Meet Our Customers: Arjen and Amanda – Our Sailing Trip

Hey, nice to have you here! We are Arjen and Amanda, two fanatic sailors with a shared love for adventure on the water. During the week we both work in education, but in the weekends and during the holidays we prefer to go straight to the boat. With our son Sascha and our faithful four-legged friend Fedde we go out on the water. Together we enjoy the peace, freedom and excitement that sailing brings with it.

From new love to sailing virus

Sailing has been in Arjen's blood since he was young; he grew up in a family that already knew the water. Amanda, on the other hand, was a landlubber when we met. But when we started a relationship, I (Arjen) took her out on the water, on our first boat, a Compromis 720. We made many trips together and before we knew it, Amanda was also infected with the sailing virus. It became something we enjoyed together as a couple and with which we now make our best memories as a family.

Our boats so far

Our first boat, the Compromis 720, felt like our second home on the water. We learned a lot on it and it was an ideale boat to let Amanda develop her sea legs. When we were ready for something bigger, we moved to a Friendship 28, with which we made our first foreign trips.

Since this summer we sail on a Dufour 385 Grand Large. This ship gives us exactly the space and possibilities we want: a boat with enough comfort for longer trips and suitable to take Sascha and Fedde safely on our adventures.

Our sailing area – from the Netherlands to far beyond

Where do we sail? Actually, everywhere there is water! In the weekends we often stay in the Netherlands: the IJsselmeer, Markermeer and the Wadden Sea are our favorites. But as soon as the summer holidays start, we look abroad. In the past few years we have sailed with the Friendship 28 to England, the Channel Islands, Belgium, France, Germany, Denmark and Sweden. Each trip has its own charm and challenges, and we always try to discover new places.

Our most beautiful journeys

What is the most beautiful trip we have ever made? That is actually impossible to choose. Our first time in England on our own keel felt like a milestone – a moment when everything falls into place and you really feel the adventure. But the trip to the Channel Islands was also fantastic: the nature there, the clear water and the rugged coastlines are impressive. In fact, it is often the “first times” that stay with you. Our first crossing to the German Bight, the first time to Denmark… They remain magical experiences that we want to relive again and again.

How we at Smartmarine ended up

When we still had our Friendship, we decided that we wanted to make this boat completely seaworthy for longer trips. We were looking for someone who could think along with us and give us customized advice about the right equipment. That's how we ended up with Hans van Smartmarine. We gave him the challenge to put together a set of equipment that perfectly matched our needs and that would allow us to sail safely at sea. Hans took it on with both hands and knew exactly what we needed - what a great experience that was!

Our first purchase at Smartmarine

First impression of Smartmarine

Our first impression of Smartmarine? They really have an eye for the customer. They are not about selling, but about delivering a solution that fits what you want. They think along with you, listen well, and give honest advice. You really appreciate that, especially when you are just starting out with a project like we had then.

What we have now purchased via Smartmarine

In addition to the AIS, marine radio, and multiplexer, we later added several other components via Smartmarine purchased. It has become natural for us to go to them for the electronics of the boat. We know that they always think along with us and make sure that we have the right stuff.

Our experience with Smartmarine

Top experience! For us it is Smartmarine the address for everything related to boat electronics. Whether we have questions, need advice or want to buy something, we know we are in good hands with them.

What makes Smartmarine unique?

At Zarcillo Smartmarine you are not a number. They do not see you as a customer, but as a person with specific wishes and needs. They really listen to you, and that personal contact makes the difference. We feel heard and helped, and we appreciate that enormously.

Would you Smartmarine recommend?

Absolutely! For anyone who has serious plans for their boat and needs advice on the right equipment, Smartmarine highly recommended as far as we are concerned.

Ideas for Smartmarine

Maybe an annual “Smartmarine party” for all the loyal customers? A nice BBQ, music and maybe some entertainment – ​​we have some suggestions, haha!

Our Future Travel Plans

Our motto? To the horizon and beyond! We never know exactly what the future holds, but for next summer we are thinking of a last-minute adventure. Maybe Norway, maybe the Scilly Isles – we like to be surprised by what the world has to offer.

Hopefully this gives a nice insight into our life on the water and our adventures with the boat. We are very grateful for the help and support of Smartmarine, who help us time and again to realize our dreams on the water.

On to many more unforgettable trips!

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