A curated collection of marinas,
exceptional in their own ways.
Anchored across Europe's finest destinations,
each kept true to the place it belongs to.
A long-term holding, supported by a family passionate about the sea.
Balmaris is the marina collection of Baltisse, the long-term holding of the Balcaen family. Balmaris was established in 2026 with the aim of enhancing the infrastructure and services of European marinas while preserving their local identities, which we believe to be their greatest strength.
The family's industrial roots run back to 1964 with the founding of Balta, built over four decades into one of the world's largest textile-flooring manufacturers, followed by IVC, Europe's leading vinyl- and carpet-tile group. Both businesses were ultimately divested. Baltisse is what came next: a multi-decade industrial conglomerate distilled into a single, patient family holding, set up to back other entrepreneurs with their growth stories.
To learn more about Baltisse, please visit their dedicated website.
The Balcaen family has a long history in sailing, either cruising around the world or racing with the boats Nilaya and Balthasar.
Join the collection.
A long-term owner committed to excellence. What makes each marina unique is preserved.
Entrepreneurial roots, long-term horizon
We protect the heritage of each marina and keep the core of marina management at a local level.
Flexible structures
Full or partial acquisition — owners can stay involved at an operational level and/or retain a stake in the collection.
Stronger together
High investment capacity in infrastructure and marketing, strong career prospects for marina teams, world-class hospitality standards and training.
Focus on what matters
Shared IT and back-office infrastructure — so each marina can spend its time on guests and boats.
We host the way we'd want to be hosted.
A dedicated team of experts to bring the best to every marina we partner with, supported by a family holding with deep sailing roots and expertise in building exceptional businesses.
Derek van Brussel
Summer after summer sailing on Mediterranean waters inspired Derek to envision a curated boutique marina collection, realized as Balmaris in partnership with Baltisse.
Earlier in his career, Derek played a key role in expanding BR Marinas into the leading marina group in Latin America, through a combination of acquisitions and greenfield developments of $70m+.
He subsequently invested in small and mid-sized European businesses through private equity and venture capital.
He holds an MBA from INSEAD, where he served as co-president of the Sailing Club, and a Bachelor of Economics from PUC-Rio. Having lived in six countries, he is fluent in English and Portuguese, with working Spanish.
Tommaso Gino
An Italian native with a lifelong tie to the Mediterranean, having spent numerous summers between the Italian coast and the Balearics, Tommaso is responsible for M&A execution at Balmaris.
Earlier in his career, as Principal at Blue Horizon Investment in Zurich, he contributed to the development of roll-up strategies in the food space.
He previously spent four years at Space Holding in Milan, where he worked on a €500m SPAC and played a key role in deploying a €200m mid-market private equity fund.
He holds a BSc in International Economics and Finance from Bocconi University. Based in Switzerland, he is a native Italian speaker, fluent in English, with working Spanish.
Louis Balcaen
Managing Partner at Baltisse and a former professional sailor, having participated in the Volvo Ocean Race and other globally-recognized regattas. Prior to joining Baltisse, he was in the M&A team at ING.
LinkedInHeider Ridha
Prior to joining Baltisse, Heider was Operating Partner at TDR Capital and Principal at Bain & Company.
LinkedInAndreas Schryvers
Prior to joining Baltisse, Andreas was Assistant Director at Advent International and Consultant at Bain & Company.
LinkedIn