
Having worked his way from the shop floor to the design and engineering department as a draftsman, Menezes offered a boat builder’s perspective to the design process. When Sabre regrouped in the early nineties, He was asked to be Director of Product Development. Menezes led the development of the Sabreline 43 and 47 motor yachts as well as the introduction of the 362, 426 and 386 sailboats in collaboration with Jim Taylor Yacht Design.
When Sabre purchased North End Marine in Rockland and some of Sabre’s leadership was diverted to that venture, Menezes was asked to become Manufacturing Manager of Sabre. This was a busy time as the marine industry was bouncing back from the downturn of the early nineties. Menezes championed the complete restructuring of the plant to improve throughput as well as plan new manufacturing locations. Those changes paved the way for Sabre to ramp up as the company grew. As manufacturing manager, he was responsible for choreographing the events that led to the completion of a complex yacht every two or three days. “The process is very rewarding when the finished product rolls out the door” recalls Menezes.
After several years as Manufacturing Manger, Menezes was asked to lead product development once again. One of his first projects was the Sabreline 42 Express. On an existing hull, the 42 Express was designed. The success of that design led to the development of future models and the transition of Sabre to an Express Cruiser builder.
The Sabre 38, 34 and 52 Express Cruisers followed.
Later when North End wanted to develop its own boat brand, Menezes suggested that he sketch up a few concepts. From those sketches, the Back Cove 29 was born. Its success led to the development of the 26 and then the Back Cove 33, all Menezes' designs.
In 2004, Menezes was appointed Vice President of Product Development and Engineering for both Sabre and Back Cove Yachts.
In early 2007, Menezes left Sabre/Back Cove and formed Menezes Marine Group.
In the spring of 2008, the development of a new brand began......ROCKCOAST
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