I was lucky enough to be invited to speak at the Annual Dinner for the "Compagnie Fonds" (the private donors) at the Dutch Maritime Museum in the Netherlands.
Wow, what an amazing evening that was; 200-plus guests in the exquisite surroundings of its home in Amsterdam: a beautifully restored 17th century warehouse.
The evening revolved around celebrating the significant contribution made by the Dutch yachting community to the "J Class" fleet, so I was very privileged to speak alongside the likes of Andre Hoek (https://www.hoekdesign.com/sailing-yachts/j-class), who has been involved in the designs of Lionheart, Topaz and Svea, and also Gerard Dijkstra (http://www.dykstra-na.nl/), whose yard managed the rebuilds of Shamrock V, Endeavour and Velsheda, the performance refit of J5 Ranger as well as the new builds JK6 Hanuman and JH2 Rainbow. Hallowed company indeed!
As the J-Class famously took part in America's Cup races in the 1930's, it was an honour and treat to talk about the Cup's history.
Don't forget to visit the Maritime museum when visiting Amsterdam: you'll be in for a treat as well! (www.hetscheepvaartmuseum.nl)
Photo Bart Veen/ Set Vexy