Here’s a interesting news item that came across our desk this week. Marex is a boutique builder of fine family cruisers based in Norway that has always focused on the Scandinavian and European markets. Yet, they have known for a long time that the designs, the performance and the quality of their boat would appeal to North American buyers. So, Marex is opening North American operation.
Oslo, Norway / Greenwich, CT, December 2024: Marex Boats, a Norwegian boat builder with production facilities in Lithuania, is proud to announce the establishment of operations and sales in North America. The new office is located in Greenwich, Connecticut, and will be led by Christopher Hughes, President of Marex Boats USA, Inc.
(Chris Hughes in the Marex factory.)
With over two decades in the luxury yachting industry as a builder, consultant, and sales and marketing strategist for world-famous brands, Chris is a natural fit for this crucial role. With his extensive knowledge of the US boat-building industry and comprehensive understanding of the Norwegian luxury brand, he will oversee all US operations and Marex’s expansion into this new market.
“Marex Boats was established as a family production by my father, and after 50 years of constant development, we are ready to bring the Marex brand to the US. Our mission is to build the world’s best family cruisers, and we are committed to solutions that provide a luxurious yet safe and enjoyable feeling for each family member. This is our core value! And those family values are reflected in how we build long-term relationships with our partners and owners. We are excited that Christopher has joined our Marex family to build a trusted and customer-focused team in the US,” says Espen Aalrud, CEO of Marex Boats.
Marex has partnered with Sandy Hook Yacht Sales, headquartered in Sea Bright, NJ, and Brewer Yacht Sales, headquartered in Westbrook, CT, to lead the first phase of the entry into the US market. “With multiple offices covering eight states, these partners will allow us to support the customers we sell to with the highest level of service expected by discerning boaters,” said Hughes.
“We spent a lot of time identifying the right partners in the US who are not only the experts in the industry but share a common passion for boat quality, focus on long-lasting relationships, and creating a platform for mutual success,” adds Aalrud.
Marex Boats is one of the most awarded boat builders in the world, capturing praise and accolades for ergonomics, innovations, quality, sea handling, and many other categories. The current fleet consists of the 310 Sun Cruiser, considered the “biggest 31-foot yacht,” the 330 Scandinavia, hailed for her performance and use of space, the 360 Cabriolet Cruiser, considered the best-in-class family cruising boat, the 375 Marex, renowned for her fantastic versatile and clever design, and the 440 Gourmet Cruiser, the flagship of the fleet, with the biggest galley in its class and numerous cutting-edge solutions.
Among many distinguishing features, every Marex is a unique three-season boat with two sliding sunroofs and the ingenious Smart Enclosure system that allows owners to close off the aft cockpit in less than a minute with no hooks, snaps, or buttons. The enclosure stores neatly in a dedicated hideaway compartment when it’s time to open back up.
The first boats will arrive in winter 2025 and be available for onboard visits and sea trials in Florida at the St. Petersburg Boat Show, Naples Boat Show, and Palm Beach Boat Show.
Marex is currently accepting dealer inquiries.
ABOUT MAREX BOATS:
Marex Boats was founded in 1973 in the south of Norway. It is a family-owned boat producer with a mission to create luxury family cruisers. Marex Boats has a 28,000 m2 production facility in Kaunas, Lithuania, employing more than 400 professionals. The present range consists of six cruisers from 30 to 45 feet.
Marex Boats’ philosophy is meticulous quality control at every stage of the production process, including the sea tests of every hull. The producer uses superior materials, advanced engineering, and cutting-edge technologies. That’s why Marex is a multiple winner of the prestigious boat awards and has a worldwide dealership network. www.marex.no
Marex Boats USA
Christopher Hughes 777 West Putnam Ave. Suite 300
Greenwich, CT 06830 chris@marex.no
+1 203 253 2836
