KM Yachtbuilders had a strong presence at HISWA-in-Water 2025 in Lelystad, NL, welcoming visitors at Berth D.02. The highlight: Tom Waes’ brand-new Bestevaer 53 'TETHYS' sailing yacht, which visitors could step aboard to see for themselves how we combine craftsmanship, seaworthiness, and practical design. Meet the experts behind our yachts Our team was on hand to answer questions and provide insight into: • Custom explorer yachts • High-latitude and long-distance sailing • Sustainable sailing adventures • Bestevaer Yachts • Our shipyard and facilities • New build and refit expertise • Yacht departments and craftsmanship • Dream destinations and life aboard About HISWA-in-Water HISWA-in-Water is the Netherlands’ leading boat show for sailors, watersports enthusiasts, and industry professionals. With a wide range of exhibitors, the latest boats and innovations, and hands-on demonstrations, it’s the place to see what’s happening in the boating world. The show was busy, with many visitors showing interest in our yachts and services. We build dreams — aluminium yachts that enable sailors to explore the world’s most remote waters with confidence, comfort, and true adventure. ⛵︎ Learn more: kmyachtbuilders.com | Bestevaer.com #kmyachtbuilders #bestevaer #bestevaer53 #tethys #tomwaes #exploreryachts #newbuildyachts #refit #yachtrefit #hiswa #hiswainwater #sailing #yachtlife #adventureatsea #yachts #yachtdesign #exploreryacht

Experience ‘Tethys’. A yacht that perfectly blends power, elegance, and adventure.

Launch of the Bestevaer 53 'Tethys' - from Tom Waes The wait is over — Tethys, the brand new Bestevaer 53 built for Tom Waes, has officially touched the water. A proud moment for everyone involved. Designed for adventure, built for the toughest conditions, and ready to sail the world. Want to step aboard Tethys? 'Tethys' will be on display during the HISWA te Water Boat Show 2025, from 3–7 September in Lelystad, NL. 📍 You’ll find her at Berth D.02. 🎟️ Secure your visit here: https://kmyachtbuilders.com/hiswa-te-water/ #bestevaer #bestevaer53 #tethys #tomwaes #exploreryacht #kmyachtbuilders #HISWA #yachtbuilding #yachtdesign #yacht #sailingyacht #kmyachtbuilders

KM Yachtbuilders is proud to introduce the brand-new Bestevaer 54 ‘MicMac’ at Boot Düsseldorf 2025. Watch this video for an impression about KM Yachtsbuilders at Boot Düsseldorf. Daily more than 200 visitors at the booth. Next to the Bestevaer 54 'MicMac' there were also unique meet & greets with the Naval Architect, Mr. Gerard Dijkstra, Mr. Erik Wassen & Mr. Edwin Luijf, Naval Architects at Dykstra Naval Architects. For more information about KM Yachtbuilders and Bestevaer: https://bestevaer.com/ https://kmyachtbuilders.com/ Video by Guy Fleury

The Bestevaer 53 Tethys is going green with @Finsulate's eco-friendly, biocide-free antifouling! 🌿 This cutting-edge solution helps keep the waterways clean, reduces maintenance, and lasts up to 8 years—perfect for sustainable yachting. We’re thrilled to bring this project to life for @TomWaes aboard this stunning explorer yacht, designed by Dykstra Naval Architects. Stay tuned as we make Tethys even more exceptional! ✨ #Bestevaer53Tethys #sustainableyachting #ecoinnovation #yachtservice #aluminiumyachtBuilder #exploreryacht #antifouling #finsulate #tomwaes #dutchshipyard

When Tom Waes was at our shipyard last week he enjoyed having a break from the meetings by taking the Bestevaer 36 out for a little bit. Unfortunately the mist kept him from going far, but being out on the water is always refreshing and clears the mind. “I’m always happy to be on board a yacht,” he said. “It’s just a great feeling to be on the water, and it makes me even more excited for my own yacht!” #bestevaer #bestevaer36 #takeabreak #tomwaes #kalmwaes #tomwaesbe #sailingsatisfaction #explore #sail #sailtheworld #goanywhere #sailing #exploretheworld #travel #dream #reizenwaes #kmyachtbuilders 📸 @guyfleury_photography

The Perry 60 ‘MARLIN’ underwent a thorough refit at our shipyard in 2024. Designed by Robert Perry and built in aluminium by Yachtbouw Folmer in 2008, the Perry 60 ‘MARLIN’ is a robust aft cockpit pilot saloon cutter, created for the most challenging blue water expeditions. From the icy waters of Antarctica to the tropical Pacific, MARLIN has proven her strength and versatility. After covering over 60,000 miles, her current owners entrusted us with a comprehensive refit at KM Yachtbuilders. In 2024, MARLIN emerged with an extended keel, a sandblasted hull, a fully refitted deck and mast, and updated navigation systems. We also modernized the interior with upgrades including a stainless steel countertop, new ceilings, and floors, while adding solar panels for improved energy efficiency. Interested in refitting your yacht? Explore more at KM Yachtbuilders by visiting: www.kmyachtbuilders.com/theservices. #yachtrefit #perry60 #yachtmaintenance #kmyachtbuilders #boatrepair #yachtrefitting #sailing

With much care and attention, the hull of the Stadtship 56 was turned. This is always a special moment for both us and the owners. It remains a beautiful sight to see the huge aluminium construction dangling in just a few slings and being carefully turned over.

We are in love with aluminum. It is strong, easy to maintain and durable. One of our sustainable choices for the Bestevaer 36 is the use of recycled aluminum. And why not? Recycled aluminum has the same great physical properties as the new material, but production takes 95% less energy. That’s not only a wonderful idea now, but also a promise for the future.♻💚

The beginning of the Waddenslalom is a fact. Gerard Dykstra took the Bestevaer 36 for her first miles to a place she was designed for, the Dutch Wadden Islands. Thanks to the centerboard, the Bestevaer 36 can seamlessly navigate between deep and shallow waters. This enables the exploration of small waters and places that would otherwise be inaccessible. The retractable keel also allows the yacht to fall dry on sandbanks, providing a unique experience. It is therefore no surprise that the Bestevaer 36 feels like a fish in the water when slaloming the Wadden Islands. Although she is compact in size, the yacht is strong enough to sail to Spitsbergen, or beyond. The ability to maneuver with ease between the shallow waters of the Wadden Islands or the deep oceans in the North Sea makes the yacht ideal for sailors who want to enjoy the beautiful scenery ánd the more challenging sea.

Last weekend it was time for the sea trial of the Bestevaer 62 Luskentyre, the latest member of the Bestevaer family. In the coming weeks the last things will be tackled and the owners will take her for a more extensive sea trial. After that she can be admired at the Hiswa in-water Boat Show from August 30 to September 3. You can come and see her at berth C38. For more information about Hiswa, go to https://kmyachtbuilders.com/events/hiswa-te-water/ For more info about the Bestevaer 62 Luskentyre go to: https://kmyachtbuilders.com/the-fleet/bestevaer-62-luskentyre/ 🎥@guyfleury_photography

With the launch of the Bestevaer 36 S/Y, we achieved another new milestone this week. We haven't built such a sustainable and compact yacht before. In the coming weeks we will be working hard on the finishing touch. The travel schedule for the next two months feel like a tour: First a test sail on the Wadden, then onwards to the jury days for the Yacht of the Year Innovation Awards, next up the launch at Hiswa in-water Boat Show, and then immediately on to Grand Pavois boat show in La Rochelle. Pictures and videos of the interior will follow later. She will be on display during the Hiswa te Water from August 30 till September 3, 2023 For more information about the Bestevaer 36 visit: https://bestevaer.com/36SY

On this beautiful sunny day, we launched our latest yacht, the Bestevaer 56 Namaste. The yacht, designed by Dykstra Naval Architects, is sure to attract the attention of luxury yacht lovers with her modern interior, beautifully painted hull and latest technologies. Read and see more here: https://kmyachtbuilders.com/the-fleet/bestevaer-56-namaste/

Turning Bestevaer 36 S/Y

This year, KM Yachtbuilders is celebrating its 25th anniversary and we are not letting that pass unnoticed. Our anniversary year will start with an extra festive open day on Saturday April 22. That day everyone is welcome for a look behind the scenes of the Makkum shipyard. Step aboard our yachts, such as the Pelagic 2 and the Bestevaer 36, view the yard, talk to the experts and meet the people who bring our yachts to life. You are most welcome.

We've expanded our business with two new painting halls. The new painting halls will be used to paint ships, masts and interiors. Apart from KM Yachtbuilders’ own frequent use of the new painting hall, they will also offer other parties the opportunity to paint here.

As the Vinson prepares to set sail back to South Georgia, here at KM Yachtbuilders we just turned the hull of her future sister boat. Most aluminum boats are built upside down to facilitate welding. Turning the hull up is a significant milestone: It is the equator of the building process and, once straightened, not only starts to look like a real boat but opens the door to further work. The vessel gradually comes to life. Skip Novak was there for such a special moment. The launching of the second Pelagic 77' is expected to take place within a year. 📸 @wearegoroka @guyfleury_photography

FOLLOW THE JOURNEY Here's a little sneak peek for the video we have made of our Bestevaer 53 Motoryacht. The full video (15 minutes!) will be posted next week! We hope you enjoy the trailer and if you want to learn more about this yacht, send us an email at info@kmy.nl.