PROGRESSIONS
Hunter Marine Sails Forward Under Marlow Acquisition
Marlow Acquisitions has purchased Hunter Marine Corp. and selected assets of Mainship Corp. and Luhrs Corp. Throughout the recent reorganization from bankruptcy, Hunter Marine has continued to build boats and expects a gradual production increase.
"With this behind us, it is time to shift all our resources to get back to the task at hand -- building and marketing boats," said John T. Peterson, president of Hunter and chief restructuring officer/treasurer of Morgan Industries Corp. "Throughout this process, Hunter and its dealers have forged an even stronger bond and is emerging now in a position of strength. We look forward to a very bright future with a revitalized foundation and positive plans for our future."
Team Hunter celebrates completion of their newest 33'
Added new owner David Marlow, chairman of Marlow-Hunter LLC, in a statement, "For the employees, dealers and suppliers of Hunter Marine, it is indeed a new, great day. I am pledging my years of experience, 46 to be exact, as a boat builder, dealership manager and marina operator, and my entire organization, including Marlow Marine Sales of Sarasota, Fla., Merrill-Stevens Boat Works in Miami, Fla., and Norsemen Shipyard in China, to assist in continuing what has been and is a great boat brand."
Hunter moves forward with confidence, bearing a new marketing slogan, "Life Begins at 40," and new boat models which will debut at the U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis.
In a letter written to and published by Soundings Trade Only, David Marlow wrote:
"As to the future, it is our intentions and mission statement to bring Hunter-Mainship fully fledged into the Marlow Group of companies, using the unique and proprietary methods that we have either developed from original thought or re-examination of the mantra, 'We have always done it that way.
"Though I am quite sure that my belief in vertical integration, where practical, would fail today's Harvard business model, the marine industry does not fit that rigid model of presumed efficiency," Marlow said. "Though Hunter-Mainship have demonstrated efficiencies able to compete with the best European examples, it is my intention to weave a bit more American craftsmanship into the composite that elevates the perceived value without significant cost increase or loss of that efficiency.
"I believe that our assets worldwide can provide those ingredients at acceptable costing levels and I believe that the bright minds at Marlow-Hunter and Mainship can determine how to blend them without unacceptable cost penalties.
"We see no option other than to engage on a global scale, as that is the pathway of the developed world and we cannot change its course," Marlow wrote. "With committed people and continuous thought we are confident that we can compete on any level, be it Alachua [Fla.], America, Europe or Asia."
The trawler division is expected to re-engage within the next six months, according to Peterson.
Josh Adams Named Managing Director of U.S. Olympic Sailing
US Sailing has named Josh Adams to a full-time post as the Managing Director of U.S. Olympic Sailing, effective September 4, 2012.
US Sailing President Gary Jobson said, "After months of research and an extensive interview process, we are confident that Josh Adams is the right individual to take the U.S. Olympic Sailing program to the next level. His experience as a top competitor at the Olympic level and his all around involvement with Olympic sailing makes him the ideal candidate for this position. As a coach, journalist, and fundraiser, Josh is well connected to sailors through his various work experiences in the sailing industry. His primary focus will be the recruitment and development of young sailors with Olympic aspirations."
Adams comes to US Sailing following a seven-year post as publisher of SAIL magazine. He has an extensive background in Olympic sailing. Since 2005, he has been an executive committee member of US Sailing's Olympic Sailing Committee. As an elite competitor and member of the U.S. Sailing Team in 1995-96, he finished second at the 1996 Olympic Trials in the 470.
"The challenge ahead for the U.S. Olympic Sailing Program is significant," said Adams. "So is the opportunity. As it stands now, 40 percent of the classes in the Rio 2016 quadrennium will be new. We need to lead our US Sailing Team Sperry Top-Sider to be performance-centric, to adapt quickly to the new boats, and to build depth in the established classes. At the same time, we need to commit ourselves to a sustainable youth development strategy. Building a program around performance and youth development is a goal that I look forward to leading."
The standout college sailor was a three-time ICSA All-American at Tufts University, where he graduated from in 1994. Adams led his team to two ICSA Team Racing National Championships. He is also a Team Racing World Champion. Adams was a sailor and coach for New York Yacht Club's Young America's Cup Challenge in 2000.
Adams is currently leading an independent panel responsible for reviewing the Olympic program, while being involved in the transition of leadership with current Olympic Sailing Chairman Dean Brenner. He attended the sailing events at the 2012 Olympic Games and will also be present at the upcoming Paralympics in Weymouth, England on August 29 - September 6.
Adams is currently serving as president of Sail America and will fulfill this position through the end of the year, and then stay aboard as past president for two years on the executive committee.
Congratulations, Josh!
Bob Bitchin Launches Cruising Outpost Magazine
Longtime sailing industry veteran and publisher Bob Bitchin has recently announced the premiere of Cruising Outpost, a new quarterly publication, slated for a December 2012 launch. This news comes on the heels of the unexpected publishing lapse of popular lifestyle magazine Latitudes & Attitudes, which Bitchin founded and which was sold to Sextant Publishing last January, but ceased publication in June.
An outpouring of support for the new publication commenced, with commitment for a five year subscription from former readers to help underwrite publishing costs. Subscription prices start at $25.
Perhaps one of the most popular initiatives of Latitudes & Attitudes was its boat show cruiser parties which drew sailors from throughout the region for an evening of fun, fellowship and entertainment. Bitchin' has already held its first Cruising Outpost Cruiser Party in Everett, Washington, with a second soiree scheduled for September 7-8 at the Island Yacht Club in Alameda, Calif., followed by an event September 15 at the Newport (R.I.) International Boat Show.
Click here to follow Cruising Outpost on Facebook.
Edson Taps Austin for National Sales Post
Edson International, a US manufacturer of marine steering systems and accessories, has appointed Reed Austin as national sales manager for its marine division.
An industry veteran, Austin will be responsible for overseeing sales activities of Edson's powerboat, electronics, and accessories product lines, as well as managing Edson's wholesale and trade accounts.
Austin started in the marine industry with 15 years as sales manager for Salt Water Sportsman Magazine. Prior to joining Edson, he was VP of sales and marketing at J&J Marine in Somerset, Massachusetts, a service facility performing all types of repair and refits on vessels up to 95ft. Before that, he served as director of sales and marketing at Hunt Yachts, builders of semi-custom powerboats.
"Reed's background as both a fisherman and boater, as well as his broad marine industry expertise, will be a great fit for Edson," said company President Will Keene.
Special Sail America Membership Offer: 40% DISCOUNT on Marine Max Vacation!
To show its sincere appreciation for those in Sail America who have helped to launch MarineMax Vacations, the organization is offering Sail America members a 40% discount on a sailing charter vacation in the BVIs between now and December 15, 2012.
This special "thank you offer" features sailing aboard either a MarineMax 413s or a MarineMax 433s, built by Dufour and includes standard luxury upgrades such as water makers, shore power A/C, electric heads, free Wi-Fi, and more.
For more information or to book a MarineMax Charter Vacation, please call 813-644-8071 or email Vacations@MarineMax.com. Remember to mention Promo Code SA-2012 for your Industry discount.
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