Nord Star Boats now available in the U.S.
A European boat dubbed “the Ultimate fuel efficient Sport Utility Vessel” was introduced to the American market last fall. The craft, the Nord Star Patrol, manufactured in Finland, has been hailed for its “impressive comfort, remarkable sea-worthiness and tremendous fuel economy”. The vessel comes in 24, 26, 28, 31 and 40 foot versions, both single and twin engine powered. You can check out the Nord Star Boats at the 39th Annual Newport International Boat Show, September 17-20, 2009.
WinMarine Ventures LLC of New Haven, Connecticut has entered into agreement with Linex-Oy of Finland to serve as the exclusive importer and distributor for the complete line of Nord Star Patrol boats in North America. The Nord Star Patrol boats are manufacturedI in a new, state of the art facility in Kalvia, Finland. Nord Star, whose founders originally manufactured rugged rescue vessels, offers a complete model range.
The venture is the brainchild of two Connecticut businessmen, John B. Uljens, President & CEO and Ceasar N Anquillare, Chairman, principals of WinMarine Ventures LLC. Last year Uljens and Anquillare traveled to Finland where they conducted sea trials of the Nord Star Patrol 31 in the Gulf of Bothnia, the northern arm of the Baltic Sea, at below-freezing temperatures in challenging sea conditions. “We were impressed by the comfort of the Nord Star, its remarkable sea worthiness and tremendous fuel economy, “ said John Uljens, who has 36 years of experience in the boating industry. “This is a unique boat for all seasons and is ideally suited for US East Coast, the Great Lakes, Canadian and Northwest waters where boaters wish to enjoy an extended season on the water and the weather can be uncertain. The design features with wide walk-around decks make handling easy and the build quality is truly reflective of European craftsmanship.” Uljens, a native of Branford, Ct., and son of Finnish immigrant Bertel Uljens who came to Connecticut in 1929, is proud of his heritage and the innovation in Finland’s boat building industry. Finnish boat builders continue to produce world-class vessels including Swan, Baltic and others built near the Nord Star facility.
Nord Star boats are designed and manufactured by the Lindkvist family, who bring generations of boat building experience to the international trade. To date, the family has constructed and sold over 3,000 boats. The new plant in Kalvia was opened in February 2008 where production is anticipated of approximately 200 boats per year. Nord Star has also introduced a new Patrol 40, the largest of its fleet. Olli Lindkvist, President and CEO of Linex – Oy commented “We are keen to develop the North American market for our boats and look forward to our partnership with WinMarine.” Lindkvist added “ Our boats are currently sold in 12 countries including Sweden, France, Norway, Germany, the United Kingdom, Greenland, Greece, and Japan where we continue to experience increased demand due to our high standards of boat building and delivery of good value to the consumer.” Nord Star boats in Finland and Scandinavia are noted to retain their value.
“We believe the timing for the introduction of Nord Star to North America could not be better, “ commented Ceasar Anquillare, a yachting enthusiast who also enjoys a career in private equity and venture capital. “The American boating public is seeking an affordable, safe, fuel efficient vessel that has multiple family, fishing and cruising applications, adaptable to changing weather conditions and seas. The unusual pilothouse design of the Nord Star 31 permits both a flybridge and internal helm with all of the comforts of a much larger vessel at reduced costs.” Anquillare noted that in Finland, the Nord Star is known as the ultimate “Sport Utility Vessel.” Nord Star boats feature the single-engine power of the Volvo Penta D-4 or D-6 engines. Also available with twin engines, the unique hull design of the Nord Star Patrol 31 results in speeds of 28 – 45 knots. Nord Star boats are Category Offshore “B” Rated by the International Maritime Certification Institute which means the Nord Star has been tested and is capable sustaining wave conditions of 4 meters (13+ ft and Beaufort gale force 8 winds. In addition to civilian applications, Nord Star Patrol boats have been manufactured and delivered for official use in Sweden and Norway. WinMarine plans to develop a commercial market for the Nord Star vessels to include environmental, law enforcement, fire and rescue.
For further information see: www.nordstarusa.com
