Gerard Dijkstra is director/owner of Dijkstra & Partners Naval Architects. He started in competitive sailing and grew to become one of the finest yacht designers in the world. Henk de Vries, CEO Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw, and Lex Keuning, senior lecturer, were also nominated.
According to the jury, Dijkstra also played an important role in the revival of the J-Class. He is a true self-made man, has perseverance and is dedicated.
The Nominees
Henk de Vries is CEO at Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw. He builds ocean going custom built super yachts for the rich and famous all over the world. His company is known all over the world and he is a man of vision and entrepreneurship.
Lex Keuning is senior lecturer Marine and Transport Technology and Ship Hydrodynamics and Structures at the TU Delft. He is a pioneer in scientific yacht research. Results from his research are used in yacht design all over the world.
Of course Dijkstra was thrilled to win the award, although he had to admit he has gathered several awards over the years. He did say he thought Keuning should haven gone home with the award. Since he could not haven built his ships, if it were not for Keuning’s research and design programmes.
The Maritime Awards Gala 2008
The 2008 edition was the third Maritime Awards Gala. The night was presented by Roelof Hemmen and Dutch Minister for Economic Affairs, Maria van der Hoeven, presented the awards. The gala took place in the World Forum Convention Centre in The Hague. Representatives from all over maritime industry were present.
The evening started with a reception, followed by the award ceremony which had several musical performances. Afterwards, the guests sat down for dinner. The evening was concluded with drinks and merriment where a band provided musical accompaniment.
Curious about the Maritime Awards Gala? https://www.swzonline.nl/fotoverslag/4[Visit our online photoalbum!]
