Chouest family buys yacht builder Westport

Yacht launch at Westport

JUNE 7, 2014 — The assets of Westport Shipyard, Inc., the largest yacht builder in North America, have been acquired by Westport, LLC, an ownership group that includes Gary Chouest and other members of the Chouest family.

As well as owning Edison Chouest Offshore, the Chouest family also owns American Custom Yachts in Stuart, FL.

Westport, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, has three shipyards in Washington State, in Westport, Port Angles and Hoquiam, and a marina and sales office in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

With over 400 employees, Westport has completed more than 120 yachts since 2000. And one customer was Gary Chouest.

Westport president Daryl Wakefield, who will remain in the position, says “Gary has always been passionate about our industry, and we are honored to count him as a customer, and now our majority owner, as well.”

Westport says General Manager Dave Hagiwara will also remain, along with the rest of Westport’s management team and employees.

“Similar to the history of the Chouest family business, Westport began five decades ago with a fishing fleet, and has diversified into many other core businesses, focusing on customer satisfaction and the pursuit of excellence,” said Gary Chouest. “We are pleased to join the Westport family, and look forward to pursuing the synergies that exist between the Chouest companies, ACY, and Westport.

“We will continue to pursue the employment of skilled local workers, and will remain an active participant in the communities Westport serves.”