March 23, 2009 It's been a while since I last updated my blog due to the holidays (including a trip to New Orleans; if you haven't been, I'd highly suggest it) and some projects that are taking shape here in the New Year. In my previous blog I wrote about my trip down to Teak Decking Systems to check out Kemmuna's new deck as well as the deck that was taking shape for an F&C 44. Both decks are now fit to each boat and the projects are starting to draw to a close.
While on a trip to Chase Leavitt in Portland recently, it dawned on me that we have a great network of companies close by that we work with to provide our customers with the best solutions and the best products for the money. We handle nearly everything in house when it comes to repairs and refits; however we rely on a close network of local businesses to help us with some specialty items. As my dad told me a long time ago, it's not always about what you know, but who you know.
Teaming up with the other local businesses has allowed us to offer Kemmuna a real one stop shopping experience when it comes to a yacht refit. One challenge we overcame by working together with our network is the different standards and requirements for European boats like Kemmuna. Fulfilling requirements, such as her obligations to MCA compliance, were a breeze with our combined experience. Here is a list of a few of our key partners and how they have played a role in our success: Teak Decking Services of Maine- Appleton Maine- Larry Murray who has been with Teak Decking Systems from the beginning and is our local expert and representative to the Sarasota Company. Teak Decking Services is a professional operation whose craftspeople are not only skilled but highly efficient. It is a pleasure to work with them on both large and small projects.
Blue Maple Systems, Warren Maine, Nik DeMaria provides us with amazing computer networking skills. Nik has a full understanding of how to best network marine electronics and onboard computer networks. Nik has worked with us on yachts such as Kemmuna, Tenacious, Coconut, Melinka and many other projects.
Motion Industries, Union Maine, Motion assists us with all of our hydraulic motor needs and is a key supply chain partner for us.
Maine Compass Service, Portland Maine. Charlie Cook is famous throughout New England for swinging compasses and coming up with deviation cards. He is one of the very few people left that are trained in the art of Compass Swinging; this is a great article: www.workingwaterfront.com/articles/The-Man-Behind-Maine-Compass-Services/11710/ Unfortunately he found out that Kemmuna's (which was integrated into the Autopilot) compass was in fact broken and needed service. After the compass was fixed Charlie was able to swing it.
Team Watty, Marina Market and First Mate Services, located here at Wayfarer. John Watkins who has provided Kemmuna with expert day work support, home cooked lunches and morning break treats as well as an inexhaustible supply of moral boosting good cheer.
Last but not least, the entire town of Camden. The Kemmuna crew has rented a house in town and has become part of our community, doing business with the local shops and eateries. They have purchased a car from Norm's Subaru in Wiscasset, insured it with the Allen Agency, and opened up a bank account with one of our local Maine banks. They have taken various long weekend trips to surrounding areas to include Saddleback Mountain (picture two Australians on snowboards), and Moosehead Lake. The amount of business one major refit brings to the local and state economy is astounding.
We're very lucky to be surrounded by all of these above companies and many others who help us provide the support we need to successfully complete a large refit like Kemmuna's. It doesn't only take a great boatyard and good people to make a refit happen, but an entire community.
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