Monnickendam (The Netherlands) – Jachthaven Waterland had a wonderful 2023, opening a new location in Volendam and closing the deal with the municipality to move and rebuild the marina. Waterland has multiple activities: marina, dry winter storage, yacht service, charter and short stay apartments. Founded in 1985 by Trees Zetzema, the company grew from a one-boat charter operation a full service nautical centre with 1000+ berths, 17 employees and open year round.
The market has changed over the last few years. Charter has experienced a shift in demand to day boating and that is why we are adapting our fleet. On the other hand, we see rising demand in dry winter storage and yacht service. We have seven technical full-time staff members dedicated to hoisting, yacht service and maintenance, since being able to offer yacht services to your marina customers is something we consider to be essential. We know how to put antifouling on a boat, polish it, renew its rigging and do small repairs or refits. Some berth holders are not able to keep their own boat in perfect shape due to age or time restrictions and ask us to take care of this.
This spring we were approached by neighboring Marina Volendam if we could add their location to our Yacht Service base. We agreed and started dry storage (dinghies), winter storage and yacht service last September. Pricewise we’ve decided to differentiate our prices for the customers. If you are a berth-holder in our marina or Marina Volendam, you pay the internal price. If you don’t have a berth in one of our marinas, you pay the external price.
The requests from a yacht service customer are very diverse and communication on this process is key. But if you put in your best effort (even in case of Murphy’s Law), customers will rank your marina higher due to its expanded services. Here at Waterland we accommodate a sailmaker and a motor mechanic for Volvo Penta and Yanmar as well and share our client base and works. With over 2000 boats within 6 km there is always work to do.
This December we closed the deal with the municipality. Keep a close eye on our social media channels and website to follow the developments. The Waterland Team wishes you Happy Holidays and a wonderful 2024!
