Managing Director

m.jonker@rondal.com
+31 6 55003345

Having spent most of my life in a maritime environment, there was never much doubt that both my career and my leisure time would involve sailing and the sea. My career choice has been a very rewarding one, with the additional privilege, since 2019, of having been given overall responsibility for Rondal’s vision and operations. I can’t think of a better place to combine my professional and personal interests. On the leisure side, I am an avid sailor and yachting enthusiast with particular interests in classic wooden boatbuilding and classic sailing yachts employing cutting edge technology.

Commercial Manager

w.akkerman@rondal.com
+31 6 53855177

I have always believed that being able to make something with your hands is a wonderful gift and this led me into marine engineering. It was the right choice: I have relished the education and challenges of electrical engineering, hull and piping systems, navigation/ communication engineering and much more. I have project-managed construction of yachts through to delivery and major refits too – all valuable experience in my current role as Commercial Manager. No surprises, then, that my favourite pastimes include sailing, boat maintenance, making and fixing things.

Sales

I passionately believe that the only acceptable approach to sales in our industry is to find out what the customer wants – and needs – and to put forward a carefully considered Rondal solution. Simply trying to sell the products you have is a non-starter if you care about your customer and reputation – and we do!  Over several years as a Project Manager I learned a lot about the company, its products and its markets before switching to sales. I focus on Motor Yachts, where my aim is always to align strong commercial understanding with the best technical solution to meet the Owner’s priorities. Socially, I love music, motorbike riding, road trips and travel adventures, and the company of good friends.

Head of service 

w.mooiweer@rondal.com
+31 6 23683507

Rigging service is something I always enjoy. It’s certainly a challenge, never easy (sometimes you have to ‘fight the animal’ as we say), but the rewards of achieving success out of such complexity are terrific for the team.  I am also responsible for planning stepping and tuning of new build projects – and this has to begin way ahead to ensure total preparedness and co-ordination with industry partners. I never imagined I would be part of Rondal but I enjoy every moment of it – probably because they regularly ask me to make the impossible possible! On the home front, my pleasures come simply from my family, and from all the smaller things in life (I must be getting old!)

Lead Engineer spars and rigging

What I look forward to every day at Rondal is the teamwork that underpins everything we do. This teamwork – with the client, architect, yard, sailmaker and other co-makers – is not only central to the successful outcome of our projects but, on a human level, adds friendships, respect and interest to our individual lives.   Over more than two decades at Rondal I have been involved in all aspects of engineering design from deck equipment and winches to spars and rigging. Beyond work, my family, football, and working with friends for the annual Vollenhove flower parade all add colour and enjoyment to my life.

Project lead, entrances and general engineering

I love to fill my life with the greatest possible level of interest and activity, whether at work or at home. As Rondal’s Head of Engineering I draw upon many years’ experience in moving and rotating technologies to deliver an unending variety of yachting equipment for our customers. It’s always demanding, always stimulating. At home? Just as relaxed (!) with my horse riding, my DIY activities, my engineering projects, sailing and, of course the animals – especially chickens, dogs and horses!

Lead engineer – winches and feeders

My interest in winch design started in the heavy marine and offshore industry where winches had to be designed for extreme loads at all times in all conditions. The superyacht industry similarly requires powerful winch performance but also a designer’s eye to the structural aesthetics. I became lead engineer in 2019 to focus on development and design of Rondal’s winches and feeders, exploring all possibilities in lightweight design, new drive technologies and composite materials to create powerful, high quality new products.

Beyond work: Family and (when there’s time) a really good book to read.

Production manager Rondal

I am responsible for all composite new build projects, assembly and dressing up of rigging projects at Rondal. I started in composites in 2004 with the ABN-Amro VO70 build, followed by the Ericsson and Victory Challenge VO70 projects, completed in 2008. With a high quality team consisting of engineers, composite- and assembly specialists, I am responsible for the production and completion of all the Rondal products delivered.

Beyond work: Family, nature walks, travelling, fixing up old stuff, designing and making furniture.

Project manager composites

I derive a lot of energy from working in a great team where we can get the best out of one another to realise some extraordinary projects. My work at Rondal began in composite production, including rigging projects, hatches, composite decks and superstructures. As a project manager today, I am responsible for overseeing composite projects in Vollenhove or on location. My office is wherever my computer is and wherever I can apply my passion and commitment to a successful outcome. Beyond work, motorcycling, playing tuba in a family brass band and discovering the world with my family all contribute to a happy existence!

Project Manager

If I had to choose just a few words about my role at Rondal, they would probably be ’variety’, ‘stimulation’, ‘challenge’ and ‘reward’. There really is never a dull moment for me here. I specialise in sail handling systems – spars, rigging, booms, winches and feeders – and, as any sailor knows, this is the ‘sharp end’ of sailing, where the excitement and responsibility must come together. I have overseen production and delivery of rig packages (doors too) for many high profile projects. I also like to keep things fun on the home front – riding my Harley Davidson, travelling, fishing and cooking and, of course, spending time with my family too.

Project Management

For me, the balance of life is very important. My role demands that I employ structured working, planning and budgeting methods and focused training to make my projects run like a well-oiled machine. It helps that I can draw on a broad background of technical knowledge and communication techniques to appraise and resolve the challenges. By contrast, then, I love to experience the natural world and visit places where the quality of life is determined by an unhurried, ‘less is more’ culture. I like brewing beer and I enjoy travel, motorcycling and sport. Staying fit and healthy is as good for your mind as it is for your body!