US yacht builder Hodgdon Yachts has continued its trend of expansion with the launch of Hodgdon Yacht Services.
This comes on the heels of Hodgdon's merger with Boothbay Region Boatyard in Southport and Wotton's Wharf in Boothbay Harbor with its existing shipyard in East Boothbay, announced at the beginning of the year. It was this merger that has allowed for the new expansion. Hodgdon is now operating three facilities in the Boothbay, Maine, area and employs approximately 150 people, making it one of the largest employers in the region.
The service expansion is part of Hodgdon's efforts to diversify the fifth-generation, family-run yacht builder. In March, Hodgdon also announced the opening of a new dedicated facility for its tender building – Hodgdon Custom Tenders, in Damariscotta, Maine.
Hodgdon CEO Timothy Hodgdon said, 'We are pleased to continue growing the business as we approach our 200th anniversary, a milestone we will celebrate in 2016. This new division perfectly complements Hodgdon's world-renowned custom boat building, custom superyacht tenders, interiors and defense divisions.'
Hodgdon Yacht Services will offer yacht repair, refit and maintenance services. The Southport boatyard has lifting capabilities for superyachts up to 400 tons and 60 metres. Recent project at this shipyard, located in East Boothbay, include refits of a 42m schooner, 25m traditional sailing yacht, and 24.9m motor yacht with an ultra-lightweight interior.
Former Hinckley Yachts president and Hodgdon Yachts senior business advisor Sandy Spaulding has been named president of the new division. Spaulding says, 'The addition of Hodgdon Yacht Services and the integration of Boothbay Region Boatyard and Wotton's Wharf into Hodgdon's existing facilities in East Boothbay establish Hodgdon as a significant presence in both service and refit. With the addition of the highly skilled maintenance and repair staff now in our employ from Southport to East Boothbay, we are poised to go after the service and refit markets in a big way.'
Wotton's Wharf, Hodgdon's recently acquired marina in Boothbay Harbor, offers nearly 230 metres of linear dock space and a 150-plus metre face dock. The marina plays host to the annual Shipyard Cup regatta, founded and hosted by Hodgdon Yachts.