We have confidence in Goetz

Posted by Bruce Neiderer on 8 January 2009 | 1 Comments

Gougeon Brothers, Inc. is intimately involved in the marine industry, so when plants close and businesses fade we certainly empathize. But this week's news report that Goetz Custom Sailboats, Inc. was petitioned into receivership on January 6, 2009 is too bitter a pill to swallow.

Eric Goetz has been a loyal WEST SYSTEM® customer since he began Goetz Custom Boats in 1975, and over the years has become more than customer - he is a friend. Time and again, Goetz boats have proven themselves in the most competitive arenas and emerged victorious in the America's Cup, Admiral's Cup, and Maxi Worlds. Goetz boats have also competed successfully in the TP52 circuit, the Whitbread/Volvo race, Transpac, Kenwood Cup, Southern Cross Series, Sardinia Cup, and countless other regattas around the world. 

Beyond that, Eric has always been a man of integrity who cares deeply about his employees and their well being.  During this difficult time, in order to preserve the company's assets and protect it's workforce, he was forced to lay off workers on December 31, 2008 after having met his payroll and health insurance obligations. Knowing Eric, this has got to be very, very hard on him. But if anyone in the marine industry can turn a situation like this around, we're confident that Eric can.

All of us here at Gougeon Brothers hope Eric and all the people involved with Goetz Custom Sailboats, Inc. will land on their feet and emerge from this set back to continue as one of the world's premiere boat builders.

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