Thanks to Washington State entering phase 3 of its Covid reopening this week, Westport Yachts is scaling up production. A newly tooled Westport 117/35m model will begin the build process in June.
Washington State was the hardest-hit region in the country in February 2020, pre-dating the declaration of a global pandemic. This led the governor to order statewide stay-at-home orders in March 2020, including marine businesses. Daryl Wakefield, Westport’s president, told Trade Only Today that March 23 was “the low point.” The builder had to close its facilities in the cities of Westport and Port Angeles. Furthermore, “we had to cease operation on currently contracted boats.” By June, Westport employees began returning to work, since the governor lifted some restrictions. However, social-distancing requirements and other mandates meant not everything could return to 100 percent capacity. Still, though, the builder completed one yacht and even signed another, virtually.
With the further-reduced restrictions currently in place, Westport anticipates beginning the newly tooled Westport 117/35m the first week of June. Specifically, she’ll take shape at its facility in the city of Westport. The raised-pilothouse design is perennially popular, offering accommodations for 10 in the owners’ party. Run by a crew complement of four plus a captain, she has a healthy 25’2” (7.67-meter) beam and a semi-custom interior. Westport is one of the few semi-custom megayacht builders that permit moving non-structural bulkheads, not limiting clients to soft-goods choices. Naturally, customers want the master suite on the main deck, and Westport’s spec builds follow this layout, too.
Powered by twin Caterpillar engines, the yacht should see a top speed of 24 knots and a cruising speed of 20 knots. The ABS-classed megayacht additionally may appeal to some shallow-water cruisers, due to her 6’7” (2-meter) draft.
Look for the new model to be ready in 2022.
Westport Yachts westportyachts.com
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