Join us for an unforgettable day at the KM Yachtbuilders Open Day! Explore over 20 custom-built yachts, witness expert craftsmanship in action, and get an exclusive look at both yachts in build and exciting refits. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the world of aluminium yachtbuilding up close—see you there!
When: Saturday, May 10th 2025
Where: De Stienplaat 7, Makkum, The Netherlands
Time: 10:00 – 17:00 hr
Entry: Free – Everyone welcome, incl. dogs 🐾
‘From Hull to Horizon: Where the world’s finest explorer yachts take shape’
The KM Yachtbuilders annual Open Day is always a resounding success, and this year will be no different. Step aboard 20+ custom-built yachts, ranging from 36 to 76 feet, and witness expert craftsmanship firsthand. Explore yachts under construction, discover exciting refits, and enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access to our shipyard and workshops.
What to expect:
- Step aboard 20+ custom yachts (36–76 feet)
- Explore yachts under construction
- Discover exciting refits
- Join guided tours and presentations, including a talk by Belgian actor and TV presenter Tom Waes, owner of the Bestevaer 53 ‘Tethys’
- Meet 25 of our trusted suppliers
- Book signing session with Gerard Dykstra
- Designed Allen Clarke of Owen Clarke Design will be on board the OCD60
- Connect with sailors & owners
- Enjoy great food, drinks & company
Program KM Open Day 2025 – Scheduled activities
| When | What |
| 10:00 | Doors open |
| 11:00 | Talk by Tom Waes – Bestevaer 53 ‘Tethys’ |
| 11:30 | Guided tour around the yard |
| 12:00 | Book signing session – Gerard Dykstra |
| 12:30 | Sustainable Yachtbuilding at KMY by Jelle Engel |
| 13:00 | Guided tour around the yard |
| 14:00 | Book signing session – Gerard Dykstra |
| 14:30 | Talk by Tom Waes – Bestevaer 53 ‘Tethys’ |
| 15:30 | Guided tour around the yard |
| 17:00 | Doors close |
The following yachts will (provisionally) be present:
Under Construction
- Bestevaer 53 Tethys (Tom Waes)
- Bestevaer 53 Sur
- Stadtship 56 Flow (prev. Otte)
- OCD60 Frenz
- Bill Tripp 71ft Carbon S/Y (in the paintshed)
Refits
- Bestevaer 76 La Rahema
- Huisman 73 ‘Coro Coro’
- Perry 60
- Beneteau 45
- Ovni 385
- Huisman 37
Completed – in the water or on the quay:
- Bestevaer 36 BV3
- Bestevaer 53 MY #3
- Bestevaer 56 Panta Rhei (viewable from the outside only, subject to change)
- Dykstra 55 Greyhound
- Stadtship 47 Lot
- Stadtship 56 Oester
- Stadtship 56 Merrimac
- Koopmans 36 Blikvis
Yachts for Sale:
- Bestevaer 36 BV3
broker: Yachtfull International - Bestevaer 53 MY #3
broker: Elburg Yachting - Stadtship 70 Red Rooster
broker: CB Selections - Garcia 60 Fiore
broker: Yachtfull International
Watch the Movie from Last Year’s KM Yachtbuilders Open Day!
Relive the excitement, craftsmanship, and exclusive behind-the-scenes moments from 2024, and join us this year for even more unforgettable experiences!
KMY Open Day 2025 – Highlights:
Tom Waes
A special highlight of the Open Day is the presence of Tom Waes, the well-known Belgian actor, television personality, and proud owner of the Bestevaer 53 Tethys. Last year, viewers watched live as he welded the first parts of his hull himself and gave an impressive presentation about his sailing plans. This year, he returns with another presentation about his Bestevaer 53 Tethys, currently under construction at the yard. Visitors will get an up-close look at the yacht and see how it is taking shape.
Yachts Under Construction and Refit Projects – 2025
During the KM Yachtbuilders Open Day, visitors will have the chance to admire some of the yard’s most remarkable ongoing projects. The Bill Tripp 71ft carbon sailing yacht, previously under construction by Paul Dijkstra Composites, has just arrived at KM Yachtbuilders. We’re now taking over the outfitting and interior completion of this stunning performance cruiser.
Designed for adventurous sailors, this innovation is sure to turn heads during our Open Day. Don’t miss your chance to see it up close! There’s also the OCD60 Frenz, set for delivery this summer and already drawing a great deal of interest. And for the first time in many years, a new Stadtship 56 is under construction—the Flow (prev. Otto).
Bestevaer Yachts
In addition to these projects, visitors can also see the Bestevaer 53 Tethys and Bestevaer 53 Sur under construction at the yard. The Bestevaer series, designed by Dykstra Naval Architects, remains a symbol of quality, adventure, and craftsmanship. These yachts are built to handle the most demanding conditions while delivering exceptional performance.
Refits
KM Yachtbuilders is also undertaking a range of impressive refit projects, including the Bestevaer 76 La Rahema, the Perry 60, and an Ovni 385. Each of these yachts is being carefully revitalised with the same level of precision and craftsmanship that defines the yard’s new builds. Whether it’s upgrading systems, renewing interiors, or restoring classic lines, these refits highlight KM Yachtbuilders’ ability to breathe new life into well-travelled yachts—transforming them into vessels ready for many more miles at sea.
Craftsmanship on Display
During the Open Day, visitors get a rare and exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the building process of these iconic yachts. They’ll experience the exceptional craftsmanship and unmatched attention to detail that have earned KM Yachtbuilders its worldwide reputation.
Meet our trusted suppliers
At the KM Yachtbuilders Open Day, you’ll have the unique opportunity to connect with over 20 of our trusted suppliers. From top-tier yacht equipment to premium lifestyle essentials, these industry experts will be on hand to showcase their products, share insights, and answer your questions. Whether you’re looking for cutting-edge technology or the finest materials, this is your chance to explore the best in the business—all in one place.
Nautic
ASA Boot Electro
Combi Noord
CircleFoam
EcoDeck
Finsulate
Harken / On Deck
KB Alufrees
Lamers System Care
Lankhorst-Taselaar
PD Composites
Seldén Mid Europe
Uk De Vries sails / Masten en zo..!
Yanmar Marine International
Yachtfull International
Lifestyle
Aukje de Haan Schilderijen
Deining Magazine
Firda Sneek, afd. Maritieme Techniek
Flagship Interiors
Hollandia Uitgeverij
LotteOpZee
MKKM.frl
Pantaenius GmbH
Vyva Fabrics
KM Yachtbuilders
KM Sales Hub
KM HR – jobs
KM Yachtbuilders HRM Booth – Career options
Thinking about a career in yacht building? Visit our HRM Booth during the KM Yachtbuilders Open Day! Our HR team will be there to share insights about working with us, career opportunities, and growth possibilities. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting out, we’d love to meet you!
Set Sail for Adventure!
The KM Yachtbuilders’ Open Day, which takes place from 10:00 to 17:00 hours, is open to all boat lovers, sailors, motor-yacht enthusiasts, and all those with a special interest in high-latitude destinations and aluminium yachts.
In short: don’t miss this exclusive opportunity!
When: Saturday, May 10th 2025
Where: De Stienplaat 7, Makkum, The Netherlands
Time: 10:00 – 17:00 hr
Entry: Free 💙 Walk-ins welcome
*Registration is appreciated to help estimate attendance.
Media:
March 2025
Zeiltrends (NL)
April 2025
HLN (BE/NL)
GvA (BE)
⚠️ Important traffic update for May 10th:
A7 exit to Makkum closed
If you are driving to Makkum from the north or northeast (Friesland, Groningen, or northern Germany), please note that exit 16 (Makkum) on the A7 will be closed on May 10th.
- Take exit 17 (Bolsward) one exit earlier, at the end of the exit turn left until you reach the T-crossing, going left to Makkum.
- Follow the yellow detour signs (“omleidingsborden”) which will guide you to Makkum with a short detour.
👉 View the official traffic information here
Coming from Amsterdam/ Noord Holland?
Traffic coming from the direction of Amsterdam or via the Afsluitdijk will not be affected—you can use the regular Makkum exit as usual.
For the return journey: the on-ramp from Makkum to the A7 towards North Holland/Amsterdam will also be closed. We suggest taking the scenic route through the village and along the dike.