For over seven decades, the name Jongert has been synonymous with unparalleled quality, exquisite craftsmanship, and timeless design in the world of luxury yachting. Hailing from the Netherlands, this esteemed shipyard has built a global reputation for creating bespoke sailing and motor yachts that are as robust and capable as they are elegant and comfortable. From its humble beginnings to its position as a revered superyacht builder, Jongert's journey reflects a steadfast commitment to nautical perfection.
The foundation of Jongert Shipyard dates back to November 11, 1953, when Jan Jongert senior established his workshop in Opperdoes, the Netherlands. Initially, the focus was on constructing practical vessels, specifically farmers' boats and small motorboats. This early period laid the groundwork for a deep understanding of marine construction and the demands of the water, skills that would soon be applied to a much grander scale.
A Legacy of Evolution
The transition into luxury yacht building marked a pivotal moment for Jongert. In 1960, the shipyard launched its first luxury motoryacht, signaling a new direction. This was quickly followed by the development of two significant classes of sailing yachts: the Zwalkers and the Trewes. These designs were conceived in collaboration with the renowned marine engineering firm Van der Meer and yacht architect Willem de Vries Lentsch. It was these innovative sailing yachts that brought Jongert its definitive breakthrough and established its global reputation as a pioneering yard.
Throughout its history, Jongert has predominantly utilized steel or aluminium for the construction of its semi-custom and custom luxury yachts, a testament to their focus on durability and strength for blue-water cruising. The company, originally a family-owned business, underwent a significant corporate change in 2009 when it was acquired by the VeKa Group, a large Dutch multinational maritime company. Today, Jongert B.V. continues to operate, focusing on new builds and extensive refit projects.
The Hallmark of Dutch Craftsmanship
Jongert's reputation in the sailing world is one of building superyachts of the highest quality, known for their robust engineering, reliability, and enduring appeal. The shipyard is celebrated for its ability to produce yachts that offer both comfort and performance, designed for long-range cruising with generous interior spaces. Signature design features often include deep, protected cockpits, practical deck layouts, and sophisticated interior joinery, reflecting a meticulous attention to detail.
Crucially, Jongert has a long history of collaborating with some of the world's most distinguished naval architects and designers. Early partnerships included Willem de Vries Lentsch, who helped shape their initial sailing yacht lines. In later years, the shipyard worked with talents such as Germán Frers, known for his work on yachts like the Jongert 3000M, and Van Oossanen Naval Architects, involved with models like the Jongert 2400M. The development of their motor yacht range also saw collaborations with designers like Guido de Groot, and more broadly, Jongert's modern motor yacht and sailing lines continue to be developed in conjunction with leading experts, including Azure Naval Architects.
Iconic Vessels and Enduring Impact
Over the decades, Jongert has launched an impressive fleet of over 325 yachts, each contributing to its esteemed legacy. Among the most iconic models are those from their "S" and "M" series, which have become highly sought-after in the brokerage market. The Jongert 20T, for instance, is regarded as one of the shipyard's most iconic models, praised for its blend of comfort and speed. Other significant models include the 19s, 21s, 17S, and 20DS, which continue to be listed for sale, demonstrating their lasting value.
The 2900M, 3200M, and 3900M series represent some of Jongert's larger luxury sailing yachts, specifically designed for serious world cruising. While Jongert is predominantly known for its sailing yachts, it has also produced notable motor yachts like the 26-meter Precious Cargo and the 47-meter Jongert MY concept in collaboration with Vripack, alongside Lucia-M, designed by Guido de Groot. The shipyard's focus has been on custom and semi-custom projects rather than high-profile racing campaigns like the America's Cup, cementing its niche in the luxury cruising market.
Jongert Today: A Continued Pursuit of Excellence
Today, Jongert continues to be a prominent name in the superyacht industry, recognized globally for its commitment to high-quality new builds and extensive refits. The shipyard maintains its operations in Wieringerwerf, Netherlands. While the ownership has seen changes over the years, Jongert is currently privately owned and continues to launch new yachts, such as the 32-meter 3200P, the first in a new range of performance yachts.
Modern Jongert yachts appeal to discerning owners who seek a blend of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design and technology. The ownership experience is characterized by the enduring quality, reliability, and timeless appeal of their vessels, which maintain strong resale values. Furthermore, the Jongert brand fosters a strong sense of community, with an Owners' Club that connects enthusiasts of these exceptional yachts. The shipyard's ongoing activities, including recent major refits on yachts like the 42-meter sailing yacht Abide in 2024, underscore its active role in maintaining and enhancing its impressive fleet for generations of owners.
