Fairline
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The FAIRLINE marque was born of one mans vision and passion for excellence. Jack Newington, the companys founder, was a man committed to the highest ideals of quality and integrity; more than that, he had the rare ability to take his own high standards and values and weave them into the fabric of what was to become the hugely successful enterprise that is the Fairline of today.
His son, Sam, led the company for 25 formative years and was from the same mould, driving it forward with a single-minded commitment to quality and innovation. Even now, forty years on, those original and essential core values still drive everything we do.
In short, Fairline excels at building boats that delight, exhilarate and astonish their owners. This is the marque for those who look beyond the brash and the superficial. These are boats with a beauty and integrity that is truly more than skin deep. Boats built with a rare passion and a unique level of excellence.
The petite 19-foot river cruiser, launched back in 1967, was the start of a fantastic success story. Since then, Fairline has evolved into a proud British brand that now stands as class leader among the very best yacht builders in the world; and which delivers its loyal customers the unique level of excellence borne of such long and illustrious heritage.
The key Markers and Milestones in the story of Fairline are important. Not simply because we are proud of our history, but also because they clearly demonstrate the unmatched heritage and priceless experience built into each and every Fairline.
They tell an impressive story, but can only hint at the many millions of hours of experimentation and innovative thinking, not to speak of the passion, dedication, commitment and sheer hard work that, over 40 years, have made todays Fairline the world-class craft in which our owners take so much pride.
Oundle Marina, still the home of Fairline.
1967 - Launch of the first Fairline, a 19' river cruiser. Handcrafted, yet already exploiting the latest GRP boat construction techniques of the time.
1971 - Jacks son Sam, a Columbia MBA and former fighter pilot, takes over the helm of the company. He establishes an international sales network and turns the first profit in the companys history. Staff count by this time is around 14.
1974 - Launch of Phantom 32. The advanced design sets the pace for the next decade and gives its name to the long line-up of family cruising boats that have followed it with such success.
1977 - Launch of Fairline 40, in production for a record 11 years.
1979 - Staff count is now 140 and turnover approx 5million.
1981 - 36 Turbo launched to huge acclaim.
1985 - Launch of the very first TARGA, which subsequently proves to be a benchmark in boat style and design, spawning many imitators in subsequent years. Growth continues apace, with new production sites at Weldon and Nene Valley.
1991 - Fairline enters the large yacht market with the first boat in the now-renowned SQUADRON series, the innovative and stylish 62.
1996 - Sam Newington retires, handing executive responsibility to Derek Carter, who immediately sets about building on the companys heritage and harnessing the immense passion and pride of the workforce.
1998 - Fairline Boats of North America Inc., a US subsidiary and sales office, is established. Fairline is by now represented worldwide through a network of 35 strong and passionate dealers.
2002/3 - The 10,000th Fairline leaves the yard and Fairline completes two of its most ambitious programmes to date: the construction of the major new production facility, Nene Valley II, and the launch of its stunning flagship yacht, the Squadron 74.
2003/4 - Introduction of GRAN TURISMO versions of larger Targa models, incorporating the innovative powered retractable hardtop.
2005 - 20th anniversary of the outstandingly successful TARGA. This express cruiser concept has proved a highly significant contributor to the companys