Whitehall Newsletter February 2011 By Harold Aune

Currency Speaking!

In the past quarter century of building the world’s finest rowing & sailing boats, we have seen a lot of change. We speak with people from all continents and many backgrounds. It’s one of the things we’ve loved about our business.

The most astounding change we’ve encountered has been how the Canadian currency has come to be valued as highly as it is against the US dollar and as a result all other currencies too.

While our company has stood by its philosophy and continued to build only the highest in quality and finish Ð with prices in Canadian dollars to match this Ð the value of all major currencies have plummeted and we cannot predict how much further this will go.

We have many who encourage us to continue the good work of building only the best. Whenever we exhibit at boat shows many people say we’re “the best thing here” or that they wouldn’t have come to the show if not for us. So we know our boats are still desirable.

However there has been a distinct drop in sales the past two years, mainly because of the US/CAN currencies going to par. This is something that is beyond our control, both for Whitehall and for our would-be customers worldwide.

Naturally feelings of frustration and, sometimes, even shock abound. Many say they can no longer afford to buy these quality Canadian built products. Even those who can still afford to purchase seem to be waiting in hopes that the US currency rallies or that life will return to something more economically predictable.

What to do?

In times of economic recession purchasing quality items makes the most sense. Purchasing a “throw away” product with devalued dollars makes these cheaper items much more expensive. Dollars are far more valuable when they are working for us invested in a quality product that keeps its good looks, its resale value, never goes out of style while helping keep you healthy and fit. Do you agree? So purchase only things that inspire youÉ. Investing in quality products makes sense in any economy, but even more so at this time.

Lastly, will any one who thinks that the US currency could devalue further, please raise their hands? This means it is likely that the price of our boats in US and all other currencies will continue to climb. We would not like to see this happen, but it’s not in our control.
Purchasing your favorite Whitehall Spirit¨ boat this spring could be your best investment.

Seattle Boat Show Highlights

The Seattle Show happened without a hitch, as the Seattle Seahawks football team lost their final playoff game and the entire boat show did not have to go on hold for a day, which it apparently would have if they had won. Slide seat rowing would be better for them, but not as entertaining as watching them crash around chasing the old pigskinÉ. and then there’s the big bucksÉ. But football aside we got to meet up with many of our fellow Pacific Northwest marine companies who sell all manner of products.

Our ocean rowing friends Jordan Hanssen, Greg Spooner, Adam Kreek and Rick Tarbill from Oar Northwest were there, along with their boat, raising awareness for their “Right to Play” project and their upcoming row across the southern Atlantic Ocean. Many of our happy Whitehall Spirit owners came by for a visit. And very special thanks to those new owners who placed an order for a boat!

We had a huge amount of interest in the WSRC franchise as wellÉsee below. Kudos to show manager Brad Vickers and his able staff who once again put together a really great boat show.

NEW Whitehall Spirit¨ Expedition 17 Available.

We have a customer located in a southern States who recently received a new Whitehall Spirit¨ Expedition 17. Due to circumstances beyond his control he cannot keep it. This boat is still in its original wrappers and on one of our custom aluminum boat carts! As you know there is nothing anywhere on the planet as perfectly built or as practical and beautiful as a Classic Expedition 17. The owner values his privacy and has asked us to handle its resale. This boat currently sells for over 50K with all the bells and whistles and is priced considerable lower. Delivery to a location in the southeast coastal US will be included at no charge. This boat is built to our usual impeccable standards and it is not available for viewing. So if you are in the position to treat yourself give us a call at 250 384 6574 Or at 1 800 663 7481. Email to sales@whitehallrow.com

Whitehall Spirit¨ Rowing Club

Our quest to introduce the general population to the many benefits of slide seat rowing by making it affordable, available and easy has taken a great step forward. The Whitehall Spirit¨ Rowing Club franchise opportunity was well received at the Seattle Boat Show.

Exciting prospects are underway.

If you are interested in joining a club in your area or establishing one, email me personally, harold@whitehallrow.com and IÕll send out an information package.

Latest Loveletters

Last monthÕs reminder that we love to receive letters and photos stimulated a few of you and here is one from Scott Rion, whose family has makes great use of their 14Õ Whitehall Spirit Classic.

Howdy folks,

I bought this boat used a couple of years ago and can't get enough of it.  I enjoy rowing it for exercise, trailering it up to the Sierras for fishing or just pure boating enjoyment with the family. My Spirit 14 handles whitecaps with complete security. The stability makes it a great platform to teach my children rowing or take the whole family and the dog on a floating picnic dinner.  Only thing now is that my wife wants to upgrade to two sliding seats.  I talked to one of the women who work at Whitehall shortly after I bought the boat and she said she wanted to get a photo of it. Sorry for the delay.

Happy Boating
Scott Rion

Call us here at Whitehall anytime between 9:30am and 4:30 pm PST at 1 800 663 7481.
We would love to assist in any way to help you enjoy your boat more or to assist you with the purchase one of your own. Email to info@whitehallrow.com