Founder and MD of Pendennis Shipyard, Henk Wiekens, passes away

British superyacht refit and repair yard Pendennis has confirmed the death of its co-founder and managing director, Henk Wiekens.

In a public statement, the company says that Wiekens passed away on October 19. “Words cannot express what a hole this leaves in the Pendennis family,” the company says.

“Henk has been instrumental in the growth and development of Pendennis and has inspired generations of talent from all areas of the marine industry.

“Henk was so proud and felt privileged to have worked with so many wonderful people over the years and his love for life, energy and endless enthusiasm will be missed by many across the world and of course by the whole team at Pendennis. Our thoughts are with his much-loved family.”

Pendennis was founded in 1988 after yachtsman and entrepreneur Peter de Savary acquired a yacht manufacturer and relocated it to Falmouth Docks.

After Wiekens joined the same year, the firm grew to become one of the world’s leading superyacht refit and custom build facilities. Today, there are around 450 tradespeople working at the yard, with an apprenticeship programme training more. Around 30 new builds have launched from its Falmouth base. Additionally, there are also refit sites in Palma and Barcelona and around 300 refits have come through Pendennis’ sheds in both Spain and the UK.

One of the many messages of condolence, left below a Pendennis Facebook announcement, reads: “Such sad news. Henk was such a kind, friendly boss, and out of 450-odd people, he knew us all by name. If you had a problem or you needed him his door was always open. He is Pendennis and will be well and truly missed by all of us.”