catalina yachts ceo

• Advertising
• Distribution
• Good Jibes Podcast
• Boat In Dining
• Sailboat Charters
• Business News
• Working Waterfront
• Youth Sailing

Catalina Yachts Announces Loss of CEO Frank W. Butler

We were sorry to receive the news this morning that one of California’s legendary boatbuilders has passed away. We’ve had the pleasure of working with Frank, his team and his dealers, as well as telling the stories of so many of his customers. Many of our readers started in one of his Catalina 22s and moved on to sail the Delta or cruise in the Baja Ha-Ha aboard one of the thousands of boats he built. We received the following from Catalina this morning:

“It is with great sadness that we announce that Frank Willis Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away November 15, 2020, in Westlake Village, CA, due to unexpected complications from a recent illness. We extend our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Frank’s family. Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult time.

“A sailing icon and industry ‘kingspoke’, Frank Butler has introduced hundreds of thousands of people to sailing during his lifetime. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Frank have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Frank leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Catalina Yachts.”

“Born in California in 1928, Frank’s line of popular sailboats put more than 85,000 Catalinas on the water throughout the yachting world. His boatbuilding career began in 1962, when he contracted with a Southern California builder for a 21’ daysailer. The builder was unable to finish the boat, and gave Butler the tooling. He completed building the boat himself, found he enjoyed the process, and agreed to take over the company.

“A few years later he founded Catalina Yachts, which has grown to become the largest builder of fiberglass production sailboats in the United States, a position it holds to this day.

“A key to Butler’s success in the sailboat industry was his attention to Catalina customers. Handling warranty issues himself, owners were nearly always surprised and reassured to get a personal call from Frank to discuss their concerns.

“Butler was inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame in 2013. In recognition of his support of the Congressional Cup, a world match racing event, Long Beach Yacht Club awarded him the Crimson Blazer. He was also a founder and lifelong member of the Westlake Yacht Club in Westlake, CA.

“Awakening the joy of sailing for so many people in past generations, Frank Butler’s sailing legacy will certainly continue well into future generations.”

27 Comments

I was Harbor Patrol at White’s Landing on Catalina Isle in 2001 and 2002. Frank sailed in in his dark blue Catalina 42 named THE BUTLER DID IT and I put him on a mooring next to my sailboat. Great Guy but 3 days later he motored off the mooring in some wind and caught the mooring wand in his prop. I put a knife in my teeth and dove in the water like Tarzan and cut him free……Frank gave me a $50.00 tip……folks that knew him said NO WAY…..But Frank did indeed tip me……A very nice man and I am sorry to hear he passed.

He brought an awful lot of boats to an a awful lot of people and that is a great thing. Rest in peace Frank Butler your boat will sail forever.

Before Catalina Yachts there were the Coronado boats. A beat up Coronado 25 got me around the Bay, into racing, into the Singlehanded Sailing Society, every sail I’ve sailed since 1971. When we had 20 Coronado 25s on the YRA start line and more at the Nationals Frank Butler cheered us on, supported out-of-production boats, and showed up at the Southern California events. I see a Coronado 25 out sailing from time to time and reflect back on those early sailing days. — Pat Broderick, “CIBOLA” #37368

Thanks for that post, Pat. I started in a Coronado 25, too,” Our Boat “ before moving on to an Olson 25 (Vivace) and an Express 37 (Elan). It was the Coronado 25 Nationals at the old St. Francis that got me hooked on racing. Yes, we had a huge fleet, especially compared to anything other than the J-24 and J-105’s.

My family moved to Westlake Village in early 1968. I went to high school with Frank’s sons, Dave and Bob. In 1969 we bought a Coronado 15, (US 379) from him and raced it extensively. During the summer, Frank gave several of us small jobs at his factory in North Hollywood. He was a taskmaster to be sure, but a great guy. I clearly recall at the age of 14, negotiating with “Mr. Butler” for a used $300.00 trailer for our boat that he had at the factory. I remember we went ’round and ’round for nearly an hour on the price. I think he considered it a sporting event, as he was normally way too busy to be haggling with a 14 year-old kid over a trailer. I look back on that and really get a good laugh. It was an honor to know him! My most sincere condolences to Dave, Bob and the rest of the Butler family.

Yes!!! He was a negotiator for sure! Lol

I fell in love with sailing upon purchasing my first boat, a 20-year-old Catalina 30 in 2003. From there, I moved up to a beautiful 2005 Anniversary Edition Catalina 36, and then the 400. All were great boats and held their value well. Even after eventually moving up to a Tayana 52, I still consider the Catalina 36′ the best boat I had for light-breeze cruising off Santa Barbara’s coast. Simply put, the happiest days of this sailor’s life was never the day I sold a Catalina! Frank Butler made sailing affordable for the masses, and I’ve always heard great things about him as a person. Fair winds, following seas, and Godspeed, sir.

loved our Catalina 38. Fond memories. RIP Chris Clothier for Don Clothier

An icon just passed on. Catalina Yachts makes beautiful, practical boats at a price affordable for anyone who gets the sailing bug thanks to Mr. Butler. In terms of value for your dollar, excellent layouts and sea worthiness it is hard if not impossible to beat what Catalina offers.

I visited their factory about 15-20 years ago right around the time the company had started the process of moving production to Florida to get out from under the punitive and outrageous dictates of the California bureaucrats. What a sad loss of such an outstanding company to the California economy.

The company’s dedication to customer service was top notch!

He was responsible for more sailors than any other man I know. He will be missed!

Our family had three catalinas, two of which are still in Alameda named the Irish Lady. My father was a huge fan. We had the pleasure of taking it to Hawaii in the Pac Cup as well. RIP Mr. Butler as you in fact, did do it (Right)

My husband and I did indeed start our sailing education in a Catalina 22 at Tradewinds Sailing School in Richmond, slowly working our way up the fleet through Catalina 27s and 30s to the racer/cruiser classic Catalina 38. We loved sailing the 38 so much that a few years later we bought our own. Your boats have made a lot of people happy, Frank. Rest in peace.

Frank was an icon in the industry. I worked for him in Woodland Hills as his Purchasing Manager and then under Sharon Day as a Marketing Manager. During my time at Catalina Yachts I learned more about business than any school could ever teach me. He was hard boss and expected the best out of you always. I will always look up to him, a great mentor, a tough boss but always fair. I feel honored to have worked for him and I will always miss him.

Frank Butler designed and built sailboats for the masses. I have a Catalina 30 and a Coronado 15. Both are well built, easy to work on and have tremendous support. Mr. Butler has a legacy that is unmatched. RIP Mr. Butler.

The passing of an era. My first keel boat was a 1976 C22. I found ‘Hope’ abandoned in the backwaters of Tiburon. She had a horrible ‘baby-shit yellow’ paint job, a bent boom, and was filled with duck shit. For $1500 she and a non-functioning (but over time cost more than the boat in storage fees) trailer were my companions for several years. After I destroyed the keel trunk and keel lockdown bolt, I called Catalina for advice and to purchase replacement parts. Mr. Butler got on the line and spoke with me for 30 minutes or so. He sent me new keel pivot shoes and bolts for free and advised me to look into some of his larger boats should I continue to sail outside the GGB. To this day, the sea is my church and the boat is my alter. Thank you, Mr. Butler, for helping me find the way. Fair Winds and Following Seas Sir.

So nice to have a man in this world so passionate about sailing and building boats for such a long time. I know Catalina Yachts introduced and made sailing happen for so many people! I never met Frank Butler but will always respect what he did for boating!

So many wonderful times spent on our Cat.34. We raced, cruised and just spent the night on her for 10 years. Thanks Frank !

Frank Butler was an honorable man!

We purchased a “1967 DOLPHIN 26” in 1994, and nobody, including Lat/38, could give us any information about the boats origins, Richard suggested that I contact Frank Butler to see what he could tell me. A long story ensued, as Frank knew a lot! The short version is that some guys approached him for advice in starting to get into the boat building business with something larger that the Coronado 25 Frank was then building. Being a good guy he lent them a Coronado 25 to help them get to a good starting place. Those guys evidently used the boat to make a plug or a mold, changed the shape of the bow to resemble the snout of a dolphin which added about a foot, and went into the boat building business in competition with Frank with the DOLPHIN-26. Frank described them as “not honorable men” and wouldn’t say anything more derogatory about them. We can all learn from a guy who lived with that kind of attitude! I finally got a chance to meet him in SanDiego at the Catalina 25 Nationals in 2011. He was still involved with everything Catalina and enjoyed mixing and chatting with sailors and racers.

Frank Butler is an icon in production boat history, I bought a 1989 Catalina 42 in 2012 that I’m still sailing in the South Pacific and have logged over 25,000 Nautical Miles. A great boat, fast and lively with every inch of her well designed. I believe the Catalina 42 with swim step was the prototype for all the modern cruiser/racers. Catalina’s are highly regarded in New Zealand and Australia, a huge compliment to any designer/ boat builder. Fair Winds, Frank.

in 1998 i had a fueltankleak in my catalina 36 due to poor design of the platform I wrote a letter to Catalina and complained about it and then about a week later I received a call at 8:30 at night on a Friday night from Frank Butler saying that he would make things right for me That is why the company was so successful a hard-working CEO

Fair winds! Bought a 380 and in the process spoke with him before and afterwards. An icon.

Frank Butler was a Titan among ordinary people like us. Even with his enormous and longstanding success, he never forgot who he was, nor thought of others as less. He was an honest and honorable man whose word was better than gold. I had the honor and pleasure of meeting with him once a month for several years as we served together on the Channel Islands Harbor Association of Lessees Board. Rest in peace, Frank. Rest among the Gods where you belong.

When I was about 7 my parents bought a house right on the Chesapeake Bay and sent us to SSA sailing school in Annapolis, MD. Then at 11 years old my parents decided we three kids were pretty proficient sailors so bought a few boats and eventually Catalina 27 named Flight One. We enjoyed sailing as a family on the bay. It was just the perfect sailboat for a family of five to do day sailing. My brother eventually convinced my Dad he could sail it and took the boat to Ft Lauderdale, Florida . Thanks to the Butlers and the Catalina Company for introducing us to big boat sailing too. I’m now a member of MYC in Melbourne and thinking about my next big boat!! Maybe it’ll be bigger than the 27’ my dad had!

We kept our Catalina 22 in Dana Point for almost thirty years. It was a great day sailor that provided innumerable memories and great times. Thanks Mr. Butler. Sail on———

We have owned Catatinas since 1982. We had a ’77 C-30 that we bought in 1982. We then bought a new C-36 in 1987. And when I had a minor warranty issue I too received a personal phone call from Frank Butler. He was very gracious and wanted to get the details so Gerry Douglas would address the issue. We now own a Catalina 42. We could not be happier. Thanks for Great Boating Frank, Fair Winds Always to you. You built great affordable boats.

Frank built me a Finn , which is an Olympic class, at his first factory, Wesco, in north Hollywood. I believe he only made 1 and I had the opportunity to race it at Lake Arrowhead Yacht Club and all over Southern California. After the Finn I purchased a Coronado 15 and raced it at Westlake Yacht Club. Frank gave up his display building in Westlake to sell boats and thats how Westlake Yacht club got started and is still there today. A great guy. RIP.

My family and I bonded deeply over many a sail in our Catalina 25 pop top. Our best times were sailing to Catalina Island where we were met by a Blue whale and her calf and hundreds of dolphins as we crossed the channel. Thanks Frank for those wonderful experiences. You will be missed.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment.

Nonstop Solo Circumnavigation Circumnavigator Whitall Stokes Goes for a Swim Everything is going swimmingly for Whitall Stokes on his route around the world — actually he had to jump in the water to cut a spinnaker off his keel in mid-ocean.

Sponsored Post The Canvas Works Good quality boat cushions are important for both form and function. Let us help you freshen up your boat deck, salon or sleeping area.

Racing and Daysailing in the Sunshine Taking a Sailing Break on San Francisco Bay We had about as beautiful a weekend as one could hope for in the middle of November for sailing on San Francisco Bay. Saturday provided good breezes.

Sad End for Anchored Vessel Boat Fire in Richardson Bay a Harsh Reminder An anchored boat caught fire in Richardson's Bay last weekend. While there has been no official statement, scuttlebutt alleges the fire was preceded by an explosion.

• Boats & Gear
• Instructional
• Cruising Stories
• Cruising Destinations
• Race Results
• Race Reports
• Racing Technique
• Submit a Classified Ad
• Boats for Sale
• All Classifieds
• Terms & Conditions
• Your Dashboard
• Seattle Area Racing Calendar (SARC)
• 48° North Cruising Rally
• Croatia Flotilla
• Sail On: Catalina Yachts Announces Passing of CEO and Designer Frank Butler
• Boating News

The crew at 48° North was saddened to learn that the founder and CEO of Catalina Yachts, Frank Butler, passed away on November 15.

In 1969 Frank Butler built the first Catalina sailboat, the Catalina 22, in North Hollywood, California. His hope was to sell 300 hulls if all went well. By 1975, he’d far exceeded that number, as hull number 5,000 was completed. Since then, the Catalina 22 has become known as the boat that launched the pocket-cruising trailerable class and 15,000 hulls have rolled out of various facilities. It also launched Butler and Catalina into the boat building record books.

The 22 was the beginning of what would be many successful Catalina Yachts for Butler and his burgeoning company. Soon to follow was the Catalina 27, which sailor Patrick Childress completed a two-and-a-half-year, singlehanded circumnavigation on in 1982. Next came the Catalina 25, 30, 36, and on and on to the present day flagship, the Catalina 545. Over 85,000 Catalina Yachts have been built since that first 22 and if you haven’t owned one, you’ve certainly sailed on one or have at least shared a marina or anchorage with one.

Having raced on a Catalina Capri 25, taught sailing lessons on Capri 22s, and test-sailed numerous models in my capacity as a magazine editor for various publications, I’ve always been struck by how the boats were thoughtfully designed for common sailing families, and customer service was paramount. It’s said that if you bought a Catalina and called the company with any sort of issue, the man who picked up the phone was often its owner, Frank Butler.

“If there are problems, I want to know about them,” Butler once remarked. “Plus, anyone who buys a Catalina is part of the Catalina family. They can call me any time.” That family approach was a hallmark of Butler’s business philosophy and boat designs back in 1969 as much as it is today, and is an enduring part of his legacy. Sail on, Frank.

Catalina Yachts today issued the following statement:

It is with great sadness that we announce that Frank Willis Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away November 15, 2020 in Westlake Village, CA, due to unexpected complications from a recent illness. We extend our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Frank’s family. Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult time.

Born in California in 1928, Frank’s line of popular sailboats put more than 85,000 Catalinas on the water throughout the yachting world. His boatbuilding career began in 1962, when he contracted with a Southern California builder for a 21-foot daysailer. The builder was unable to finish the boat, and gave Butler the tooling. He completed building the boat himself, found he enjoyed the process, and agreed to take over the company.

A few years later he founded Catalina Yachts, which has grown to become the largest builder of fiberglass production sailboats in the United States, a position it holds to this day.

A key to Butler’s success in the sailboat industry was his attention to Catalina customers. Handling warranty issues himself, owners were nearly always surprised and reassured to get a personal call from Frank to discuss their concerns.

Butler was inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame in 2013. In recognition of his support of the Congressional Cup, a world match racing event, Long Beach Yacht Club awarded him the  Crimson Blazer.  He was also a founder and lifelong member of the Westlake Yacht Club in Westlake, CA.

Following his graduation from Glendale High School, he served in the US Navy. He met his wife, Jean, at a school dance; they recently celebrated their 71st anniversary.

Frank is survived by Jean, their four daughters, Deborah Reese, Mary Linn, Nancy Bear, and Karen Butler; three sons, David, Robert and Steve; 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Awakening the joy of sailing for so many people in past generations, Frank Butler’s sailing legacy will certainly continue well into in future generations.

Andy Cross is the editor of 48° North. After years cruising the Pacific Northwest and Alaska with his family aboard their Grand Soleil 39, Yahtzee, they sailed south and are currently in the Caribbean Sea. You can follow their adventures at SailingYahtzee.com.

Boats & Gear , Featured

March Products News

March 19, 2024

Boating News , Featured

On Time and Under Budget: Point Hudson Marina Reopens After $12M Jetty Project

March 15, 2024

Racing , Featured

PNW Hero: Christina Wolfe

March 14, 2024

Featured , Events Coverage

Save the Date: Spring Boats Afloat Show on Lake Union is April 25-28

March 13, 2024

Buy or Sell, the Marine Thrift Swap Meet is Coming!

Cruising Stories , Featured

Shifting Gears: Local Knowledge

March 12, 2024

News | Catalina Yachts founder Frank Butler dies at 92

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Investigative Reporting
• Environment

By Jo Murray,

Contributing writer

Frank Willis Butler, president and CEO of Catalina Yachts who helped transform Long Beach’s Congressional Cup into one of the world’s premier sailing competitions, died this week from unexpected complications from a recent illness. He was 92.

Butler, who founded Catalina Yachts in 1969, died Sunday, Nov. 15, at Westlake Village, his company said in statement.

Catalina Yachts, now headquartered in Florida but with offices in Woodland Hills, has grown to become the largest builder of fiberglass production sailboats in the United States, the company said.

“A sailing icon and industry ‘kingspoke,’ Frank Butler has introduced hundreds of thousands of people to sailing during his lifetime,” the company said in its statement. “Frank leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Catalina Yachts.”

In 1989, Butler designed, built and donated 11 Catalina 37s to the Long Beach Yacht Club for its annual Congressional Cup match race, which began in 1965, and other sailing competitions.

The yachts first saw action in 1990 and they’ve been used in every Congressional Cup since. The Yacht Club canceled the 2020 Congressional Cup because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, but the next iteration — also featuring Butler’s Catalina 37s — is set for May 11 to 16.

“Frank Butler,” said Yacht Club Commodore Charles Legeman, “is the one person who helped take Congressional Cup to the top level in the world by his donation of the Catalina 37s, which were specifically built for match racing.”

For his efforts, Butler received the Crimson Blazer — which, much like the Green Jacket at golf’s Masters tournament, goes to the Congressional Cup winner — from the Long Beach Yacht Club.

The Long Beach stop in the California Dreamin’ Series is also named the Butler Cup in his honor.

“I’ve seen many happy faces aboard Catalina Yachts sailboats,” said Long Beach Port pilot Bob Blair. “The Catalina Yachts’ various fleets are enjoyed on the waters around the world. “

Blair attributed sailing’s popularity growth to Butler, noting that he introduced hundreds of thousands of people to the activity.

Butler’s company has put more than 85,000 Catalinas on the water, Catalina Yachts said in its statement.

“Awakening the joy of sailing for so many people in past generations,” the company said, “Frank Butler’s sailing legacy will certainly continue well into in future generations.”

Frank Willis Butler was born in California in 1928 and graduated from Glendale High School, according to his company. He met his future wife, Jean, at a school dance. The couple recently celebrated their 71st anniversary.

Butler then joined the United States Navy.

In 1962, Butler contracted with a Southern California builder for a 21-foot sailboat. But after the builder couldn’t complete the work, Catalina Yachts said, finished the work himself.

Butler “found he enjoyed the process,” Catalina Yachts said, “and agreed to take over the company.”

He founded Catalina Yachts in 1970 in North Hollywood.

Four years later, Butler relocated the company to Woodland Hills. The company entirely relocated its manufacturing to Florida more than a decade ago.

In 2013, Butler was inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame.

Butler is survived by his wife, Jean Butler; their four daughters, Deborah Reese, Mary Linn, Nancy Bear and Karen Butler; three sons, David, Robert and Steve; and 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

• Newsroom Guidelines
• Report an Error

More in News

Environment | Scientists hack weather satellite data to quantify methane leaks

Environment | Share water bottles? Use refill shampoo pouches? New concepts in cutting plastic pollution

National News | If schools won’t ban kids’ cellphones, some lawmakers say, they will

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

National news | sports illustrated’s print magazine to stay alive through deal with new publisher.

• Find A School
• Certifications
• North U Sail Trim
• Inside Sailing with Peter Isler
• Docking Made Easy
• Study Quizzes
• Bite-sized Lessons
• Fun Quizzes
• Sailing Challenge

ASA Remembers Catalina Yachts Found Frank Butler

By: Lenox Grasso American Sailing Association

The sailing world has lost an icon. Frank Willis Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away on 15 Nov 2020 at age 92 in Westlake Village, CA. Frank founded Catalina Yachts in North Hollywood, CA, in 1969. Now headquartered in Largo, FL, but with offices still in Woodland Hills, CA, Catalina Yachts has grown to become the largest manufacturer of production fiberglass sailboats in the United States, floating more than 85,000 yachts to date. In his lifetime, Frank Butler has introduced hundreds of thousands of people to the sport of sailing.

Born in Glendale, CA, in 1928, Frank began his career in the U.S. Navy and then went to college in 1948, but it wasn’t for him. Instead, he opened his own machine shop called Wesco Tool where he enjoyed great success making airplane parts. In 1949, Frank met and married his wife of 71 years, Jean, and started a family that would eventually lead to seven children. Frank’s career as a sailor began in the late 1950s on dinghies. As his family grew, he needed a bigger boat! In 1959, Frank contracted with Henry McCune Shipbuilders to build a Victory 21 sloop, designed by naval architect Ted Carpenter. McCune ran out of funds so he gave Frank the tooling to continue building his boat by himself. By 1962, Frank had built 126 Victory 21s that led to founding his next company, Wesco Marine, in 1964.

In 1966, Frank changed Wesco Marine into Coronado Yachts and built the Coronado 25. This was Frank Butler’s first notable boat design, incorporating his knowledge from his work in the airplane industry at Wesco Tool. In 1967, Frank purchased Columbia Yachts and then sold Coronado Yachts in 1968. Finally, after its founding in 1969, Catalina Yachts shifted all manufacturing rights out of Wesco Marine, which still exists today as a supplier of rigging hardware for Catalina Yachts. Once at Catalina, the Victory 21 was rebranded as the Catalina Capri 21 Victory. By 1977, Frank had designed and manufactured the Catalina 25, Catalina 27, and Catalina 30. In 1978, along came the Catalina 38, based on molds for a Sparkman and Stephens tumblehome racing design from the bankrupt Yankee Yacht Company. Later, in 1984, Frank expanded Catalina’s manufacturing capabilities by acquiring Morgan Yachts. Frank insisted upon continuing to use the company’s brand name for his Catalina Morgan 440 introduced in 2004.

In 1989, Frank helped to transform the Congressional Cup in Long Beach, CA into one of the world’s premiere sailing competitions by designing, building, and donating eleven Catalina 37 yachts to the Long Beach Yacht Club for their annual Congressional Cup match race. The Catalina 37s, specifically built for match racing, have been sailed in every Congressional Cup since 1990. Most recently, Frank acquired the tooling and manufacturing rights to build the True North line of Downeast Maine-style powerboats. The redesigned True North 34 was just introduced at the Miami International Boat Show in Feb 2020.

At Catalina Yachts, Frank Butler brought to market good quality boats at reasonable prices that were intended for all sailboat enthusiasts to enjoy. He was the kind of man who, if he boarded your yacht at a Catalina Rendezvous and found a 10-year-old deck brace missing, would ask you if he could install a replacement at his expense. He was the kind of man who, if he noticed at haul-out that your Catalina 42 had bottom blisters, would arrange to have the entire bottom redone with vinyl ester, no questions asked. Catalina owner Arthur Ciancio writes it best, “Frank Butler was a straight-up honorable man who took pride in what he made. He’s an inspiration to everyone and we miss him”.

Related Posts:

• Learn To Sail
• Mobile Apps
• Online Courses
• Upcoming Courses
• Sailor Resources
• ASA Log Book
• Bite Sized Lessons
• Knots Made Easy
• Catamaran Challenge
• Sailing Vacations
• Sailing Cruises
• Charter Resources
• International Proficiency Certificate
• Find A Charter
• All Articles
• Sailing Tips
• Sailing Terms
• Destinations
• Environmental
• Initiatives
• Instructor Resources
• Become An Instructor
• Become An ASA School
• Member / Instructor Login
• Affiliate Login

Industry mourns loss of Catalina Yachts CEO Frank W. Butler

Catalina Yachts recently announced that Frank Willis Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away November 15, 2020 in Westlake Village, Calif., due to unexpected complications from a recent illness.

“We extend our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Frank’s family. Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult time,” the company said in a statement. “A sailing icon and industry “kingspoke”, Frank Butler has introduced hundreds of thousands of people to sailing during his lifetime. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Frank have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Frank leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Catalina Yachts.”

Born in California in 1928, Butler’s line of popular sailboats put more than 85,000 Catalinas on the water throughout the yachting world. His boatbuilding career began in 1962, when he contracted with a Southern California builder for a 21’ daysailer. The builder was unable to finish the boat, and gave Butler the tooling. He completed building the boat himself, found he enjoyed the process, and agreed to take over the company.

 A few years later he founded Catalina Yachts, which has grown to become the largest builder of fiberglass production sailboats in the United States, a position it holds to this day.

 A key to Butler’s success in the sailboat industry was his attention to Catalina customers. Handling warranty issues himself, owners were nearly always surprised and reassured to get a personal call from Frank to discuss their concerns.

Butler was inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame in 2013. In recognition of his support of the Congressional Cup, a world match racing event, Long Beach Yacht Club awarded him the  Crimson Blazer.  He was also a founder and lifelong member of the Westlake Yacht Club in Westlake, CA.

Following his graduation from Glendale High School, he served in the US Navy. He met his wife, Jean, at a school dance; they recently celebrated their 71st anniversary.

Frank is survived by Jean, their four daughters, Deborah Reese, Mary Linn, Nancy Bear, and Karen Butler; three sons, David, Robert and Steve; 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Awakening the joy of sailing for so many people in past generations, Frank Butler’s sailing legacy will certainly continue well into in future generations.

Share this:

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

Related Articles

Forza X1 names interim CEO, president

RBFF awards 2024 R3 program grants

Hatteras names manager to lead New Bern plant operations

NMMA presents at California Boating Congress

One comment.

Wow, what a legacy! Friend and mentor to so many of us in the industry. Thanks to the few like him, sailing became the popular activity it eventually became.

Our best to his family and all of the loyal people that worked for and supported him. RIP Frank!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Published on December 26th, 2020 | by Assoc Editor

Douglas retiring from Catalina Yachts

Published on December 26th, 2020 by Assoc Editor -->

After 45 years with Catalina Yachts, including four decades as chief yacht designer and executive vice-president, Gerry Douglas says he will be retiring in 2021.

During Douglas’s tenure at Catalina the company launched dozens of new designs and built some 60,000 yachts at both its California and Florida manufacturing facilities.

“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to do what I love every working day of my life,” Douglas says. “But what is most important to me are the relationships I’ve enjoyed with marine industry colleagues, as well as passionate Catalina owners throughout the world.”

Looking back on his career, Douglas says a few of the high points include his first boat, designed in 1982, the Catalina 36, of which 2,305 were built. More recently, his Catalina 545, now the flagship of the Catalina fleet, won a SAIL “Best Boats” award for 2020. His Catalina 425 also won a “Best Boats” award in 2017.

Douglas say he will always be appreciative of the late Frank Butler, founder of Catalina Yachts, for giving him the chance to pursue a long and fulfilling career in yacht design and manufacturing. His retirement plans include continuing his work on the Public Arts Commission, yacht club committees, cycling, sailing, racing, cruising and spending time in Florida and at his cottage on the coast of Maine.

Tags: Catalina Yachts , Gerry Douglas

Related Posts

Brands rise from the ashes →

VIDEO: A Man and His Boats →

© 2024 Scuttlebutt Sailing News. Inbox Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved. made by VSSL Agency .

• Privacy Statement
• Advertise With Us

Get Your Sailing News Fix!

Your download by email.

• Your Name...
• Your Email... *
• Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Catalina Yachts Announces Loss of CEO Frank W. Butler

It is with great sadness that we announce that Frank Willis Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away November 15, 2020 in Westlake Village, CA, due to unexpected complications from a recent illness. We extend our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Frank's family. Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult time.

A sailing icon and industry “kingspoke”, Frank Butler has introduced hundreds of thousands of people to sailing during his lifetime. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Frank have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Frank leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Catalina Yachts.

Born in California in 1928, Frank’s line of popular sailboats put more than 85,000 Catalinas on the water throughout the yachting world. His boatbuilding career began in 1962, when he contracted with a Southern California builder for a 21’ daysailer. The builder was unable to finish the boat, and gave Butler the tooling. He completed building the boat himself, found he enjoyed the process, and agreed to take over the company.

 A few years later he founded Catalina Yachts, which has grown to become the largest builder of fiberglass production sailboats in the United States, a position it holds to this day.

 A key to Butler’s success in the sailboat industry was his attention to Catalina customers. Handling warranty issues himself, owners were nearly always surprised and reassured to get a personal call from Frank to discuss their concerns.

Butler was inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame in 2013. In recognition of his support of the Congressional Cup, a world match racing event, Long Beach Yacht Club awarded him the Crimson Blazer. He was also a founder and lifelong member of the Westlake Yacht Club in Westlake, CA.

Following his graduation from Glendale High School, he served in the US Navy. He met his wife, Jean, at a school dance; they recently celebrated their 71st anniversary.

Frank is survived by Jean, their four daughters, Deborah Reese, Mary Linn, Nancy Bear, and Karen Butler; three sons, David, Robert and Steve; 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Awakening the joy of sailing for so many people in past generations, Frank Butler’s sailing legacy will certainly continue well into in future generations.

Also in Splashes

• Voyage for the sea
• Partnership on the seas
• Gone in a firestorm
• Power it up
• A pilot's homecoming
• Hot Soup for All
• Royal regatta
• Novice sailor makes a remarkable rescue
• Recluta sails again

Also from SAILING Magazine

• January/February 2023
• November/December 2023
• Gifts for Sailors
• New Boat Showcase
• October 2023
• Anchoring and mooring a catamaran
• September 2023
• July/August 2023

• Cruising Compass Media Advertising & Rates
• Blue Water Sailing
• Multihulls Today
• Subscribe Today

Catalina Yachts Announces Loss of CEO Frank W. Butler

As we were finishing up this week’s Cruising Compass, this sad news came in about the single most prolific sailboat builder in American history.

Woodland Hills, CA – November 15, 2020 – Catalina Yachts today issued the following statement:
It is with great sadness that we announce that Frank Willis Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away November 15, 2020 in Westlake Village, CA, due to unexpected complications from a recent illness. We extend our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Frank’s family. Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult time.
    A sailing icon and industry “kingspoke”, Frank Butler has introduced hundreds of thousands of people to sailing during his lifetime. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Frank have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Frank leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Catalina Yachts.
    Born in California in 1928, Frank’s line of popular sailboats put more than 85,000 Catalinas on the water throughout the yachting world. His boatbuilding career began in 1962, when he contracted with a Southern California builder for a 21’ daysailer. The builder was unable to finish the boat, and gave Butler the tooling. He completed building the boat himself, found he enjoyed the process, and agreed to take over the company.
    A few years later he founded Catalina Yachts, which has grown to become the largest builder of fiberglass production sailboats in the United States, a position it holds to this day.

Sandy Parks

You might also like.

Newport International Boat Show Acquired By South Florida Ventures

Storm Damage Along the Maine Coast

Bermuda Triangle Incidents

Read the Summer-Fall Edition of Blue Water Sailing

Read the fall 2023 edition of blue water sailing, recent posts.

• Survey of the Week

• Introducing the New Twin-Keel, Deck Saloon Sirius 40DS

Please Visit Our Sponsor’s Webpages

• Media Advertising & Rates

Published by Blue Water Sailing Media, a division of Day Communications, Inc., Middletown, RI

Publisher & Editor: George Day

Blue Water Sailing Media publishes Blue Water Sailing magazine, Multihulls Today and other titles.

Cruising Compass Advertising Sales:

George Day, Newport, RI [email protected] 401-847-7612

• She Asked, How Hard Can It Be? Boys Do It
• New 2024 Bavaria C50 Tour with Yacht Broker Ian Van Tuyl

© 2014 Blue Water Media. All rights reserved. | Admin

• CLASSIFIEDS
• NEWSLETTERS
• SUBMIT NEWS

Catalina Yachts announces loss of CEO Frank W. Butler

Related Articles

• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Newsletters
• Sailboat Reviews
• Boating Safety
• Sailing Totem
• Charter Resources
• Destinations
• Galley Recipes
• Living Aboard
• Sails and Rigging
• Maintenance
• Best Marine Electronics & Technology

End of an Era at Catalina Yachts

• By Cruising World Editors
• Updated: December 22, 2020

Changes are afoot at Catalina Yachts, America’s largest sailboat builder. Longtime designer and company executive Gerry Douglas has announced that after 45 years with the company, he plans to retire in 2021.

Douglas’ work over the years includes more than 40 designs and the construction of some  60,000 boats built by Catalina in both the California and Florida manufacturing facilities.

Douglas said he will be on hand to finish several ongoing projects, and that a future management team is being assembled. Company founder and owner, Frank Butler, passed away in November.

“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to do what I love every working day of my life,” said Douglas in a release issued by Catalina this week. “But what is most important to me are the relationships I’ve enjoyed with marine industry colleagues, as well as passionate Catalina owners throughout the world.”

The Catalina announcement continues:

“Douglas says a few of the high points of his career include his first boat designed in 1982, the Catalina 36, of which 2,305 were built.

“Most recently, the Catalina 545, now the flagship of the Catalina fleet, was the overall winner of the 2020 Industry Boat of the Year Award for Cruising World magazine.

“Bookended by those two designs, Douglas delivered the 445 and the 425. Over the course of his long career, his designs won more than 13 Boat of the Year awards, and multiple Best Boat awards from Sail Magazine.

“Gerry Douglas will always be appreciative to the late Frank Butler, founder of Catalina Yachts, for giving him the chance to pursue a long and fulfilling career in yacht design and manufacturing.

“His retirement plans include continuing his work on the Public Arts Commission, yacht club committees, cycling, sailing, racing, cruising and spending time in Florida and at his cottage on the coast of Maine.”

• More: catalina yachts , people
• More People

10 Best Sailing Movies of All Time

Kirsten Neuschäfer Receives CCA Blue Water Medal

2024 Regata del Sol al Sol Registration Closing Soon

US Sailing Honors Bob Johnstone

Bitter End Expands Watersports Program

Sailboat Review: Tartan 455

Miracle in a Bowl

Cole Brauer Completes the Global Solo Challenge

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

CATALINA YACHTS ANNOUNCES LOSS OF CEO FRANK W. BUTLER

Dec 1, 2020

It is with great sadness that we announce that Frank Willis Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away November 15, 2020 in Westlake Village, CA, due to unexpected complications from a recent illness. We extend our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Frank’s family. Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult time.

A sailing icon and industry “kingspoke”, Frank Butler has introduced hundreds of thousands of people to sailing during his lifetime. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Frank have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Frank leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Catalina Yachts.

Born in California in 1928, Frank’s line of popular sailboats put more than 85,000 Catalinas on the water throughout the yachting world. His boatbuilding career began in 1962, when he contracted with a Southern California builder for a 21’ daysailer. The builder was unable to finish the boat, and gave Butler the tooling. He completed building the boat himself, found he enjoyed the process, and agreed to take over the company.

A few years later he founded Catalina Yachts, which has grown to become the largest builder of fiberglass production sailboats in the United States, a position it holds to this day. 

A key to Butler’s success in the sailboat industry was his attention to Catalina customers. Handling warranty issues himself, owners were nearly always surprised and reassured to get a personal call from Frank to discuss their concerns. 

Butler was inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame in 2013. In recognition of his support of the Congressional Cup, a world match racing event, Long Beach Yacht Club awarded him the Crimson Blazer. He was also a founder and lifelong member of the Westlake Yacht Club in Westlake, CA. 

Following his graduation from Glendale High School, he served in the US Navy. He met his wife, Jean, at a school dance; they recently celebrated their 71st anniversary.

Frank is survived by Jean, their four daughters, Deborah Reese, Mary Linn, Nancy Bear, and Karen Butler; three sons, David, Robert and Steve; 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Awakening the joy of sailing for so many people in past generations, Frank Butler’s sailing legacy will certainly continue well into in future generations.

Related Posts

Competing for talent

Seam Sealer Fights Fabric Leaks

Choosing the Right Inflatable Toys for Your Boat

AnchoRight Now Distributed in Canada by Western Marine & Transat Marine

Maritime’s Largest Boat and Outdoor Event Opens This Month

Community Week at the MMBC for Float the Boat Fundraising Campaign

Launch into Spring with the April Canadian Boating Magazine

SFA Saniflo Canada Appoints Wavedrive Sales as National Sales Representative for its Sanimarin Product Line

New ICOMIA Diversity Committee

New Antifouling in North America – Hempel’s Silic One

Call to Arms in Support of Our Local Chandleries

Canadian Marine Retailers Association Announces Inaugural Board of Directors

Vote for dorothy, bc’s iconic sailing yacht, in the classic boat awards 2024.

You are invited to support an historic, recently restored and refitted BC sailboat,  Dorothy , by voting for her in a contest, the  Classic Boat Awards 2024 , run by the UK’s prestigious  Classic Boat Magazine . The Maritime Museum of BC (MMBC), owner of this sleek, wooden vessel built in 1897, believes she’s the oldest sailboat in Canada. As she isn’t the only classic yacht in the running, you’re urged to go online and vote for her in the category of  Restored Sailing Vessel under 40ft.

Changing Scene

Abyc opens nomination for outstanding technician awards, should the marine industry use surge pricing, need to catch up on news this week.

Every Tuesday we publish a fresh Digest with informative articles pertaining to the Canadian boating and marine industry. Stay up to date with the latest products, research and industry developments.

Missed an Issue of Boating Industry Canada News Week? If you’re looking for a specific issue, or simply want to catch up on previous issues, check out our Boating Industry Canada News Week  Archives .

Not signed up for News Week?  Subscribe here .

Just Launched

Highfield Boats collaborates with BRP to launch the new Velox 420 Aluminum-Hull RIB with Rotax Jet Propulsion

Even more BALIs at BALI

Pure performance, no compromise – Galeon Yachts unveils the 435 GTO – a true masterpiece

Boston Whaler debuts the all-new 365 Conquest built for year-round adventure

Bayliner unveils the new Pilothouse and Explorer Series joining the 2024 Trophy lineup

Even more balis at bali.

CATANA GROUP launches its 14th BALI CATAMARANS model, the BALI 5.8, for the brand’s 10th anniversary! Always bigger, always more powerful, always more… BALI!

This time, the new BALI 5.8 is completing the range from the top down.

Water heater offers dynamic heat source choices

After a long day on the water, having ample supplies of hot water for multiple showers and meal preparation is a welcome luxury. The 1700 Series Marine Water Heater from Raritan Engineering was created specifically for marine use. With a proven long-life design, it’s available with a 115V AC or 240V AC heating element, and the option to include an innovative heat exchanger that uses the vessel’s hot engine coolant.

Eight Bells: Paul Brazeau

TACO Marine Marketing Lead Zoe Rawitz receives Marine Marketers of America Rising Star Award

Indmar Marine Engines announces leadership changes

Sail Canada Names Ryan Kelly CEO

Eight Bells John Clark

Meet Nichole Wishart, MRAA Business Development Specialist

Imtra salesman ed dickson retires, ibex announces new hires, subscribe to our free weekly digest, subscribe to our brands…, visit our brand sites….

Eight Bells: Catalina Yachts Announces Loss of CEO Frank Butler

Dec 3, 2020

On November 15, Catalina Yachts issued the following statement:

It is with great sadness that we announce that Frank Willis Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away November 15, 2020 in Westlake Village, CA, due to unexpected complications from a recent illness. We extend our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Frank’s family. Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult time.

A sailing icon and industry “kingspoke”, Frank Butler has introduced hundreds of thousands of people to sailing during his lifetime. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Frank have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Frank leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Catalina Yachts.

Born in California in 1928, Frank’s line of popular sailboats put more than 85,000 Catalinas on the water throughout the yachting world. His boatbuilding career began in 1962, when he contracted with a Southern California builder for a 21’ daysailer. The builder was unable to finish the boat, and gave Butler the tooling. He completed building the boat himself, found he enjoyed the process, and agreed to take over the company.

A few years later he founded Catalina Yachts, which has grown to become the largest builder of fiberglass production sailboats in the United States, a position it holds to this day.

Frank is survived by Jean, their four daughters, Deborah Reese, Mary Linn, Nancy Bear, and Karen Butler; three sons, David, Robert and Steve; 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Awakening the joy of sailing for so many people in past generations, Frank Butler’s sailing legacy will certainly continue well into in future generations.

Related Articles

Jeanneau Welcomes You to the Annapolis Sailboat Show 2015

We’re looking forward to seeing you at this year’s Annapolis Sailboat Show from October 8-12, 2015. Paul and Nick are here to give you a preview…

George Cuthbertson

George H. Cuthbertson, aged 88, passed away on October 3rd at his home in Toronto, Canada. Cuthbertson was one of the original four founders of C&C Yachts, a Canadian yacht builder that dominated North American sailing in the 1970s and early ‘80s.

Looking for a new adventure? Spartan Ocean Racing have an opportunity for you.

If local cruising or club racing have left you looking for something a little more adventurous, Spartan Ocean may have just what you’re after.Building on 30 years of sail training and 300,000nm of combined offshore experience

The SS Keewatin Welcomes Community For Tree Lighting

Visitors to the SS Keewatin in Port McNicoll were surrounded with Christmas spirit on Thursday evening, as the historic steamship and a large Christmas tree were lit up for the holidays.

The event also included family-friendly activities, bonfires and music.

Pacific Yacht Conference Comes to Vancouver Next May

With its spectacular cruising grounds visited by relatively few superyachts, compared to say the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, the Pacific Northwest coastline appears to be a well-kept secret, at least in large yacht circles.

A new conference taking place aims to put Puget Sound, BC, Alaska and the entire region`s coast firmly on the superyacht map.   The Pacific Yacht Conference taking place in Vancouver on 28th & 29th May, 2014 is an international industry conference that will aim to draw participants from across the globe. 

75th Anniversary of Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons Culminates at October AGM

A highlight of the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons Annual General Meeting held October 24, 25 and 26 in Toronto, was the culmination of the nation-wide Flag Relay celebrating their 75th Anniversary. Appreciating the importance and value of this education, the men went on to found the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons in 1938 in Windsor, now 75 years ago. The 2013 Flag Relay started this May when two specially designed

Video Gallery

Sharrow VEEM, Greg Sharrow

Honda V8 350

Greenline 40 Hybrid

The ICON by TYDE BMW

Sunseeker 55 Manhattan

Prestige M8

Robalo R270

Sea Ray SLX 280

New boats: beneteau oceanis 34.1 – a sleek, good -looking delight to sail.

By Katherine Stone

There is nothing more that I enjoy than being with friends and messing about in boats. Messing about in brand-new boats on a champagne sailing day on Lake Ontario at the beginning of the summer doesn’t get any better. To have the new owner, Helmuth Strobel and Anchor Yachts dealer Pancho Jimenez aboard made it even more special, as they can also speak to what they truly enjoy about the boat. We keep our own boat in a harbour that has a long waiting list for boats over 35 feet, so this little gem would definitely fit the bill and feels like a much bigger boat. True to the spirit of the 7 th  generation Oceanis line, the 34.1 is built in Poland and replaces the 35.1. It is 1,000 lbs lighter, 14 cm narrower and has 29% more sail area.

Destinations

Serious Fun at the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta

Cruising: Nautical Safari to Tanzania, 2022

NEVER THOUGHT – 10 Days in French Polynesia

Destinations: Peachland Yacht Club on Okanagan Lake

Sponsored: Consider Victoria

Top 10 Canal-side Patios on the Rideau Canal

Peter island resort in the british virgin islands has reopened.

Peter Island Resort in the British Virgin Islands has opened its rebuilt and re-envisioned luxury private island in 2024 after the property closures from the Virgin Islands’ 2017 hurricane season. Peter Island Resort has been undergoing its transformation for over six years. Its evolution includes brand new and upgraded accommodations and new state-of-the-art facilities and five stellar beaches amid hundreds of acres of unspoiled tropical island.

Peter Island Yacht Club

The new Yacht Club will be a must on the itineraries of sailors, boaters and yachtsmen with a marina that can accommodate a range of vessels from power boats, sailboats and catamarans, to super yachts of up to 200 feet. Located in Sprat Bay harbor, the Yacht Club will be its own destination with a dedicated swimming pool for Yacht Club guests, Drunken Pelican restaurant and bar, a commissary, Sea Chest Boutique and a sports recreation area with pickleball, basketball and bocce ball courts and a lawn-games area. To protect the coral reef and marine life surrounding the island, moorings will be located in White Bay, Sprat Bay, Deadman’s Bay…

Advice: The Great Loop

Crossing the Line: The annual CTL most meaningful gift list

Boaters try Fractional Yachting for the Season

Crossing the Line: Highlights of Summer ‘23

The very off season

Lovers at sea

Subscribe to our brands…, visit our brand sites….

CHICAGO--( BUSINESS WIRE )--An affiliate of Walton Street Capital, L.L.C. (“Walton Street”) announced that it has acquired the former Catalina Yachts Headquarters (“Catalina” or the “Property”), an existing 183,000 square foot manufacturing facility, located at 21200 Victory Boulevard in Woodland Hills, CA.

Developed in the 1960’s, the Property consists of two structures with low coverage, ample vehicular access and flexibility, and attractive 31.5’ clear heights. Plans include improving the main existing structure to a Class A industrial building with the intention of accommodating multiple users and uses. The Property is extremely infill within the West San Fernando Valley submarket of Los Angeles at the center of the Warner Center masterplan off Victory Boulevard. With proximate access to CA-27 and US-101, the Property directly services a dense population base of 5.4 million people within a 25-mile radius.

" We are pleased to have completed the acquisition of the Catalina Yachts facility in Woodland Hills, California. This Property represented a unique and rare opportunity to acquire such a well-located facility with nearly 10 acres of underutilized land right off the 101 freeway. We are strong believers in the Warner Center area and surrounding specific plan given the recent proliferation of housing, retail, lodging, and commercial uses. We are excited about our plans to restore this asset into a truly Class A facility servicing the immediate area and neighborhood," said Andrew Gindy, Senior Principal at Walton Street.

About Walton Street Capital, L.L.C. : Walton Street is a private equity real estate investment firm that, since its inception in 1994 through its affiliates, has raised over $14 billion of capital commitments from a broad cross-section of sophisticated institutional investors. Walton Street’s principals have collectively acquired, financed, managed, and sold over $50 billion of real estate and have an average of 21 years of real estate industry experience. Senior management has collectively invested and managed both real estate equity and debt through several real estate cycles over five separate decades and more than 40 years, forging long-term and deep relationships with lenders, public and private real estate owners, operators, brokers, managers, and industry service providers.

Walton Street Capital, L.L.C. Jessica Jahn (312) 915-2859 [email protected]

Social Media Profiles

• Walton Street Capital/LinkedIn