New age for boat building companies

Following the purchase of Catalina and True North Yachts earlier this year by boat building entrepreneur Michael Reardon, the sailing community wondered where the new owner and his team would lead the last big production sailboat builder left in North America. Well, now we know.

In August, Catalina announced that it was partnering with Tripp Yacht design to bring a new Catalina 48 to market. The Bill Tripp-design breaks ground for the venerable American builder by introducing sleek and modern design elements and high-tech keel, rudder and rig configurations.

In Late August, in a landmark move for North American boat building, Readon announced the acquisition of the classic American brands Tartan, Freedom and AMP Spars from Seattle Yachts. This consolidation creates a new age for companies that have been struggling in recent years. – Full report