Last week was very busy for the US luxury yacht builder, Viking Yacht Company, as the annual Dealer Meeting coincided with the 50th Anniversary Gala. This was held at the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Viking's Annual Dealer Meeting and the 50th Anniversary Gala
Monday kicked off the busy week with a welcome dinner for Viking Yacht dealer principals hosted by Bill and Patrick Healey. Tuesday morning brought a packed house to the business portion of the meeting with Viking’s dealer network absorbing a wealth of information and new technology during the session.
When the group broke, they beelined to the docks and jumped on the spectacular fleet of Vikings that was waiting to greet them. Gray skies and gusty winds couldn’t hold back the dedicated dealer network as they climbed aboard the boats and spent the day on sporty seas off Atlantic City.
Viking's Annual Dealer Meeting
Skies were questionable when guests moved in for the cocktail and yacht viewing party but when the first model cruised down the dock, the sun and smiles broke out. The yachts strutted down the runway and concluded with the eagerly awaited Viking flagship, the 92 Enclosed Bridge yacht. That’s her little sister, the motor yacht Viking 70, in the background.
Over 300 people attended the gala dinner and everyone reveled in the telling of Viking history through colorful tales of the early days which were interrupted only by roars of laughter.
Rudy Dalinger, Production Engineer, was recognized as Viking’s longest tenured employee, hitting the 50 year mark this past September 2nd. A celebratory cake was brought out and Viking founding fathers Bill and Bob Healey,Sr., surrounded by their families, sliced the dessert for their customers, boat builders and friends in attendance.
Superyacht Viking 92 Enclosed Bridge with Viking 70 yacht in the background
The night ended on a high note with the Viking Yacht Company lighting up the Atlantic City skyline.
It didn’t end there! The week continued with a steady stream of customers and sales professionals touring the Viking manufacturing campus. The tour’s highlight was a trip to the sleek yet luxurious 75 Motor Yacht floating at the docks. Atlantic City also stayed busy with over 60 Viking sea trials completed during the week.
Thank you to all of the Viking family and friends for the first 50 amazing years. Viking looks forward to the next 50!
Below is a video from the Viking’s Annual Dealer Meeting and the 50th Anniversary Gala, released by Mary Foust from Viking:
