Seawind Catamarans purchases Corsair Marine

by Seawind on 3 Nov 2010 Australia’s most successful cruising catamaran builder, Seawind, has announced the purchase of Corsair Marine, the world’s foremost trailerable trimaran manufacturer.

Announcing the purchase during Seawind’s 12th annual Pittwater Regatta in Sydney on the weekend, Seawind Managing Director Richard Ward said: 'This is a marriage made in heaven. The two companies have products and manufacturing processes that strongly complement each other. For both Seawind and Corsair, it will signal new growth opportunities in both the manufacturing and sales areas.'

Seawind plans to continue and strengthen the Corsair brand world-wide.

Mr Ward said that both Seawind and Corsair customers would benefit from the combined company.

'Our loyal Seawind customers will see benefit in technology transfers as well as the cost benefits of a larger overall manufacturing base and the integration of some common componentry,' he said.

'Corsair customers will gain these benefits as well as strong Seawind management and greater financial strength.

'It’s an incredibly good fit for both companies, allowing us to expand and compete in a global market. Both will benefit from each other’s special expertise with significant transfer of ideas, systems and personnel.

'It offers great opportunities to grow in all areas and ensure that Seawind’s high standards of quality are maintained and improved upon.

'Ultimately, we are improving profitability in our company so that we can remain strong and competitive in a global market to ensure we will be around for another 25 years or more.'

Corsair has been building performance trimarans for 25 years and has launched more than 1,600 boats, with successful export markets including the USA, Europe and Australia. The company’s current range includes the Dash and Sprint 750 models (24ft) as well as the C28, C31 and C37 trimarans. An awesome 50ft performance catamaran, designed by world famous Reichel Pugh design, completes the Corsair lineup.

Established in the USA in 1984, Corsair Marine was bought by Australian Corsair dealer Paul Koch in 1994 but remained at its home base in San Diego, California. Four years ago the company relocated its manufacturing plant to Vietnam from where they now export to every continent in the world.

According to Paul Koch, 'This was a good move for the company, resulting in significantly reduced manufacturing costs whilst also improving overall quality due largely to a combination of skilled American and Australian management and a highly resourced and well trained local labour force.'

Mr Ward said Seawind will build on the local knowledge and expertise that Corsair has developed over the past four years to lower its own production costs by outsourcing transportable components to the Corsair facility. Seawind production will continue in Australia at the company’s new $2.5 milllion plant near Wollongong south of Sydney.

'Not only are we joining forces with a multihull production company that has been very successful in its own right,' said Mr Ward, 'but we are picking up their manufacturing expertise and tapping into a network of sales agents that stretch around the globe.'

He said that the acquisition will create one of the world’s most comprehensive and exciting yacht builders.

Seawind Catamarans is Australia’s largest and most awarded sailing boat manufacturer, with 28 years of innovation and excellence in the field of performance cruising catamarans. The company was recently awarded the 'Best Exporter of the Year' by the Australian Marine Export Group (AIMEX), and currently manufactures a range of high-end cruising yachts including the newly developed 41ft Seawind 1250, the multi award winning 38ft Seawind 1160, Australia’s most popular catamaran, the 35ft Seawind 1000XL, and the 35ft day charter Seawind 1050 Resort.

More at www.seawindcats.com