Founded in 1928, Gillissen is one of the most iconic boat manufacturers, well known for its specialisation in creating seaworthy vessels that are specifically designed for extensive sea travel. Gillissen’s roots are in Netherlands, a land synonymous with excellent shipbuilding. The brilliant craftsmanship of Theophile Gillissen, its founder, soon gained national recognition in the Dutch boating community for a unique quality — combining traditional designs with modern techniques. His work mainly revolved around fishing vessels, tugboats, and corresponding ship types.
However, the rise to prominence began when Gillissen started producing pleasure boats for leisure sailing in the 1960s. This proved to be a turning point for the company, seeing a significant increase in recognition for their craftsmanship in this new avenue. The intricate designs and workmanship, combined with attention to detail and reliability, made these boats popular among avid sea travellers.
Today, Gillissen has continued to build on its reputation for creating high quality, robust, and reliable boats. The company, now known as Gillissen Steeler Yachts, is situated in Steenwijk, Netherlands. They apply modern architecture in their designs, without losing the deeply rooted maritime tradition. Although they have progressed from their humble beginnings, each model still maintains the key aspects that Gillissen is well-known for, being hand-built and tailored to the customer's wishes. This hands-on approach guarantees the quality that has been associated with the Gillissen name for decades.