A Life Rooted in Friesland
Bart grew up in Brabant in the southern part of the Netherlands. However, Bart’s sailing story begins by the water in Friesland, a region in the north of the Netherlands known for its lakes and sailing culture. Growing up, he was always on the move—whether sailing, fishing, or playing sports like football and field hockey with his siblings. He was a curious child who could easily switch from energetic outdoor activities to losing himself in a good book. From the moment he first stepped into an Optimist at age four, it was clear: the water was his element.
From Student Sailor to Skipper
Sailing became a constant in Bart’s life. He wasn’t just about racing or recreational sailing; he went on to become a certified sailing instructor as a teenager and joined Amsterdam’s student sailing association. It was there he trained to skipper a skûtsje—a traditional Frisian sailing vessel that’s a huge part of the region’s history and competitive sailing culture. But it wasn’t just about the training; it was about experiencing new things. After a semester abroad in Canada, for his International Business studies, Bart crossed the Atlantic, crewing a yacht from Martinique to the Azores and Portugal to get back home. By then, the spark for cruising life was lit.
The Entrepreneurial Leap: Starting BalkonBart
As Bart’s love for sailing grew, so did his entrepreneurial spirit. When the pandemic hit and he lost his job as account manager, he didn’t wait around for things to pick up. Instead, he founded BalkonBart—a company that creates balcony bars for the small, often cramped outdoor spaces in Amsterdam. The idea wasn’t just a business—it was about finding ways to bring more joy to people’s everyday lives. Bart’s creativity, combined with his ability to turn a challenge into an opportunity, led to the success of BalkonBart. He brought a bit of outdoor happiness to those living in the city’s apartments. In the mean time he had found himself a new job as account manager for an international SAP partner.
Shifting from Sales to Skipper: The Growing Responsibility
Despite his entrepreneurial success, Bart wasn’t done learning. His career in sales—spanning six years in lead generation, account management, and cold calling—taught him valuable skills in communication, leadership, and resilience. Working in both startups and large corporate environments, Bart was known for his ability to get things done and make things happen. If one of the products needed new leads, it was Bart who was asked to work his miracles. This drive and tenacity carried over when he became the skipper of Nimrod. Being in charge of the boat was different than anything he had done before. The responsibility of managing the crew, aka Bel, navigating the seas, and making crucial decisions at the helm made him realise just how big the job was.
From Nervous New Skipper to Confident Leader
The first months as skipper were filled with nerves. Despite his vast sailing experience, being responsible for Nimrod—and especially for Bel, who was still learning the ropes—was a lot of pressure. But over time, Bart grew into his role. The early nerves slowly turned into confidence as he found his rhythm. The more he sailed, the more he loved it. It’s no longer about just getting through the day—it’s about enjoying every moment on the water, feeling the wind, and watching the boat glide effortlessly across the waves.
Bart the Social Connector
One of Bart’s most notable traits is his ability to connect with people. Whether he’s out on the water or meeting someone new at a social event, Bart knows how to make others feel at ease. His genuine interest in others and his ability to spark meaningful conversations make him the kind of person you’d want in your corner. He’s the one who’ll liven up a quiet moment, make everyone feel welcome, and get the party started if it’s a bit dull. His competitive spirit, shaped through years of playing sports, also comes through when the stakes are high—but it’s all in good fun. Bart’s energy and charisma are contagious, and they’ve played a big part in making his journey on Nimrod unforgettable.
A Journey of Growth, Adventure, and Resilience
Bart’s story is about so much more than just sailing. It’s about finding a passion at a young age, building resilience in the face of setbacks, and always looking for ways to grow. From the Frisian lakes to the vast oceans, from starting a business to becoming a skipper, Bart has lived a life full of adventure. His ability to adapt, learn, and lead has made him the perfect person to take on this new chapter of his life.