Henk Sijbranda was born on a boat in the Netherlands, a barge to be precise, where he grew up for the first three years of his life. From an early age, he inherited a love for sailing from his parents, spending joyful summers sailing the lakes of Friesland, exploring the Wadden Islands, and venturing along Europe’s coastal waters, – all experiences that nurtured his adventurous spirit.
He writes: “A lifelong sailor, my passion for the water started at a young age. Growing up, I spent countless hours on boats, whether racing in club regattas or setting off on sailing adventures with friends. It was this deep-rooted love for yachting that naturally led me to a career in yacht brokerage, though I took a slightly different route to get there.
After completing my commercial education, I first gained experience working in sales in a construction company before stepping into a sales manager role for a shipyard. These early roles provided a solid foundation in business, negotiation, and client relations, all of which would prove invaluable when I made the leap into international yacht brokerage 30 years ago. Since then, I have had the privilege of working with an incredible range of clients, sealing deals on more than 750 yachts and being involved in over 2,500 transactions. No two deals are ever the same, and that’s exactly what I love about this industry; the people, the challenges, and the thrill of finding the perfect yacht for every owner.
Beyond brokerage, I’ve always kept my love for sailing alive. I have competed in numerous regattas, including the Swan Rolex Cup and the North Sea Regatta, and I never miss an opportunity for club races when time allows. Some of my most cherished moments on the water, however, have been sailing trips with friends to the breath-taking Scandinavian coastlines, a perfect mix of adventure and camaraderie.
Away from the sea, I enjoy exploring Europe’s vibrant cities with my three children, immersing ourselves in history, culture, and, of course, great food. Cooking is another passion of mine, and one I enjoy sharing with my children.
I have extensive experience managing accounts across Dutch, English, and German-speaking markets, which I believe will be a great asset as a yacht broker Palma, the centre of international yacht brokerage in the Mediterranean. Living and working in this yachting paradise feels like the perfect next step, and I look forward to the new opportunities and adventures that await.”
