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!”
The smaller of two new designs released so far is the 110 shown at top. While she’s the same LOA as Prestige Lady, she’s a bit beamier, at 25’3”. A fixed hardtop lends a sporty look, while Marshall’s signature teardrop windows, running the entire length on each side, promise good views from inside. The extra-large port below decks in the rendering designates the master stateroom. As for performance, an MTU engine package should permit a 25-knot top end and an 18-knot cruise speed. This, combined with a four-stateroom layout, should attract buyers looking to explore the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and more with a small crew.
The larger of the two models, the Westship 131, pictured above, is intended for eight people in the owner’s party and a slightly larger crew. She’s a trideck design with a fixed hardtop. MTU diesel engines are expected to deliver top and cruise speeds similar to those of the Westship 110. She’ll have an islands-friendly draft as well, measuring about 6’5” (1.98 meters). Long-distance trips will be permissible, too, thanks to a 1,500-nautical-mile range at 10 knots.
Rueles says both models offer options as well. Something he believes will be particularly popular is the elimination of the helm on the flying bridge. “It’s such prime real estate up there,” he avers, “there’s a real movement toward using it.” Another option: a gym in the transom, which would situate the tender garage a bit farther forward.
Westship World Yachts will have details on both models and display Prestige Lady at the upcoming Yacht & Brokerage Show in Miami.
For further details directly from Westship World Yachts, fill out our contact form.
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