COLUMBIA

COLUMBIA is an American shipyard with a long history. Today it is producing the modern fiberglass yachts with a sailing rig.

The company that became the forerunner of Columbia Yacht Corporation, was established by Dick Valdes. Barely graduated from college in 1958, he opened Glas Laminates. Here he used his experience of work with fiberglass in the production of sailing yachts. The first models were 24 and 29 feet in length. Six years later, Columbia Yachts received annual revenue in the amount of 2.5 million.

COLUMBIA quickly gained popularity and achieved a dominant position in the yacht building industry. It became possible due to use of engineering methods and production technologies that were the most modern at that time. They did not only build ships, but also produced its own molds, due to which it was possible to establish a mass production of the yachts.

The design of the yacht made by COLUMBIA was prepared by the famous naval architects that predetermined the popularity of the brand and the company's success. By the end of the 60's the manufacturer became the largest one in the market of fiberglass sailboats.

Over time, the company was bought by other people, and the design and structure of the yachts underwent significant changes. But, as before, COLUMBIA sets technological trends in the world of yacht building.