In celebration of our 10-year anniversary, we decided to sponsor the F18 World Championship in Noordwijk — one of the most demanding catamaran sailing classes in the world. As a company that operates daily in offshore environments shaped by wind, motion, and unpredictability, the core values of the F18 race align closely with our own: precision, resilience, and teamwork under pressure. Sponsoring this event was carefully considered and a logical extension of what Safeway Gangway stands for — moving with natural forces, staying stable in dynamic conditions, and performing when it matters most.
More Than a Logo: Why We Stepped Into the Race
The connection between Safeway Gangway and the F18 Championship goes beyond sponsorship. This race mirrors the same conditions we face offshore: unpredictable forces, high-pressure situations, and the need for seamless coordination between people and systems. Just like our motion-compensated gangways stabilise movement in volatile seas, F18 catamaran sailing demands control, timing, and trust between crew members to stay upright and on course at speed.
That’s also why we chose to actively participate, not just support from the sidelines. At Safeway Gangway, we believe in stepping outside our comfort zone, including at management level. Taking part meant preparing seriously — physically and mentally — and showing that growth doesn’t stop with experience. It requires effort, discipline, and the willingness to do things you haven’t done in years. That mindset is central to our company: pushing limits, learning through action, and leading by example. Whether offshore or on the water, real performance starts with strong teamwork — and the courage to keep moving forward.
Fit to Perform, Built to Lead
Physical preparation wasn’t an afterthought — it was a long-term commitment. Over two years of dedication to training and a healthier lifestyle laid the foundation for what would become active participation in one of the most demanding sailing events in the world. You need to stay sharp under pressure, respond instantly, and maintain control in motion. The offshore world is no different. That’s why both members of the Safeway Gangway crew committed to serious physical training in the lead-up to the event.
The Safeway Sailing Team consisted out of seasoned sailor Gert-Jan Kos and skippered by our CEO, Wijnand van Aalst, who got trained under the professional guidance of Michael Bramwell from Gravity personal Training to ensure he could compete at full capacity — not just to participate, but to perform. His commitment wasn’t personal ambition. It was a clear statement within the organisation: physical fitness matters and lead by example.
By actively investing in his own fitness, in early mornings Wijnand van Aalst set a visible example for the wider Safeway Gangway team. Reinforcing the idea that staying fit isn’t just about health — it’s about readiness, resilience, and long-term performance. At Safeway Gangway, we see this as part of our culture. We encourage colleagues to take their physical state seriously, not as a side goal, but as part of how we show up — focused, capable, and equipped to deal with pressure, both onshore and offshore.
Read more about Michael Bramwell from Gravity personal Training.
From Training Grounds to Open Sea
Taking part also meant preparing with intensity. Competing at this level requires more than enthusiasm — it demands structure, discipline, and full focus. The Safeway Gangway team began training early, starting with sessions at Muiderzand, Almere. There, we got trained on the fundamentals with aid of Netherlands F18 sailing community as well as with personal training by Pablo Volker, 2024 F18 world champion on: weight distribution, sail trim, responsiveness between helm and crew. Every adjustment had an effect. Every mistake was visible. The learning curve was steep — which is exactly what made it valuable. Watch the Muiderzand training recap videoWatch the Muiderzand training recap videoWatch the Muiderzand training recap videoAfspelenWatch the Muiderzand training recap video
The preparation continued offshore during the 46th edition of the Round Texel Race — a 100-kilometre challenge around the island, shaped by shifting wind, strong currents, and tactical decision-making. Out of 267 teams, our catamaran finished 24th. But more important than the result was the reminder it gave us: that clear communication, endurance, and precise timing don’t just drive performance on the water — they reflect how we operate as a company.AfspelenRound Texel Race – Offshore Conditions, Real Pressure
Training for this event reminded us what it means to stay alert under pressure, to adapt in motion, and to rely fully on the people around you. It reinforced that real preparation doesn’t just build skill — it builds awareness, resilience, and the mindset to keep improving.
A Statement in Motion
Ten years in, we remain a company defined by action and innovation — not just in what we build, but in how we lead, train, and show up under pressure. Sponsoring and participating in the F18 Sailing World Championship wasn’t a campaign. It was a statement. About who we are. About what we value. And about how we continue to push forward — with focus, with discipline, and with the mindset that there’s always more to learn when you step outside your comfort zone.