This first US acquisition has been announced ahead of the Annapolis Boat Show, and will help Borrow A Boat establish themselves firmly in the US.
The acquisition of KellyBoat will continue the Borrow A Boat growth strategy in the US, which to date is the fastest growing market for the company. Boat hires will be focussed on New England and Palm Beach, and with exciting expansion plans in Q4 and beyond.
Kellyboat was founded by Kelly Lyden, who grew up in New England and has a lifelong passion for the sea, and a background in law and insurance. Kelly uses her skills and her impressive network of contacts to create unforgettable experiences for clients, delivering a safe, personalised, and fun experience for boat owners and guests alike.
Borrow A Boat prides itself on managing an extensive platform of yachts & boats in sought after sailing regions, and Kelly's expertise will allow them to add even more vessels in New York, Chesapeake Bay, Cape Cod, Rhode Island, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami, plus the Great Lakes.
Kelly Shea Lyden Founder of KellyBoat says "Borrow A Boat has been recognized as a fast moving, innovative leader in the global boat hire market. As its first US acquisition, we're excited to bring their boundless energy and successful technology to the US market. I am thrilled to be joining Borrow a Boat's growing family of boating businesses and to work with this impressive team. It was clear to me from our first conversations that we share a vision of presenting the very best boating options available to everyone, everywhere."
Matt Ovenden, Founder & CEO of Borrow A Boat, says, "The combination of Kelly's local knowledge and our technology gives us a powerful platform to grow in the US, and we have aggressive growth targets as we see it as a key market for Borrow a Boat. Since launching in America last year, we've experienced unrivalled interest from the US boating audience who have well and truly got on board with the Borrow A Boat offering, enabling it to become one of our fastest growing markets worldwide. We're proud to be celebrating this achievement at the Annapolis Boat Shows. We're now looking toward the future of our US foothold, including further plans for expansion, and eyeing up additional acquisitions."
Annapolis Harbour, MD will be hosting two iconic boat shows, the United States Powerboat Show (October 6-9) and the United States Sailboat Show (October 13-17). This year, in addition to celebrating the return of international travel, the Annapolis Boat Shows will mark the 50th anniversary of the United States Powerboat Show.
Credit: Marine Industry News