Seaward Brand Yachts, - “The Leader in Retractable Keel Sailboats” - is Acquired by Indianapolis Businessman
STUART, Fla.-(Business Wire)-February 12, 2009 - Indianapolis businessman Ted Gelov announced today that he has acquired the assets of Hake Yachts, Inc., the leading manufacturer of retractable keel sailboats located in Stuart, Florida. For 25 years, Hake Yachts has designed and produced the Seaward Brand sailboat.
“What attracted me to Hake Yachts is its people, its products and its leadership in the retractable keel design,” said Gelov. “The deal will have only positive effects for customers, suppliers, business associates, and the industry as a whole.”
Hake Yachts LLC will remain focused on the boat builder’s core business, with yacht designer and company founder Nick Hake remaining with the company.
“I am more excited now than at any time in Hake Yachts’ history,” said Hake. “To put any thoughts contrary to rest, I am sticking right here at Hake Yachts, where we will continue to design high quality, well-engineered sailboats.”
“Ted Gelov has the requisite management and marketing experience to energize this exceptional company and the Seaward Brand, and I am excited to focus my expertise towards improving the unique Seaward design,” he added.
Gelov is founder and CEO of Heartland Sweeteners LLC, the maker of Nevella and Ideal Brand Sweeteners. The company is headquartered in Carmel, Indiana.
Over the next 12 months the new company plans to improve customer service and communication with Seaward owners, create a product catalog and newsletter, and debut new designs and sizes by Nick Hake.
Hake Yachts LLC intends to continue offering limited production of the Seaward brand.
“We plan to limit production and sales of Seaward Yachts to 40 to 50 boats per year in order to preserve value for our owners,” said Tim DeVries, Hake’s new Sales Manager. “Because Seaward is a unique quality product, its owners tend to hold these boats for long periods of time. When it comes time to sell, there won’t be thousands of Seawards to compete with posted all over the Internet and in boat publications. Seawards hold their value.”
“I’m excited, the team is excited, and customers should be too. Unlike any of its competitors, you can sail a Seaward in areas others only dream of. The keel is infinitely retractable for all conditions. Where else can you find a 26’ or 32’ cruiser sailboat that you can sail in 20 inches of water, beach, or conversely lower the keel to safely cross deep blue water? Only the Seaward provides that surety, versatility, and comfort in an exceptional quality product,” said Gelov. “That’s engineering leadership.”
Visit Hake Yachts, LLC at the Miami International Boat Show and Strictly Sail, Miami, Florida booth #C15 and C16 on February 12-16, 2009 or visit their website at www.seawardyachts.com. For information on a new Seaward contact Tim DeVries at tdevries@hakeyachts.com or by calling 1-772-287-3200.
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