The Feadship Heritage Fleet will be hosting a get-together for American owners of classic Feadship yachts over thirty years of age during the upcoming 55th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS). The event will take place on Saturday, November 1, 2014.
While Feadship has a rich history in all parts of the world, its yachts first began to earn their unique brand status in the United States. From the moment the Feadship motor yacht Capri won the prestigious Queen of the International Motor Boat Show title in New York in 1953, owners flocked to the Netherlands to commission a Feadship.
Famous owners
Famous American clients in the 50s and 60s included Arthur Wirtz, owner of the Chicago Blackhawks ice hockey team, Henry Ford II and Malcolm Forbes, who’s Highlander Feadships came to symbolise the new era of superyacht construction.
“More than half of all the Feadships in the global fleet were built for the American market and they include many iconic yachts,” says Victor Muller, chairman of the Feadship Heritage Fleet. “The board is proud to have its first Feadship Heritage Fleet US event taking place in Fort Lauderdale, homeport to so many yachts built by Feadship.”
Exceeding expectations
Launched in April 2013, the goal of the Feadship Heritage Fleet is to bring together owners of classic Feadships that have been built more than 30 years ago and celebrate the heritage of these timeless vessels. “We reached 34 members within the first year, which was far beyond our expectations,” continues Muller. “While this clearly reflects the interest in our exclusive club for passionate Feadship owners, only one of our members is US based to date. The time is right to meet more American owners and invite them to enjoy the benefits of membership.”
The first American member joined the Feadship Heritage Fleet in March – the 1952 Feadship motor yacht Anahita V, which is now based in Miami. “It has been a great experience to be part of this genuine family-type club,” say her owners, Kristin & Chapman Ducote. “We attended the Monaco Historic Grand Prix event earlier this year, which was spectacular. It was great fun to meet fellow owners and to watch the races from the yachts. We encourage all American owners of classic Feadships to come to Fort Lauderdale and become involved in this excellent association.”