Spree Marine: Wieardus Reichl hands over the helm to his son Jasper

Jasper Reichl, son of founder Wieardus Reichl, has taken the helm as managing partner of Spree Marine GmbH in Berlin. He wants to Success story of the companys, which his father founded in Köpenick over 30 years ago.

The beginnings of Spree Marine

As is so often the case, it all started with a passion. The young Wieardus progressed from Opti sailing to fast dinghies and finally to cruising. The then 30-year-old's long-cherished dream of a big trip came true on a sailing trip through the Caribbean and the waters of Central America. After his return and move to Berlin, it was clear that he would remain faithful to water sports. The idea for Spree Marine was born. Time played into the hands of the young entrepreneur Wieardus Reichl, who was initially inexperienced in sales, and the boat boom of the early 1990s saw the company, which was still located on the idyllic Müggelsee at the time, grow rapidly.

Revitalising the new boat business

Jasper Reichl shares a love of boats and water sports with his father and is looking forward to developing the company further. "We are currently looking at the European market for a boatyard that suits us," says the 25-year-old. The goal: selling new boats. This is not new territory for the team, as Wieardus Reichl successfully represented various brands, including etap, Linssen Yachts, Bénétau and Princess, from the time the company was founded in the 90s until 2015. Jasper sees the current rather subdued market situation as a challenge. "I'm sure we'll find a partner with great products who wants to develop together with us," says the young entrepreneur.

The future of electric drives at Spree Marine

Electrification of boats and yachts is another topic that he wants to drive forward. His father laid the foundation for this two years ago: Since 2023, Spree Marine has represented Bellmarine Transfluid from the Netherlands, which offers electric and hybrid solutions for boats and passenger ships. Yacht brokerage and yacht servicing remain core competences, as there are numerous boats in the region, including many Linssen yachts that need to be professionally maintained and serviced. "Our many years of experience and the large network of partner companies are a guarantee for good yacht service," says Caroline Boehnke, second managing director. She is glad that the company is now staying in the family.