Company
Westship World Yachts
History & Nature of Business
Westship World Yachts, LLC was initially founded in 2001 and was operated under the leadership of Mr. Richard (Dick) Genth a marine industry icon who had a career spanning over 4 decades that included ownership and management of many great companies such as Chris Craft, Donzi, Formula, WellCraft-Scaarab and others. In the course of many years of operations Westship World Yachts designed and produced a number of exceptionally featured, prestigious yachts ranging in size from 75 ft. up to 147 ft. in length.
After a highly successful career Mr. Genth passed away and Westship World Yachts was ultimately acquired by Mr. Henry Respess, a successful entrepreneur who has owned 6 previous yachts and had contracted Westship World Yachts to manufacture his own, custom designed 110 ft. Prestige Lady Yacht. Mr. Respess had sold his previous company that was engaged in the oil refining business and upon acquiring Westship World Yachts managed all operations of the company and successfully completed the construction of Prestige Lady in 2007.
Recognizing the downturn in the world economy and potential contraction of the marine industry Mr. Respess elected to withhold further production and expansion of Westship World Yachts throughout a period that would allow for reduction of worldwide inventory and production. While the marine and yachting industry has experienced the most challenging times in history over the past three to four years the worldwide inventory levels of new yachts or quality pre-owned yachts has definitely reduced on a significant basis.
As a result of these conditions Mr. Respess has now determined to expand operations and sales of Westship World Yachts for the 2012 season. As part of this plan Westport World Yachts will be exhibiting at the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show on October 27, 2011. The 110 Ft. “Prestige Lady Superyacht” will be on display and Westship World Yachts will also introduce an all-new 40 Meter (131 ft.) Tri-Deck, Walkaround and Wide Body Series, along with other models and sizes.
All Westship World Yachts including the Prestige Lady Superyacht feature exterior and interior designs by award winning and designer Evan K. Marshall in conjunction with naval architecture designs by the world recognized firm of Giovanni and Guiseppe Arabbito. Operations and manufacture of Westship World Yachts will continue in Tampa, Florida under the management of Ricardo Ruelos who has been appointed as CEO of Westship World Yachts. Mr. Ruelos has over 35 years of experience in the marine industry and has a team of experienced and talented operations and manufacturing personnel positioned to execute a plan to steadily offer a select product line of Westship World Yachts ranging in size from 105 ft. to 40 Meters (131 ft.) All designs, engineering and production molds are in place to commence production and Westship shall market yachts on a select, allocation basis of 2 to 3 yachts per year for 2012 and 2013. Production levels shall be increased as dictated by customer demand and market conditions.
For more information visit www.westshipworldyachts.com or Call Henry Respess: 804-921-6678