About us

When Chris Gongriep wanted to finish his 13-metre wooden barge under his own management in 1990, little did he know that the shipyard he founded for this purpose, De Hemmes, would be the start of a bright future as a world renowned superyacht builder.

While customers continued to request well-known Lemsteraken, Chris’ ambition grew into building the ideal charter yacht. After years of extensive study, Sapphire was built in 1996, a classic 31-metre sailing yacht. This was the start for Holland Jachtbouw and the transition to aluminum sailing and motor yachts was made.

Holland Jachtbouw grew into a successful yard with an extensive delivery program for super yachts up to 130 feet. The portfolio of more than thirty prestigious classic and modern superyachts in various categories demonstrate the craftsmanship and unlimited possibilities of the yard.

Athos, Topaz and Rainbow are just a few examples of dreams becoming reality; each demonstrating  the extreme precision, passion for detail and love of craftsmanship with which they are built. Only dedicated specialists with decades of experience can achieve the quality of finish in new construction as well as refits and restorations. It is this quality, expertise and love for the profession that attracted the international clientele to Holland Jachtbouw.

At the request of Chris’s heirs (who passed away in 2016), VMG Yachtbuilders continues its legacy with great respect for its founder. Its legacy is a fitting addition to VMG’s portfolio, which is in the same segment up to about 90 feet. Holland Jachtbouw is therefore moving to Enkhuizen, the epicenter of traditional yacht building and where the love and passion for craftsmanship is passed on from generation to generation.

Like a Phoenix rising from its ashes, Holland Jachtbouw will build the next generation of future classics from 2021 at its new state-of-the-art location.