Our History & Team
Since 1996, A+ Rigging has been part of Mallorca’s professional yachting industry and was one of the early specialist rigging companies to establish itself in Palma. Over the years, the company has also played an important role in developing and training young riggers entering the industry.
Many riggers have gained valuable experience and developed their skills as part of the A+ Rigging team before progressing into senior positions within some of the major rigging companies operating around the world today. This history has helped build a strong network of experienced professionals and long-standing relationships throughout the international rigging industry.
At A+ Rigging Mallorca, we believe in prioritising quality over quantity, taking the time to understand our clients’ needs and going the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction. Drawing on our extensive experience and technical product knowledge, we focus on providing practical, reliable solutions tailored to each project. Where specialist expertise is required, we work closely with trusted subcontractors and industry professionals to achieve the best possible results.
Onno Van Der Spek
Onno van der Spek founded A+ Rigging in 1996 and has since built a wealth of knowledge and experience within the superyacht rigging industry. Over the years, Onno has been involved in the stepping and unstepping of countless rigs, giving him extensive practical experience across a wide range of yachts and rigging systems.
Having worked in the industry for decades, Onno has also built an extensive network of contacts throughout the international yachting and rigging industry, including manufacturers, suppliers, shipyards and other specialist professionals.
Sam Bidwell
Sam has worked in the marine industry for 19 years, progressing into professional yacht rigging at the age of 23. Following seven years in the superyacht rigging industry, he completed two America’s Cup campaigns with INEOS Britannia, including the historic campaign that saw a British team reach the America’s Cup Match for the first time in 60 years.
Combining extensive experience in both superyachts and high-performance racing, Sam is now Operations Manager at A+ Rigging overseeing projects, technical operations and the continued development of the company.
Leen Smoor
With over 30 years of experience in the rigging industry, Leen is well known and respected throughout the professional yachting sector. Through his company, Rigging Assist, he provides specialist support to A+ Rigging on larger and more technical projects.
Throughout his career, Leen has been involved in the stepping and commissioning of many of the new-build rigs seen throughout the industry today. He also works closely with leading industry partners including Southern Spars and Future Fibres, bringing extensive knowledge and experience to every project.
Franco Zenobi
Franco is our rope and splicing specialist and has been a valued member of the A+ Rigging team for many years. Over the last six years, he has played a major role in many of A+ Rigging’s refit projects, bringing extensive practical experience in running rigging, custom splicing and rope systems.
His knowledge of rope, rigging hardware and onboard installations makes him an important part of both our workshop and project teams.
Violeta Hervas Garcia
Violeta is our Company Secretary and plays an important role in the day-to-day organisation and administration of A+ Rigging. Working closely with the management and technical teams, she helps coordinate client communication, project administration, invoicing, documentation and general office operations.
Her organised and professional approach provides essential support behind the scenes, helping to keep our projects running smoothly and ensuring clear communication between clients, suppliers and the A+ Rigging team.
Built on experience
A+ Rigging works alongside a trusted network of highly experienced freelance riggers, many of whom are well known and respected throughout the professional sailing and superyacht industries. Collectively, they bring decades of experience managing and delivering complex rigging projects around the world.
By combining this specialist freelance expertise with our experienced in-house team, A+ Rigging has a strong, flexible and highly capable workforce, allowing us to assemble the right team for each project, regardless of its size, location or technical requirements.