Given the tradition of yachting in America, it’s only natural to pay homage to the designs that made it possible. That’s the story behind the new semi-custom yacht builder Heritage Yachts. In fact, its Palm Beach 82 Flush Deck, along with future models, is targeted to Americans and based on a classic design from a storied American naval architect.
Construction is just beginning on the Palm Beach 82 Flush Deck, set for delivery next year. The Heritage Yachts story, however, goes back a decade. Company CEO John Lassiter wanted to revive the Mystic, Connecticut waterfront, due to his affiliation with the Mystic Seaport Museum. Furthermore, he wanted to evoke the handiwork of famed U.S. studios J.B. Hargrave, C. Raymond Hunt, and Sparkman & Stephens. Collectively, they’re responsible for more than 14,000 boats and yachts in a 50-year period—many still on the water. Lassiter envisioned Heritage Yachts building at the Mystic Seaport Shipyard. The yard turned out a variety of craft from the 1840s to the 1980s, later performing restorations. Unfortunately, despite several years of effort, Heritage Yachts couldn’t set roots there.
Still determined, Lassiter sought an established yacht builder elsewhere. Following meetings in the United States, Europe, and Asia, Heritage Yachts found a home for its first project, the Palm Beach 82 Flush Deck, with Jet Tern Marine. The Chinese shipyard is best known for building the Selene brand of trawlers. The yard has delivered more than 100 Selene motoryachts, in fact, many going to Americans. Its success selling traditional designs to experienced buyers matched well with Lassiter’s vision.
Specifically, Heritage Yachts’ vision is motoryachts and megayachts to 156 feet (47.5 meters). The various models, including the Palm Beach 82 Flush Deck, are based on Hunt designs. Each features the sea-kindly Hunt deep-V hull, with the semi-custom arrangements and decor modern-day owners want. Each also has time-honored looks.
“We’re trying to reinvigorate a market segment that we love and believe in,” says Marc Jobin of United Yacht Sales, Heritage Yachts’ American distributor. (Inquiries from outside brokers and buyers with other brokerage representation are welcome.) “We like these lines, and we want to see more of these kinds of boats on the water again.”
Since the Palm Beach 82 Flush Deck is in build on spec, there’s time to tailor the interior arrangement. For intimate cruises, there’s a three-stateroom arrangement below decks. Larger parties suit the four-stateroom arrangement. Either way, the master sits amidships. Pure traditionalists may prefer the three-cabin configuration, since crew’s quarters go forward. The megayacht would therefore also feature crew-guest separation above decks, plus a formal dining area. Alternately, the four-cabin arrangement puts crew aft of the engine room. It also has a country kitchen and open-concept saloon.
Regardless, the Palm Beach 82 Flush Deck features Caterpillar power, expected to produce speeds to 32 knots. Following commissioning in Palm Beach County, she’ll debut at the Newport Boat Show next year. Price: $5,865,000.
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