Thursday, November 06, 2008 Firm offers less costly sailboats to enthusiasts
BY offering fuel-efficient and affordable power sailboats, an exclusive distributor of US-made yachts believes that it can help boost the Philippine’s growing tourism industry and support the country’s aim to become an adventure tourism destination.
In the process, Rapid Marine88 Resources Inc. wants to make boating a “viable” investment for the Filipinos.
The company acquired exclusive rights to market MacGregor 26M hybrid yachts in the Philippines with a price that is 75 percent lower than its competitors, said Boler Binamira of the Rapid Marine88 Resources Inc. sales and marketing team for the Visayas and Mindanao.
“Boating or yachting should not be confined to the rich and famous. Families can invest in a MacGregor 26M and have it rented. They can also do water activities together like sailing, fishing, diving and water skiing,” he said.
Buyers
Since Binamira and his partner Gerry Yangyang were granted exclusive distributorship rights by Rapid Marine88 to sell MacGregor boats in the Visayas and Mindanao last August, at least 10 boat enthusiasts have expressed interest to buy a unit.
A standard MacGregor 26M (M for millennium) power sailboat, which is manufactured in California, is priced at P2.3 million. This already includes a trailer.
MacGregor has delivered about 2,500 26M models and more than 38,000 sailboats worldwide in its 35 years in the business.
“A MacGregor 26M is light but balances beautifully. You can sail, put it at high speed or race for fun at over 22 mph (miles
per hour). It is the fastest and best handling of any cruising sailboats (that can be transported by trailer). You don’t need an expensive mooring. It can be stored on its trailer, launched in any ramp and rigged in just minutes,” said Binamira.
Yangyang said that while waiting for a demonstration unit to arrive in January, Rapid Marine88 sought the help of local realtors to present the company’s products—rapid sailaway or power sailer package—to potential clients with high-end lifestyles.
Binamira said that the company initially target owners with existing yachts and eventually the middle-income class and working individuals.
Buyers can avail of financing schemes through Orix Metro Leasing and Finance Corp. that is willing to give up to 50 percent of equity financing subject to credit evaluation. Orix, with offices nationwide, is a joint venture of Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company and Orix Financing of Japan.
“As an exclusive distributor, we want to train potential customers how to sail, provide after-sales service support to buyers and encourage them to participate in local sailing events,” said Binamira, who expressed optimism in the market, considering the rising demand for island hopping and adventure tourism activities. (NRC)
