Fairline
A RARE PASSION - 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 Jack’s 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 company’s 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.
1976 Launched the Vixen and Holiday
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 company’s heritage and harnessing the immense passion and pride of the workforce.
1997 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 company’s growth and international reputation.
2006 Fairline begins its 40th Anniversary celebrations in real style! A new model is announced or launched in each of the ranges … Squadron 66, Phantom 48 and Targa 38 … and the company is purchased by its long-serving and dedicated management team. Single-step distribution is introduced, allowing the Fairline global dealer network to deal direct with the company, thereby further improving customer support.
2007 Fairline starts it’s 40th birthday with an impressive clutch of trophies: in the UK’s IPC Marine Awards, the Targa 38 and the Squadron 68 won MOTORBOAT OF THE YEAR in their respective categories, with the PHANTOM 48 being Highly Commended. The TARGA 38 also wins EUROPEAN MOTORBOAT OF THE YEAR, the industry’s leading award.
Great combination between Fairline and the Volvo Penta
1977 Fairline Vixen ugraded with a Volvo Penta Aq151b and a Aq290 Sterndrive