Know your customers

At Sevenstar Yacht Transport, understanding our customers is key. CEO Richard Klabbers recently showcased his sailing prowess by winning the double-handed Round Britain and Ireland Race. Klabbers, who founded Sevenstar over 25 years ago, has always been deeply connected to the sea, both personally and professionally.

The double-handed Round Britain and Ireland Race spans nearly 2,000 nautical miles, starting and finishing in Plymouth, with stopovers in Galway, Lerwick, and Blyth. The route takes competitors north of the Shetland Islands, crossing the 60th latitude, which is only three degrees south of Iceland—a challenge not for the faint-hearted.

Klabbers, alongside his friend Pieter Heerema in Heerema's Swan 56, faced extreme weather and tough sailing conditions. “It was a big undertaking to race a boat like that with only two people over such a long distance,” said Klabbers. “We didn't just tour around; we raced the boat. We encountered 35-knot winds twice and faced abnormal weather circumstances most of the time.”

During the race, they experienced a significant challenge when the gooseneck on the boom broke. “We were lucky to be upwind, so we could control the boom and get to it,” Klabbers explained. “There was still 250 nautical miles to the next stop, but we decided to continue. We made a temporary repair with lashings, tying it together as well as possible, with a big rubber patch between the boom and the mast. Every three or four hours, we had to redo the whole thing. It was a delicate balance of depowering the boat to avoid putting too much pressure on the mast while trying not to lose too much distance in the race.”

Navigating in such conditions was particularly challenging. “We had to tack into that in the dark, rain, with more than 30 knots of wind. It was crazy, especially with this limp boom hanging there in lashings. But we made it. In the end, it’s always good stories, but when you are there you have to be a little inventive to deal with these things,” Klabbers recounted.

This achievement highlights Klabbers' lifelong dedication to sailing. From a young age, he knew he wanted to be at sea. After years of sailing and working in commercial shipping, he combined his passion with his profession by founding Sevenstar Yacht Transport. The company started by utilizing empty decks on cargo ships to transport yachts, a concept that has grown into a market-leading business.

Today, Sevenstar is renowned for transporting yachts worldwide, using innovative techniques and a deep understanding of maritime logistics. The company operates with a fleet capable of carrying yachts both on and below deck, and even owns submersible vessels for transporting larger yachts up to 160 meters.

Sevenstar's services extend beyond transportation. They provide comprehensive logistical support for professional yacht racing teams through Sevenstar Racing Yacht Logistics. “We understand the sailors' needs because we are sailors ourselves,” Klabbers explained. “We offer cradles, containers for rigging, sails, and even trucking for spare parts.”

Klabbers' recent race victory not only underscores his personal commitment to sailing but also reflects the values that drive Sevenstar's success. “Our dedication to the sea, both personally and professionally, is what makes us safe, fast, and reliable,” he said. “The planning and preparation required for racing are the same principles that ensure our business remains successful.”

Sevenstar Yacht Transport continues to lead the industry, providing top-tier services and maintaining a strong connection to the maritime community. Klabbers' win is a testament to the company’s dedication to excellence in all aspects of yacht transportation.