GESINK TURISMO NÁUTICO LDA
In 1986, the Dutchman Dirk Willem Gesink decided to spend his holiday in Portugal. At that time he was a successful businessman in Holland and since his childhood a passionate sailor. He had started sailing when he was four years old at the “Loosdrechtse Plassen” in Holland.
When looking for a company that organized sailing trips on the river Tagus during his holiday in Portugal, he was left frustrated that he didn’t find any single sailing boat dedicated to this activity. This was a determinant observation. At this moment, he decided that within one year he would have his own sailing boat in Portugal dedicated to nautical tourism. And this was exactly what happened.
In 1987 he bought the “Sepha Vollaars” and started sailing commercially in the Algarve. After having sold everything in Holland, the Gesink family made Portugal their home, living on board the centenary schooner, and started their business: Gesink Turismo Náutico Lda.
In 1991 Dirk Gesink relocated the “Leão Holandês” (ex-Sepha Vollaars) from the Algarve to Lisbon in order to sail day-cruises on the river Tagus.
From this time on, the Leão Holandês is a reference in the Lisbon tourism branch, besides being the first and most experienced company dedicated to this service.
The Crew
Besides having a vast nautical experience in Portugal, the captain has a unique life philosophy. The spirit that reigns on board is that of relaxation, entertainment and good mood. There’s always an excellent mood amongst the crew and all those who are on board. Friendliness, experience and expertise distinguish our international crew. Some of the crew members are interns from the local nautical school, who seize the moment for an excellent opportunity to develop their nautical skills. The golden rule is that everyone must get along and respect each other, just like a big, happy family. And the safety and well-being of our guests always come first.
Dirk Willem Gesink (Owner) – Captain
Heleen Starink (Co-Owner) – Sales and F&B
Florentine Gesink (Co-Owner)
Annelotte Gesink (Co-Owner)
Michael Hultén – Sales, Bookings, Logistics and Public Relations
And of course we could not sail without our excellent Portuguese sailing crew.
The entire crew of the Leão Holandês will do everything to make your stay on board as pleasant as possible.