First Russian Fairline hits the water
Russian backers have revived the ailing British brand announcing customer's Targa 48GT has been completed.
Having been rescued from administration by UK-based Russian investors in January, the first ‘Russian’ Fairline has now rolled off the Oundle production line, honouring the British company’s promise to take all ongoing boat orders of the previous owners through to completion.
The boat, a Targa 48 GT, was bought through Fairline Yachts’ London based dealership, Bates Wharf – and Russell Currie, MD of the new company and a man with a very strong background in the luxury motor yacht industry, is plainly delighted with the development: “We have been focusing on completing existing orders to ensure no customer of Fairline Yachts from anywhere in the world loses confidence in our ability to provide them with their new boat. As a result, we have experienced a surge in orders from our dealer network, for both stock and retail sold boats for this year and next. With some outstanding product designs, a skilled and passionate workforce and a loyal customer following, Fairline Yachts is absolutely on its way to getting back where it belongs.”
The appearance of a new 48 GT is cause for celebration at the new Russian-backed Fairline yard.
The new owners also look well equipped for the task. In addition to being enthusiastic boaters in their own right, Alexander Volov and Igor Glyanenko are both highly experienced in managing and developing marine businesses, leading Russell to paint a very optimistic picture about the company’s long-term prospects: “With the resources of the investors, coupled with the expert knowledge of the management team, the structure is in place for a great future for Fairline Yachts. We will focus on creating high quality luxury motor yachts that boaters will want to own and dealers will want to sell.”
The newly formed company will continue to operate from its established manufacturing facility in Northamptonshire - and with the production line now up and running again, Fairline Yachts has already committed to a return to the UK show scene. Upcoming appearances will reportedly include the London On-Water Boat Show in May and the British Motor Yacht Show at Swanwick Marina later the same month.
For more on the London On-Water Boat Show and other marine events taking place this summer, see: Boating events: 12 of the best for 2016.
