The history of TOPLICHT

Are you looking for the best for your ship? For a classic or modern yacht? Then you've come to the right place. With decades of experience, we know what ships really need. Good materials that are robust, durable, and reliable. And preferably attractive too. Take a look at the history of Toplicht. You will see how we developed the expertise that enables us to support you with all your questions today.

The end of the 1970s was the era of “projects.”

"Where do those fine ash blocks come from?" "Where can I get copper rivets?" "Do you have marine glue?" The late 70s were the time of "projects." Old ships were rediscovered and lovingly restored. People reflected on the maritime heritage. Good material was desperately sought.

Michael Thönnessen, co-founder of the Oevelgönne Museum Harbour in Hamburg, is known as an ingenious tinkerer. He procures what the classic boat scene needs. Initially for friends and enthusiasts, but soon also for a larger customer base. What started as a favour at the kitchen table developed into a business idea in 1980 (today one would say "startup"). Since 1981, this has been called "TOPLICHT Ship Chandler for Traditional Sailing."

An omniscient internet did not yet exist in the 80s. The search for manufacturers and suppliers is a task for tenacious sleuths. Sources are found that produce products for traditional ships. All over the world. From the small blacksmith on Funen to the bronze foundry in New Zealand, from the fitting manufacturer in Sauerland to the Dutch paint factory. Ship nails, shackles, oil stoves, lamps and kerosene lanterns, blocks and ropes: all the unique things that are not available elsewhere and that shipowners, craftsmen, and shipyards long for.

TOPLICHT is grows slowly and steadily

The first employees, of course practitioners from the sailing scene, are hired. A warehouse is opened in Hamburg-Altona in an old factory. The accompanying store is already an insider tip, not only in the gaff scene, because of its incomparable smell of tar and rope. The crew is there for customers with their know-how and experience.

The first TOPLICHT catalog is published in 1985.

Even back then, the TOPLICHT catalog was published in a book-friendly format and, of course, with a brown cover, as it is still known in the scene today. Over the years, the content has at least tripled and has grown from a small booklet to a thick book filled with many articles. The mail order business developed, parcels were sent out, and index cards were replaced by computers. TOPLICHT became increasingly modern, and since 1999, an online shop has helped to reach more customers and simplified the ordering process.

More and more products

New products are constantly being added to the range, and not just for traditional ships. The company attends major international boat shows. Toplicht moves with the times and is no longer a niche business for a dedicated classic boat scene, but a modern yacht supplier for anyone looking for high-quality materials for their vessel.

The big move

In 2013, the warehouse and shop moved to a new building, which the Toplicht crew perfectly tailored to the requirements of an efficient mail-order business:

A timber building constructed with an ecologically sound design, still in Hamburg-Altona.
A large warehouse and airy offices for the steadily growing crew.
Modern logistics that ship packages and freight consignments all over the world every day.
A shop that still has the traditional smell of tar of a classic ship chandler.

TOPLICHT: A family business

Toplicht is heading into the future as a medium-sized family business:

Gesa Thönnessen, the founder's daughter, has been part of the management since 2017 and has been at the helm since 2022. A relaunch of the online shop and the introduction of new operating software are optimizing the company's infrastructure.

What do you expect from us today?

Fair advice
Good products and fast delivery

We can do that. Today, just like the last 40 years. It's a matter of honour!