Robinhood Cove, Maine -March 10, 2016
March 7th, 2016 was a big day in the long history of Robinhood Cove Marine Center. For on that date, Robinhood Marine Center became Derecktor Robinhood, and a new chapter in Maine’s most storied boatyards and marinas began.
After 35 years, Any Vavolotis, Robinhood’s owner and guiding light had decided that he was ready to turn to new owners to move Robinhood forward in the years ahead. And those owners could not be just anyone. As anyone who knows Andy knows, he’s a bit choosy when it comes to his boats and boatyards. So the new owners had to be experienced boatyard people (and being sailors wouldn’t hurt). He found the perfect fit in Derecktor Maine, a partnership led by Derecktor Shipyards.
“There was a lot of interest in Robinhood, and I wanted to make sure the new owners would be the right choice for me, the customers and the employees,” Andy said about the sale. “I believe these guys will do what’s needed to make Robinhood better than ever.”
Known world-wide as one of America’s leading builders and repair yards, Derecktor has launched vessels ranging from America’s Cup winners to the largest yacht ever built in the US, the 287 ft., 2500 ton Cakewalk. Derecktor’s New York and Florida yards are also the choice for repair and refit for many of the world’s famous yachts and sophisticated commercial vessels. Founded by legendary Bob Derecktor and run for many years by his son Paul, Derecktor has become synonymous with the highest standards in engineering and workmanship.
“We are tremendously enthusiastic about Derecktor Robinhood,” commented Paul Derecktor. “Our business began in the Northeast almost 70 years ago, serving cruising and racing sailboats and cruising powerboats. Now we cover the East Coast from Florida to Maine, and Robinhood lets us serve that traditional customer base, while offering all our customers seamless service, North to South.”
As the new owner, Derecktor Maine brings experience and energy to Robinhood, along with a commitment to building on the unique business that Andy and his staff have created. Our first move was to hire Neil Collins as General Manager. Neil spent the past 10 years at Maine Yacht Center in Portland, and has built a reputation for both technical expertise and thorough professionalism. Under Neil’s leadership, Derecktor Robinhood will bring a boat owner’s perspective to new and existing relationships with customers.
The unequaled location and setting of Robinhood. The capabilities of one of America’s great yacht yards. The passion and commitment of a new management team. Now that’s a match made in Maine.
