WORLD NEWS Brunswick
WORLD NEWS Brunswick buys Freedom USA: Brunswick Corporation has acquired Freedom Boat Club (FBC), the largest boat club operator in the USA (see article Marina World March/April). Terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. Members of Freedom Boat Club enjoy hassle-free access to different types of boat in multiple locations. Stage one opens at Trinity AUSTRALIA: Johnson Property Group has opened the first phase of Trinity Point Marina on Lake Macquarie, north of Sydney, NSW. The marina is part of a 8 million master-planned community. The first stage, 88 berths and associated infrastructure, will form part of a five-pier facility for boats up to 20m (66ft) in length. Two vessels of 30m (98ft) could also be accommodated as an option. Visitor berthing, a fuel dock, pump-out, a marina lounge, high quality en suite showers, Wi-Fi and CCTV are incorporated. “It was critical we did the marina right,” said Johnson Property Group managing director Keith Johnson. “It was a major key to what we aimed to achieve. It had to be a success.” To that end, the group hired Bellingham Marine to help with detail design and construction. Sweeping lines, placid waters, terracotta coloured Unifloat concrete docks, stunning lighting and architectural details are highlights of the marina but, as John Spragg, Bellingham Marine president of Australia and Middle East points out, “to be a high performing marina, you need more than aesthetics.” “Marina layout, ease of access from the entrance to individual berths, ample FBC and its franchisees have over 20,000 customers, whose club membership gives access to a fleet of nearly 2,200 boats at around 170 company-owned or franchised locations across 30 US states, Canada and Europe. John Giglio and his management team will continue to lead FBC, which will operate within Brunswick’s Boating Services Network as part of the company’s Business Acceleration Group. “We are excited to welcome John and the entire Freedom Boat Club team of employees and franchise partners to Boating Services,” said Cecil Cohn, president, Boating Services. “We look forward to supporting their growth in our common goal to help attract the next generation of boaters.” “The addition of Freedom Boat Club to our leading portfolio of marine brands will allow us to leverage resources and capabilities to create additional growth and value,” said Brenna Preisser, president, Brunswick Business Acceleration. “Our current and prospective franchisees will be supported with a unique suite of new products and services to help them grow and provide exceptional on-water experiences for members.” power, and amenities on the docks are the things that will put Trinity Point Marina on top,” he believes, adding that “from an operational standpoint, boater experience is paramount.” “Give boaters a stress-free, enjoyable experience and your berths will quickly fill. Trinity’s purpose-designed wave attenuator is a big piece of that. It ensures a safe tranquil harbour in all weather.” A further 100 berths are planned for stage two. www.marinaworld.com - July/August 2019 13
