We often bookmark periods of life by one good fortune or the other.  Not always monetary ones, in fact the best fortunes come in other less tangible forms…

Chuck Paine’s retirement after 21 years as a tenant at Wayfarer Marine brought some hard and fast thinking on my part.  Starting a new business in yacht design now?  Where would it be? Who would be my clients?  My good fortune may have started with being in the right place at the right time: Wayfarer Marine in Camden, Maine.

There is no doubt yacht construction and boatyard work in the recreational segment of boating is down.  From my perspective I have seen a theme that re-occurs during tough economic times.  One that has been viewed before, however in this recession it seems stronger than ever.

The theme is make good of what you have.  And to yachts that means re-fit and repair.  At Wayfarer Marine re-fit and repair is strong.  Since the first of the year, my new business has collaborated with Wayfarer Marine on the following projects: 

• 77’ Jongert complete re-fit, subjects involving new rigging and interior soft goods
• 58’ Apogee rudder installation re-fit including replacement of all bearings on a carbon fiber shaft
• 65’ Kanter sloop new engine room ventilation system
• 67’ Vicem motor yacht new engine room ventilation system and stabilizer installation
• 67’ Vicmen motor yacht new carbon fiber swim platform and lift mechanism
• 34’ David-Ryder-Turner sloop, complete interior re-fit.

The range of tasks from high end composites work to custom joiner work are all represented here.  If there is a recession going on with economic resources there is none in the level of skill, craft, and human resources on the Camden waterfront. 
It’s fair to say (very) that we are all lucky to be here.  Whether working, crewing, boating, or just plain enjoying the Maine summer it’s all good.  Then suddenly good gets better… Atlantide comes to the dock.  From my point of view, I can’t think of any place better to be. 

Mark Fitzgerald