Claasen Jachtbouw

Heritage meets modern craftsmanship

Claasen Jachtbouw Shipyard, founded by Nico Claasen in 1985 near Amsterdam, is known for combining Dutch craftsmanship with custom luxury yacht building. Claasen quickly established itself with a focus on elegant, traditional sailing yachts, using innovative techniques and working closely with renowned designers like Hoek Design. Specializing in classic-style yachts, the shipyard has built iconic vessels that are modern in performance yet evoke the aesthetics of earlier maritime eras.

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Claasen Jachtbouw
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Atalante I

Expert Craftsmanship and Competitive Edge

Claasen Shipyard, located in the Netherlands, is renowned for its premium craftsmanship and rich legacy in traditional and performance sailing yachts. Known for its highly skilled workforce, Claasen draws on the rich Dutch heritage of shipbuilding, leveraging both innovative technology and traditional expertise. The shipyard’s collaboration with world-renowned naval architects like Hoek Design allows them to produce yachts that blend classic aesthetics with modern engineering. Claasen’s commitment to quality has attracted a loyal international clientele, as the yard not only excels in building new yachts but also provides comprehensive refit and maintenance services for existing vessels, ensuring longevity and excellence in all of their projects.

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Focus on Custom Sailing Yachts and J-Class Builds

Claasen specializes in fully custom and semi-custom sailing yachts, particularly in the 24 to 45-meter range. The yard’s signature designs include the Truly Classic series, built primarily in aluminum, and J-Class replicas, which follow traditional designs with a focus on performance and aesthetic appeal. Claasen yachts are known for their displacement hulls and are crafted with attention to structural integrity, providing stability and durability for long-distance cruising and racing alike. The Truly Classic and J-Class lines reflect Claasen’s dedication to elegance and performance, blending timeless design with customizable elements that cater to each owner's unique requirements.

Notable Yachts in Operation

Among Claasen’s most notable builds are Lionheart and Atalante. The 43.4-meter Lionheart, the first J-Class yacht constructed with an aluminum hull, combines racing performance with luxurious cruising capabilities, making it a popular choice for regattas. Atalante, a Truly Classic 90, exemplifies Claasen’s craftsmanship with its mahogany interiors and spacious cabins, offering a blend of comfort and style for both racing and leisure. Another iconic yacht, Firefly, from the F-Class series, features a sleek design inspired by 1930s racing yachts and incorporates modern technology below deck, enabling impressive racing performance. These vessels showcase Claasen’s expertise in blending classic aesthetics with cutting-edge engineering.

Current and Future Projects

CClaasen Jachtbouw, now part of Vitters Shipyard, continues to innovate, with upcoming projects including new J-Class and F-Class yachts. The yard has been commissioned to build a J-Class yacht based on a 1937 Tore Holm design, which is anticipated to be one of the fastest in the class upon completion. Additionally, Claasen is exploring modern advancements in rigging and hull materials, aiming to enhance both performance and sustainability in future models. With these ongoing projects, Claasen remains committed to delivering sailing yachts that honor tradition while meeting the evolving demands of modern yacht owners. This approach ensures Claasen’s continued influence and legacy in the world of classic and performance sailing yachts.