21/12/2020
One of the previous Chairs of TransEurope and an active figure in HISWA, the Dutch water-sports trade association, Monica de Vast now heads up the Delta Marina team as one of no less than 6 female member managers in the Netherlands.
Up until 5 years ago I was part of the TransEurope Marinas family while working for Marina Port Zélande in the southwest area of the Netherlands. I attended many interesting meetings, first in Southampton during the boat show and later also at the Düsseldorf show. The meetings in Southampton were particularly enjoyable since these were combined with visits to other member marinas.
I love visiting other marinas and talking to the teams there. Every marina has its own unique characteristics and I really enjoy learning from other colleagues in the industry.
At that point, I was offered the opportunity to work in the northern part of the country, in a completely different area of water-sports. So, I packed my bags and went from a salt water (Delta) area to a fresh-water area (IJsselmeer): the same country but a completely different atmosphere. I learned so much from that switch; it broadened my horizon and my network. During my work as director of the marina in Andijk, I was a volunteer for our branch of HISWA (the national water-sports trade association). I was involved in protecting the interests of water-sports entrepreneurs. A few years later I even went on to work full-time for HISWA-RECRON.
Along the way entrepreneurship kept calling me, so when the opportunity to become director of Delta Marina came along, I didn’t think twice.
Delta Marina is located in the heart of the Delta on the Veerse Meer, a sheltered lake nearby the Oosterschelde. The Delta region is a fantastic area, offering the chance to enjoy fishing on calm inland water, sailing on the open ocean, defying wind and waves while kite surfing or simply unwinding completely either sailing or paddling along gently meandering rivers. It is all possible here with varied opportunities for water-sports enthusiasts of all levels.
The 600-berth marina is set in a tranquil, naturally protected area with ample green areas, affording a unique character. With a welcoming staff there are diverse businesses and services to meet all the leisure and sailing needs. Delta Marina is one of six national members that fly not only the Blue Flag, but also the advanced level Green Pennant, recognised for a notable level of environmental management. TransEurope Marinas boaters travelling between this cluster can visit Jachthaven Waterland to the north and Vrije Noordzeezeilers Blankenberge to the south.
I think we all notice that our society is changing in significant ways, but Covid-19 has accelerated the push towards digitalisation, customer focus and the challenges brought on by climate change. This is our focus for the near future and years to come.
I’m looking forward to reconnecting with TransEurope Marina managers and giving their boaters a warm welcome at Delta Marina.
Boaters wishing to contact Delta Marina can write to: haven@deltamarina.nl
