Published on: 06 October 2022
Borrow A Boat Group acquires US company KellyBoat
Leading boat rental and yacht charter marketplace, Borrow A Boat, is announcing the acquisition of peer-to-peer charter platform KellyBoat, establishing itself firmly within the US, with an in-person office to better serve its fastest-growing customer base.
The acquisition of KellyBoat will continue with Borrow A Boat’s 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 and 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.
Borrow A Boat will be attending both the United States Powerboat Show and United States Sailboat Show in Annapolis celebrating the success of a US launch as well as accelerating growth and revenues across the globe.
Kelly Shea Lyden Founder of KellyBoat says: “Borrow A Boat has been recognised as a fast moving, innovative leader in the global boat hire market. As its first US acquisition, we’re excited to bring its 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 and 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.”
Customers can choose from a variety of vessels, including sailboats, motorboats, riverboats, RIBs, catamarans, gulets, luxury yachts and superyachts. Thanks to the wide variety of boats available, clients can be assured they are receiving a prime selection at the most competitive prices.
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.
For more information on Borrow A Boat, visit www.borrowaboat.com
For More information about KellyBoat, visit www.kellyboat.com
