JAN VAN WETTUM

Jan van Wettum, the first builder of an IOD95

The Optimist class morns the loss of Jan van Wettum, who died at the age of 72 last Monday morning. A large part of his life was dedicated to Optimist boat building and he was well known by many people connected to the Optimist class.

After his retirement, 5 years ago, he passed the boat building business on to his son Martin van Wettum. Jan was a passionate hunter and professional inshore fisherman. He continued with this after his retirement from boat building. Last monday his fishing boat capsized in heavy winds on the Loosdrecht lakes in the Netherlands. Sadly, he and one of his best friends drowned.

Fred Kats (IODA Member of Honour) worked closely with Van Wettum to build the first IOD95 prototypes and Jan van Wettum was the first builder worldwide to build an IOD95 hull.

Jan will be fondly remembered by the Optimist family and IODA pass on their condolenses.