Maritimo's flagship leaves its lair

Maritimo brought in a huge prime mover to tow the massive structure out of its lair after earlier hauling out the deck mould for its release.

The largest vessel ever constructed by Maritimo's owner and CEO, Bill Barry-Cotter, the 50-tonne Maritimo 73 Sky Lounge flagship is scheduled for release at this year's Sydney International Boat Show (July 30 to August 4).

It will join with five other new models being released at the show, as Barry-Cotter and the company stands ready to reap the benefits of a $10 million investment into an all-new product range, said Maritimo.

Despite its bulk, the 73 Sky Lounge with its standard engines, dual 1550hp Caterpillar C32 diesels, is expected to produce an incredible top speed of around 36kts, and even with the smaller engine option, 1000hp C18 Caterpillar diesels, this powerhouse should charge across the water at 28kts-plus.

In other news, Maritimo has expanded its presence in Asia with the announcement of the appointment of its first Singapore dealership and a new dealership in South Korea.

The boatbuilder named Hong Seh Marine as the company's authorised Singapore representative, and Hyundai Yacht Co as its authorised dealer in South Korea.

Formed in 1936 as a ship's chandlery, Maritimo said Hong Seh Marine specialises in the importation and distribution of prestige brands across the automotive and marine segments, including Ferrari, Maserati, MV Agusta and Cagiva motorcycles, and the famed Riva boats.

"We look forward to a long and productive association with Hong Seh Marine, secure in the knowledge that we have secured on of Singapore's most prestigious companies to represent the Maritimo marque," said Maritimo marketing director, Luke Durman.

Hyundai Yacht Co was established in May 2008, developed from a business unit of Hyundai Life Boats Co Ltd, which specialises in manufacturing lifeboats mainly to supply Hyundai Heavy Industries, the world's number one shipbuilding company. Hyundai Life Boats became independent from the Hyundai Group in 2000.

Hyundai Yacht Co also produces a range of fishing and patrol boats, ferries, and recreational craft under the name of Sonata Yachts.

Maritimo said the Singapore and Korean appointments gives it a wide ranging presence throughout Asia, with dealers previously appointed in China, Thailand and HK. Maritimo said it also boasts stock-carrying dealerships across the USA, in the UK, Italy, and several South and Cetnral America nations.

For more info, phone (07) 5588 6000; visit www.maritimo.com.au