New chairman at ‘Het Rotterdamse Zeilschip’
Guus Drijver is the new chairman of the ‘Het Rotterdamse Zeilschip’ Foundation, known for the three-masted schooner Oosterschelde and the stevenaak Helena, and on the eve of the restoration of the historic beugsloep Johanna Hendrika, built in 1896.
Board member Albert de Heer said: “We are delighted to welcome Guus. His enthusiasm, administrative experience, network and energy make him an invaluable asset to our foundation and our ships. With the restoration of a third vessel, the foundation is entering a new phase and we are delighted that Guus, as chairman, is committing himself to this ambition.”
Drijver succeeds Annet Koster, who is stepping down after more than four years as chair. The board is grateful to her for her dedication and commitment. During her chairmanship, the foundation has been able to further fulfil its social objectives and has offered thousands of people the opportunity to sail on the ships.
Seventh-generation Rotterdamer
Guus Drijver (1965) was born and brought up in Rotterdam. The Drijver family now spans seven generations with roots in Rotterdam. The port, shipping and Rotterdam’s can-do and entrepreneurial spirit have therefore been part of his background for generations.
After studying law at Erasmus University Rotterdam, Drijver began his career at Van Ommeren. He later worked for organisations including ABN-AMRO and Friesland Bank before choosing to become an entrepreneur. He is currently an asset manager at Orchestra Charity & Private Office, working with charitable foundations and family offices. In addition, he has served as chairman of the Willem-Alexander Children’s Fund and the Verenigde Ondernemers Scheepvaartkwartier, amongst other roles.
His involvement with the foundation dates back more than ten years. Since 2013, Drijver has organised an annual voyage with Rotterdam-based entrepreneurs aboard the Oosterschelde, with the aim of supporting the ships and connecting entrepreneurs with one another and with Rotterdam.
“The Oosterschelde and Helena are not only unique sailing ships with a remarkable history and wonderful voyages, but above all, the ships bring people together, all over the world,” said Drijver. “I have experienced first-hand just how meaningful a voyage or day trip is for those on board. That is precisely why I want to commit myself to ensuring that the ships can continue to be used in the future for social projects involving special target groups.”
Sailing heritage with a future
Drijver is committed to the sustainable preservation of the ships, but above all to their future as active sailing heritage. Every year, many thousands of people are welcomed during public open days, sailing trips and social projects.
“The Helena is probably the oldest inland vessel still under sail in the world, and the Oosterschelde is famous worldwide thanks to her voyages and remarkable expeditions. The ships must continue to be actively utilised. In this way, they can form a bridge between maritime history and the world of today.”
Restoration of the ‘Johanna Hendrika’
A key priority is the restoration of the Johanna Hendrika, built in 1896. The steel fishing sloop was built in Katendrecht for fishing operations from Rotterdam-Rijnmond and is therefore literally linked to the maritime history of Rotterdam and the region.
“It doesn’t get any more Rotterdam than that,” says Drijver. “The ship is literally a piece of our history. The Johanna Hendrika deserves to sail again and to remain a tangible example of the remarkable history of Dutch shipbuilding and fishing.”
The foundation is actively seeking supporters for the restoration. The Oosterschelde and Helena demonstrate that historic ships can be preserved in the long term after restoration by giving them an active role in society.
Source: press release from the ‘Het Rotterdamse Zeilschip’ foundation
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