Northshore Yachts expansion ahead

by Peter Bradwell on 15 Sep 2006 Northshore Yachts have been manufactured in Australia since 1973 with over 750 Northshore Yachts sailing around the country, which is more than any other modern production boat, either imported or Australian made. Now the company is poised ready for major expansion.

Managing Director and major shareholder of Northshore Yachting Services, Heath Walters, with the backing of private equity investors acquired Northshore Yachts earlier in the year. The company is operating in conjunction with the successful BoatMate Shipwright Services.

This week Walters is in Zenda, Wisconsin and next week Northshore will release some exciting news on the ‘down under’ plans for the Melges 24, an immensely popular racer. Australian James Spithill was the 2005 Melges 24 World Champion.

Northshore Yachting Services is continuing to build and develop Australia's multi award winning Northshore Yacht range. The Northshore production range runs from 31 feet up to 46 feet and includes the classic Northshore 38, the Scott Jutson designed, award winning Northshore 370 and 2003 Australian Sailboat of the year, the Northshore 369.

With the addition of the shipwright and marine services of the BoatMate company, Heath and his team are driving 'a full experience', from build to after sale maintenance and support. Northshore owners have always been very loyal to the range, with many owners acquiring their second and third Northshore or alternatively, holding onto their yacht for many years.

The Northshore 'Family' Regatta was held on Lake Macquarie on the weekend of the 26th and 27th August. Managing Director Heath Walters flew in from his Hamilton Island campaign on a NS370, to present prizes and congratulate the winners.

'By rebuilding the Northshore association and supporting both cruising and racing boat owners we intend to revitalize what has been the biggest selling production brand in Australia,' said Walters.

In addition to the Northshore production range, the company is also now working with designers and owners to build custom boats.

As more and more Australian boat builders have either gone offshore to build outside of Australia or moved up scale to the big maxi end of town, Northshore Yachting intends to cater for those experienced yachtsman that want that 'special' 30 to 50 footer built to order, and where they can work with the designers and builders directly.

If you would like to know more about the next chapter in Northshore Yachts' 33 year history please, log onto www.northshoreyachts.com.au or call Heath Walters direct on (+612) 999 76633 next week.