fivepointfive - April 2023

possible frequency. It is an interesting industry, most
people think about old ladies doing some sewing
and stitching, but the opposite is true. Half of our
turnover is generated though marketplaces like
Amazon. That means you do not talk with buyers
or chain stores or whatsoever but need to know
everything about Amazon algorithms and lots of
data analytics to attract that consumer to your
product and convert their visit into a sale.”
Above: 2018 German Open in Travemunde on Feng Shui
Below: On Prettynama in Cannes in 2019
still is, and always will be, to try to get people committing to
coming to events. You need some commitment to be able to
make decent arrangements with hosting clubs. In my opinion
a smooth calendar taking logistics into account together with
great venues that are also attractive for families are key for
successful events. I always tried to achieve that and keeping the
sailors together at the events for social activities. For instance,
in Curaçao, we all stayed together in the same resort, breakfast,
dinners, everything together as, yes cliché, one big family. But
that is what in the end is keeping this class alive.”
“I knew the class pretty well already before I started as a VP,
but what I learned is the need to just to take a decision – this
class won’t function if you want to collect and wait for every
member’s opinion before taking a decision. Yes, I know it does
not sound democratic, but it is just what our class needs. People
are just too busy to stay involved all the time, so someone needs
to make decisions for them. I also think our current president is
doing an excellent job in that.”
It’s also about the stories and making great memories.
“There are too many to mention. From remote controlled
barking dog doorbells underneath Kristian Nergaard’s deck to
orange cows in front of Peter Vlasov’s hotel room and Gavin
swinging on the ceiling chandeliers. Then there was the team
returning to the harbour in Curaçao, not because they had an
issue onboard but just because they
decided to play golf instead of racing
that day.
NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW THIS.
“I think only a few people know what I am exactly
doing for work, until now... And what most people
won’t know and what has nothing to do with the
work I am currently doing is that I am a certified
Boeing 747/777 technical engineer and trained to
repair and fly those machines, but now selling cross
stitch kits.”
He sees a good future for the class but agrees that
achieving a good balance for everyone is never easy.
“I hope we can find a good mix of nice venues at
the most beautiful places overseas and here in Europe, while
taking into account the fact to keep it affordable for a broad
range of teams.
“I think we should look at where there could be potential new
boat owners and organise an event there. Great venues in general
are attractive for any potential boat owner. So great venues AND a
planning a few years ahead could be attractive for new members.
“I think we can all learn from top level sailors. I do not think
we need to change the class to make it attractive for top level
sailors. I think we need to find a way to show top level sailors
how attractive the class already is. There are many top-level
sailors on the larger boats. Many owners struggle to get crews
so it could be tempting for them to move to a three-person team.
So, events combined with those large boat events could attract
new owners in my opinion.”
BACK IN THE BOAT
What makes it attractive for him to continue in the 5.5 Metre.
“The question is more, why to start again... well just because
I missed all of the above. I have been invited by Jürg Menzi to
sail the Alpen Cup in Torbole with him, and I am looking forward
to that. I’ve known Jürg since I started in the 5.5 so it feels
comfortable to sail that event with him.”
CROSS STITCH AND 747s
In his professional life, Kim owns
a company, Thea Gouverneur BV,
which his mother started in 1959.
The company manufactures and
exports needle art products in the
craft industry.
“We have customers on nearly
every continent, which means I
must do lots of travelling. I have had
months where I took more flights
than an average flight attendant.
Our business during Covid was
booming and the other benefit was
the travel restrictions. I was kind of
tired of all the travelling and now
am trying to keep that on the lowest
APRIL 2023 • fivepointfive • 41