Fleming Yacht owners around the world have lauded the Taiwan-based boatbuilder as the ultimate cruising yacht, giving them the confidence to explore anywhere across the globe.
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The first Fleming was built in 1985 by Tony Fleming, former technical director of American Marine.
The popularity of the Fleming line has continued to grow and, driven by Tony's exacting standard, has seen the boat builder cultivate a loyal band of followers.
Fleming Yachts' greatest strength is the timeless quality of their builds.
The styling of their models is traditional with a schooner bow, high bulwarks forward with planking grooves in the hull, a raised pilothouse and covered side decks leading back to the cockpit.
Owners have taken their Flemings from Alaska to Mexico, or from the Galapagos Islands all the way to Australia.
Sam Nicholas, from Fleming Yachts Australia, explains that Fleming's goal is to build to an exceptional standard, regardless of cost.
Nicholas believes that Fleming Yachts got the design right from the start and that has put them on the path to longevity and success.
"The boats last. The first boats are now nearly 35 years old and are still going strong. The exterior and interior design of the Fleming 55, for example, is basically the same today as it was in 1986 when the first one was built," says Nicholas.
"Flemings are boats that do not date. Owners are happy to have a boat that does not come with an improved look and changed design every year."
While the overall design of their models has a timeless appeal, the company has been embraced modern technology, which has led to further developments at the company over the last few years.
Systems and equipment are in constant development; and Fleming Yachts has incorporated real improvements to their boat building process whenever new and better products come on the market.
"One large development is the introduction of sophisticated electronic monitoring and alarm systems, and the introduction of digital switching, but the main event in recent years has been the introduction of the Fleming 58," says Nicholas.
After extensive research and input from existing owners, Fleming identified the need for a boat to bridge the gap between the Fleming 55 and the 65.
While retaining the Fleming classic lines, the 58 is an entirely new boat designed from the keel up.
The naval architects selected to assist the in-house Fleming design team were Norman Wright and Sons in Brisbane, Australia who, with their special expertise in hull design and tank testing, have been designing semi-displacement passagemakers for more than 100 years.
The latest 3D modelling and CAD software were both employed during the design process and a 1:12 scale model was built and tank tested at the Australian Maritime College in Tasmania.
Nicholas reassures customers that Flemings will stand the test of time, and emphasises that offering owners an extensive list of customisation options, which sees every Fleming out on the water have its own character and style.
"The Flemings are designed and built to be excellent cruising boats - and they are excellent cruising boats," he says.
"Sturdy, seaworthy and reliable, classic and sophisticated at the same time with a remarkably high standard specification. We can give owners a degree of customisation in the fit-out, which we know from experience owners appreciate.
"You know what you get when you contemplate buying a Fleming. Existing owners will only be too happy to communicate their experiences, and Fleming will give you quality and excellent service."
When asked what can we expect in the future from Fleming, Nicholas remained tight-lipped, but did offer a hint.
"Who knows? Watch this space. We might still surprise you."
MAJOR MILESTONE
In 2020, Eyachts are celebrating 100 Axopars sold down under with the launch of the new and improved flagship, the Axopar 37 Revolution.
Just four short years ago, Axopar was in its first year of production and not much was known about this small and niche company. But Eyachts saw their potential.
"If you told someone back then that day boats would be as popular as they are now, they wouldn't have believed you," recalls Peter Hrones, Eyachts Managing Director.
Eyachts have now presold 4 Axopar 37 Revolutions, and the first Cross Cabin will arrive in late May.
CUSTOM SPECIAL
Maritimo's specialist custom division Maritimo One develops the S51 sedan motor yacht for a game fishing boat enthusiast.
The S51 sedan motor yacht is the first of the offshore cruising single-level entertainers to be fitted with a state-of-the-art game tower and features a number of other specific custom modifications to the cockpit, which is set up for sport fishing.
"The owner of the latest Maritimo One S51 is a serious fishing fanatic and he knew exactly how he wanted to set up his new boat," said Maritimo's General Manager, Phil Candler.
"The big benefit of the Maritimo One process is that owners like this can be heavily involved in the design and build process and get to spend a lot of one-on-one time with the factory representatives to ensure they get exactly what they want."
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