Peters PLC to host Britain's best on the water

by Patricia Juarez on 16 Aug 2001 Chichester based company Peters Plc, the world's largest distributor for
Fairline Boats, will be sponsoring the British Nautical Awards ‘Power
Yachtsman of the Year’ Award for the third consecutive year to recognise
outstanding performance in powerboating competition such as racing,
predicted log and Concours d’Elegance.

Dubbed as the ‘Oscars’ of boating, The British Nautical Awards ceremony is
the most prestigious and high profile boating event in Britain, and as such,
it is an honour to be nominated for an Award and a symbol of status within
the industry to attend.

John Robinson, Marketing Manager of Peters Plc said, “We are delighted to
sponsor the ‘Power Yachtsman of the Year’ Award again this year. Britain’s
marine industry is continually developing and growing and it is a privilege
to be in a position to recognise and support that talent and innovation.”
Peters plc is administered from its headquarters at Port Fairline,
Chichester Marina and with their own impressive history of excellence[i]
within the industry, are well placed to support this premier event in
Boating.

Last year’s award was presented to Tom Price (28) from Caldy, Wirral, in the
company of Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal. Tom started his boating
career at the young age of two and in 2000, was one of eleven teams in the
Volvo RYA National Motor Cruiser Challenge Finals. Judged on seamanship,
confidence, safety and demonstrating impressive boat handling skills over a
two-day competition, Tom gained top position and the prestigious title of
National Champion.

The British Nautical Awards are unique in that anyone is eligible make
nominations to the shortlist. Nominations close on the 28th of September
2001, after which a panel of judges[ii] made up of distinguished men and
women from the boating world will vigorously research, test and trial the
shortlist. The judge’s final decision will be revealed at the glamorous
black tie Boat Show Ball on the 4th of January 2002, in London.

Peters Plc also owns Opal Marine, one of the fastest growing yacht sales
companies in the UK. The Peters group operates from three sites within
Chichester Marina incorporating the Port to Port boat transport division,
Peters Service Centre and Peters Chandlery. The company has its own customer
training facility with a shore based school and SeaTech, Fairline 43
training vessel.

Founded in 1973 by shareholders Brian Peters and Tony Morgan, Peters Plc is
also an approved main dealer for Volvo Penta marine engines and carries a
comprehensive range of Volvo Penta spares.

Peters has sales offices and service centres in Mallorca servicing the
biggest market outside the UK. Over 75% of new boat sales are for export,
and the company currently exports to over 30 countries. Export sales in
1999 amounted to £29 million, up from 26 million the year before, whilst
total revenues in 1999 reached a record £47 million.