Industry veteran joins Maritimo

One of the best-known men in the marine leisure industry, Queenslander Noel Leigh-Smith, has been appointed to the team of luxury boat builder Maritimo at Runaway Bay and Marina Mirage on the Gold Coast.

The move follows the recent appointments in Sydney and the US, where boating superdealer Galati Yacht Sales now represents Maritimo in the American south-east.

Noel Leigh-Smith says he is delighted to be based with his team at Runaway Bay as his family built the marina in 1979.

Leigh-Smith began working in the maritime industry as an outboard engine mechanic in 1964 when he was still in his teens. He began his sales career in 1972, selling early Mariner models for Bill Barry-Cotter who is now head of Maritimo.

"I have joined the Maritimo organisation simply because Bill Barry-Cotter is the leader in our industry," Leigh-Smith told BoatPoint, "He is always thinking and planning for new and better products that are well suited to the market."

"The range of new models scheduled for release this year alone is eciting and perfectly timed for the resurgent growth in the industry."

The marketing director of Maritimo Luke Durman says Leigh-Smith has sold more cruising boats than virtually anyone in Queensland. "His knowledge our industry is extraordinary and he and his team will be a major asset to Maritimo."