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P A T   R Y B O V I C H

C L A S S I C

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                                                                      The second-newest and second-oldest Rybo:  Hull #125 and Hull #2

Vintage Rybovich Masterpieces At Mystic Seaport

In the world of boatbuilding, one name stands out as synonymous with excellence: Rybovich. Founded in West Palm Beach in 1919, Rybovich & Sons Boat Works splashed its first custom-built sportfishing boat in 1947. To this day the yard retains its iconic status as one of the oldest and most sought after boatbuilders in America. On the weekend of July 22-23, 2011, over 1500 spectators will descend the docks at Mystic Seaport to relish the sight of more than 50 vintage wood boats. They’re in for a remarkable treat, as Rybovich has been selected as the Antique & Classic Boat Show’s 2011 Marquee Class.

With simple hand-tools and a dream, the birth of this classic heritage American company is a story steeped in history: the creation of the modern sportfishing yacht. While Ernest Hemingway pioneered big game fishing in Bimini during the 1940's, Rybovich was there to show how the sport could be played in style. Combining performance with high-life extravagance, owning a “Rybo” became the ultimate status symbol. Each was custom designed and built by Tommy Rybovich as a masterpiece, blending technological innovation, speed and performance with his futuristic signature style. In 1961—as Fortune magazine declared Rybovich “the Stradivarius of sportfishing boats”—the world’s most prominent sportsmen were already waiting in line alongside such brand-name tycoons as Firestone, Hutton, Ballantine, duPont, Gillette, and Maytag, (along with a handful of gangsters to keep things interesting).

Celebrating the yard’s colorful 93-year heritage, Pat Rybovich (daughter of Tommy Rybovich, the boat’s designer/ builder) will present her book (“RYBOVICH”) about the family boatyard and share a behind-the-scene look at the remarkable stories behind each custom-built Rybo on display. After the presentation Pat will sign copies of her massive 608 page, 20-pound luxury coffee table book of photographs and history, never before published until now. The book delves deep into the history of the 79 boats built by the three Rybovich brothers, igniting newfound passion the world over for vintage Rybovich as a true collector’s item.

From the 1940s through the ‘60s, Rybo’s chased giant tuna and billfish all over the world, with favorite destinations being Bimini and Montauk. The vintage Rybovich display at Mystic Seaport will show some of the most elegant and innovative custom-built boats ever built—each representing the ultimate in billfishing luxury.

Among the stunning selection of one-of-a-kind Rybo’s dating from the 1950s to be on display:

1957,    RYBOVICH HULL #25    “PROUD LADY”    45-foot classic Sport Fisherman   

Hull #25 was commissioned in 1957 by Texas millionaire Boots Adams, president of Phillips Petroleum and owner of the Houston Oilers.  She is a beautiful example of the classic Rybo Sport Fisherman and exquisitely displays mid-fifties Rybovich style.  On Proud Lady one finds an example of the Rybovich broken sheer, one of the most recognized and beautiful Rybovich signatures.  Along with the broken sheer, Proud Lady also displays several of the innovations that has made Rybovich a legend:  the tuna tower, which allows the angler to more easily spot schools of fish,  the modern fighting chair--a Rybovich invention for the angler who spends hours battling a massive trophy fish, as well as the transom door which was invented by the Rybovich brothers to avoid the backbreaking work of lifting the heavy fish over the railing. These Rybovich innovations—which made their debut in 1952—are considered “standard” aboard virtually all modern sportfishing boats today.

1957,    RYBOVICH HULL #27    “CIRCE”    36-foot open Sport Fisherman

Named after the ancient sorceress of Greek mythology, Circe is a symbol of magic, luxury and desire.  A fitting name for this Rybovich 36-footer as she seduces all who come near!  Launched in 1957, the boat was owned by a wealthy Cuban sugarcane grower who was celebrated for his exceptional tuna-fishing ability—once, in a single day, he boated nine tuna, each weighing more than 400 pounds.  Today Circe continues to cast her spell as a boat much appreciated for Tommy’s design elegance with all of her elements exquisitely aligned and executed with style. Her clean lines and careful attention to detail attest to the Rybovich heritage and meticulous craftsmanship; the classic 36-footer a fine example of Rybovich perfection.

1963,  RYBOVICH HULL #56    “CORSAIR”   50-foot Yacht Fisherman

At fifty feet, Corsair is one of the few Rybovich boats built primarily for cruising and is considered among the finest of the Rybovich Yacht Fisherman style.  An icon of style, Corsair set a new standard for luxurious Rybovich yachts. Elegant and sophisticated, in Corsair we see how Rybovich was adept at not only creating fishing boats with comfortable accommodations; the beautifully proportioned Corsair is an example of Tommy’s design genius in also masterfully creating a cruising boat that fished on occasion. With looks, quality and performance Corsair also has the interesting distinction of having been loaded on a freighter and shipped to Greece.  From there she captured attention and appreciative glances all across the Mediterranean! 

1965,  RYBOVICH HULL #61    “MARADEL”    43-foot classic Sport Fisherman

If any boat defines Rybovich, it is the Sport Fisherman and Maradel is a perfect example.  A refined, elegant and timeless beauty, Maradel’s a moving sculpture in mahogany that commands attention wherever she goes. Splashed in 1965, Hull #61 celebrates the era of La Dolce Vita when glamour and elegance defined an attitude and a lifestyle.  The celebrated Maradel with her stunning profile is appreciated as one of Tommy’s finest creations and encompasses the values that have made Rybovich among the most sought-after classic boats in the world:  uncompromising quality, meticulous craftsmanship, uniqueness, performance, elegance and painstaking attention to detail.

Today a classic Rybo is not only an object of desire but a unique slice of our American nautical heritage.  In these boats we see the style, wealth and extravagance of the 1940s-60s.  For those unable to see this rare assembly of vintage Rybovich boats on display at the 2011 Mystic Antique & Classic Boat Show, Pat has created a specially designed catalog about her father’s work to be on display at the show which includes an interview with the author.  A limited number of complimentary catalogs celebrating the iconic brand’s heritage, each signed by Pat Rybovich, are available at RybovichBook.com

I look forward to meeting you there!

Pat aboard the 1949 Rybovich Hull #4

In keeping with Rybovich tradition, a percentage of each purchase goes to support marine conservation.

The Rybovich Book.  Copyright © 2010, Pat Rybovich Publishing, LLC San Francisco.

All copyright and trademark rights reserved.  The Rybovich book is available exclusively at the book website, RybovichBook.com

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