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Martin Kelsey III, a.k.a. Mike Kelsey, Jr., whose lifelong love of boating and the family business, the shipyard Palmer Johnson, led him to its helm, died of cancer on January 4. He was 57 years old. Born February 12, 1962 in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, Kelsey had boating in his blood. His grandfather, the late PatrickContinue Reading
One hundred and sixty-one feet (49 meters) of glimmering gold paint make it impossible to miss Khalilah. So does her edgy, audacious styling. Then consider a cruising speed of 27 knots and a sporty, color-coordinated tender. Bottom line, you’ll find it tough to take your attention away. As dramatic as the megayacht is on theContinue Reading
Termed the “ghost yacht” and “rust hole” by Norwegian media, the long-dormant, partially built PJ World megayacht has a new owner. PJ World, a.k.a. PJ-801, started construction in 2008 at a former commercial shipyard in Norway. Palmer Johnson had acquired the yard the year prior, through bankruptcy proceedings. At 267 feet (81.4 meters), PJ WorldContinue Reading
Buckle up: Palmer Johnson is now licensed to build fast yachts under the brand of fast-car maker Bugatti. They’re being called Ninette yachts, the same name Bugatti used when it offered racing boats in the 1930s. Just one megayacht is part of the three-boat Niniette series: the PJ88 Niniette. She’s the largest of the models,Continue Reading
UPDATE, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015: A spokesperson for Holland Jachtbouw tells us that Palmer Johnson did not acquire the yard. We have asked what the business arrangement between the two companies is, but have not received a reply. Read on for the original article. Following its announcement earlier this month that it is moving allContinue Reading
Palmer Johnson, the shipyard founded on the shores of Lake Michigan in 1918, is closing its American operations and shifting all construction to Europe. The move comes as a result of what the company tells the yachting media is strong interest in its SuperSport series (above). Those yachts are made of carbon composite and featuringContinue Reading