Freedom Boat Club opens first UK franchise locations
Freedom Boat Club has opened its first franchise locations in the United Kingdom.
Freedom, a division of Brunswick Corporation, operates the largest fleet of shared-access recreational boats in the world. It says the new locations in Windermere and Torquay are part of its strategy to scale its European footprint. Freedom Boat Club now has 33 locations across the UK, France and Spain.
The opening of the new locations will be celebrated during the UK’s largest boat show, the Southampton International Boat Show (September 16-25 2022). Freedom is exhibiting at SIBS for the first time.
“Opening our first franchise locations in the UK is a key part of our growth strategy. I’m confident our new partners share our values in making boating accessible for everyone and are committed to growing the Freedom brand throughout the region,” said Jason Worthy, vice president, of boating services, EMEA.
Newly opened on September 1, 2022, the Windermere location is owned and operated by Grahame Armer of Aquatic Quays Marina, and provides members with convenient access to the Lake District.
Aerial view of Windemere. Image courtesy of Freedom Boat Club
Remarking on the incorporation of Freedom Boat Club into the Windermere site, development manager Chris Brammer says: “The addition of Freedom Boat Club complements our existing long-established operations, providing greater access to the best World Heritage Site in England. We look forward to supporting Freedom’s continued growth and welcoming members on the water.”
Opening Spring 2023, the new Freedom Boat Club Torquay is based on South Pier within Torquay Harbour. A well-protected boating haven, the harbour has access to some of the best facilities in the southwest. The location is owned and operated by Jason Bond and Antony Birchell of Birchell Marina.
Jason Bond, club manager at Torquay adds: “We are looking forward to welcoming Freedom Boat Club members to enjoy the charms of Torquay for the 2023 boating season. The protected waters and stunning coastal views provide perfect cruising grounds for all types of leisure boaters, and we’re excited to introduce new and veteran boaters alike to everything Torquay has to offer through the ease and accessibility of Freedom.”
Earlier this year, Freedom expanded to Denmark, with its first location in Scandinavia. The news marked the company more than doubling the number of locations in the FBC network since the company was acquired by Brunswick in May 2019.
To learn more about Freedom Boat Club, visit the team at the Southampton International Boat Show at Stand E019.
