Robertson and Caine expand on the Cape West Coast

[Amgine]

Robertson & Caine's progress

Robertson & Caine, builders of the very popular Leopard catamarans, announced they're opening a new boatyard in Atlantis, Western Cape, South Africa. The new plant will increase their output reportedly by more than a factor of 3, from 85 boats annually to 300 boats. They are also celebrating the launch of the 500th Leopard.

Plans include expanding their line from 4 models to 9, including power cats, as well as performing complete commissioning at the factory rather than at the harbour as is the current practice. The company has also secured the services of Gino Morelli, who helped build the 1987 Americas Cup boat for the US.*

* I did not recognize this name, and have been unable to locate any specific mention of him with regard to S&S 87 (US 55), though he may have been employed by Robert E. Derektor Inc., builders of that boat.

[Evan]

Gino Morelli is one half of Morelli and Melvin, who did design Conner's cat. Well regarded in the cat design field

[Amgine]

::forehead slap:: Argh! That's Stars and Stripes 88 (US 56)! I was looking at the wrong boat...

[c.spots]

My Leopard 40 should be there now, but at what stage of construction, I don't know. Building the new factory may have played a role in their not having the capacity to install a diesel electric hybrid system for my boat without radically modifying their schedule.