On May 30, the Hickley Company, based in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, announced that it had purchased the Campbell’s Boatyard at Bachelor’s Point in Oxford, Maryland. This is in addition to the acquisition of the Bay Bridge Marina in Stevensville, Maryland in February. Hinckley now has marinas, boat yards and marine service centers in Maine, Rhode Island, Maryland, Georgia and Florida. Campbell’s Boatyard has long been recognized for its deep-water access, expert technicians, and highly personalized approach. The partnership brings together two like-minded organizations with a common philosophy: prioritize the customer, uphold the highest standards of quality, and foster deep, lasting…

Coecles Harbor Marine is located between the North and South Forks at the eastern end of Long Island, New York and is known regionally as the builder of the much esteemed Shelter Island 38 runabout. Last year the builder came out with an outboard version that spec’d twin 300-horsepower Mercury Verado outboards instead of the standard inboard diesel engine. The outboards are quieter than the inboard engines and do not smell of diesel. Importantly, the shift to outboards opened up the hull under the cockpit for storage of items like snorkeling and diving gear and water toys. As a one…

The sinking of the mega-yacht Bayesian last August 19 with the loss of seven lives stunned the yachting world. The yacht is a centerboard design with the tallest sloop-rigged mast ever built. Yet, its builder, Perini Navi, asserts publicly that the 184-foot boat was unsinkable. But sink she did. Early in the morning on August 19, the boat was moored half a mile off the Sicilian town of Porticello when it was hit by a violet squall. Winds built to 60 knots which caused the vessel to drag anchor. As it slewed sideways it was hit on the beam by…

The Dutch builder Altena Shipyard which builds Doggersbank expedition yachts for Vripack Design Group has focused their combined efforts primarily on yachts  that will be run by professional crews for owners who will fly in to meet their yachts in exotic locations. But Vripack and the builder are aware of the growing market among younger cruisers for expedition yachts that can be run by owner operators. This is a market where Outer Reef and Nordhavn have prospered for years. The Doggersbank 60 has been the builder’s offering in this niche. To attract these younger, adventurous buyers, cruisers who also enjoy…