TALKIN' BOATS WITH ALTON HERNDON, BERTRAM YACHTS' PRESIDENT

POSTED IN SOUNDINGSONLINE.COM, AUGUST 31, 2012.  WRITTEN BY CHRIS LANDRY.

Alton Herndon is the president of Bertram Yacht, the legendary sportfishing-boat builder. He took the helm in early 2010 and orchestrated the company’s historic move from Miami to Merritt Island, Fla.

Herndon, 66, spends time offshore fishing Bertram yachts in tournaments. He built his first boat — a 16-foot fish/ski runabout with an 80-hp Mercury — at the age of 23. He got his first marine industry job in 1969 at Hatteras Yachts.

Herndon grew up in High Point, N.C., studied business at High Point College and later graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s executive program.

He was president of Hatteras Yachts from 1985-1996 and held executive management roles at Palmer Johnson, Tiara Yachts and KCS International. He was co-founder and managing partner of Southport Boat Works, was chairman of the National Association of Boat Manufacturers and is a past member of the executive committee and board of the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

Herndon plans to move to the Merritt Island area with his wife, Dru, as the company relocates this fall. He has three children ages 28 to 40 and three grandchildren. In this interview, Herndon talks about his most memorable fish, names his favorite Bertram model and explains how the company’s relocation will result in bigger and better boats.

Q: After more than 50 years in Miami, why is Bertram moving to Merritt Island and what effect it will have on your boats?

A: We’re moving for two reasons. One, we’ve outgrown the facility with the size of the boats we’re building. They are too large in beam and height to efficiently build in our existing buildings. The Bertram 80 is the best example. We can only build that model partially under cover, and then we have to move it outside and put a tent over it during the remainder of the construction. To launch the boat, we have to get a house mover to take it to our launch site and place it in the middle of the road. Then we launch it by getting a 500-ton crane that has the reach to pick it up and swing it over the marina buildings and into the waterway into the canal. That exercise costs us tens of thousands of dollars. Anything over 60 feet we have to launch at high tide because our Travelift slip is not as wide as the beam of these boats. Even some of these large enclosed boats must be completed outside. We could spend a lot of money to correct our situation, but investing to do that is not a wise choice.

The second reason for moving is we are across the street from Miami airport property and services. The entire community around us is being developed for high-end commercial use to service the airport and be serviced by the airport. It would be foolish to make that tremendous investment to raise roofs, to build new slips and put in the equipment for these bigger boats at a time when, simply put, we would be in the wrong spot for large boatbuilding. To be heavy industrial, which we are, in a high-end commercial district is not a good idea.

Q: What makes the new location ideal for Bertram?

A: The new location had to have certain requirements. We were looking for properties that were on navigable water and that preferably had large, tall buildings. We wanted property that had at least 30 to 40 acres. And it goes without saying we were looking for a community in which we could attract good employees and teach them how to build our product. After all the mileage we put on our vehicles and ourselves searching the Eastern Seaboard from Miami to Virginia for the new location, we found a home meeting all of the requirements: Merritt Island. We are extremely excited about getting there.

Q: The move will also mark the beginning of a new building process for Bertram.

A: We are going to start using resin infusion to build our fiberglass parts. With resin-infused parts, you have a lighter-weight laminate, due primarily to less resin, and a higher percentage of fiberglass in the laminate. You have a lighter, stronger fiberglass part. The icing on the cake: It’s environmentally friendly, not only to the employees in our plant but to the community. It is as close to closed-molding lamination as you can get.

Q: What makes a Bertram a Bertram?

A: Bertrams historically have been known as hardcore, kick-ass saltwater sportfishing machines. We’re going to build on that. We design and build our boats for our owner’s intended use. We don’t design them to leave the dock when weather conditions say don’t leave the dock. But the boat has to be built so that if you get caught in bad weather, the boat is going to get you home. And our owners fish enough that they do get caught in it. You’re going to see new Bertrams that are lighter and faster; they’re going to be designed to have a more streamlined appearance. But when you see one you’re going to say, “That must be the new Bertram,” not “What is that boat?”

Q: Are there new boats on the horizon that consumers can look forward to?

A: What we will be focusing on short-term — meaning two to three years — will be developing new and refining existing models within our 50- to 80-foot range. Every Bertram we build is better than the last one. We learn with each boat. What we are looking for in the future is certainly more efficient boatbuilding, but the boats themselves will change according to our customers’ input, who are looking for improved performance, which could be higher top-end speed, higher cruise speed, improved fuel efficiency. They want the boat, in appearance, to be longer, lower, sleeker. Engine suppliers will continue to make high-horsepower packages, but those packages are going to be smaller and more fuel-efficient and lighter in weight.

Herndon favors the 31 for its classic look and profile and its iconic status as the boat 'that started the legend.'

Q: Which Bertram is your favorite?

A: For my personal ownership, I would love to have one of the Bertram 31s that started this company. Also, our 80-footer is one of the best Bertrams we have ever built.

Q: What in particular do like about the Bertram 31?

A: The 31 is a classic in look and profile and an excellent choice for my family to use and enjoy primarily as a day boat. Keep in mind this is the Bertram that started the legend. The 31 has a large cockpit that’s ideal for a couple of removable sailfish chairs or additional chairs for cruising inland waters. A combined shower/head, dinette and V-berth with a small galley are well arranged in the cabin. Top it off with a flying bridge comfortable for two, a bow deck suitable for sunning and engine boxes large enough to house a pair of today’s diesels. Many others felt the same as me about the boat. It was so popular it was built from 1961 to 1982 and then built again as a silver anniversary edition in 1985 and 1986, with a total of just under 2,000 built. The 31 was built in six models and shipped worldwide.

Q: What are some of your favorite boats other than Bertrams?

A: The boats I respect certainly would include the ones we compete with. That would be Hatteras and Viking and the custom boatbuilders. If you drop down to the center consoles, I would go for the Southport, which I started with Frank Longino, and the top-quality boats that are designed for their use — brands such as Grady-White, Contender, Regulator, Intrepid, Yellowfin. For motoryachts, I believe we build some of the finest in the world from the Ferretti Group, like Ferretti, Riva or Pershing.

Q: Can you name a few of those custom builders?

A: John Bayliss (www.baylissboatworks.com) does a really good job. Mark Willis (www.willismarineinc.com), Paul Mann (www.paulmanncustomboats.com), Paul Spencer (www.spenceryachtsinc.com) — all of those guys.

Q: What about smaller express boats?

A: The S2 boats — Tiara or Pursuit. And you have to remember those specialty boats, like the ski boats — MasterCraft and Correct Craft, who design boats that do things we wouldn’t even think of in the past.

Q: How did you get into the business of building boats?

A: I was working as an industrial engineer in the textile industry and I learned there was an opening for an industrial engineer at Hatteras Yachts. This was back in 1969. I applied and the plant manager took me out in the plant and I stood under the bow of one of those big boats. It was like I was in New York City for the first time looking at a skyscraper. And I have that same feeling today when I go under the bow of one of our big boats. I took that job and have been boating and in the boating industry ever since.

Q: Do you remember your first boat?

A: Absolutely. I built it. I kind of stole the design. Me and a couple other guys had a hull mold that was made similar to a 16-foot Dixie — a tri-hull lapstrake — and we put a different deck on it for both fishing and skiing and built about a half-dozen of them, just for each one of us to have one. That was my first experience with laying fiberglass. I put one of the tall 80 Mercs on it, and it made a great fish-and-ski boat. Since then I’ve had just about every style and type of boat you can imagine — ski boats, center console boats, some of the cabin boats in the 28- to 30-foot size.

Q: Did you do any boating in your youth?

A: Sure, I played with a toy boat in a mud hole or a creek. No, I never got a chance to enjoy real boating in my childhood. My first experience with boating was in Florida, learning to water ski behind a 14-foot boat made of wood with a 25-hp outboard on it.

Q: Is Bertram interested in equipping its boats with pod propulsion and/or joystick controls?

A: We are interested in high-tech going forward and we watch it and study it. But we’re not being customer-driven to do it. We don’t get the requests for it.

Q: You mean pods and joysticks?

A: Yes. We have driven boats with this technology, but we are just not customer-driven to build boats that way right now.

Q: How have boats changed in the past 20 years?

A: I am a boater and what I see today is top-quality. The product is built with much-improved materials. I don’t care if it’s a paddleboard or a center console or a cruiser or a sportfish or a custom yacht — they’re better. It’s not just speed and performance; it’s the durability, the value and the value after you had it and want to trade it in or sell.

The latest from the boatbuilder is the Bertram 64, designed with clean, smooth and rounded interior lines.

Q: What are designers and builders doing well these days — improving efficiency, smarter interior layouts, ride quality?

A: We understand that the boaters should be driving our businesses. How can that customer enjoy the boat more? For the guy who wants to go fishing, does he have the right height, beam, length to succeed on the water? But with a boat our size, when the customer wants to go inside into an air-conditioned space he needs to feel like he is being invited into a comfortable place. Same thing with eating and sleeping — they’re looking for the comfort as well as the durability and that hard-core kick-ass fishing machine. There is one other consideration: What does the crew think of it? Is it a boat that is easy to maintain? Is it efficient? They’re playing a larger part in today’s boat purchases.

Q: Are boatbuilders doing a good job providing access to engines, pumps, generators and other components that need service?

A: The engine rooms are tighter because of the increasing amount of technology and equipment, but it should not reach a point where the equipment is inaccessible. With boats our size — and with our lifespan — at some point equipment is going to need to be replaced. Can you get to it? Can you get inside? Can you replace it?

Q: And vice president of manufacturing Ken Beauregard says that’s one reason Bertram builds its own fiberglass fuel tanks as integral parts of the boat.

A: That’s right. Those tanks are meant to last the lifetime of the boat, and they do.

Q: Do you see anything that’s wrong with today’s boats?

A: I’m struggling coming up with something, and here’s why. Depending on what you want to do on the water, there’s a good boat out there for you. Someone has thought it through and designed a boat that fits you. There’s more thinking and planning going into the design phase of boatbuilding with boaters in mind.

On the horizon are new Bertrams that are lighter, faster and designed to have a more streamlined appearance.

Q: What are consumers looking for in a new boat these days?

A: People are cost-conscious but also time-conscious. People want to get on a boat and have all the buttons do exactly what they are supposed to do. Customers don’t want problems. The more trouble-free, the better. Time is more important than ever. Simply put, the boat needs to do what it is supposed to do.

Q: What part of the boating experience do you enjoy most?

A: Being with my family and enjoying what they enjoy, whether it’s fishing or cruising or just going from point A to point B. I also like the sportfishing, being offshore fishing.

Q: What has been your most memorable catch?

A: Probably the first billfish I caught, which was a white marlin off Ocean City, Md., in the canyon. We got in this tournament and didn’t realize there was a handicap — a barbless hook, 25-pound test tournament. We had no equipment to fish that tournament, so we had to borrow equipment. Lines went in at 9 o’clock, and at 9:15 I had a white marlin on, which was great and exciting. Of course, then the reel quit winding, so I was thumbing the line in and the fish was just behind the boat, tired and ready to be brought to the boat. And then the reel starts coming off the rod because it was borrowed old equipment. That was memorable — first time, first billfish, first tournament and it didn’t take long to get it to the boat, and here I was about to lose the damn thing!

Q: And did you lose it?

A: I got it to the boat.

Q: How else do you spend time on the water?

A: It depends on where we are. But most of our boating is off North Carolina. The kids have gone their separate ways — one north on the beach and two of them inland. So we don’t get to boat as much as in the past. But they’ve experienced fishing and boating, believe me. Freshwater fishing, water skiing and tubing and hydra-slides and all of those activities — we did all of these things while the kids were growing up. Right now my boating is more just with my wife or me fishing the tournaments that we attend due to Bertram.

Q: What was the last boat you did own and what do you have now?

A: A 26-foot Southport center console was the last one I owned. I currently own a dugout canoe from Pinjas Bay but, fortunately, have access to the Bertrams we build.

This article originally appeared in the September 2012 issue.

PERSHING 82' WILL PREMIERE IN CANNES!

In the words of Justin Blue, North American Product Manager, the Pershing 82' is "truly amazing".  He explains: 

"What does it take to make a new model truly amazing??? The newly launched Pershing 82 not only answers this question, it puts you into a place of being speechless and in awe!!!!!  Both in an interview with Invictus magazine and at dinner after closing, this three-time Pershing owner sat back and said of his new 82', 'I just can't believe this is mine and how truly amazing it is!'.

"The new lines of this boat are even more aggressive than the previous, ever popular Pershing 80 and she truly looks faster even sitting still at the dock! If taking control of the boat while sitting in the "cockpit" seat with the sunroof open and rooster tail in the air doesn't seem to be enough, you can now go up to the sun deck and take control with 45+ knots of wind in your hair as you take a tight turn with 140,000 lbs of pure adrenaline beneath your seat! 

"This is a must-see boat for anyone looking to move into an unbelievable combination of strength, speed, luxury and comfort while offering the attributes of a sport yacht and a flybridge in one.

"This new model will be a great seller once it is viewed during the Worldwide Debut at the Cannes Boat Show starting September 11th."  It will be available for viewing in America at the Miami International Boat Show in February, 2013. 

Please read the model description, below.  For more information, click here. 

MODEL DESCRIPTION

With its 82 feet of cutting-edge design, this model, which is the contemporary restyling of Pershing 80', will be the protagonist for the brand at the Cannes and Genoa boat shows, exceptional showcases where this model will be premiered.

23.99 metres long and 5.50 metres wide, this new boat is once again a creation of the yacht designer Fulvio De Simoni, in collaboration with AYT (Advanced Yacht Technology – the naval research and design center of the Ferretti Group) and the team of architects and designers of the Centro Stile Ferrettigroup. 

Designed to enhance the pleasure of yachting and to ensure maximum performance at sea, Pershing 82' has two powerful MTU 16 V M93 of 2435 mhp (1792 kW) with Searex SR140S propulsion system together with Rolla surface piercing propellers, capable of reaching a top speed of 45 knots and a cruising speed of 40 knots, with a range of 300 nautical miles. The propulsion system is run by AUTOTRIM, an exclusive functionality that opimizes the performance and the consumption of the boat at any speed and with any load, in a completely automatic manner.

Featuring a streamlined and aggressive external profile, Pershing 82' immediately shows the strong sporting spirit that distinguishes it, given its elongated lines that permit the enlargement of the internal volumes, providing wide spaces which guests can enjoy, offering greater comfort and liveability.

The liveability of external spaces has increased with the sun deck, a distinctive feature of the latest Pershing models where, next to the retractable helm, at the bow, there are two comfortable lateral chaises longues next to the pilot's seat, in which a practical minibar has been placed.

The sun deck is easily accessible by means of an innovative carbon steel staircase, created by AYT in close collaboration with Besenzoni, which drops automatically into the cockpit by electro-hydraulic control and automatically disappears upwards when closed, freeing the space in the cockpit. For further comfort, at the stern there is a sun bed area with separate backs that can be electrically lower. 

On the main-deck, the large cockpit and the main saloon, divided by an electro-hydraulically controlled retractable door, offer maximum comfort.
Customizable to the Owner's needs, Pershing 82' has a standard layout with 4 guest cabins: the master suite amidships, a VIP cabin forward and two cabins with twin beds at the bow of the master suite. It has 3 bathrooms: an en suite in the master suite and in the VIP cabin, and a guest bathroom that can be used as a restroom during the day. Additionally, there are two crew cabins (one for the captain and one for the sailors) which can be reached through the saloon, with laundry room and bathroom. The optional layout has 3 guest cabins with a lounge cinema room starboard.

Nada Serafini, Brand Manager of Pershing, expresses her satisfaction by saying: “By launching Pershing 82', the brand confirms its commitment to yacht designing meeting the market demands without betraying the Pershing spirit: yachts with big volumes that combine sportsmanship, performance and style. In addition, this new launching highlights once again the strategic importance of the brand for the nautical pole of Fano".

Outstanding performance, comfort and design: these are the keywords that make Pershing 82' an ideal yacht with which to experience life at sea and which meets the requests of the most demanding ship owners.

THE RIVA DREAM LIVES ON IN MONACO

REPRINTED FROM SUPERYACHTTIMES.COM, July 3, 2012

“I don’t know what to say - I am so deeply moved! My first thoughts go to Prince Rainier who in the late 1950s introduced me to what was the real Principality of Monaco, then to Prince Albert II, President of the Yacht Club de Monaco, who did me the great honour of coming to greet me this weekend on my Aquarama LIPICAR IV. Riva’s history is intimately linked to that of the Principality, thanks to the Princes who have always been open to initiatives and encouraged the development of recreational boats making Monaco the reference in terms of yachting,” said Carlo Riva, the ‘Ingegnere de Sarnico’, at the Riva Trophy prize-giving which ended an exceptional weekend.

Organized by Monaco Boat Service in collaboration with the Yacht Club de Monaco and Credit Suisse, the Riva Trophy united the whole family from the prestigious Italian boatyard for a triple celebration: 170 years of the Riva boatyard, 50 years of the Aquarama and 90 years for Carlo Riva.

Highlights of three days of festivities included the regularity contest between Monaco and Saint-Tropez, organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco and won by Aquariva Gucci Rivanya; the presentation of the newly launched Riva Virtus 63’, the elegance parade on the theme “Be as Beautiful as your Aquarama”, won by the crew on Rombouts ahead of the 1970 Aquarama Super Gala; a very sixties themed gala evening at the Monte Carlo Beach; and a grand parade of around thirty Aquaramas in the bay to pay homage to their designer who totally reinvented the art of boating for pleasure.

Although the family had started building boats in the 19 th century, it was the extraordinary energy of one man who gave birth to the Riva legend - Carlo, son of Serafino, transformed the Sarnico boatyard into a myth with his range of mahogany motorboats.

 

Yacht Club de Monaco

+377 93 10 63 00www.yacht-club-monaco.mc

PERSHING 82 TO PREMIERE AT CANNES BOAT SHOW

The new Pershing 82 is almost complete!  I found this great story on Charterworld.com about its premiere and am passing it along to you!

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

The technical launch and the presentation of the new Pershing 82 superyacht is eagerly awaited, with the launch due to take place at the end of July. The motor yacht Pershing 82, designed by Pershing, a brand of Ferretti Group, world’s top manufacturers of high performance open motor yachts ranging from 15 to 35 metres, will be displayed at the popular Autumn boat shows. Pershing 82 will debut at the Cannes Boat Show, after completing her journey to French Riviera.

The shipyard of Mondolfo is thus ready to host the fundamental towing tank tests for the latest Pershing yacht, 24.97 metres in length, 5.50 in width and designed once again by the yacht designer Fulvio De Simoni in close collaboration with AYT (Advanced Yacht Technology – the Ferretti Group’s naval research and design centre) and the team of architects and designers at Centro Stile Ferrettigroup.

The superstructure of the new Pershing 82 yacht, which is already assembled and varnished with a special silver colour(like the hull), and the furnishings which are almost complete, display the strong sporty character of this model, immediately recognizable from its external profile which is more appealing than that of the Pershing 80’, its predecessor.

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The profile of the sun-deck is also taking shape, which can easily be accessed from an automated hatch and a carbon steel staircase, created by AYT in close collaboration with Besenzoni. Once inserted, the staircase is decentralized and drops automatically into the cockpit by electro-hydraulic control and automatically disappears upwards when closed, freeing the space in the cockpit.

All the other stylistic features that have distinguished the Pershing models, contributing to its worldwide success, remain the same on the new motor yacht Pershing 82: the large windows on the walls, the large retractable door that divides the cockpit from the saloon with electro-hydraulic control and the special system of fiberglass vacuum molding.

The first hull of the new Pershing 82′ yacht has 4 comfortable guest cabins (the master suite amidships, a VIP cabin forward and two cabins with twin beds at the bow of the master suite) for the standard layout, and 2 guest cabins (one for the captain and one for the sailors) for the optional version, with laundry room and bathroom.

Below deck, space is typically divided for a mega yacht, for example the galley is separate from the saloon and it communicates with the crew area to allow greater privacy for the guests and the ship owner. The galley, which is L-shaped and is completely separate from the sleeping area, ensures comfort and a good quality of life on board.

The sleeping area is a model of comfort and design. In the master suite, amidships, we find the easily recognizable wide open-view windows, which marked the aesthetic course of the new Pershing range. The sinuous shape of the window permits a generous amount of light to enter throwing a pleasant play of light onto the Poltrona Frau leather furnishings.

The VIP cabin, at the bow, with an en-suite, features an elegant central bed and two big lateral wardrobes, while the twoguest cabins have a more traditional setting with two twin beds. All the guest cabins aboard luxury yacht Pershing 82 have a carpet.

The below deck lighting system is also included. It consists of embedded LED lights, distributed along the ducts on the concealed molding, providing indirect lighting and guaranteeing a welcoming atmosphere.

Besides the innovative solutions designed for the external structure and for the design below deck, the new Pershing 82′ was developed to ensure maximum performance at sea: two powerful coupled MTU 16 V M93 of 2435 mhp (1792 kW) with Searex SR140S propulsion system together with Rolla surface piercing propellers that guarantee a maximum speed of 45 knots and a cruising speed of 40 knots and high levels of comfort, in addition to the autonomy of more than 300 nautical miles. The propulsion system is run by AUTOTRIM, an exclusive functionality that optimizes the performance and the consumption of the boat at any speed and with any load and is completely automatic.

Nada Serafini, Brand Manager of Pershing, states: “We are close to the launch of this new model, a boat which perfectly fits the new aesthetic course of the brand and which we believe can satisfy the demands of many ship owners who require excellent performance at sea together with the unmistakable Pershing design. The Pershing 82’ will be the jewel in the crown which will represent us at the Autumn boat shows”.

Total flexibility of space and innovative technology are the guidelines of our stylistic choices for this new boat in which the most prestigious brands are represented and which reaffirm the high sporty performances which are typical of every Pershing yacht.

WATERWAYS NEWSLETTER, JULY 2012

Happy Independence Day week!  I hope you enjoy the celebration and blessings of our great nation!

Attached is the July copy of “Waterways”.  Highlighted is a new 64’ Pershing, in stock and ready for viewing in New York, and the exciting new Riva 63’ Virtus Open, just presented in Europe and due here this month.

Other new yachts featured and in stock or arriving very soon are the Bertram 51 & 64; Riva 27, 56, & 75; Ferretti 720; and Pershing 74.  The Ferretti 530 and Pershing 50.1 & 92 will arrive by this Fall.  Although dynamic sales this past season depleted our inventory, yachts are now on their way.  If you are interested in a new model, please be sure to contact me right away.  Once these are sold, you can be certain of a waiting period for another.

Of the many brokerage yachts displayed, nearly half have been recently reduced or offer “try” prices.  Please don’t miss the Brokerage Beauty, a 2008 3600 Tiara Open with only 275 hours!

If you have any questions or desire further information about anything listed in the attached newsletter – or about any boating issue -- you may contact me by email at tom.jenkins@alliedmarine.com or by phone at (772) 201-1800.

I hope you enjoy this edition of “Waterways”!

FOLLOWING IS AN IMAGE OF THE NEWSLETTER.

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR FULL, INTERACTIVE VERSION.

BREVARD TIMES REPORTS BERTRAM MOVE: Very Good Story!

Wednesday, May 9

BERTRAM YACHT TO RELOCATE TO MERRITT ISLAND WITH 221 NEW JOBS

Bertram execs at new Bertram Yachts entrance

MERRITT ISLAND, Florida – The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast announced today that Bertram Yacht, an iconic American yacht and boat building brand, will relocate from Miami to a new facility in Merritt Island starting in June.

The EDC and Bertram Yacht were joined by Florida Senator Thad Altman, Florida Representative Steve Crisafulli and Brevard County Commission Chairman Chuck Nelson for today’s announcement at the company’s new facility at 1230 Sea Ray Drive in Merritt Island, Florida.

The new state-of-the-art boat manufacturing facility and marina in Merritt Island is situated on a 37-acre site which provides significant opportunity for future expansion for the Bertram brand.  At full employment, the company’s projected total economic impact will be over $26.3 million.

“Bertram Yacht’s relocation will create more awareness of our state’s dynamic marine industry and make a very positive impact on the local economy, said Gray Swoope, president & CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc., the state’s lead economic development organization.  “This announcement is the result of solid and effective teamwork among our state and local economic development partners.”

Bertram Yacht will relocate the key management and production employees to the new facility.  However, the company will also draw on the Space Coast’s highly skilled labor force, particularly those with experience in the marine and aerospace sectors, and create 221 new jobs in Brevard County.  The new production operation will also create significant demand for parts and components from local suppliers and vendors.

“Bertram Yacht is a legendary brand and we are pleased to keep this company with a strong Florida history in the state,” said Lynda Weatherman, president & CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast.  “The company recognized the competitive advantages of a Space Coast location, particularly within our high-tech workforce.  Bertram Yacht’s creation of 221 new jobs is a positive step in mitigating the effects of our post-Shuttle economy.  We welcome Alton and the Bertram Yacht team and we look forward to the company’s continued success and growth on the Space Coast.”

Bertram Yachts’ move to Merritt Island serves not only as a new foundation for the company’s future, but brings to fruition the successful changes and new strategy developed and initiated within the last two years by the Bertram management team. The brand new facility will also be an opportunity to implement new production processes and systems to continuously enhance and innovate the Bertram model range.

“We at Bertram Yacht deeply value our 50 years of history and culture in the state of Florida and are enthusiastic to remain in the state.  We appreciate the EDC’s assistance and look forward to growing in an area with a highly skilled workforce that will help build competitive yachts well suited for hardcore saltwater sportfishing,” said Alton Herndon, President for Bertram Yachts. “We also plan to bring many existing Bertram employees to Merritt Island to help establish our roots and keep the Bertram legacy growing.”

The Ferretti Group, one of the largest yacht manufacturers in the world and parent company of Bertram Yacht, recognizes the tremendous potential for the Bertram brand and has made a significant investment and commitment to Bertram and the American manufacturing organization. “Bertram is one of the best known yacht brands in the world and we are fully committed to support the Bertram management team as we embark on a new era for this iconic American brand” said Norberto Ferretti, Founder and Chairman of the Ferretti Group.

Bertram Yacht was awarded a State of Florida Qualified Target Industry (QTI) and Brownfield tax refund to offset the cost of relocation, employee training, and infrastructure. The Brevard County Board of County Commissioners awarded Bertram Yacht the required local match for the QTI program through an Ad Valorem Tax Abatement.  Bertram Yacht considered locations in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina before choosing the Merritt Island site.

Bertram will complete the current models in production through the summer of 2012 and will begin the relocation of key models and production at the new facility in the fall of 2012, with a view to launch the first Merritt Island built models in early 2013.

About the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast
The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast is dedicated to attracting new business and investment and expanding existing industry throughout the Space Coast, influencing change on government laws and regulations affecting economic development, promoting the Space Coast to encourage new investment, supporting efforts of Space Coast military installations, and relaying new programs and procedures to assist manufacturing and high tech companies.  The EDC is a private, not-for-profit coalition whose stakeholders are business leaders committed to the economic growth and stability of Florida’s Space Coast. Visit www.SpaceCoastEDC.org.

About Bertram and The Ferretti Group

Bertram is a brand of Ferretti Group, a world leader in the design, construction and sale of motor yachts with a unique portfolio of some of the most exclusive, prestigious brands in the nautical world: Ferretti Yachts, Pershing, Itama, Bertram, Riva, Mochi Craft, CRN and Ferretti Custom Line. The Group, led by Chairman and Founder Norberto Ferretti and by CEO Giancarlo Galeone, has always been at the very heights of the pleasure boating market due to constant product and process innovation, continuous research and development and cutting-edge technological solutions. The Ferretti Group, founded in 1968, is also present in the United States through Ferretti Group America, which operates a network of sales centers specializing in the sale and marketing of the Group’s luxury yacht brands throughout the North American market. The Group also has a presence in Asia, with a branch of representation and promotion in Shanghai. Overall the Group is represented by an exclusive network of around 60 carefully selected dealers globally with a presence in over 80 countries, thereby ensuring valued clients receive the very best assistance in marinas all over the world.

BERTRAM MOVES TO MERRIT ISLAND: ONE OF THE FIRST REPORTS

BOAT MAKER MOVE MAY BRING WAVE OF SUPPLIERS
By Dave Berman | FLORIDA TODAY

May 9, 2012

Alton Herndon, president of Bertram Yacht, speaks about the company's relocation plans. - Rik Jesse/FLORIDA TODAY

Bertram Yacht's decision to move its manufacturing operations from Miami to Merritt Island already has started a stream of other boating-related companies planning to open new operations or expand existing ones along the Space Coast.

Bertram executives on Wednesday made their long-anticipated decision official, announcing that they will move their headquarters and manufacturing to a former Sea Ray Boats facility on a 37-acre site on Merritt Island. The combined headquarters and production plant will ramp up to employ 221 people within two years, up from the 125 people Bertram employs in Miami, the company said.

Company President Alton Herndon said several of his Miami suppliers already are making plans to open facilities on or near Merritt Island so they can retain their contracts with Bertram.

In addition, Bertram Vice President of Manufacturing Ken Beauregard expects local suppliers of boating equipment and services to expand because of new business from the Bertram plant.

"A lot of our supply base is going to come here, and we're going to need a lot of local suppliers" for everything from mirrors to upholstery, Beauregard said.

The new Bertram facility will manufacture 50- to 80-foot deep-sea sport fishing boats ranging in price from $2 million to $7 million, building 15 to 25 boats a year. Ten to 12 will be on the assembly line at any one time.

Adjacent to the Bertram plant, Vectorworks Merritt Island is opening a 35- to 40-employee facility that will use an environmentally friendly, low-emission process for producing composite parts for Bertram boats, according to Jeff Gray, who co-owns the company that runs Vectorworks Merritt Island and a 100-employee sister company in Titusville.

Another economic spinoff, Beauregard said, will be the visits to the area by Bertram's customers, as they visit the factory during the six- to nine-month assembly process of their boats, generating business for local hotels, restaurants and retailers. In the past, some customers have even sent their captains to Miami for six months or more to watch the entire process, to assure that everything is perfect.

Bertram's customers, Beauregard said, are "the ultra-wealthy," with net worths of at least $50 million, and most employ captains to pilot their boats.

"It's the Rolls-Royce of boats. It's top-of-the-line," said boating aficionado Frank Sullivan, a citrus-industry executive and Canaveral Port Authority commissioner, who attended Bertram's announcement and reception for community leaders at the company's new production building. "I think it's exciting."

"You can't find a better class of company than Bertram," Gray said.

Bertram's announcement is the culmination of a four-year process by company officials seeking a new home because of the company's cramped quarters in Miami. Herndon said he considered more than 30 sites from Virginia to Florida before choosing Merritt Island.

Brevard County provided Bertram with tax savings totaling more than $1.9 million over 10 years. Based on the new Florida jobs created, the company also will receive up to $240,000 in state tax refunds, for locating in a designated brownfield area, as well as an undisclosed Florida Qualified Target Industry incentive.

Herndon said that economic incentive package played a role in his company's decision, but added that some other communities offered more financially.

What the other candidates didn't have and Merritt Island did, Herndon said, was the combination of a location with easy access to the ocean; a large, tall building that can accommodate the manufacture of Bertram's largest boats; a strong, dedicated labor pool, including laid-off space shuttle workers and former Sea Ray workers; and proximity to a major airport such as Orlando International to provide easy access for the company's customers who want to visit the plant.

He also complimented state and county officials and the Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast for their efforts to streamline the process that led to Wednesday's announcement.

"It's just like the Merritt Island community," Herndon said. "These are the best of the best."

Brevard County Commission Chairman Chuck Nelson, whose district includes Merritt Island, tried to make Bertram officials feel at home right away, telling them during his comments, that, while he couldn't afford one, "I've always been drawn to the classic Bertram style."

He also gave the company another honor: The county renamed the entrance road to the plant as "Bertram Way."

Economic Development Commission Chairman Robert Whelen, a Harris Corp. vice president, called Bertram's decision "a positive step in mitigating the job losses from the shuttle program," adding that he looked forward to the spinoff impact as well.

Initial estimates by the Economic Development Commission show that Bertram's 221 jobs will lead to 197 spinoff jobs, with a combined payroll of $18.4 million a year, as well as a projected annual economic impact of more than $26.3 million.

Company officials said the move to larger, more efficient facilities in Brevard will help the company boost its annual revenue by 47 percent -- rising from $34 million this year to $50 million in 2015.

Choosing to relocate on Merritt Island "is a very good solution," said Norberto Ferretti, founder and chairman of the Ferretti Group, which acquired Bertram is 1998. "We are very, very happy to find this incredible factory."

Ferretti said he wanted Bertram to remain in Florida and felt the Brevard offered less distractions than Miami. The company was founded there in 1961.

"Florida is our homeland," Herndon said. In all, the combined Bertram/Vectorworks complex will total about 147,000 square feet, including a still-to-be-built warehouse and supply area, Beauregard said.