THE NETHERLANDS — Mahler & Associates of Seattle will serve as manufacturer's representative for Van der Velden Yachting in the United States. The news was announced in a press release from the Netherlands-based company, which is entering the megayacht market.

"It wasn't a coincidence that we confirmed the deal with Keith Mahler during this May's Seattle Fleet of Dreams boat show," said Lisa Herrin, director of sales and marketing/U.S. Division for Van der Velden Yachting, in the press release. "This alliance with Mahler showcases our products to key commercial and pleasure boat markets in the U.S. Pacific Northwest region and Canada at a
critical time."

Herrin handles U.S. marketing of the BARKE High-Lift Rudder, a flap-type rudder that reportedly has attracted much attention among international yacht designers and shipbuilders such as Feadship, Palmer Johnson and Burger, since
its debut at the 2000 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.