• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Megayacht News 2021 Logo

Megayacht News

the trusted source for megayacht and superyacht information

Megayacht News 2021 Logo
  • Home
  • Yachts
    • Associations & Organizations
          • Associations & Organizations Recent Posts
            the Marshall Islands Registry YET program
            Marshall Islands Registry Tallies 1,000 Yachts

            August 17, 2024 By Marie Cullen

            SeaKeepers program opportunities let you participate
            4 SeaKeepers Program Opportunities for Hands-on Ocean Conservation

            May 11, 2024 By Marie Cullen

            Crew Environmental Guidelines are available from Water Revolution Foundation
            First-Ever Environmental Crew Guidelines to Help Steer Eco-Friendlier Practices On Your Superyacht

            February 7, 2024 By Marie Cullen

    • Brokerage
          • Brokerage Recent Posts
            new Camper & Nicholsons Viareggio office
            Camper & Nicholsons Viareggio Office Opens, in Yachting Capital of Italy

            April 18, 2025 By Ken Kremsler

            the Feadship yacht Santa Maria
            Classic Yacht Santa Maria, Most Expensive Feadship of Her Era, for Sale

            November 25, 2024 By Diane M. Byrne

            Fraser Yachts is measuring superyacht environmental impact
            Superyacht Environmental Impact of Fraser Fleet Being Measured by YETI

            November 21, 2024 By Marie Cullen

    • Motoryachts
          • Motoryachts Recent Posts
            Feadship Project 824 yacht launch
            Feadship Project 824 Yacht Exceeds 100 Meters, Makes History

            May 12, 2025 By Diane M. Byrne

            Silent Yachts SY80 yacht 2 decks
            SY80 Yacht, Silent Yachts’ Flagship Electric Catamaran, Coming Soon

            May 8, 2025 By Marie Cullen

            Admiral Armani 72M yacht launch
            Admiral Armani 72M Yacht, “Giorgio Armani’s Poetic Elegance”

            May 7, 2025 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Sailing Yachts
          • Sailing Yachts Recent Posts
            aboard the yacht Kiboko 4
            Aboard the Yacht Kiboko 4, Performance Blends With Beauty

            May 9, 2025 By Diane M. Byrne

            Oyster 805 yacht
            Oyster 805 Yacht Opens Up More Bluewater Experiences

            May 4, 2025 By Marie Cullen

            Vitters Shipyard yacht Project Dreamer
            Vitters’ Yacht Project Dreamer to Combine Speed and Space

            April 28, 2025 By Marie Cullen

    • Superyacht 101 Series
          • Superyacht 101 Series Recent Post
            Buddy Darby
            Superyacht 101 Series: Advice From Fellow Owner Buddy Darby

            November 9, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

            Mark Robba
            Superyacht 101 Series: Advice From Fellow Owner Mark Robba

            October 31, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

            AJ Anderson, owner's representative
            Superyacht 101 Series: Selecting an Owner’s Representative

            July 29, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Tenders, Toys, &
      Products
          • Tenders, Toys, & Products Recent Posts
            Castoldi Jet Tender 17
            Castoldi Jet Tender 17 Has Surprising Space for LOA

            May 1, 2025 By Ken Kremsler

            Highfield Boats pink RIB
            Highfield Boats Pink RIB Auction “Will Probably Save Lives”

            April 26, 2025 By Marie Cullen

            Yacht Life Caviar
            Yacht Life Caviar Can Elevate Your Onboard Experience

            April 25, 2025 By Megayacht News Staff

    • The Superyacht 6
          • The Superyacht 6 Recent Posts
            The Superyacht 6: 6 Superb Charter-Yacht Crews

            October 23, 2011 By Diane M. Byrne

            The Superyacht 6: 6 Must-See Megayachts at the Fort Lauderdale Show

            October 9, 2011 By Diane M. Byrne

            The Superyacht 6: 6 Editor’s Picks From the Monaco Yacht Show

            September 24, 2011 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Photo Galleries
          • the yacht Asani
            The Yacht Asani Welcomes You Through Visual Storytelling: Photo Gallery

            December 5, 2024 By Diane M. Byrne

            the Arcadia A96 yacht
            Arcadia A96 Yacht Is Solar Powered, Silent in Operation: Photo Gallery

            January 16, 2024 By Marie Cullen

            the Sanlorenzo yacht La La Land
            Yacht La La Land Exemplifies Sanlorenzo’s Redefinition of Space: Photo Gallery

            December 19, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Sponsored Posts
          • Yacht Sponsored Posts
  • Builders
    • Builders Directory
          • A - E
          • F - L
          • M - R
          • S - Z
    • Yard News
          • Yard News Recent Posts
            Sunpower Yachts Grant Hudson
            Sunpower Yachts Opens American Office for Solar-Electric Yacht Sales

            May 10, 2025 By Ken Kremsler

            Princess Yachts
            Princess Yachts Turns 60

            April 15, 2025 By Marie Cullen

            Federico Ferrante
            Federico Ferrante: “Our Mission Here Is to Represent Benetti as Benetti”

            April 9, 2025 By Megayacht News Staff

    • Sponsored Posts
          • Builders Sponsored Posts
  • Charter & Cruising
    • Charter & Cruising News
          • Charter & Cruising Recent Posts
            the Lurssen yacht Atlas
            Yacht Atlas Puts a World of Fun at Your Feet: Sunday Superyacht Video

            May 11, 2025 By Marie Cullen

            sailing yacht Satori
            Charter Sailing Yacht Satori in Sicily This Summer

            April 17, 2025 By Diane M. Byrne

            Sanlorenzo SD132 yacht Andiamo
            Charter the Yacht Andiamo, the First Sanlorenzo SD 132

            April 11, 2025 By Marie Cullen

    • Charter Yacht Brokers
      Directory
          • A - D
          • E - L
          • M - R
          • S - Z
    • Destination Guides
          • Destination Guide Recent Posts
            superyacht cruising in Alaska
            Superyacht Cruising in Alaska: Navigating the Legal Waters

            February 28, 2025 By Megayacht News Staff

            Maldives are South East Asia superyacht destinatons
            3 South East Asia Superyacht Destinations to Put on Your Itinerary

            January 25, 2025 By Ken Kremsler

            family-friendly Bahamas yacht charter experiences
            5 Family-Friendly Bahamas Yacht Charter Experiences You Can’t Miss  

            December 21, 2024 By Megayacht News Staff

    • Marinas News
          • Marina News Recent Posts
            new Benoa marina in Bali
            Bali’s Benoa Marina Becoming Indonesia’s First Full-Service Yacht & Superyacht Marina

            March 12, 2025 By Ken Kremsler

            Port Nimara marina Anguilla
            Port Nimara Marina Coming to Anguilla for Megayachts

            February 5, 2025 By Ken Kremsler

            ONE°15 Brooklyn Marina
            ONE°15 Brooklyn Marina Sells at Auction

            December 10, 2024 By Diane M. Byrne

  • People
    • Consultants
          • Consultants Recent Posts
            new law for art on superyachts
            New Law for Art on Superyachts in European Waters May Affect You

            April 12, 2025 By Diane M. Byrne

            Oriana Schneps - Moby Maritime Media
            Beyond Basic (Boring) Boat Tours: Oriana Schneps is Changing Yachting

            April 10, 2025 By Megayacht News Staff

            Mark Drewelow
            Capt. Mark Drewelow, Founder of YachtAid Global: 1964-2025

            March 2, 2025 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Crew
          • Crew Recent News
            the superyacht Utopia IV crash resulted from lack of proper lookouts
            Utopia IV Crewmembers Lawsuit Results in Verdict Against Owner

            April 21, 2025 By Diane M. Byrne

            non-American crew can work on superyachts in U.S. shipyards
            Non-American Crew CAN Work on Superyachts in U.S. Shipyards

            April 19, 2025 By Diane M. Byrne

            the Presidential yacht Sequoia
            Presidential Yacht Sequoia Crewmembers Reunite Onboard: Sunday Superyacht Video

            April 13, 2025 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Designer Directory
          • A - D
          • E - L
          • M - E
          • S - Z
    • Designers
          • Designers
            Ivan Erdevicki
            ER Yacht Design Celebrates Quarter-Century Anniversary

            April 7, 2025 By Ken Kremsler

            Giuseppina Arena
            Giuseppina Arena: Designing Luxury From Shipyards to Shores

            December 28, 2024 By Megayacht News Staff

            Don Shead, superyacht industry titan
            Remembering 4 Superyacht Industry Titans

            December 27, 2024 By Ken Kremsler

    • Leadership Series
          • Leadership Series Recent Posts
            Alexander Dreyfoos
            Megayacht News Leadership Series: Alexander Dreyfoos, Silver Cloud Owner

            September 6, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

            Roberto Zambrini
            Megayacht News Leadership Series: Roberto Zambrini, Mondomarine

            August 1, 2016 By Michael Verdon

            Antonio Romano Hot Lab Yacht & Design
            Megayacht News Leadership Series: Antonio Romano, Hot Lab

            July 1, 2016 By Frances and Michael Howorth

    • Owners
          • Owners Recent Posts
            the owners of Double Haven for 30 years
            Owners of Double Haven Share Their Around-the-World Memories

            March 29, 2025 By Diane M. Byrne

            Aga Khan
            Aga Khan, Avid Yacht Owner & Yacht Club Costa Smeralda Founder, Dies

            February 5, 2025 By Diane M. Byrne

            Mangusta yacht Unleash the Lion
            Yacht Unleash the Lion Unleashes Fun for Max Verstappen: Sunday Superyacht Video

            January 26, 2025 By Marie Cullen

    • Yard Staff
          • Yard Staff Recent Posts
            Henk de Vries
            Henk de Vries Retires, Becomes Feadship Ambassador: Sunday Superyacht Video

            April 27, 2025 By Diane M. Byrne

            Frans Heesen
            Frans Heesen, Founder of Heesen Yachts, Dies

            April 23, 2025 By Diane M. Byrne

            Federico Ferrante
            Federico Ferrante: “Our Mission Here Is to Represent Benetti as Benetti”

            April 9, 2025 By Megayacht News Staff

  • Events
    • Awards
          • Awards Recent Posts
            6th annual Superyacht Chef Competition
            Annual Superyacht Chef Competition Coming Next Month in Monaco

            March 22, 2025 By Marie Cullen

            The Honours Nick Entwisle
            The Honours 2025 Coming to America: Nominate Someone Making a Difference

            February 25, 2025 By Diane M. Byrne

            The Honours 2024 nominations are open
            The Honours 2024 Nominations: Who’s Making a Positive Difference?

            January 17, 2024 By Marie Cullen

    • Boat Shows & Seminars
          • Boat Shows & Seminars Recent Posts
            Blue Wake at the Monaco Yacht Show
            Blue Wake Initiative Increasing Sustainability Solutions at the Monaco Yacht Show

            April 5, 2025 By Diane M. Byrne

            PBIBS exciting superyacht debuts
            Exciting Superyacht Debuts at the 2025 Palm Beach International Boat Show

            March 5, 2025 By Megayacht News Staff

            Super Yacht Americas
            Super Yacht Americas to Feature Editor Diane M. Byrne

            October 26, 2024 By Ken Kremsler

    • Fundraisers
          • Fundraisers Recent Posts
            Amos Nachoum may attend the Bal de la Mer
            Bal de la Mer Gala Marks 25th SeaKeepers Anniversary

            October 6, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            superyacht companies support the London to Monaco cycle ride
            Join the Fifth London to Monaco Cycle Ride to Support BLUE

            September 3, 2022 By Ken Kremsler

            superyacht owners can aid Mikoko Pamoja via Yacht Carbon Offset's blue carbon initiative
            Yacht Carbon Offset’s First Blue Carbon Project

            March 27, 2021 By Marie Cullen

    • Rendezvous & Events
          • Rendezvous & Events
            The South Pacific Superyacht Rendezvous
            The South Pacific Superyacht Rendezvous Invites You to Discover Fiji and More

            February 15, 2025 By Marie Cullen

            New Orleans Super Bowl superyachts
            Super Bowl Superyachts: 3 Big Beauties in New Orleans This Weekend

            February 7, 2025 By Diane M. Byrne

            the yacht Faith: yacht spotting at the Monaco Grand Priz
            Yacht Spotting at the Monaco Grand Prix 2024

            May 23, 2024 By Marie Cullen

    • The Superyacht Cup
          • The Superyacht Cup Recent Posts
            sure to file The Superyacht Cup Palma registration is Halekai
            Ready, Set, Go: The Superyacht Cup Palma Registration Is Open

            December 8, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

            the Superyacht Cup Palma 2023 is the 27th year of the race
            Superyacht Cup Palma 2023 Setting Sail: Sunday Superyacht Video

            January 29, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            The Superyacht Cup Palma regulars and newcomers are excited
            Superyacht Cup Palma Regulars and Newcomers Set to Race

            January 29, 2022 By Marie Cullen

    • Sponsored Posts
          • Events Sponsored Posts
  • Podcasts & Videos
    • Podcasts
          • Recent Podcasts
            understanding MYBA versus IYBA yacht contracts
            Who Keeps Your Money? Understanding MYBA Versus IYBA Yacht Contracts

            May 6, 2025 By Megayacht News Staff

            Oriana Schneps - Moby Maritime Media
            Beyond Basic (Boring) Boat Tours: Oriana Schneps is Changing Yachting

            April 10, 2025 By Megayacht News Staff

            legal battles of Amadea and Alfa Nero
            The Legal Battles of Amadea and Alfa Nero: Constitutional Rights, Maritime Law, and Political Fallout

            April 2, 2025 By Megayacht News Staff

    • Yacht Videos
          • Recent Yacht Videos
            the Lurssen yacht Atlas
            Yacht Atlas Puts a World of Fun at Your Feet: Sunday Superyacht Video

            May 11, 2025 By Marie Cullen

            Sanlorenzo SL86A yacht
            Sanlorenzo SL86A Yacht Makes Asymmetry Look Balanced: Sunday Superyacht Video

            April 20, 2025 By Marie Cullen

            the Presidential yacht Sequoia
            Presidential Yacht Sequoia Crewmembers Reunite Onboard: Sunday Superyacht Video

            April 13, 2025 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Builder Videos
          • Recent Builder Video
            Henk de Vries
            Henk de Vries Retires, Becomes Feadship Ambassador: Sunday Superyacht Video

            April 27, 2025 By Diane M. Byrne

            Feadship's Diamond Jubilee year saw Mira restored
            Feadship’s Diamond Jubilee Year: Sunday Superyacht Video

            December 22, 2024 By Diane M. Byrne

            Christmas comes to Sunseeker
            Christmas Comes to Sunseeker: A Very Merry Megayacht Video

            December 25, 2023 By Megayacht News Staff

  • About
Home / People / Consultants / In Memoriam: Rikki Davis, Charter Broker

In Memoriam: Rikki Davis, Charter Broker

July 7, 2014 By: Diane M. Byrne

PHOTO: courtesy Churchill Yacht Partners
PHOTO: courtesy Churchill Yacht Partners

Ryoko Davis Vurpillat, better known as Rikki Davis, the longtime charter broker, died on June 29. She had been battling chronic lung illness.

Born in 1938 in Toronto, Davis first embarked on a career in medicine, having earned a degree in microbiology. She conducted medical research for many years at different companies within the United States. Davis also enjoyed travel, which soon led to a career change. She ventured throughout the Bahamas and Caribbean as a crewmember aboard yachts. She later established firm roots on land in Fort Lauderdale. There, in the 1980s, she created Rikki Davis Yachts, one of the first yacht-charter firms in the industry.

Rikki Davis Yachts was also one of the most respected firms. Davis herself personally inspected and cruised aboard many of the top charter yachts, both power and sail. (While this is what valued charter brokers today do regularly, the industry was quite different in the early days than it is now. Back then, none of the big management firms existed.) Davis earned business from clients ranging from corporate executives to royalty.

In 2005, Davis sold Rikki Davis Yachts to Churchill Yacht Partners. The retail charter division of Churchill became known as Rikki Davis Yachts at Churchill Yacht Partners. The name remained until just recently. Davis remained active with the company, too, until her illness worsened.

Davis is survived by her husband, Jerry Vurpillat, and two sisters.

Churchill Yacht Partners released a statement regarding Davis:

“Rikki was an icon in the industry, being one of the pioneers in the world of yacht charter. She quickly became one of the most successful independent charter brokers anywhere, helping to shape the business at a time when it was still developing without the control of large management companies. Davis traveled many oceans aboard some of the nicest charter yachts, cruising throughout the Caribbean, Mediterranean, New England and South Pacific. She toured the ruins of ancient civilizations in Turkey, sank her toes into the white sand beaches of Fiji, shopped for trinkets at tiny markets in the Bahamas, sailed on catamarans throughout the Virgin Islands and, after taking up golf, enjoyed golf-and-cruising charters as far north as Nova Scotia.

“Rikki lived life to the fullest, and when she wasn’t out conquering and exploring the world, she was a devoted wife and animal lover. She earned every bit of success she enjoyed, and she made the most of every minute.

“…We will always remember Rikki for her tenacious spirit and embracing kindess.”

A memorial service for Davis will be held July 12 in Florida. Her family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her name to your favorite charity.

If you’re interested in learning more about this charer legend, Kim Kavin, the editor of CharterWave.com, has a touching tribute to “the late, great Rikki Davis,” as she so aptly calls her.

Related posts

Tom CollinsTom Collins, Longtime Charter Broker, Dies Jan Henry was a longtime charter broker and well respected in the superyacht communityJan Henry, Longtime Charter Broker, Dies Default ThumbnailIn Memoriam: Bill Langan

Categories: Consultants, PeopleTags: Churchill Yacht Partners, Rikki Davis Yachts

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

Primary Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Threads
  • YouTube

Search Megayacht News

Popular Posts

  • Capt. Mark Drewelow, Founder of YachtAid Global: 1964-2025
  • All About the Yacht Katina, in Below Deck Down Under Season 3
  • Former Loon Yacht Crew Sue Captain for Injuries

Explore more

  • Frans Heesen
    Frans Heesen, Founder of Heesen Yachts, Dies
  • non-American crew can work on superyachts in U.S. shipyards
    Non-American Crew CAN Work on Superyachts in U.S. Shipyards
  • Oriana Schneps - Moby Maritime Media
    Beyond Basic (Boring) Boat Tours: Oriana Schneps is Changing Yachting
  • the Ocean King Ducale 120 yacht hull 1
    Ocean King Targeting U.S. Superyacht Buyers With Denison Yachting
  • the yacht Bayesian sinking (ex-Salute)
    The Bayesian Sinking: Sorting Facts from Fiction and Opinions
Megayacht News 2021 Logo (White)

Footer

Connect with Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Terms and Conditions

© 2025 · RedHedInk LLC · Designed and Developed by AccessiCart