Yacht builders a model success story

Although their boats rarely get wet and are more likely to navigate round ducks than race pylons, the yachts of four Wellington model boat builders are enjoying something of an America's Cup windfall.

They have secured support from Team New Zealand to market and sell their radio-controlled replica America's Cup yachts.

"So far we have produced 12 yachts, of which we have sold six for $12,000 each," said AC15 Yachts director Mike Guyomar.

"Our target is to make and sell 100 by the time the America's Cup winds up."

That would amount to $1.2 million of model yachts.

Formed 18 months ago, AC15 Yachts (America's Cup yachts built at 1/15th scale) was set up as a hobby to produce models for displays and competitions.

But after the Genoa Boat Show in September 2000, the group decided to turn the hobby into a business.

Last October, the company was licensed by Team New Zealand to produce, market and sell replicas of Team New Zealand's main racing boat, the "black boat", and its display "white boat," complete with logos.

SAP, the international information technology firm that is one of the five main America's Cup sponsors, bought four of the models.

Guyomar said his company was negotiating with other syndicates and other models were likely to be produced.

The group does its own fibreglass work and paints and assembles the models at its premises on Queens Wharf.

Guymour said the group's success showed that a small company outside Auckland could benefit from the Cup campaign.

- NZPA

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