In conversation with Okke Hooites: "Summer mainly means hard work, but I don't mind that at all"

After a career as a yacht broker in Northern Europe, Okke Hooites decided to chart his own course in 2015 by founding Orange Yachting. During MASTERS SUMMER EDITION, the company presents the redesigned VanDutch 40. But before the yacht will dock at De L'Europe Amsterdam, MASTERS talked to the founder.

What was your very first summer job?

''That's a good one, because I've never actually had one. I started working early, I think since I was fifteen. I've done all kinds of things: started as a shelf stocker in the supermarket, washed cars, worked in a bicycle shop and a clothing store. I think that entrepreneurship and working hard for your money kind of runs in the family.”

How did you end up in your current job?

''I never really liked school, my vocational test in high school showed that entrepreneurship would be my direction. After my military service I ended up in sales, first as a car salesman at Alfa Romeo. Eventually I found my way into the boat world, which I like much more. People usually buy a car for functional reasons, while buying a boat involves much more emotion. By definition you work with happy customers. At first I was employed, but during the crisis of 2009-2010 sales came to a standstill. After an excursion of several years, I decided to go my own way and started Orange Yachting in 2014." 

What does your ultimate summer look like?

''Summer is the most beautiful time of the year for me, but there is a small 'but' to it. Of course, our season also starts as soon as summer arrives. With Orange Yachting we have to be ready for our customers who want to go sailing. In addition, the number of requests for new boats is also increasing. In winter, people focus less on this. So the summer is mainly hard work, but I don't mind that at all, I can combine fun and private life well. In addition, we spend a lot of time abroad, our boats are mainly in the Mediterranean, which makes traveling anything but annoying."

Which summer was the most memorable for you? 

''It may sound strange, but for me that is the first summer of the corona year. This time the boat industry has done no harm; more boats were sold than ever before. I hardly had to travel, while before I was on the road almost every week. Suddenly that stopped, yet trading continued. Moreover, the weather in the Netherlands was beautiful."

What are you toasting to during the National Summer Drinks? 

“Although it may sound cliché, I prefer to toast health. For me, that takes precedence over business success. But of course I also toast to that, both professionally and privately, that we can continue to enjoy life and the beautiful moments."

Where can you be found in Amsterdam this summer? 

To be honest, I rarely come to Amsterdam. I live in Noordwijk and travel a lot. Then staying close to home and just being at home is very pleasant. But when I am in Amsterdam, I will most likely be found on the terrace...'' 

You work abroad: what five things are indispensable? 

''When I really go on a trip, I take at least my toothbrush, telephone, credit card, laptop and reading glasses. This has already come a long way. Of course I also want to take clothes with me, but they are less important than my reading glasses haha. ''

“The iconic lines of VanDutch are comparable to those of a Porsche 911; you really shouldn't change it too much”

Which entrepreneur would you like to spend eight hours on a plane with and what would you like to discuss with him/her?

''I would know a lot of them. But if I had to name one it would be Raymond Cloosterman, the founder of Rituals. Wherever you go, you come across Rituals. Whether it is Miami, Oslo or Milan. I am especially curious about how he manages his business and how he has managed to build such a brand worldwide." 

What will you bring to the MASTERS SUMMER EDITION?

''During MASTERS SUMMER EDITION the new VanDutch 40 will dock at De L'Europe Amsterdam. VanDutch was founded in the Netherlands in 2009, but has been added to the portfolio of Pardo since 2020, which has completely redesigned the boat together with the designers of Mulder Design. VanDutch's iconic lines are comparable to those of a Porsche 911; you really shouldn't change it too much. Yet they have delivered a very fine piece of craftsmanship with a slightly higher waterline and a different layout. Where the boat used to have a stern and bow thruster, it is now equipped with stern drives that you can operate with a joystick. The sailing characteristics have also been significantly improved. So we proudly show this boat.” 

Curious about the entire Orange Yachting offering? Visit the website here.

MASTERS SUMMER EDITION 

MASTERS SUMMER EDITION will transform the prestigious De L'Europe Amsterdam into a true fairytale hotel from 20 to 22 June. Throughout the hotel and on the terrace on the Amstel, summer is ushered in and celebrated together, for three days, in the heart of our capital. A merger of (international) guests, influential locals, CEOs, family business owners, VIP relations, visionaries and acquaintances.

At this invitation-only event, stately period rooms with a view of the Amstel - from exclusive (family) businesses - invite you to experience the high-profile brands and industries. From boats to watches and from art to travel. There is a party both outside and inside and the experience is unique to say the least.