Westport reports strong first half
WESTPORT, Wash. – Nearing the halfway point of 2005, Westport Shipyard’s schedule of recent launches, current projects and confirmed orders points to a record year, poised to eclipse its best-ever performance in 2004, the yacht builder reported in a recent statement.
Westport has sold its first 50-meter (164-foot) tri-deck motoryacht to a repeat customer. The vessel is scheduled for launch and delivery this winter at the company’s Port Angeles, Wash., yard, according to the company. A second 50-meter also is under construction, and construction of a third, also sold, will begin late this year.
In addition, two Westport 130-foot tri-deck yachts have been sold to repeat clients. A third 130-foot and four 112-foot raised pilothouse yachts are due to deliver before year’s end.
“The current build schedule at our three yards has us on track for a total of ten launches in 2005,” Westport President Daryl Wakefield said. “That number is three better than our record total for 2004.”
Wakefield credited the robust pace to the company’s workforce, now nearing 750 employees, and to Westport’s investment in infrastructure, tooling and design, an effort that he said enables the company to meet superior quality standards while shortening build times and ensuring on-time delivery to its clients.
Buoyed by a strong boat show season, Westport’s brokers have been equally successful selling both new and used yachts, Wakefield noted, including several previously launched Westport 112s.
“The early shows gave us a great start, and we anticipate carrying our momentum well beyond year’s end,” he said.
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