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Our Story

Our family business was founded in 1968 by Jogchum Veenje. What began in a farmhouse barn in the village of Smalle Ee with the construction of rowing boats has grown into a leading watersports company in Europe. Today, nearly 1.000 motor yachts built by us sail worldwide. Scroll through to view the milestones in our history and discover our story.

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The first 8-meter cruiser was built by Jogchum Veenje in a barn in the village of Smalle Ee, near Drachten, without tackles or tools. His wife Sapke took care of the paintwork and curtains.

The first boat show in Leeuwarden. The whole village watched as a cruiser was transported on a homemade cart behind an Opel.

The Smelne Kruiser 10.50 was declared "Boat of the Week" by weekly magazine Schuttevaer. A permit was requested for new construction on the industrial estate de Haven in Drachten.

The launch of the largest Veenje Kotter of 13m and the start of the Smelne dealership in the United Kingdom. The company name changed from Veenje to Smelne and the shipyard moved to De Steven 26 in Drachten. The first participation in Boot Düsseldorf with the Smelne Kruiser 12.50 is also a fact.

Introduction Smelne Vlet 11m and is praised in trade journals. The development of the fast sailing Smelne Kruiser 12.50 with special underwater hull, 35 km/h with 2x 200hp.

The delivery of the Smelne Slingshot 50 OK (2x 450 hp / 19 knots) which attracts a lot of international publicity. Bestseller: Smelne Vlet 1295, praised for its whisper-quiet sailing and perfect finish.

Introduction Smelne 1500 S: ultimate luxury and modern design. Smelne Vlet 1100 makes transatlantic crossing and winters in the ice, ultimate quality test with much publicity.

The first Bodensee specification Smelne 1280S, built extra wide. First twin-engine Smelne Vlet 42 OK delivered. Brokerage offer tripled.

Large custom-built order: Smelne Trawler 1600, delivery 2021. Showroom expansion for 15-20 boats. Participation in Boot Holland with 9 used yachts. Start of dealership of Nidelv and purchase of molds Nidelv 950 S-line.

New type designation for all yachts. Smelne Vlet 430 OC as first in new series. Expansion of interior construction with edge-beaming machine. EMCI certification achieved… and more!

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