Fairline exhibits at Sydney Boat Show with new local dealer

by Jeni Bone on 5 Aug 2012 In Sydney to support the newly appointed Sydney dealer, Bryan Jones President of Fairline Boats was toasting the mild Sydney winter and looking forward to buyer interest in the Targa 58 on show.

Appointed within the week prior Sydney International Boat Show, the duo of Glenn Moltoni and Josh Metz have established the brand’s Sydney dealership at The Spit, Mosman. Josh has been based at Runaway Bay on Queensland’s Gold Coast, and Glenn has moved over from WA with his family.

Fairline has just sold its fourth Targa 58 Gran Turismo in 12 months, including two at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May. The 2011 Motor Boat of the Year is a spacious three cabin, three ensuite express cruiser with light and space at its core. Described as a 'sociable boat', it has proven a hit in Australia. 'It’s our highest selling market for this model,' Jones says.

While China and South America are proving to be important emerging markets for Fairline, Jones says Australia is a significant market because of its maturity.

'The exchange rate makes Fairline appealing here. We just sold our third Squadron 42 in to WA. Our Runaway Bay dealership was Australasian Dealer of the Year. The Asian market is growing, but Australia is our most important market in the region. The Asia-Pacific region has an annual growth of 600% since 2008.'

The UAE on the other hand, hasn’t delivered to the expectations of forecasts of five years ago. 'There is potential for growth in Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt and Lebanon, but Dubai is challenging. It has suffered a lot with the GFC. They have had a rough ride in terms of exposure in the property market.'

The US is proving strong, with Fairline reporting its best ever Miami International Boat Show this year. The home market of the UK is the strongest, the company’s number one dealer worldwide. 'All our dealers are long term,' says Jones of the 69-strong dealer network. 'They are working hard to stay ahead of market conditions. We have a 45 year investment in the brand. Fairline is engineering led, but saying that, there has to be passion as well.'

At Southampton in September, Fairline will be launching the new Targa 62, which will replace the 58, as well as launching the new Squadron 60. In May 2013, the Targa 45 will be introduced, arriving in Australia for Summer 2013.

The Fairline brand is aimed squarely at the 'confident connoisseur', says Jones. 'The want speed and performance, comfort and luxury, but they’re not flashy. They want the best, but don’t want to show up and say ‘look at me’.'
As well as Sanctuary Cove, Melbourne and Sydney boat shows, Fairline has a presence at Mandurah in the West.
'It’s a great show for us,' acknowledges Jones, adding that Fairline exhibited three boats and a Bentley conveying the 'best of British'.

Then there are the five shows in China, and US and European shows where the brand has dealers.
'As a manufacturer, it’s important to support our dealers, but you have to draw the line. There are too many shows in my opinion and we have to go where we see the potential for ROI.'

More at www.fairline.com