During the Voyage for Cleaner Energy, the ‘2041’ sailboat will be joined by students, journalists, business leaders, and government representatives. Passengers on board will sail alongside the crew and become a vital part of this historic voyage. See below for a list of who’s who.
VFCE Phase III: Europe
Rotterdam to Kiel: Leg 1
Joost van der Linde - I am 42 years old and I work as Manager Business Support Services & Sales at the IT business unit for RWE daughter company Essent in The Netherlands. In my spare time I spend most of my time with my family (wife Colette and 2 boys, Stijn and Bram), on my (race) bicycle and in summertime on the waterfront giving sailing instruction to young children (age 8 to 14). During summer holidays we prefer to go north (favorite country is Sweden) camping in our tent. On most holiday occasions I take my bike with me. My personal sportive milestones are cycling the Mont Ventoux in 2008 and the Alpe d’Huez/Col du Telegraphe and Galibier in 2009. I applied for joining the Rotterdam to Kiel leg of the Voyage for Cleaner Energy after having heard Robert Swan give one of his inspiring lectures. Robert’s story proved me that personal positive attention and engagement is the best way to get things moving (and get them done too). I would like to get to know more of this man who more than once accomplished expeditions that were said to be impossible and who also proved to be capable of motivating others to help make these expeditions the success they became.
Michael Ruijter - Hi my name is Michiel Ruijter, my father, a historian named me after the Dutch 17th century Admiral General: Michiel Andriaanszoon de Ruijter. I’m living in Utrecht, a nice and old city in the middle of The Netherlands. I’ve worked for Essent for 4 years, a Dutch energy company, now part of the RWE group. First as a trainee now as an IT procurement guy.
In my spare time I like to go sailing, enjoy visiting theatre and concerts and occasionally practicing some hockey, squash and fitness. In winters I like mastering the slopes on skis.