Skippers of Holland Sailin beeld

At 17, Leon moved in with his then in-laws (on the water) – and shortly afterwards, his journey as a skipper began. His very first ship, an old Tjalk, was bought for 2,000 guilders: "Eventually, I bought a wreck of a Tjalk. That’s where it all started. I began rebuilding the Tjalk while still attending school. Those were busy times. This was also when my passion was born for this life – living, working, and sailing on these kinds of ships. At 20 (1982), I went my own way after my relationship ended. The residential/sailing Tjalk I had built was converted into a charter ship – and voilà, my new life was born."

But his dream of owning a Stevenaak never faded. Until 1989 – finally, the moment had come! Leon found a wreck of this type. Over four winters, he rebuilt it and created what is now La Bohème. Since 1995, he has been sailing this impressive vessel; since 1996 from its current home port, Enkhuizen.

Anyone who steps on board La Bohème quickly notices: love for seamanship and traditional shipbuilding shows in every detail. Leon says: "By now, both the ship and I are well-known in the fleet, and I still compete in races with great passion. We’ve won many races over the years – proof of the many cups and trophies on board."

For Leon, La Bohème is more than just a sailing ship – it’s a place to feel at home and to share with others: "Even my longtime guests say that after 30 years, the ship still looks as well-maintained as ever. We listen to the suggestions of our guests for improvements and try to put them into practice."

It’s no wonder that many groups return year after year – Leon has been sailing with some of them for over three decades. "When you’re on board," Leon says, "everyone just becomes human. That’s the beauty of it: everyone lives and enjoys life on the same level."

Sailing with style, pride & soul

What makes sailing so special for Leon? The chance to let the wind take him along – without a motor, purely with the art of sailing. And that, to him, is the essence of being a skipper: "Handling, navigating, sailing, entering and leaving harbors without using the motor is something very special – and reserved for only a few of us. Personally, I’ve mastered the art of sailing and navigating, and I’ve become rather well-known (or notorious). I’ve also experienced and developed many innovations myself, both in sailing and in systems and materials."

Favorite destinations?

Leon doesn’t really have one: "In fact, every day is a new challenge. I’ve reached all destinations by now, and of course there have been some special ones (like sailing to Sylt). Zeeland is beautiful, but the Wadden Sea is also impressive. Both have tidal waters, which makes them unique – especially for drying out on the sandbanks. And of course, the IJsselmeer and Frisian waters have their charming, picturesque places too."

Leon hopes his guests not only enjoy a wonderful journey – but also take home a sense of belonging. A place that feels like a second home. And the wish to return. Many do – out of conviction, joy, and love for true sailing, but also because of Leon himself, and his loyal mate Melanie.

Born in Dortmund, Melanie has been sailing with Leon on La Bohème since 2009. Always cheerful and patient, she explains every trick and detail to the guests, helps with hoisting the sails, and motivates everyone to work together as a team.

Want to know more about La Bohème or sail along yourself?

Check the sailing dates, let yourself be carried away by Leon’s passion, and experience the true romance of sailing from Enkhuizen!