GO YOUR OWN WAY

Seven years ago, carpenter Pieter van der Aa set out to build an S&S yawl by himself for himself. In September this year Scarabee set sail for the first time

- RON VALENT

Although one could call Pieter van der Aa a master at many trades, everything he does has one thing in common: wood. He imports and sells exotic woods from South America while as an artisan carpenter he is responsible for a wide scope of projects ranging from beautifully designed staircases, furniture and delicately lathe-turned vases to complete house and shop interiors. In 2015 he built all the deckhouses for the 125ft (38m) replica schooner Ingomar as well as parts of the interior of a large, classic, motor yacht. Oh yes, and he also built his own house that many think is a historic 17th-century mansion and not a brand new one designed and built by Pieter. During all these activities which of course were needed to keep the fire burning, he also singlehandedly built Scarabee!

Pieter has accomplished that rare thing and that is combining his passion with his livelihood and achieving a perfect symbiosis in that. During that process he also became what can only be called a very modest celebrity. I am sure that the launching of Scarabee was delayed at least a year by the constant stream of visitors to his workshop in Heukelum, far from the sea in the centre of the Netherlands. A cup of tea, a tour of the boat, talks on the various qualities of the many types of wood this walking timber vade mecum works with, and advice on whatever project the visitor is busy with or plans to take on. The side effect of this subtle marketing has of course also been a constant stream of paid assignments.

HOW IT ALL STARTED