April 2022: superb superyacht sound systems; training taking higher priority; and more

The Next Great Generation

Every industry needs a new wave of customers. But, it also needs a new wave of workers. For nearly my entire 30-year career in yachting, the talk has been almost exclusively about the former. Thankfully, companies are now putting as much of a priority on attracting and training apprentices, some as young as high schoolers, to ensure they continue keeping the next generation of cruisers content.

Those of you familiar with Europe's longstanding apprenticeship practice may not find this newsworthy. You might also believe there's no similar practice in the United States. However, the U.S. Department of Labor set up the Registered Apprenticeship Program, as it's currently called, n the 1930s. Its apprenticeship.gov website is for job hunters, employers, and educators alike. In recent weeks, I've spoken with a shipyard and a metal-fabricator specialist who both are tapping its power. Each has the ability to bring on about half a dozen trainees each year, they estimate. Do the math, and that's a steady stream of workers for years to come.

If you know a company that can benefit, share the word, or email me.

Product Spotlight: Meridian Audio

The sound system aboard a superyacht should be just as superb as the guest and owner accommodations. Meridian Audio, which specializes in high-performance speakers and audio solutions for personal theaters and private homes, ahs entered the market. It's partnering with Genesis Technologies Marine, a European-based designer of AV solutions for yachts.

Meridian already designs and manufactures systems that save on heat, space, and weight, while preserving an immersive sound experience. That convinced the company the highest end of the marine market was the right step. As for Genesis Technologies Marine, it has more than 20 years' experience collaborating with marine installers and custom-designing systems.

Pricing on request.

Genesis Technologies Marine Text Link

News in Brief From Near and Far

Not only has Baglietto signed four contracts so far in 2022, but also it's seeing strong interest in its DOM133 line. Just recently, and within the same week, the shipyard signed hulls six and seven in that series. ...Northrop & Johnson has broadened its reach into the operational and managerial aspects of yacht ownership with the acquisition of SYM. Ben Young, the founder and managing director of the 27-year-old, Med-based firm, says, "I have never really thought about selling, but when Northrop & Johnson approached us, the client-focus synergies and business-growth opportunities were a great match." ...Horizon Yachts has its second FD100 in build, the first for American owners, too. Those owners are taking advantage of the customization process by requesting, among other things, an entertainment system with an 85-inch TV in the skylounge, and stowage for rods and reels alongside diving gear in the beach club. Delivery is set for this winter. ...Brazil-based Flexboat, which makes RIBs ranging from a foldable 6'7" model to a 38-footer, has added about half a dozen more U.S. dealers to its network in its ongoing effort to address American buyers' needs. Flexboat sees strong, growing interest in dayboating aboard RIBs stateside, besides using RIBs as tenders.