Who is still afloat?

Who is still afloat?

Richmond Yachts Since Don Davis bought Sovereign Yachts Canada Inc., the company has built acclaim­ed megayachts in the 140-foot range. Two more are currently under construction and due for launching in 2008. Richmond is now the busiest megayacht yard in B.C. and employs a staff of 140. The company will focus on building yachts on spec. Like Crescent Custom Yachts, this is to increase the profit margin. Fortunately for Richmond, Davis reportedly has deep enough pockets to finance pro­jects throughout the build period.

Queenship/Crescent In 2003 Queenship YachtWorks Inc. was acquired by Florida-based WorldSpan Marine, which also purchased Crescent in 2005. WorldSpan plans to continue the Queenship line of yachts between 60 and 100 feet, while the Crescent side of the operation will focus on megayachts greater than 100 feet. Queenship/Crescent is based in Queenship’s plant in Maple Ridge. As of February 2008, the company was finishing a ­70-footer, starting a new 72-footer and about to begin construction on a 142-foot megayacht.

West Bay SonShip Yacht Builders Ltd. While it has no new yachts under construction, the company is still available for new builds, though at a premium due to the current exchange rate. Meanwhile, the company is staying busy with repair and service work and has plans to have some of its future yachts built in China, then shipped to B.C. for completion.

Rayburn Custom Yachts The company has recently pulled a 108-footer from the mould and, at the time of publication, was preparing to start on another 100-footer.