The lineage of Pointer Yachts traces back to the venerable Jachtwerf Heeg BV in the Netherlands, a shipyard with a rich heritage spanning over 70 years. Founded on a legacy of outstanding yacht design and exacting building standards, the Heeg yard has long been synonymous with quality keelboat construction. Notably, since 1962, the yard has been the builder of the Van de Stadt-designed 'Randmeer' open keelboat, with over 2,100 units produced, many of which remain actively sailed today. Other significant models followed, including the classic G2, another Van de Stadt design, which earned the coveted HISWA Dutch Sailboat of the Year prize in 2004, celebrated for its revolutionary bronze keel and foldaway outboard system.
In 2010, the Heeg yard entered a new chapter under the ownership of Geert Wijma. With a background in design, Wijma injected renewed vigor into the yard's design and development processes, laying the groundwork for what would become the distinctive Pointer range. The vision was to create a series of small yachts unashamedly designed for the sailing enthusiast, prioritizing speed, balance, ease of handling, and clever features to enhance the overall sailing experience.
History and Evolution
The modern era of Pointer Yachts truly began in 2010 when Jachtwerf Heeg BV introduced its "Pointer range" of small yachts. This marked a strategic evolution for the long-standing shipyard, building upon its decades of experience in crafting durable and well-regarded vessels. The first model in this new line, the Pointer 25, made its debut in 2014. Developed in collaboration with the renowned Van de Stadt team once again, the Pointer 25 was conceived as a sleek and fast family weekender, quickly garnering critical acclaim and winning the prestigious Dutch Yacht of the Year prize in 2015. Its success was immediate, both within the Netherlands and across wider Europe, with over 60 units of this model built to date.
Following the success of the Pointer 25, the range expanded to include the Pointer 22 daysailer and, more recently, the Pointer 30 fast cruiser. These additions solidified the brand's commitment to a specific sailing philosophy and market segment.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Pointer Yachts, as built by Jachtwerf Heeg, have cultivated a distinct reputation in the sailing world for their blend of performance, practical features, and elegant design, particularly appealing to sailing enthusiasts. They are known for their speed, balance, and easy handling, making them accessible yet rewarding to sail. A signature design characteristic, especially relevant for their Dutch origins and appeal in shallow waters, is their shallow draft keels, with some models offering lift keels for genuine trailer-sailing capabilities. This focus on trailerability and ease of transport, often referred to by representatives as "Boats on Wheels," is a key differentiator.
The design ethos emphasizes a low freeboard and class-leading low weight characteristics, which not only contribute to their aesthetic appeal but also allow them to be towed by a wide range of cars. This approach contrasts with the trend of modern high-freeboard yachts, instead prioritizing pure sailing enjoyment and performance. The collaboration with the Van de Stadt team has been instrumental in shaping the sleek and functional aesthetics of the Pointer range.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The Pointer range currently consists of three main models, each tailored to specific sailing preferences:
- Pointer 22: This daysailer is notable for its lift keel, which recesses into the hull, making it a true trailer sailer. It offers berths for 2-4 and serves as an ideal entry point into the range for those seeking agile day-sailing adventures.
- Pointer 25: As the award-winning "family weekender," the Pointer 25 made a significant impact upon its launch. It balances performance with comfortable accommodation for four, earning critical acclaim and proving popular across Europe.
- Pointer 30: Unveiled in 2022, the Pointer 30 is the most recent and largest addition to the line, designed as a fast cruiser. It maintains the series' characteristic low coach roof and focus on sailing performance, drawing international attention for its unique design and clever features.
These models collectively showcase Jachtwerf Heeg's commitment to building yachts that are both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional, suitable for diverse sailing conditions from shallow Dutch waters to broader European cruising grounds.
The Builder Today
Today, Jachtwerf Heeg BV continues its legacy of boat building excellence from its base in the Netherlands. Under the leadership of Geert Wijma, who took over in 2010, the yard has sustained its strong traditions of build quality and timeless design while also fostering innovation. Pointer Yachts are built with a focus on durability and user-friendliness, ensuring a positive ownership experience. The boats appeal to a wide range of sailors, from those seeking a spirited daysailer to families desiring a comfortable weekender or a fast cruiser capable of more extended voyages, all with the added benefit of trailerability for many.
While Jachtwerf Heeg BV is the builder, Omega Yacht Services in the UK, operating from Salisbury, serves as a key representative for Pointer Yachts, specifically under the "Boats on Wheels" moniker. Nick, associated with Omega Yacht Services, is also a marine surveyor and an author on maritime history, indicating a deep passion for boats and their construction. This relationship highlights the international reach of Jachtwerf Heeg's Pointer range, providing dedicated local support for owners and prospective buyers in markets like the UK. The strong design and build quality of Pointer Yachts suggest a growing community of owners who appreciate the distinctive blend of performance, elegance, and practicality offered by these Dutch-built vessels.
