Seaward Sailboats has completed a cross-Florida move and this week announced that Traditional Watercraft Inc., which builds Island Packets and Blue Jacket Yachts at its yard in Largo, will now also manufacture Seaward’s line of retractable keel sailboats.
Molds for the Seaward 26-, 32- and 46-foot RK models were shipped from the Hake Yachts yard in Stuart over the past few weeks.
“I am excited to enter into this relationship with TWI,” said Hake Yacht’s owner, Ted Gelov, in making the announcement. “Bob Johnson’s reputation for building quality sailboats is unmatched in the industry and we are confident that the tradition of quality and innovation that Seaward has maintained for over 35 years will continue to be enhanced by the high standards at Island Packet.”
In addition, Hake Yachts will move from a factory-direct sales, distribution, and support model to a global dealer network to be developed by TWI, which has established dealers for its own two brands. Nick Hake, founder and designer of the Seaward range, will continue in his role designing the next models. The company has plans for a 19RK and a 40RK in addition to its current models.
Describing the Seaward RK line, Bill Bolin, long time TWI vice president said, “These unique vessels have a loyal fan base and are well respected for their exceptional performance, shallow water capabilities and fine build qualities.”
Seaward at Island Packet Yachts
