New York Gala Introduces Meridian Yachts

With the New York City harbor as a backdrop, on August 8 the public got a sneak preview of the new Meridian line, which will be introduced during the 2003 model year. William J. Barrington, president of Meridian Yachts, served as master of ceremonies at the event, which was held at Chelsea Piers.

Joining Barrington for the unveiling and ribbon cutting were George W. Buckley, chairman and chief executive officer of Brunswick Corporation, and Dustan E. McCoy, president of the Brunswick Boat Group. Meridian thus joins the ranks of other leading Brunswick Boat Group yacht brands, including Sea Ray, Hatteras and Sealine. The Brunswick Boat Group is a unit of Brunswick Corporation.

The product lineup will include seven models ranging from 34 to 58 ft. (10.3 to 17.6 m), including pilothouse, sedan and aft-cabin configurations. The crowd got an up-close look at the Meridian 341 Sedan, 381 Sedan, 411 Aft Cabin, 540 Pilothouse and 580 Pilothouse.

Among the innovative features available on all Meridian Yachts is Meridian's unique D.O.C. (Docking on Command) system - a technological advance, which allows docking in tight spaces using only a joystick control - making docking and maneuvering in confined spaces effortless.

"D.O.C. allows a skipper to maneuver the bow or stern of the boat by using an intuitive joystick. The captain stays in complete control of the vessel under even the most challenging conditions," Barrington explained.