Westship World Yachts Returns, With Two Megayacht Models

For more than 20 years, Westship was a name gracing the sides of many megayachts in U.S. waters.
The Florida-based firm, which changed names to Westship World Yachts along the way, fell on hard times several years ago. Now, Westship World Yachts has reopened its doors and is actively promoting two new composite megayacht models.

First, a bit of background. Westship was initially the East Coast sales and marketing arm of Washington State’s Westport Shipyard, but the two parted ways in the late 1990s. Westship’s management team soon took over the facilities of Trident Shipyard in Tampa, Florida and began operating as Westship World Yachts. It began building megayachts fully independently, starting with a 140-footer. In the mid-2000s just prior to the current global economic crisis, the builder began suffering difficulties. Henry Respess, a client with a project under construction, acquired its assets in 2006. Respess saw his megayacht, the 110-foot Prestige Lady, brought to completion and intended to revitalize Westship World Yachts when the economic climate seemed more promising. Respess reopened Westship World Yachts’ sheds last October. He remains actively involved in operations as chairman of the board.

While Prestige Lady is now displayed at boat shows to showcase what the revived shipyard can do, Westship World Yachts is promoting new models, too. The goal is to build fiberglass megayachts and mega-size sportfishing yachts from 98 to 131 feet (about 29.9 to 40 meters, respectively). All are to feature the engineering work of Arrabito Naval Architects and styling and interior design by Evan K. Marshall. And ultimately, as Ricardo Rueles, Westship’s CEO, explains, the goal is “have some fun and create some jobs!”



Read more: Megayacht News – Westship World Yachts Returns, With Two Megayacht Models http://megayachtnews.com/2012/01/westship-world-yachts/#ixzz1k7Vc5K3G


http://megayachtnews.com/2012/01/westship-world-yachts/#axzz1k7VRDLGJ