Testimonial
Name: Tom Waes
Subject: Custom 1/1 Bestevaer
Yacht: Bestevaer 53 ‘Tethys’
“What sets KM Yachtbuilders apart isn’t just their world-class craftsmanship, but their ability to listen, translate ideas into reality, and build with soul.“
A long-held dream
“As a documentary maker and explorer at heart, I’ve seen the world from every angle. But one dream always lingered in the back of my mind: to own a sailing yacht built not just for performance, but for true adventure — and one that respects the planet. When I finally decided to bring that dream to life, there was only one name that kept coming up: KM Yachtbuilders.”
Choosing an around-the-world yacht
“The Bestevaer line always had something magical for me. Tough, capable, and designed for real-world expeditions — not just marina showpieces. But what truly convinced me wasn’t just the boat itself; it was the way KM Yachtbuilders work. Personal, passionate, and incredibly precise. From the very first conversation, I felt this wasn’t just about building a yacht. It was about building a vision.”
Why KM Yachtbuilders?
“I first discovered KM Yachtbuilders years ago while researching expedition yachts for a personal sailing project. The more I learned about them, the more intrigued I became.
Their reputation in the sailing world is unmatched — especially when it comes to building aluminium explorer yachts like the Bestevaer series. Over time, I started following their projects more closely, reading about their builds, watching videos, and speaking with sailors who had entrusted them with their dream vessels. It became clear that if I were ever to build a yacht, it would be with KM.”
“They don’t do off-the-shelf. They do character. They share the same love for the sea, for adventure, for doing things right — and you feel that in every weld, every decision.”
Built on shared values
“What I truly appreciated was how collaborative the whole journey was. I was able to shape every detail — from the technical specs to the aesthetics — and felt genuinely heard throughout the process. That’s rare. Together we made conscious choices: 70% recycled aluminum for the hull, a bamboo interior, electric propulsion with a regenerating propeller. Not because it’s trendy — but because it’s the right thing to do. It reflects the kind of sailor I want to be in today’s world.”
“One moment I’ll never forget was the hull turning. Seeing that 16-meter aluminium structure standing tall in the yard, that was emotional. Tethys was no longer just an idea. She was becoming real. And soon, she’ll carry me to new horizons.”
‘Tethys is more than a boat.
She’s a promise to myself to keep exploring.’
