Reviving a Legend: The New Caribbean 40 Under Maritimo’s Expert Care

Caribbean Brand Set for a Grand Revival Under Maritimo’s Stewardship

When news broke that the iconic Caribbean brand was being revived by Australian boatbuilding titan Maritimo, excitement surged through the boating community. Renowned globally for their luxury, long-range motor yachts, Maritimo is poised to breathe new life into a name synonymous with Australian maritime heritage.

The Caribbean brand isn’t just a label; it represents a legacy of dependable vessels cherished by generations of boat owners. As Sean Savage, Director of Distribution for Maritimo, aptly stated, “It’s almost a changing of the guard.” Families have fished, cruised, and created lasting memories aboard Caribbean boats, and now, under Maritimo’s guidance, this legacy is set for a modern transformation.

Maritimo recognizes the potential within the Caribbean brand. “They were renowned for being strong, reliable, simple, and built to last,” Savage noted. “However, they needed a birthday. And that’s exactly what we’re giving them.” The company is committed to preserving the essence of Caribbean while infusing it with contemporary design and technology.

Bill Barry-Cotter, Maritimo’s founder and a revered figure in Australian boatbuilding, is particularly enthusiastic about the project. “No one’s more excited to go to work than Bill,” Savage remarked, highlighting Barry-Cotter’s competitive spirit and passion for excellence.

The design process began with a meticulous examination of existing Caribbean models. “We literally pulled current Caribbeans from the water and scanned them inside one of our massive sheds,” Savage explained. This innovative approach allowed the team to analyze the boats digitally, ensuring that the new Caribbean 40 would retain the beloved hull design while modernizing its upper structure and amenities.

Feedback from long-time Caribbean owners played a crucial role in shaping the new design. “They loved the hull, loved the ride – but the deck and fitout were very dated,” Savage said. The team focused on enhancing the upper footprint, introducing a new coach house, flybridge, and deck layout while maintaining a traditional yet refined aesthetic.

Maritimo’s existing infrastructure gives them a unique advantage in producing the Caribbean 40 efficiently. “For most boat builders, the cost of setting up to produce a 40-foot boat would outweigh the profit they make, but Maritimo already has the systems in place,” Savage explained.

Performance is at the forefront of the Caribbean 40’s design. Customers expressed a desire for cruise speeds of 25 knots, and the new model aims to deliver on that promise. The Caribbean 40 will be available in two distinct packages: a game fishing version and a family-friendly bluewater cruiser, catering to a diverse customer base.

Savage emphasized the importance of transportability in the design process, ensuring that the new Caribbean models can be easily moved across Australia. The first hull of the Caribbean 40 is expected to make its debut by Christmas, with additional models, including a 27-footer and a 49-50 footer, already in the pipeline.

As Maritimo embarks on this exciting journey, the team remains committed to honoring the Caribbean legacy while embracing innovation. “We feel honoured to be custodians of the brand,” Savage stated. “We’re not hiding the fact that it’s built by Maritimo, but we’re keeping the Caribbean name, logo, and legacy intact.”

With a revitalized marketing strategy and a focus on engaging with the Caribbean community, Maritimo is set to usher in a new era for this beloved brand. “This acquisition has marked a pivotal moment for Australian boating,” said Simon Stewart, Maritimo’s Marketing Manager. “We’re building a brand narrative that blends tradition with innovation, and we can’t wait to share what’s coming next.”

For those eager to experience the next generation of Caribbean boats, inquiries can be directed to Maritimo, as they prepare to make waves in the boating world once again.