Greenline Yachts back from the brink, founder claims

The founder of Greenline Yachts has dismissed reports of the range’s demise, insisting that new models will be delivered in 2015

The Slovenian firm behind Greenline Yachts has claimed its future is safe after an uncertain few months.

Last month a Slovenian court filed an insolvency petition on behalf of Seaway Yachts, which builds the hybrid range.

However, founder Japec Jakopin told MBY: “Greenline Yachts will continue, I have no doubt about that. The boats will be delivered – there are a lot of orders to fulfil.”

Japec added that a new model, the Greenline Ocean Class 57, was still in the works.

At the time of writing, Seaway was putting together a restructuring plan to ensure ongoing production of the Greeline Yachts range.

Born of the J&J Design Studio in 1983, Seaway has been involved in the design of more than 65,000 craft.

The firm has worked with many high-profile yards ranging from Fairline and Jeanneau to Bavaria and Sea Ray.

And in 2010 Seaway launched Greenline Yachts, which was billed as “the first true hybrid yacht”. The range has since grown to include 33ft, 40ft and 48ft models.

Greenline Yachts in the UK

Despite this positive news, the future of Greenline Yachts in the UK remains unclear.

Peter Thomas at Inspiration Marine told MBY that he returned his customers’ deposits after Seaway could not confirm delivery dates.

“We are aware that they have had difficulties, but we have not given up on the product. We await further developments with interest,” Peter added.

He estimates that six of the 300 Greenlines built to date were imported into the UK, including the Greenline 33, which won Best Wheelhouse and Walkaround at the 2011 Motor Boat Awards.

At its peak, Greenline Yachts had three UK dealers: Sunbird International, Boat Sales International and Inspiration Marine.

However, the former two stopped taking orders for new Greenline models 12 months ago, leaving Inspiration Marine as the sole UK dealer.