Robert T. Healey Sr., a.k.a. Bob Healey Sr., who with his brother Bill established Viking Yachts in 1964 and made it into the world’s largest sportfisherman builder, died on December 9. He was 92 years old. “My father was a true leader, and his vision will always guide us,” says Bob Healey, Jr., co-chairman…
Each year History Fort Lauderdale (formerly the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society) honors individuals and companies making an impact on the city’s growth. This year, it’s celebrating the well-known Denison family. They’re receiving the History Makers Pioneer Family Award for being Broward County yachting-industry forerunners. The History Makers celebration, a fundraiser for the organization, takes place…
As the CEO of Safe Harbor Marinas, Baxter Underwood oversees the largest network of marinas in the world. The properties cater to boaters with all sizes and shapes of craft, including megayachts. Due to some recent high-profile acquisitions like Lauderdale Marine Center, we spoke with Underwood, to learn more particularly about the plans for the…
Rien Moonen, who established the Dutch superyacht builder Moonen Yachts, died suddenly on March 29. He was 84 years old. Born in 1936, Moonen was one of 11 children, and the second-born son. His father owned a painting company, which he took interest in at a young age. In fact, he was just 15 when…
Albert Hakvoort, who spent more than six decades at his family-run Hakvoort Shipyards, has died. Often referred to as Albert Sr. due to multiple generations bearing the same name, he was 80 years old. Born in 1940, Albert Sr. was actually a junior, since his father, Albert Hakvoort, started the shipyard in 1919. Indeed, the…
Dating back centuries, the ringing of a ship’s bell eight times signifies the end of a watch duty. The phrase eight bells further signifies that a sailor has died (finished his or her final watch). Sadly, several superyacht industry passings occurred this year, a few being especially emotional. 1. Jan Henry, longtime charter broker. Unfortunately,…
Giancarlo Ragnetti, the founder of Perini Navi who went on to oversee the famed sailing-superyacht builder for three decades, died on November 8 in Viareggio, Italy, which he had called home for nearly as long. He was 74 years old. Born in Italy in the Marche area, along the Adriatic Coast, Ragnetti spent his entire…
Princess Yachts is a well-known British luxury yacht builder, with offerings ranging from small sportboats to luxury superyachts. But, it’s more than a manufacturer. In fact, Kiran Jay Haslam, the chief marketing officer, and the management team are trying to ensure that current and future clients are receiving an authentic consumer experience. It may sound…
Robert “Bob” Roscioli, who began his 50-plus-year yachting career in his 20s sanding boats on the New River in Fort Lauderdale, died yesterday. He was 76 years old. Raised in Philadelphia, Roscioli arrived in South Florida with his mother at the age of 12. After high school, he spent his early working years splitting time…
Vincenzo Poerio, well-experienced in the superyacht sector, is now part of the management team at Tankoa Yachts. He is taking on the role as joint Chief Executive Officer, alongside Euro Contenti, who is also CEO. Global yachting customers, particularly Americans, who comprise the largest percentage of yacht owners and buyers worldwide, surely recognize Poerio’s name….
