Innovative Frisian yacht in the running for European Yacht of the Year 2012

11/01/2012

Peter Keus, owner of sailing school and group accommodation rentals firm De Ulepanne, based in the Frisian town of Balk, has had his fill of conventional yachts. He therefore began developing his own a couple of years ago. Having spent the past year carrying out tests and making modifications, he will present what he refers to as his tried and tested ‘convenience yacht’, the Keus 22, at the Friesland Holland Plaza in hall 14 at boot Düsseldorf (21-29 January 2012).

Winner to be announced on 21 January at boot Düsseldorf
It is to be announced at the show on 21 January whether or not this Frisian water sports entrepreneur will be bringing the highly coveted award back home. ‘However, simply being nominated in the first place is a huge compliment,’ said Mr Keus, who thinks it is high time for the introduction of a sporty, safer and more conveniently operated open yacht for use in shallow waters, such as the Frisian lakes.

Designed specifically to have fun in
‘I was keen to provide a sportier and user-friendly alternative to craft like the widely renowned Polyvalk, yet one that also emanates a certain European style. My creation also had to be able to compete with the major brands. My schedule of requirements therefore comprised much more than simply establishing another sporting category of yacht. It was to be the ideal laboratory for my sailing school, while I also needed a vessel that picks up readily and manoeuvres smoothly at low speed and when there is little wind, for rental purposes. In my view, one should be able to manage adequately using sail in both narrow and congested waters. Furthermore, a yacht shouldn’t be too complex, as less experienced sailors otherwise quickly give up and newcomers don’t even bother trying. My yacht is designed specifically to have fun in.’

Quality product
The hull and deck are vacuum injected and made of sandwich panels. Instead of using polyester, Mr Keus opted for vinyl ester resin. ‘Not only does it produce a strong finished product, but it also enables one to conveniently make the laminate for each vessel exactly the same. There’s therefore nothing to stop the Keus 22 from becoming a distinct category.’

Suitable for both rental and competition use
The Frisian water sports entrepreneur nevertheless insists that you cannot design a category on your own. It is something that develops through increasing use. ‘A wide group of enthusiasts first has to adopt the vessel as it is. And I’m pretty sure they will, because my yacht performs surprisingly well according to the talented and the knowledgeable alike. Both sailing instructors and experienced competition yachtsmen have proven highly enthusiastic.’

Keus at boot 2012: Hall 14 / C 16

Homepage: keus22.nl



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