Rybovich Rendezvous, 2008

For the first time in its 89-year history, the Rybovich Boat Company was the proud sponsor of the highly anticipated exhibition of Rybovich vintage yachts:  The first annual  “Rybovich Rendezvous” held February 16 and 17 marks the historic event of over 20 vintage boats on display coming together for the first time in the legendary boat builder’s history.

Wayne Huizenga, Jr (who purchased the company with Mike Rybovich heading the boatbuilding division),  “The interest in vintage Rybovich has exceeded our expectations—they have become classic collector’s items.  We’re looking forward to Rybovich Rendezvous 2009”

The event reflected the story of the three Rybovich brothers: Johnny, Tommy, and Emil and their dogged persistence, passion, innovation, hard work and a world-class quest for perfection. It was the combination of Johnny’s expertise in developing unprecedented fishing innovations still the standard of excellence copied today, Tommy’s mastery of design, his elegant compound curves light-years ahead of his time, and Emil as the brain behind the custom mechanical and electrical systems that all came together to achieve the perfect sportfishing boat; often copied but never surpassed.

The Rybovich Rendezvous lineup of stunning custom-built sport fishing boats, docked in chronological order, was kicked-off with 1949 Rybovich Hull #4 and traveled through the decades with a display of 20 boats through the  last boat completed by Tommy Rybovich before his death in 1972 .  Each boat, a testament to Tommy’s appreciation for the perfect line.

The Rybovich legacy displayed at the event reflects stories of the colorful cast of characters who commissioned the boats with such familiar names as Maytag, DuPont, Gillette, Kimberly-Clark, Anheuser-Busch and Firestone.  Since its launch of Hull #1 in 1947, Rybovich boats have been commissioned to the owner’s unique specifications, combining a fascinating blend of high-life extravagance and extraordinary performance. 

For example, the 1958 “Rhino” carries the legend of sporting whiskey and rum tanks under the berths with convenient filler caps on the covering board.  The 1955 “Three Rings” was commissioned by Peter Ballantine of brewery fame at the prompting of Ernest Hemingway.  One boat, the 1958 “Carillion” boasted a pipe organ in the main salon.  Another boat, the 1969 “Apava” commissioned by a paraplegic sportsman, featured elevators to the master stateroom and up to the flying bridge.  

The Rybovich Rendezvous,  created by Pat Rybovich, was organized originally as a photography event for her upcoming large-format coffee table book “RYBOVICH: Pursuit of Perfection” but the thought of these ‘Old Gals’ coming together for the first time generated so much excitement for the rich history of Rybovich that the event has grown exponentially, taking on a life of its own.

“I grew up playing at the yard and lived through triumphs and defeats, the discussions, the crazy customer demands that blended into another masterpiece” says Pat.  “It’s time for this captivating story to be told.”   As writer and editor, and with a deep appreciation of ‘the Rybovich legend’, Pat, [one of Tommy Rybovich’s four daughters] pays tribute to over 89 years of boat-building excellence in a beautiful pictorial review.  Along with a comprehensive history, spectacular photography will tell the Rybovich story in a format befitting a legend. The book takes the reader on a voyage from the 1947 launching of Rybovich Hull # 1—considered the world's first true sport fishing boat— to the breathtaking yachts being built by Rybovich today. The book will be a tribute to the boats, their builders and restorers, their proud owners and all who have cherished and maintained these magnificent boats over the past 60 years.

Alongside the vintage yacht exhibition, the latest Rybovich creations were displayed.  The unconventional Rybovich spirit—always ahead of its time—continues to this day in the work of Michael Rybovich, son of Emil Rybovich.  From the 65’ Cacique that captures the Rybovich tradition of unparalleled sport fishing experience to the retro styling of the 2007 “Lizzy Bee” [Hull # 123], Rybovich’s proud pedigree forged by the innovative genius of the Rybovich brothers in the 1940’s was the inspiration for this latest Rybovich, capturing the breathtaking style, power and glamour of that era.

Now 89 years later, nothing comes close to the Rybovich legacy: The world’s first and finest sport fishing yacht, an American icon.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR PHOTOS:
Contact PAT RYBOVICH, Pat.Rybovich@Rybovich.net