In 1604, at the age of 44, Marinus saw an opportunity for his family and made a decision that would define his legacy. He uprooted his young family and joined the first group of settlers in Nieuwvliet, a nascent community rising from recently reclaimed land in Zeelandic Flanders. This move coincided with Prince Maurits recapture of the Land of Cadzand from Spanish control, opening up new opportunities for those bold enough to seize them.