELIVERY TIMES FOR VARIOUS DEMO YACHTS. offer
Grand Sturdy 40.0 Sedan Grand Sturdy 40.0 AC
sistership sistership
In addition to the extensive standard specification, this In addition to the extensive standard specification, this yacht is equipped with: yacht is equipped with: Side entrance ladder, heating (blower) in cockpit, smart Side entrance ladder, heating at steering position, mid controller autopilot, VHF Raymarine Ray90, magne night blue color scheme, smart controller autopilot, VHF sium anodes, electric anchor winch, reading lights in the Raymarine Ray90, magnesium anodes, electric anchor guest cabin, USB connections, coolbox in saloon settee, winch, teak entrance door, cupboard solution keys/maps, TV-connection, Glomex TV-antenna, 32” tv in saloon, reading lights FC and guest cabin, indirect lights saloon blinds/mosquito screens in hatch FC/cabin+head steps/FC/AC steps, USB-connections, coolbox in saloon settee ,TV-connection, Glomex tv-antenna, 32” tv in saloon, blinds/mosquito screens hatch FC/cabin+head/AC, drop down system for cabrio
Now also included: the Linssen Sedan Variodeck, the Now also included: the original Linssen-teak deck on the stern thruster (8,4 HP) and the lake navigation pack aft deck, the stern thruster (8,4 HP) and the lake navigation (autopilot p70R, Axiom 12 display) pack (autopilot p70R, Axiom 12 display)
Special price: € 456.000,- (incl. 21% VAT) Special price: € 474.000,- (incl. 21% VAT)
Contact us now and take advantage of this unique opportunity 39 to sail a Linssen early in the 2020 season.
LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 Employees have their say...
After 30 years of building hulls, Peter Zentjes starts to wind down
Text: Man van het Woord. Photos: Zebra Fotostudio's
Sixty-four-year-old Peter Zentjes’ last working day will be 1 July 2020. That’s his timetable as of today. By that time, he will have spent 50 years in metal fabrication, no less than 30 years of which in the hull depart- ment of Linssen Yachts. His career within our company progressed from production worker to foreman to group leader. Together with Jos Linssen he built several prototypes at a time when “not everything had yet been pre-designed by computers”. Peter has experienced the growth of Linssen Yachts first hand and looks back on a “very nice time” ahead of his retirement.
Peter’s father had a farm in Stramproy and was also a Prototypes blacksmith who did all kinds of jobs for fellow villagers. When Jos Linssen designed a new yacht, a prototype This is how Peter’s interest in metalworking arose. was built to see if his ideas turned out well in reality. After completing his vocational technical training, The boat would then be further perfected on the basis including metalworking, at evening classes, he started of this prototype. One day, Jos asked Peter to build the work at the age of 15 at the WBM engineering work prototypes. This took place in a corner of the produc shop in his home town. In 1978 he went to metal fab tion hall. “It was pure craftsmanship,” says Peter. “You ricators Stals Constructiewerken, also in Stramproy. did a lot by eye, such as looking, fitting, measuring and And 10 years later, in 1988, he moved to Linssen making adjustments. And you built this prototype all Yachts. But actually, he had been working for our com by yourself. If you were off sick, the building stopped. pany for longer. Peter: “Stals Constructiewerken was It was also a lot less high-tech. Now you have com building the new halls for Linssen Yachts at the time. puters and CNC machines and a design has been com I think that was in 1985. That’s how I first came into pletely worked out in advance. In those days, we had contact with the Linssen family. Later we also started to improvise more, and that had a certain appeal. It making hulls for Linssen at Stals. The first hull was for was a fantastic time for me.” the 32 SL. In 1988 I made the move to Linssen, where I actually did the same work as I’d been doing at Stals. And I never left.” 40
LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 CELEBRATING
Much has changed Still enough to do Although Peter occasionally indulges in nostalgia and Peter will still be working full-time until August, and harks back to the good old days, he has also seen that one day a week less from August until July 2020. What much has changed in a positive sense over the years. will he do after his last working day on 1 July 2020? Peter: “With the advent of modern machines you can Peter: “I used to do a lot of cycling. Unfortunately, I now work more accurately, more efficiently and also suffered a heart arrhythmia 12 years ago and had more safely as a hull builder. The work has become to take things easy. But cycling is still a big hobby of less physically demanding and there is now a solution mine. I am also on the board of the local cycling club. or tool available for everything.” Another hobby is my 1,200 m2 garden. And, last but not least, I want to enjoy my family even more. I’m Yet Peter thinks that, despite increased automation, married, have two daughters and one granddaughter. his trade will always remain people work. “Of course, So I certainly won’t get bored.” we get better and more modern machinery. But craft workers such as those employed here at Linssen Peter wants to make himself as useful as possible to Yachts will always be needed. This is also because we Linssen Yachts until he retires. “I’m not the type to build small series of different models at the same time abruptly stop and close the door behind me. I want to on our production lines. If I were to come back here do a proper handover and give help where it’s needed. again in 25 years’ time, I don’t think so much would For example, by supervising less experienced col have changed in that respect.” leagues and teaching them the right way to perform certain operations. Or by tackling repair jobs. In that Pride in the product respect, I still have enough to do here.” In the 70 years of its existence, Linssen Yachts has built up a powerful reputation in the market for luxury motor yachts. And Peter is proud to have been able to make a contribution for 30 years. Peter: “Linssen Yachts is a metalworker’s paradise. The bar is set high here in terms of quality. This also means that, as a metal worker, you have to deliver the highest quality all the time. Not everyone can do that. But once you start work here, you’ll be able to work on a great prod uct. There’s nothing better than seeing a customer sailing away satisfied with a boat that you have built together with your colleagues. That always evokes a certain pride in me.”
What is his favourite model from 30 years at Linssen Yachts? Peter: “I still think the 470 was a really great boat. It had a very nice, long aft deck which could com fortably accommodate you and your whole family. I think it’s important to get the proportions right. And in my view that was the case with the 470.”
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LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 European Waterway History
Text: Mike Clarke; Photos: Inland Waterways International
Mike Clarke is a Council member of Inland Waterways International, Founder and President of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal Society, and a past President of the Railway & Canal Historical Society. He has been research- ing waterway history for 50 years, including living on a traditional wooden Leeds & Liverpool Canal boat for five years in the 1970s, and subsequently writing a history of the canal. A lock was named after him in 2016 for his work on that canal’s heritage. For the past 25 years, he has travelled widely around Europe, from Portugal to northern Russia, as part of his research. He has been consulted by ICOMOS regarding several applications for World Heritage Status involving waterways. Here he gives a brief overview of the develop- ment of inland navigation in Europe.
On a still-water canal, one horse can pull a boat car The Romans were great users of inland navigation, rying up to 100 tonnes, and even on the flowing and the Tiber up to Rome was navigable, possibly with waters of a river they can move ten to twenty tonnes. locks of some sort. However, their greatest waterway Because of this ease of movement, inland transport achievements were outside Italy, particularly on the on water has been used for millennia, particularly in Danube. There, Trajan built a towpath into the side the countries surrounding the Mediterranean. Egypt of the deep valley of the Iron Gates, making it easier is well-known for the 19th century Suez Canal, but for boats carrying gold, from what is now Romania, had many earlier canals, and the Nile has been used to finance the government in Italy. The towpath has continually for transport. In Mesopotamia, between disappeared under the deep waters of a hydro-electric the Tigris and Euphrates in modern-day Iraq, there scheme, but remains of the Roman bridge and har were improvements to the rivers as long ago as 3000 bour survive below the new locks at Djerdap in Serbia. BC, with canals for irrigation and transport being built Further north, they built many forts along the Rhine, later. In Greece, the Xerxes Canal was built around partly to protect their northern borders, but also to 480 BC for military use, and the Diolkos, a ‘railway’ control river navigation. In Mainz, the Museum of for boats, crossed the Corinth Isthmus as early as the Ancient Shipping displays the remains of five Roman sixth century BC. river boats excavated from the old river bed, together
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LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 CELEBRATING Spaarndam The embankment that for centuries protected Spaarndam and the Haarlemmermeer from tidal flooding still survives. However, the lock seen here in 2014 was built in the 18th century to replace a simpler opening sluice that was originally used by boats passing between the sea and the inland waters.
Diolkos with reconstructions of other Roman river boats. Their The Diolkos, as seen here, is a paved route with grooves size and number gives some idea of the importance to guide a cart on which boats were carried. The Corinth of inland waterways to the Romans. (See https://web. Canal takes the same route, and part of the Diolkos was rgzm.de/en/museums/museum-of-ancient-seafaring- destroyed when the canal was built. photo: Dip.Ing H. J. mainz/) Canals were also proposed by the Romans, Uhlemann and a route from the Rhone to the Mosel was consid ered, whilst in England, they built the Foss Dyke and Car Dyke near Lincoln.
For centuries after the end of the Roman Empire, One of the problems for canal and navigation build there are few records of inland shipping until the time ers was how to move boats from one level to another, of Charlemagne. He wanted to extend the Holy Roman such as around a mill weir on a river. This was also a Empire northwards from the Danube, so in 793 AD a problem for those building flood prevention barriers, canal, now called the Fossa Carolina, was built to link with more and more being built, particularly in the Low head waters, the Altmühl and Swabian Rezat, of the Countries and Italy. In the former, the first passage rivers Main and Danube. Only short, around three kilo for boats through a tidal barrier was at Spaarndam, metres in length, part of the canal’s route still holds close to Amsterdam, in 1253, as part of controls for water today. At the time, locks had not been invented, preventing the flooding of Haarlemmermeer. In Italy, and the small boats using the canal had to be man- an irrigation waterway, the Naviglio Grande, was built handled over short mud-covered slopes between the in 1179-1209, and by 1269 there was some form of various sections. Similar slopes remained in use in lock allowing access for boats into the centre of Milan. northern Russia into the 20th century, and occasion A passage for boats could also have featured in the ally remains can still be found. Charlemagne’s canal flood control system built in 1190 by Alberto Pitentino seems to have been successful as it did help protect at Governolo between the rivers Mincio and Po. It is and extend the eastern borders of his Empire, though probable that these passages for boats had lifting it does not seem to have remained in use for long. gates, supported by a wooden frame. This meant that Over a millennium was to pass before the Rhine and boats with masts could pass only if the mast was Danube were to be connected by a more substantial lowered or removed, restricting the possibility of navi waterway. gation.
Mainz The Mainz Museum of Ancient Shipping displays the remains of five Roman boats excavated from the banks of the Rhine, together with several reconstructions and numer- ous models. Wreck 5, seen on the left, was an 18-metre-long flat-bottomed patrol boat that would have been rowed or sailed upstream. 43
LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 Trade in salt was, for generations, an important part of the economy, and its carriage by road expensive. The Hansa town of Lübeck was an important cen tre for the salt trade from the Lüneburg area, and in 1398 a canal, the Stecknitzfahrt, opened for this trade between Lauenburg, on the Elbe, and Lübeck. It had both river and canal sections, and flash locks were used, where a single pair of gates held back the flow of Dückerschleuse water. When the gates were opened, boats could pass The Stecknitzfahrt, from the Elbe to Lübeck, was over shallow sections of river or canal on the ‘flash’ of Europe’s first summit level canal. It opened in 1398 water released. Rising from the Elbe at Lauenburg, it AD. It used flash locks, where a single pair of gates then crossed the watershed at Mölln, before descend were used. This is the Dückerschleuse, near Lauenburg, ing to Lübeck, making it Europe’s first summit level in 1996. To operate the lock, a wooden beam, swung canal. The canal remained in operation until the end of around a pin fitted into the hole in the stonework on the 19th century, when it was replaced by the Elbe- the right, would lodge against the raised stone on the Lübeck Canal. This had the fascinating Hotopp locks, left. Gates were then folded back against the beam to operated by air pressure generated by water flowing retain the water and give a navigable depth upstream. over an enclosed weir. (see http://www.autokaffee. Opening the gates created a ‘flash’ of water, giving com/DDD/Hotopp2.html for more information) These enough depth for a short time for boats to pass shal- are now being replaced by larger conventional locks. lows below the lock. Very wasteful of water, they were used only once or twice per week. On rivers, flash locks were not liked by mill owners and fishermen, and they were also time-consuming for boatmen. As they used so much water, they were usually operated, at most, only two or three times
Tienhoven Most early locks associated with land drainage had lifting gates, as seen here on the left in 1997 at Tienhoven, near Utrecht. The frame for lifting the gates made it impos- sible for sailing boats with fixed masts to use the lock. The windmill was used for pumping water, the water level only changing by per- haps one metre, and sometimes slipways, called ‘overtoom’, were used instead.
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LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 Linssen Magazine | Inland Waterways International CELEBRATING
Fossa Carolina. The Fossa Carolina, at Graben in Bavaria, was built in 793 AD by Charlemagne to provide a way for small boats between the Danube and Rhine. Its waters, seen here in 2018, are higher now than when first built, but much of the route can still be fol- lowed quite easily.
per week, so that there was also time for water mills lock was created. This required only sufficient water to operate. What was needed was a way of allow to fill the chamber each time a boat passed through. ing boats to move from one level to another without Something of this sort was probably in use on the using large amounts of water. This was achieved by Hahnenburger locks on the Stecknitzfahrt before building two flash locks close together, with just suffi 1480. cient room for a boat between the two pairs of gates. By building walls to connect the gates, the chamber We will look at the ‘true’ chamber lock in the next edition.
Inland Waterways International (IWI) brings together The annual international World Canals Conference is people and organisations dedicated to the use, man held under the auspices of IWI. agement and development of our inland waterways. The organisation currently has members in more than Peter Linssen, former commercial director of Linssen 20 countries around the world. Yachts, has been a member of the international IWI Council since 2014 and an active ambassador for the IWI is convinced that rivers and canals have a posi preservation of our beautiful waterways. tive effect on human life and well-being. Staying at or on the water, either in the city or in the countryside, allows people to relax, meet up, enjoy healthy outdoor living and take part in sports activities.
Whether it’s walking, cycling, horse riding, fishing or Become a member boating... it doesn’t matter how you experience your You can also join IWI as a private individual. By joi stay at or on the water. IWI believes that young and ning, you will be supporting inland waterways and old should always have safe and easy access to the recreational sailing around the world. To register, waterfront. The connection with nature and its cul please go to: tural-historical and gastronomic value inspires us and provides valuable breathing space from today’s hectic lifestyle. INLAND WATERWAYS INTERNATIONAL Wherever possible, IWI also encourages the restora BP 90093 tion of neglected historical waterways, locks and F-59559 Comines Cedex other hydraulic engineering works. France www.inlandwaterwaysinternational.org 45
LINSSEN MAGAZINE #55 Under
INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOWS & development LINSSEN EVENTS 2019
OCTOBER 2019 Linssen River trials Maasbracht (NL) 11.10 - 14.10.2019 Preview Grand Sturdy 480 AC Variotop® Belgian Boat Show Float Nieuwpoort (B) 19.10 - 20.10.2019
NOVEMBER 2019 Linssen Yachts Boat Show Maasbracht (NL) 16.11 - 18.11.2019
Motorboot Sneek Sneek (NL) 01.11 - 03.11.2019
Boot und Fun Berlin Berlin (D) 20.11 - 24.11.2019
DECEMBER 2019 Salon Nautique de Paris Paris (FR) 07.12 - 15.12.2019
2020 JANUARY 2020 BOOT Düsseldorf Düsseldorf (D) 18.01 - 26.01.2020
boot Düsseldorf 2020
ENTRANCE P1 P2 NORTH
8a TRENDSPORT MERKUR SPIEL-ARENA 18 –26. 1. 2020
7a SUPER 11 7 MARITIME ART 9 9 11 DIVING YACHT SHOW MOTOR EQUIP- 10 EQUIP- 12 DIVING EQUIPMENT/ MENT/ 13 WATER BOATS MENT/ ACCESSORIES ACCES- ACCES- TOURISM 6 LARGESIZED YACHTS SORIES SORIES 5 MOTOR BOATS
14 WATER 4 MOTOR BOATS TOURISM 17 SAILING 16 SAILING 15 SAILING 3 MOTOR BOATS
1 MOTOR BOATS P4 ENTRANCE
EAST
1650 1650 1650 1650 1650 1650 1650 1650 1650 1650 1650 1650 1650