MIAMI — December 16, 2005 — Merrill-Stevens Dry Dock Co. has been appointed as the preferred service provider in the U.S. for Benetti, the worlds leading yacht builder.  Merrill-Stevens will service Benettis worldwide fleet from its Miami operations. As part of the recently signed agreement, Merrill-Stevens will send service technicians and managers from its Miami-based shipyard to Italy for training and to familiarize themselves with Benetti yachts and systems.

“We are thrilled to be working with Benetti as their preferred service provider,” said Hugh Westbrook, owner of Merrill-Stevens. “We are proud to provide Benetti with a first class yacht service facility and to be a part of their expanding service operations,” said Westbrook.

Azimut-Benetti is the European leader in boat building and the world leader in mega yacht construction. Benetti yachts are renowned worldwide as being of supreme elegance, where fine materials and craftsmanship meet high technology and advanced building techniques, giving the most refined example of “made in Italy.” Production takes place in several yards located in Avigliana, Piacenza, Viareggio, Livorno and Fano.

Founded as Merrill & Son in the Florida Territories in 1866 by Capt. James Gilman Merrill in Jacksonville, Merrill-Stevens evolved from a blacksmith shop focused on marine services to the World War II eras largest Atlantic shipyard south of Norfolk, VA. Incorporated formally in 1885 by James Eugene Merrill, the family-owned business is Floridas oldest continuously operating company.