Jachtwerf F. Dekker en Zonen, often known as Dekker & Sons, carved out a notable, though perhaps understated, niche in Dutch yacht building during the latter half of the 20th century. Operating from its yard at Diemerzeedijk 3 in Amsterdam, the company became particularly recognized for its production of fiberglass cruising sailboats, most notably the "Defender" series. While its exact founding date remains less documented, the "en Zonen" (and Sons) in its name suggests a heritage rooted in family tradition, a common thread among esteemed European shipbuilders. The company's operations concluded around 1986, marking the end of its direct contribution to new yacht construction.
Jachtwerf F. Dekker en Zonen was strategically located at Diemerzeedijk 3 in Amsterdam, a site that has since transitioned into Jachthaven Bouwmeester. The use of "and Sons" in the company's full Dutch name, "Jachtwerf F. Dekker en Zonen," indicates a generational commitment to the craft of yacht building, although specific details regarding the founder, F. Dekker, and the initial vision are not extensively recorded in public databases. The company's most active period of documented boat production began in the late 1960s.
Design Philosophy and the Defender Legacy
Dekker & Sons established a reputation for building sturdy and reliable production sailboats. Their entry into the fiberglass era, a pivotal moment for many traditional yards, allowed them to offer accessible cruising yachts to a broader market. The company collaborated with the French naval architects Jacques Gaubert and André Mauric, who were responsible for the design of key models in their lineup, such as the popular Defender 27. This collaboration highlights the shipyard's commitment to professional design and modern construction techniques, positioning them as a significant player in the burgeoning fiberglass yacht market of the time.
Iconic Models: The Defender Series and Beyond
The most enduring legacy of Jachtwerf F. Dekker en Zonen lies in its "Defender" series of sailboats. These models were designed to offer comfortable and capable cruising experiences, appealing to a growing number of recreational sailors. Key models in this series include:
- Defender 15: Introduced in 1969, marking one of the earliest known models from the yard.
- Defender 27: Launched in 1971, this model shared its hull with other designs and was a notable part of the series.
- Defender 32: First built in 1972, this larger model continued the design principles of the series and was constructed with a polyester (fiberglass) hull.
- Defender 35: The largest known model in the series, introduced in 1978.
In addition to the Defender series, the yard also produced the Drifter 25, with models appearing as early as 1977. While specific production numbers are not readily available, the consistent introduction of new models within the Defender range over a decade suggests a successful production run and popularity among yachting enthusiasts.
The End of an Era
Jachtwerf F. Dekker en Zonen ceased its boat-building operations around 1986. The specific reasons for the conclusion of their activities at that time are not widely documented. Today, the physical location of the former shipyard at Diemerzeedijk 3 in Amsterdam serves as Jachthaven Bouwmeester, a marina. It is important to note that modern entities such as "Dekker Yachts," a yacht charter and management company based in Ibiza, or "Dekker Watersport," a marine equipment store in Zaandam, are separate businesses and not direct continuations of the historic Jachtwerf F. Dekker en Zonen boat-building enterprise.
Although the shipyard is no longer actively building boats, its contributions, particularly through the durable and popular Defender series, have left their mark on the European cruising yacht landscape. The legacy of Jachtwerf F. Dekker en Zonen lives on through the many fiberglass sailboats that continue to ply the waters, a testament to the craftsmanship and design principles upheld by this Amsterdam-based builder.
