Press Release

For more information about Sailfish Boats, contact:

Matthew Vetzner

VP Sales & Marketing

229-377-2125

matthew@sailfishboats.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HONORING THE LEGACY OF SAILFISH BOATS FOUNDER; PAUL HOPPES

CAIRO, Ga. (May 19, 2026) – Sailfish Boats is sad to share the news, its founder, Paul Hoppes, passed away on Tuesday, May 12th.  

Without any marine experience, in 1986, relying on his entrepreneurial spirit and larger than life presence, Paul set out to build a fishing boat brand that stood for quality, value and fishability.  Mission accomplished!  Paul was actively involved in the day-to-day operations, building the company from the ground up, through to his retirement in 2020.  

Paul’s passion, determination, and hands-on approach has been instrumental in Sailfish’s 40-years.  This was reflected through numerous dealers, thousands of Sailfish owners and the hundreds of employees he touched and influenced throughout his time.  

Paul is survived by his wife, Collene, daughters April and Crystal, a son, Paul III and granddaughters Mirabella and Lola.

Paul’s obituary: https://www.lifesongfunerals.com/obituaries/paul-hoppes/obituary

ABOUT SAILFISH BOATS

Sailfish Boats, based in Cairo, Georgia, has been building Practical, Purposeful, and Powerful boats for almost 40-years. Known for delivering exceptional inshore and offshore fishing platforms that are equally family-friendly, Sailfish designs and manufactures a full range of center console and dual console boats from 23 to 36 feet.  For more information, visit www.sailfishboats.com.