Rene-the-Rebel
by Juliusz Strawiński
Rene asked me to write this notes. Not an easy challenge for me as all my life I tried neither to evaluate nor even comment on other people. So this will be probably more about myself in relation to Rene. Although.... some of my insights may „slip in”?
First we met when my country was shaking off the soviet domination. Rene came up with an idea of designing and building in Poland a superyacht [although this term did not exist yet at that time].
Of course I was full of disbelief in his vision. Did not share his enthusiasm at all.
First- Poland had no experience with building luxury yachts, secondly - our economy was in ruins after 45 years of real socialism and economy of permanent shortages. Third - I had never designed any boat longer than 20 m before, and, last but not least, Rene did not meet my fantasies about millionares keen to spend millions just for fun. [Soon, to my relief, I had opportunity to notice that Rene has to see sound reasons to spend money.]
To all my doubts Rene just asked me a simple question: „Do you feel capable of designing such a yacht?”. I just thought it would be fun to play with such a design. I was nearly sure that after preliminary design the adventure would be over. I did not expect that my reply „YES” would become a milestone in my life, and not in proffesional aspect only.
After starting with a „hopeless” project amazingly soon we found ouerselves in the middle of the world´s yachting „haute couture”. Our superyacht designed and constructed in Poland became a kind of sensation on the market even before launching.
And soon after first excitements I found out that, although designing is my way of life, this particular business environment was not for me. The world where nobody is telling the truth and what is essential is to keep up appearances. Moreover, essential part of activity is to undermine the reputation of the competitors. This annoyed me. I was not used to „small talk” and black PR served with a nice smile. I felt like a ronin in this vanity fair. I suppose that Rene had similar impression although we hardly talked about it.
Nevertheless we created a beautiful and significant classic yacht which even today after 30 years is a jevel in any marina.
Significantly Rene is until today the only one of my „prominent” clients with whom I have intelectual contact and private relations.
Although my wife always told me that I have my own theory on any topic, talking to Rene I was always amazed with his unconventional approach to everything. Rene is always flourishing with radical ideas and whats more - he always tries to promote them in reality. Many times we spent half night long arguing and nearly quarelling. This frequently made me feel like a narrowminded conservative. I felt puzzled, because I had always held myself as a tolerant, non-prejudice and cooperative man. Anyway I admit that Rene anarchist looking always beyond the heads of the public was always inspireing also when I disagreed with his „theories”.
In many cases even when I felt that he was right, I held off to do anything about it. Contrary to Rene I have no desire to neither influence nor to participate in the public life.
Recently we discussed about his autobiography. Rene suggested that he should name himself HOMO LUDENS.
My suggestion of „lead” in Latin would be a mixture of: „homo rebellis”, „homo fidelis”, „homo implicari” or „homo discordiae”. In my eyes Rene eludes any definitions.
by Juliusz Strawiński
Rene asked me to write this notes. Not an easy challenge for me as all my life I tried neither to evaluate nor even comment on other people. So this will be probably more about myself in relation to Rene. Although.... some of my insights may „slip in”?
First we met when my country was shaking off the soviet domination. Rene came up with an idea of designing and building in Poland a superyacht [although this term did not exist yet at that time].
Of course I was full of disbelief in his vision. Did not share his enthusiasm at all.
First- Poland had no experience with building luxury yachts, secondly - our economy was in ruins after 45 years of real socialism and economy of permanent shortages. Third - I had never designed any boat longer than 20 m before, and, last but not least, Rene did not meet my fantasies about millionares keen to spend millions just for fun. [Soon, to my relief, I had opportunity to notice that Rene has to see sound reasons to spend money.]
To all my doubts Rene just asked me a simple question: „Do you feel capable of designing such a yacht?”. I just thought it would be fun to play with such a design. I was nearly sure that after preliminary design the adventure would be over. I did not expect that my reply „YES” would become a milestone in my life, and not in proffesional aspect only.
After starting with a „hopeless” project amazingly soon we found ouerselves in the middle of the world´s yachting „haute couture”. Our superyacht designed and constructed in Poland became a kind of sensation on the market even before launching.
And soon after first excitements I found out that, although designing is my way of life, this particular business environment was not for me. The world where nobody is telling the truth and what is essential is to keep up appearances. Moreover, essential part of activity is to undermine the reputation of the competitors. This annoyed me. I was not used to „small talk” and black PR served with a nice smile. I felt like a ronin in this vanity fair. I suppose that Rene had similar impression although we hardly talked about it.
Nevertheless we created a beautiful and significant classic yacht which even today after 30 years is a jevel in any marina.
Significantly Rene is until today the only one of my „prominent” clients with whom I have intelectual contact and private relations.
Although my wife always told me that I have my own theory on any topic, talking to Rene I was always amazed with his unconventional approach to everything. Rene is always flourishing with radical ideas and whats more - he always tries to promote them in reality. Many times we spent half night long arguing and nearly quarelling. This frequently made me feel like a narrowminded conservative. I felt puzzled, because I had always held myself as a tolerant, non-prejudice and cooperative man. Anyway I admit that Rene anarchist looking always beyond the heads of the public was always inspireing also when I disagreed with his „theories”.
In many cases even when I felt that he was right, I held off to do anything about it. Contrary to Rene I have no desire to neither influence nor to participate in the public life.
Recently we discussed about his autobiography. Rene suggested that he should name himself HOMO LUDENS.
My suggestion of „lead” in Latin would be a mixture of: „homo rebellis”, „homo fidelis”, „homo implicari” or „homo discordiae”. In my eyes Rene eludes any definitions.
