Fairline 2010

Fairline looks forward to 2010

By IBI Magazine

Fairline CEO Derek Carter drew a line under what has arguably been the toughest 18 months in the UK boatbuilder's 42-year history when he formally unveiled the new Targa 58 Gran Turismo (pictured) at the Tullet Prebon London International Boat Show on Friday, and predicted a return to growth in 2010 for the Northamptonshire-based concern.

After taking the tough decision to scale back the business at the end of 2008 Fairline appears to have ridden out the storm and is gearing up for a profitable year ahead. "Thank heavens we took the medicine when we did," Carter told a press conference during the opening day of the London show. "We took the right decision at the right time," he said, referring to the decision to downsize the business by 40 per cent in September 2008. He added that growth in 2010 would be modest, but was optimistic that with a raft of new product launches — as well as the Targa 58, expect a new Squadron 41, Targa 50 and Squadron 50 later this year — it would be able to capitalise on the growing confidence in the market place.

"There is a stability returning," Carter told IBI. "We're seeing a progressive creep of consumer confidence — it's all about confidence."

For 2011 and beyond the boatbuilder has plans for a new 75-footer and larger.



(11 January 2010)