Winter 2006 / 2007

Columbia Makes Industry News!

Columbia Yachts’ vacuum resin infusion build process is making news, even within industry publications.

Columbia Yachts was featured in the most recent Alcan Composites (a global leader of composite materials) “INNOVATION” newsletter, highlighting our approach to controlling weight and optimizing structure through proper materials, careful engineering and an advanced vacuum resin infusion process.

“The use of vacuum resin infusion technology has created exceptionally high (and precisely repeatable) laminate physical properties. That this process can replicate these exceptionally high physical properties is the key to the Columbia 30’s weight and strength,” reads the article. “The vacuum infusion process not only eliminates variations in resin content, but also ensures the optimum resin content – every time. This not only guarantees minimum weight, but also the maximum desired properties.”

To review the article in its entirety, please click here

Columbia Makes First International Shipment, October 2006
» In October, 2006, Columbia Yachts made its first international shipment. A Columbia 30 Sport Yacht was delivered to Hong Kong in early November, in time for the winter racing season.

2006 Factory Open House

Columbia Yacht Corporation welcomed nearly 200 visitors to a special Factory Open House and Rendezvous on Saturday, September 16 at the Columbia Yachts factory and headquarters in Santa Ana, California.

“We threw open the doors for all Columbia Yachts enthusiasts, both of the classic and modern models,” said Vince Valdes, President of Columbia Yachts. “Guests enjoyed BBQ, factory tours and expert resin-infusion demonstrations, great giveaways, vendor displays, live music and more. Not only did we display a fully rigged new Columbia 30 Sport Yacht, but we unveiled our fully restored 1963 Columbia 5.5 meter for the first time since restoration!”

Attendees met and chatted with Dick Valdes, the original founder of Columbia Yachts in the 1950’s, and enjoyed product demonstrations by national and local marine industry leaders, including Yanmar, Lewmar, West Marine and TackTick.

Fall, 2005 - Columbia yachts has moved.
Columbia yachts has moved to a larger manufacturing facility in Santa Ana, California, to better accommodate expanded production of the new 2006 Columbia 30 Sport Yacht™. The increase in space improves delivery timeframes significantly.

Give us a call if you’d like to come by for a tour, (714) 557-0712.
Our new address is: 308 E. Dyer Road, Santa Ana, CA 92707

September, 2005:

Columbia Yachts is featured in a comprehensive boat review in the September edition of Practical Sailor magazine. A thoughtful review from the cruising perspective by Ed Lawrence.

Summer, 2005 – Columbia Yachts West Coast Rendezvous

May 7 saw the return of the West Coast Columbia Yachts Rendezvous, in Newport Beach, California.  The event welcomed Columbia’s of all ages, from the new Columbia 30 to the venerable Columbia 50.  Over 60 attendees showcased their Columbia’s and enjoyed the camaraderie of over 40 years of Columbia Yachts.  Richard Valdes, the original founder of Columbia in the 1960’s, shared anecdotes of classic Columbia’s and his vision of the future of Columbia Yachts.

Vince Valdes chats up the new Columbia 30 with Rendezvous attendees. 
Note the simple awning arrangement

SAIL Magazine – April, 2005, New Boats Sail Review
"…the Columbia 30 sailed the way I would want a boat to sail.  We took on a brand-new larger speedster from a well-known builder and beat it upwind and down."
~ Kimball Livingston
http://www.sailmag.com/

Download New Boats Sail Review in SAIL Mag [1.05MB]
Reprinted with permission by SAIL Magazine

In Previous News

SAILING Magazine - March 2003, Perry on Design, pg.29
"I like the blend represented by this boat and I think it will be a lot of fun to sail."
~ Perry on Design
Subscription Office - (800) 895-2596
www.sailingonline.com

Download Perry on Design in SAILING Magazine [907kb]
Reprinted with permission by SAILING Magazine

SAILING Magazine - February 2003, Launchings, pg.94
Columbia Yachts, which produced such boats as the Columbia 24 and the Columbia 50, at the time the largest fiberglass production boat, faded in the mid-1980s after founding father Dick Valdes left the company. But two years ago, Columbia Yacht Corp. returned under the guidance of Valdes' son Vince and is introducing its first new boat this year, a sport boat that claims to offer what most others in its class lack—comfort.
Subscription Office - (800) 895-2596
www.sailingonline.com

Download Launchings Article in SAILING Magazine [619kb]
Reprinted with permission by SAILING Magazine

Santana, The So Cal Sailing Rag, January 2003, pg. 22
Columbia Yachts, one of the most successful sailboat lines of the 20th century, is back in business and will introduce their first model in 2003 - a 30-foot sport sailer. This boat is designed for performance-minded enthusiasts who also want an easily handeled and comfortable boat at a highly competitive price.
Santana Magazine - (714) 379-3070
santanarag@aol.com

Northwest Yachting Magazine, December, 2002, pgs. 40-41
There were more than a couple of us out there who were pleasantly surprised by the announcement that Columbia Yacht Corporation is back with the introduction of an all-new Columbia 30 Sportsailer.
Subscriptions - kathie@nwyachting.com

Burgee, Power and Sailboat Magazine, November 2002, pgs. 14-15
Columbia Yacht Corporation announces the return of the historic Columbia Yachts, one of the most successful sailboat lines of the 20th century. Columbia Yachts will introduce their first model next year - a 30' sport sailer designed for performance-minded enthusiasts who also desire ease of use and comfort, at a highly competitive price.
Subscriptions - Burgee Magazine, 21955 Raintree Lane, Lake Forest, CA 92630 - $10.00

The Log - California's Boating Newspaper, Oct. 18, 2002 pgs. 1 & 23
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.—Plans to launch a 30-foot performance sailboat at next year's Annapolis Boat Show will formally revive the popular Columbia sailboats born here in Southern California four decades ago.
Website - www.thelog.com