The year 2024 was yet another brilliant one for Maritimo. Whilst there were many reasons to look back and celebrate the achievements of the past the company remained future focussed to capitalise on all aspects of the business – including new boat models, new facilities, new markets and people.
Maritimo’s expanding horizons into the Middle East.
Early in the year also saw an exciting addition to Maritimo’s extensive Global Dealership presence, which already included the USA, SE Asia and Japan, with the appointment of Dubai Power Boats as the exclusive dealer in the Gulf Cooperation Council. This GCC region is extensive as it encompasses the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
“The market is motivated by quality, aesthetics – the profile and lines of the boat – and performance, a vessel’s speed and the on-water experience, which Maritimo is renowned for,” explained Dubai Power Boats’ Rob Westerhof.
Based in Dubai at the Al Habtoor Tower overlooking the Dubai Marina, the Dubai Power Boats team has been working in the region for more than a decade, bringing a unique depth of insight of the region and the various boating markets within.
Further fostering Maritimo’s Asian relationships
In April of 2024 Maritimo delivered the first M55 for the savvy Japanese market, through Maritimo’s exclusive dealer in Osaka, Japan, Eins A Resort. The arrival of these premium Australian-built motor yachts was described by Eins A Resort Sales Manager, Hideki Morooka as “the ideal product at the perfect time.”
“We looked at a wide range of boats from the US, Australia and other regions, and we chose the Maritimo M55. The client is so thrilled with the delivery of their Maritimo, which lives up to his vision of the ideal boat,” said Marooka. “Our clients love their boating and they are experienced boaties, so the Maritimo brand suits their capabilities and experience on the water.”
Products that are Australian made are in high demand and Maritimo motor yachts are well known for their safety features, quality construction, high standards and contemporary features.
Heading up Southeast Asia and appointed in the previous year The Yacht Sales Co. is Maritimo’s official dealer in the region. Their experience and coverage of the region is extensive with offices in Singapore, Thailand, and Hong Kong, as well as agents in the Philippines and Malaysia. This ensures reliable sales, service, and support for Maritimo vessels and owners wherever they cruise.
“There is a huge appetite for Australian-made,” said Mark Elkington CEO of The Yacht Sales Co. “Maritimos are better suited than most because of their long-range capabilities, their Enclosed Flybridge that is air-conditioned for comfort in this region, shaft drive for dependability and modern contemporary luxury interiors. Then you have all the comforts on board for families. Even more new Maritimos will arrive soon, and will be exhibited at boat shows from 2025,” Mark stated.
Appointments of experience – from ‘across the ditch’ to closer to home.
April of this year was also marked by the appointment of 36° Brokers as Maritimo’s new Sales Consultants in New Zealand. Our close neighbours ‘across the ditch’ offer an established market, with strong projected future growth, therefore it’s important to have solid and experienced representation for the ever-popular Australian brand.
Conrad Gair, Director and Dealer Principal offered his thoughts on the local market at the time, “They appreciate exceptional quality, and Maritimo’s renowned build quality is a perfect match. These luxurious motor yachts are designed to conquer New Zealand waters, offering extreme comfort on long cruises, whatever the conditions.”
Closer to home, this year Maritimo also welcomed other key personnel, to bolster future success and growth for the company. Maritimo’s new Factory Direct Sales Consultant, Josh Nash, Director at Nash Marine Sales in picturesque Pittwater, came on board. Josh has over a decade of experience in boat sales and before that a stint in real estate and hospitality in Whistler, Canada. “It’s wonderful to share the boating experience with customers and see them enjoy quality time with their families and friends,” Josh said upon his appointment.
On our shores other integral appointments were also made, underpinning Maritimos future, with Danny Jordin coming to the role of Australasian Sales Manager, and Sean Savage and Paul Savage both signing on as the brand’s Business Development Managers.
SCIBS sets the stage for Maritimo’s Global Launches and Reveals.
Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show was the perfect location to celebrate the closing out of Maritimo’s 20th Anniversary year and heralding in the next chapter with both Global Reveals and Launches for all new models.
“The Global Launch of the new Black Edition variants of Maritimo’s M55 and M60 Flybridge Motor Yachts and M600 Offshore Flybridge Motor Yacht were born of Maritimo’s objective to constantly improve on even its best-selling models to date. The company’s meticulous review of onboard style, comfort, and functionality has resulted in new elements of elegance and sophistication,” said Simon Stewart Maritimo’s Marketing Manager.
These new models include a series of updates to its revered line of luxury cruisers, equipping these models with features both practical and aesthetic, to suit a new era of owners and their requirements. All of this is accomplished and integrated with the unparalleled engineering and performance Maritimo yachts are known for.
Also, at Sanctuary Cove, Maritimo Globally Revealed their all-new M50 Flybridge and S50 Sedan Motor Yachts to the world. These are the latest descendants of Maritimo’s continuing evolution that has delivered even more refinement and luxury, combined with high-efficiency propulsion and reduced drag hull forms, all packaged within Maritimo’s legendary build quality and blue-water credentials.
The popularity and appreciation of the design cues that has led to the sales success of the latest generation of Maritimos from 55 to 75 feet, has been distilled down into this new 50-foot platform, to ensure every time aboard, short or long, is always a joy.
“Stepping up from a 30 or 40-footer never looked so enticing,” said Simon Stewart, Maritimo’s Marketing Manager. “Equally, moving from a larger craft does not mean a contraction in luxury, comfort, ride, performance or overall amenity. All the learnings of the latest generation of Maritimos have been carefully curated into this new compact platform, ready to bring new dreams to boat owners the world over.”
Unveiling the New Maritimo Customer Experience Centre
‘Pop!’ That’s the sound of a bottle of Pommery Champagne being uncorked as you’re about to start your Maritimo customer journey and experience.
Four years in the making and now a reality, in July the brand-new Customer Experience Centre and integrated Factory Tour Experience at Maritimo’s headquarters on the Gold Coast Australia, opened its doors and is almost as spectacular as the vessels themselves.
Maritimo’s Marketing Manager, Simon Stewart, commented at the opening, “Whilst there has always been a customer centre at Maritimo, now it is a grander experience for clients where every part of the visit feels more resolved and a true reflection on what we stand for as a brand. To that end, we now greet them literally from the moment they step out of their car, and then chaperone them through the whole journey, to provide that unique Maritimo experience.”
Highlighting our Heroes
During the year we also took some time out to highlight and sincerely thank the great individuals that have helped make Maritimo what it is today. Across all aspects of the business Maritimo is represented by individuals that are great at what they do and love doing it. Some have been dedicated to the Maritimo brand since its very inception. Names like Ross ‘Rossco’ Willaton, who celebrates 50 years of offshore powerboat racing this year, and others such as Kim Fleet, who has been involved in previous ventures with Bill, to Chris Spriggens – part of the original five that started Maritimo. Justin Thorpe has been a 20-year veteran with the company too, starting on the tools on just the second Maritimo vessel ever built, and now in a leading sales role as Principal of BMS Yacht Sales.
To all our Maritimo Family we thank you for your unwavering support to our shared purpose and commitment and in making Maritimo a truly great global success story.
Prospering with Powerful Partnerships
Maritimo would like to also take this time at the close out of 2024 to thank our many dedicated product partners, many who have been with us since Maritimo’s inception. Their excellence of support and product is integral in every Maritimo vessel that leaves the factory and in the total experience customers enjoy with their Maritimo luxury motor yacht. Together we have an unwavering commitment to perfection.
FLIBS lifts the curtain on the Americas Launch of the M75 and new M55 Black Edition.
November saw yet another momentous occasion for Maritimo when it displayed its flagship model to the North American market, at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The magnificent M75 Flybridge Motor Yacht, along with the all-new M55 Flybridge Motor Yacht – Black Edition, took centre stage.
These new models meet current market demands head-on and collectively they represent Maritimo’s constant and deliberate pursuit of perfection. The M75 and S75 represents nearly 120,000 manhours of company investment in research and development, with construction taking place in a newly developed and dedicated area of the factory at Maritimo’s Headquarters in Coomera QLD.
Both the M75 and the sporty sedan derivative, the S75, represent the company’s dedication to designing and building highly capable, long-distance cruising yachts with an elevated sense of style and next-level luxury.
“The size and volume of the M75 will obviously impress,” said Keith Teynor, Managing Partner for Maritimo Americas. “However, it’s the thought and fit and finish that are setting the M75 apart from the market.”
Maritimo heads on down to Key West…
Maritimo hosted another epic migration in November, focussed around our Maritimo family of owners, to deliver a perfectly curated event of entertainment, exhilaration and education.
Held at Key West, Florida, a stunning location, known for its crystal-clear waters, amazing coral reefs, beautiful ivory beaches, endless sunshine, and memorable sunsets. It also boasts a fascinating history, quirky landmarks and offers a colourful nightlife and bar scene.
The Key West Maritimo Migration was a fantastic success and enjoyed by all. “I’ve been to many boat events, but this one truly stood out,” said one of the participants.
“The mix of relaxed social gatherings, like the Docktails and Costume Party, and then with high-energy activities like the races, all made it a really unforgettable experience.”
But wait there’s more… Maritimo enters two yachts in the 2024 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
What better way to cap off a very full and eventful 2024 than competing in one of the world’s most revered ocean yacht races, the 2024 Rolex Sydney to Hobart. With 112 yachts set to compete Bill Barry-Cotter’s Maritimo has entered two yachts in this 79th running of the great race.
The starting line will include the oldest yacht in the race, the lovingly restored 120-year-old timber yacht, Maritimo Katwinchar, double-handed by Sailing Master Michael Spies and co-skipper Peter Vaiciurgis. The little yacht goes into the 2024 RSHYR in strong form, having won the inaugural 520 nautical mile Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race Gold Coast to Mackay race in August 2024.
Also entered is Bill’s superbly presented gentleman’s racing yacht, Maritimo 100, recently refurbished by Bill and Skipper Peter ‘Scallops’ Jones and team. This custom-designed and built sailing superyacht boasts three staterooms aft, each with a lavish ensuite featuring marble and stone, a large, raised saloon with panoramic views from every window, separate lounge and dining spaces, a professional Chef’s galley, and two crew cabins forward.
Bill Barry-Cotter shared, “It will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to undertake this race with my brother Kendal and a group of people who have been involved in my companies over the past 60 years. It’s an epic event, and Maritimo 100 is a brilliant yacht to experience the thrill of the race and the camaraderie.”
It’s clear to see the competitive spirit that Maritimo was founded on, is ever present. We wish all the yachts and all the crews a competitive, fun and above all, safe race.
