Three yacht brands have been acquired by Michael Reardon, founder and CEO of Daedalus Yachts and owner of Catalina Yachts and True North motor yachts.
The acquisition of Tartan Yachts, Freedom Yachts, and AMP Carbon Spars from Seattle Yachts means Michael Reardon becomes America’s largest builder of recreational yachts.
Following the acquisition, Tartan Yachts and AMP Carbon Spars will continue their operations in Painesville, Ohio, while Catalina Yachts, True North, and Freedom Yachts will be produced at Catalina’s Largo, Florida, facility.
Daedalus Yachts’ carbon-fibre catamarans will continue to be constructed in Edenton, North Carolina.
By collaborating across these respected brands, we can invest in innovation.
Patrick Turner
All brands will retain their leadership teams, workforces, and dealer networks, while back-office functions — including purchasing and legal — will be centralised.
“Tartan, Freedom, Catalina, and True North each have a proud history and loyal following,” said Michael.
“Together, we have the teams, resources, and shared vision to protect each brand’s legacy while driving innovation for the next generation of boaters.”
Patrick Turner, president of Catalina Yachts, added: “By collaborating across these respected brands, we can invest in innovation and deliver boats that keep people sailing, cruising, and exploring for decades to come.”
Sustainability initiatives
Plans for the future include new models, updated designs, and sustainability initiatives.
These include reducing CO₂ emissions and waste, advancing composite technologies, using ecofriendly natural materials, and exploring alternative propulsion systems.
Tartan Yachts was established in 1971, and builds performance sailing yachts.
Freedom Yachts was founded in 1976 by Gary Hoyt with the Freedom 40 which introduced unstayed rigs to provide ‘freedom’ from inefficient sail shapes and the maintenance challenges of standing rigging.
Sailboat builder Catalina Yachts, was founded in 1969, and True North Yachts builds downeast-style powerboats.
The two sister companies were acquired by Michael Reardon earlier in 2025 with the acquisition announced as an ‘exciting new chapter for two iconic American boat brands’.
