Barton Marine appoints Marine Connect in South Africa

Barton Marine has reached a new distribution partnership with Marine Connect in South Africa. Representing the full Barton Marine range, the Marine Connect team will facilitate supply of Barton’s deck equipment range (over 2000 products) for the South African marine industry and sailing community.

Marine Connect was founded in 2023 by Warren Harvey, a well-known figure in the sailing world with over 25 years’ experience building long term relationships throughout the marketplace, in a variety of roles. He has also sailed competitively for over 38 years, including representing South Africa in three world championships. Over the last twelve months, the business has rapidly developed to become a recognised supplier to the boat building, water sports and superyacht market segments.

Marine Connect‘s team will provide comprehensive professional sales representation to include, strategic sales planning, targeted sales efforts and results monitoring to ensure maximum availability of the Barton Marine brand to sailors across the country.

“Improving the supply of our extensive deck hardware range in South Africa has been on our agenda for some time and it is great to partner with Warren at Marine Connect to drive our efforts forward,” says Suzanne Blaustone, Barton Marine CEO. “South Africa is an important marketplace with a long history of sailing excellence. The improved availability of the Barton range will provide sailors with a better option to upgrade and repair their yacht equipment.”

Warren says his company is excited and proud to partner with Barton Marine. It’s been awarded sole distribution rights for products in South Africa. “The Barton range offers our local South African sailors the opportunity to purchase high end quality products at an affordable price which adds value to the marine industry in South Africa and allows our sailors to have world class products at their disposal.”

Recently MIN reported that the boatbuilding industry in Cape Town is mirroring international trends, with a general consolidation in the market over the last 15 years. Although the number of yachts being built in South Africa has increased, the number of boatbuilding yards has decreased – reflecting a natural consolidation as efficiencies across departments and processes are realised. The companies that remain are doing exceptionally well.