Publication date: 09/10/2025
In the heart of South Holland, on the Hollands Diep, Jachthaven Strijensas is a small, friendly marina with a unique identity: for boaters, it is a welcoming marina surrounded by nature, where they can moor their boats in peace.
In Strijensas, motorboat and sailing boat owners benefit from moorings and dry storage, as well as high-quality technical facilities and services: handling, maintenance, winter storage, fuel and gas bottle sales, Wi-Fi, sanitary facilities, leisure activities, a restaurant and accommodation.
Close to many places of interest, Jachthaven Strijensas is also strategically located.
Who is Renate Ilmer? What is her role as the new manager of Jachthaven Strijensas?
Recruited by the Port Adhoc group as Marina Manager in August 2025, Renate Ilmer was already familiar with the region:
“I live in Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht, just 20 kilometres from Jachthaven Strijensas. I have always had a strong affinity with water, nature and hospitality. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and going for long walks with Fender, my Labradoodle.”
Upon her arrival at the marina, Renate Ilmer immediately set to work serving the boating community. She made it her mission to manage the day-to-day running of the marina and to ensure that everyone feels welcome there. Her responsibilities cover a wide range of tasks, from organising marina maintenance and supervising the teams to liaising with users.
“As manager of Jachthaven Strijensas, I am responsible for the day-to-day running of the marina: I maintain contact with berth holders and visitors, coordinate maintenance and ensure a welcoming atmosphere. I really enjoy working with people. What I appreciate most is the personal interaction with people: every user has their own story, and I like to make sure that everyone feels at home in our marina.”
Why did you choose Strijensas marina?
Before joining Strijensas, Renate worked for several years at Jachthaven Biesbosch – one of the largest marinas in the Netherlands, just a few kilometres from Strijensas.
She then wanted to join a more intimate marina, where human connection is at the heart of marina life: our marina seemed more in line with her aspirations.
“Jachthaven Strijensas immediately caught my attention. I was initially drawn to its location: a quiet, natural setting for an intimate, charming harbour. I am familiar with the area and prefer its friendly, personal atmosphere on a human scale. It’s special to work here because the harbour has a rich history and a close-knit community!”
What experience does Renate bring from her years at Jachthaven Biesbosch?
“At Jachthaven Biesbosch, in addition to managing day-to-day operations, I have led several major projects. These include the development of a motorhome park, the construction of a large indoor and outdoor playground, the establishment of a supermarket and the construction of a hotel. I have also worked closely with local contractors to transform the marina into a real leisure park.”
From this professional experience, Renate has developed solid expertise in port infrastructure management and the implementation of large-scale projects. At Jachthaven Strijensas, Renate combines her strategic vision with a practical approach, always tailored to the scale of our marina.
“When meeting Renate for the first time, her people-oriented approach immediately stood out to me. In my view, this is one of the most undervalued aspects of management, often overshadowed by the emphasis placed solely on operational and financial targets. To foster a truly guest-oriented atmosphere, we must first ensure that our teams are happy and engaged. I am confident that Renate will bring real value to the group in this respect. Combined with her extensive industry experience, I foresee a fruitful and rewarding collaboration ahead.”
Jorin, Managing Director of Port Adhoc Nederland
What values and management vision does Renate bring to her work every day?
For the new marina manager, managing a marina is all about listening, transparency and trust. She adopts an open, involved and collaborative management style to ensure that both employees and boaters feel valued. She explains: “I think it’s important to be visible and accessible so that my colleagues and port users feel listened to.”
What were her first impressions upon arriving at Jachthaven Strijensas?
From her very first days in the Strijensas marina, Renate says she was struck by the warm atmosphere in the harbour. She explains that she quickly sensed a positive dynamic, driven by a motivated team and boaters who are attached to their marina:
“My first impression was very good: the harbour has a warm atmosphere and the team is enthusiastic and dedicated. There’s a great spirit here, and I immediately noticed that everyone shares the same goal: to offer every visitor an unforgettable experience.”
What are the major projects for the marina?
While Strijensas already charms visitors with its authenticity, the new marina manager wants to take things further. This includes improving the infrastructure and services on offer, as well as new sustainable projects. The marina is set to become the focus of eco-friendly initiatives and local events:
“My main priority is to preserve the charm and tranquillity of the harbour, while exploring improvements in terms of infrastructure and sustainability. For example, I want to make the facilities more environmentally friendly and organise small-scale events to strengthen community ties and continue to make Jachthaven Strijensas a very pleasant place to live. In the short term, I will listen carefully to the wishes of berth holders and visitors to identify the most important needs.”
At the end of our conversation, Renate concludes:
“I would like Jachthaven Strijensas to be even more recognised as a welcoming, charming and environmentally friendly marina. A marina where people love to come and come back to! Within the Port Adhoc group, the marina will retain its unique character, and we will continue to put personal attention at the heart of everything we do.
I warmly invite everyone to come and discover Jachthaven Strijensas – tranquillity, nature and hospitality. Whether you are passing through for a short stopover or a longer stay, we will do everything we can to make your experience here as pleasant as possible.”
Would you like more information about our marina, or are you interested in mooring your motorboat or sailing boat here? Contact Renate and the team on site!
