Individual growth

Young and ambitious sailors naturally want to reach the top as quickly as possible. But how do they obtain the required knowledge? How can they develop their talents in an efficient manner? How do they become real winners? In 2007, the Nacra Master Class was set up as an answer to these questions. The programme revolves around knowledge transfer and talent development. These key values convinced maritime service provider Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. to support the zealous sportspeople.

In 2009, the Boskalis Team Riders showed their strength at the F18 Worlds in Belgium, which proved the value of the formula. Three out of four pairs finished within the top five, whereas Team Boskalis won GOLD and BRONZE. Coen de Koning took his second world title in a row. His young crew Thijs Visser became the youngest F18 World Champion ever, at the age of nineteen. Following this outstanding group performance, it was time for a few crew changes, in order to give new talents a chance.

This means that young sailors get the opportunity to be trained by experienced and celebrated catamaran specialists. In an intensive and efficient manner they will work their way to the world top of the international F18 class. Eventually the apprentices will continue on their own strength.

"It is all about extending your goals and limits”

We can almost hear you thinking: "What does a dredging company have to do with young sailors in the catamaran sport?” That association is closer than you might expect. Team spirit, ambition, innovation, winning and talent development are important values for both Boskalis and catamaran sailing at the highest level. Moreover, it is about motivated people with a mission, both in sports and in their studies. They make their way to the top in their own unique manner, off the beaten track. They want to distinguish themselves from their rivals in their approach. Through hard work and dedication in the coming years, these students will develop their talents. Not only on the water, but also in their studies. The people working at Boskalis have the same drive. They also want to win in their field in their own way.

Beyond borders

In November 2007, it was voted that the multihull will no longer be an Olympic discipline in 2012. This did not deter Boskalis from expanding their sponsoring in catamaran sailing. Martijn Schuttevâer, Group Director Corporate Relations at Boskalis, explains why: "If you start something, you have to see it through. We won’t be discouraged by a headwind. The Olympics crossed our path, because that is what the original Boskalis team wanted to do. When this goal disappeared, we reconsidered the programme and quadrupled it. It’s all about extending your goals and limits. That’s how it works in sports, but also in our company.” According to Schuttevâer, their sponsoring is, in essence, about talent development and knowledge transfer: "That’s why we are more than happy to proceed after last year."

Boats and recognition
 
When it comes to recognition and unity, Team Boskalis definitely extends its limits in 2009. Three of the F18 Nacra Infusions will each show one of the core activities of Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. One boat represents ‘creation of land and water’, another ‘protection of coasts and riverbanks’ and the last boat ‘construction and maintenance of ports and waterways’. The fourth catamaran sails in the style of the RBW 1910 clothing range, for casual and sailing gear.