Balk Shipyard Appoints Rick Thomas as U.S. Sales Representative
Balk Shipyard has further strengthened its position in the Americas with the appointment of Rick Thomas as its U.S. Sales Representative, effective immediately.
Thomas will act as an independent consultant, supporting U.S.-based yacht owners, captains, and management teams during the early evaluation and planning stages for 30–65-metre yachts scheduled for refit or comprehensive ReCraft projects.
“Great yachts are not disposable objects; they deserve continuity,” says Rick Thomas. “Balk represents this very specific mindset. They don’t chase novelty for its own sake. They take yachts with soul, history, and pedigree – and make them stronger, smarter, and ready for the future. It’s a philosophy that resonates strongly with today’s owners.”
Founded in 1798 and located in the historic fishing village of Urk, Balk Shipyard is one of the world’s longest-established shipyards. It has built an international reputation for delivering technically complex refits, deep structural work, and full-scope yacht transformations. Rather than focusing on new construction, the yard is dedicated to what it calls ReCraftsmanship: the disciplined art of renewing existing yachts without erasing their original DNA.
“With increasing interest from U.S.-based owners in European refit options, it was important for us to establish a knowledgeable and trusted point of contact in the American market,” says Evan Kortmann of Balk Shipyard. “Rick brings decades of experience across yacht construction, refit, and owner representation, along with a deep understanding of U.S. client expectations. Through Rick, we can engage earlier with owners and their teams stateside, maintaining the transparency and collaboration that Balk is known for.”
Thomas brings more than 40 years of experience in the international yachting and maritime industries. He is the founder of Nautical Structures Industries and Rick Thomas Yachting Development, LLC, and is also the host of Yachting USA, a leading industry podcast focused on long-form conversations. His other professional activities will continue unchanged.
“Balk Shipyard is experienced, technically capable, and deeply hands-on, precisely the kind of shipyard many owners are actively looking for,” Thomas adds. “This role allows me to introduce U.S. owners and their teams to a shipyard that values transparency, craftsmanship, and realistic project execution. My work with Balk fully aligns with my consulting practice and my commitment to informed dialogue in the yachting industry.”
Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Thomas will act as a bridge between U.S.-based stakeholders and the European shipyard, offering guidance on Dutch-built quality refit and ReCraft projects for American owners and their teams.
All U.S. enquiries can be directed to Rick Thomas.
