New Zealand superyacht builder Fitzroy Yachts has announced it will reduce a substantial number of employees after the imminent completion of its current build, the 37.5m Dubois performance sloop FY17.
Fitzroy Yachts is renowned as one of the world's leading sailing yacht builders and has delivered award winning superyachts. Fitzroy Yachts' 49.7m Zefira won a World Superyacht Award and also earned a ShowBoats Design Award in the Exterior Design & Styling category for Dubois Naval Architects.
Fitzroy Yachts released a statement directly from its Managing Director Rodney Martin, who says, 'Like a large number of our fellow yacht builders, we have felt the effects of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis and its impact on the new build order book,' and Martin goes on to say that, extremely regrettably, a substantial reduction of employees is unavoidable. Fitzroy currently employs approximately 120 people.
Martin notes that Fitzroy is currently negotiating with the owner of superyacht FY17 for a goodwill contribution to support Fitzroy employees as a sort of incentive linked to the successful and timely completion of his yacht. 'Completing the build of FY17 to Fitzroy's high standards is our priority,' Martin adds, 'as is working with other local employers to try and find jobs for as many of the staff as we can.' The launch of FY17 is scheduled for the end of February 2014.
Fitzroy Yachts confirmed the order for its 37.5m FY17 sailing superyacht in April 2012. Her owners had chosen Fitzroy after two years of research. The all-aluminium, sloop-rigged yacht is designed for performance. She will feature an interior by Design Unlimited accommodating eight guests in four cabins.