Firm Lands America’s Cup Pact
Costa Mesa custom boat builder Westerly Marine Inc. has been selected by the St. Francis Yacht Club to build two advanced composite International America’s Cup Class boats for AmericaOne, the San Francisco-based sailing club’s challenger to represent the U.S. in the America’s Cup races in March 2000. The $2-million contract called for Westerly to build the boats of lightweight, super-strong composites that are cured in its giant ovens.
The 28-year-old company, which specializes in custom racing and cruising yachts, has been involved in other America’s Cup operations. It was selected because of its experience, its California location, and its reputation for high-quality work with advanced composites--materials like Kevlar and carbon fiber, said Bob Billingham, chief operating officer for AmericaOne.
The company, founded by partners Lynn Bowser and Steve Lee, has 35 employees. Work on the first of the two AmericaOne boats is scheduled to begin this month, with construction of the second boat to begin in March. The boats will be tested in the waters off Long Beach beginning in mid-1999.
John O’Dell covers major Orange County corporations and manufacturing for The Times. He can be reached at (714) 966-5831 and at john.odell@latimes.com.
