The trend of ‘retro refitting’: An interview with A+ Rigging

Yachting Pages spoke to A+ Rigging’s founder, Onno van der Spek to find out how his business has developed and what really happens in a ‘rigging emergency’.

When was your business founded and how has it developed over the years?

I founded A+ Rigging in 1996, with a small yet loyal client base that has continued to grow with us over the years. We have maintained the same client base for several years and A+ Rigging still holds its title as one of the top rigging companies based in Mallorca. 

We at A+ Rigging have a very unique business that has developed over the years in a very positive way, growing from strength to strength with the same core team of employees.

Can you tell us about any new technological developments we can expect to see from the rigging sector?

The development of technology will be continuous and composite rigging is a big part of business for us. We call it ”retro refitting". This technique is utilised mainly by performance yachts; one of our more popular jobs is re-modelling existing standing rigging into composite rigging.

Have you been affected by the recession?

There is still plenty of money in the yachting industry regardless of recessions; this has so far not affected our business. The maintenance of yachts is a necessity and as always, one of our most regular jobs are rigging surveys and refits; these are mandatory for yachting insurance and charter licenses, every four years.

Can you tell us about any unusual requests you’ve received?

One of the strangest requests, or most important jobs we have successfully fulfilled has involved last minute organisation and quick shipping of rigging equipment, booms and our entire A+ Rigging team to a yacht about to set sail on the first day of a regatta. By chartering planes we got there within 24 hours, in time for emergency work to be completed before the start of the race!

Who would be your dream client?

I can honestly say that the clientele we already have with us at A + Rigging, but if I had to pick… I would say new builds are a dream. 

Will you be attending any boat shows this year?

Attending shows and exhibits such as METS and Monaco Yacht Show is always important, to build customer relations and keep up with the latest technology that is constantly being developed. 

For more information on A+ Rigging, please visit www.aplusriggingmallorca.com.

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