Growing up in Boston during the 60’s as I did, I have always been very well versed on Kennedy lore; and while I hadn’t thought about it in many years, I was very aware of the "Honey Fitz" and President Kennedy’s attachment to this beautiful motor yacht.

Fast forward to today.  In my wildest dreams, I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to report on the official "re-launch" of this iconic piece of American History used by one of the most intriguing presidents of the 20th Century, much less be aboard her for the event.  But I was there, walking the decks where the President and his family spent many happy times, and I had a front row seat as she embarks on the next chapter of her very colorful story.

If this ship could only talk!  Indeed, if ships docked at Rybovich Marina in West Palm Beach could merely talk amongst themselves out of reach of our hearing, every other vessel there could do a lot of boasting.  They might say things like, “…look at my sleek new modern lines,” “…I can travel around the world without refueling or restocking anything,” “…I was built for a famous family,” “…my on-ship 'garage’ houses many smaller craft worth fortunes on their own,” “…I have three elevators on board,” “…I was made from the best materials and most advanced technologies,” “…I can do top speeds in access of 40 knots,” and they could make lots of other claims as well.  

However, there is a fairly new, much smaller arrival sitting mostly unnoticed amongst them that has just finished undergoing a major refit; and if she could join the above conversation, she probably wouldn’t so as not to brag.  But if she did, her story would trump all of them and those 'sea queens,’ beautiful as they are, would have no choice but to bow in humility to even be in her presence.  

I imagine she’d say something like: 

“…since I was built in 1931, I’m ancient by ship standards; my career includes a number of years spent on the Great Lakes with original owner Sewell Avery of Montgomery Ward; I’m a veteran warship of the U.S. Coast Guard, having been fitted with guns and rocket launchers and proudly saw service during WWII patrolling the coast, I was then returned to 'civilian’ duty as a presidential yacht.”  

She would continue: “mind you, there have been several presidential yachts over the years, and I was used a bit by Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, Johnson, and Nixon, (some of them preferred my bigger sisters in the presidential fleet most of the time).  However, I was honored to be the favorite of President John F. Kennedy, and if I could cry, I would have when he named me after his beloved Grandfather.  President Kennedy and his family loved the privacy I offered and spent as much time as possible onboard, and I can fondly remember Little John and Caroline running back and forth on my narrow decks, giggling and having a grand time with their dad and beautiful mom Jackie.  I guess part of the reason that President Kennedy liked being aboard me so much was that he was a sailor at heart.  You young ladies might know that he was a heroic PT Boat skipper during WWII and my design is a lot like one of those boats; you just couldn’t wipe the smile off of his face when he was aboard.  A lot of times when we’d be buzzing down the Potomac or off Hyannis Port in the summer months, ‘the skipper’ would bring the kids up into the 'wheelhouse’ and let them drive me under his watchful eye.  They were so adorable.”

She would probably finish by saying: “Since the Kennedy Presidency, I’ve retained my name, 'Honey Fitz,’ (at least by my fans) and have seen my share of ups and downs.  During and after the Nixon Administration, I was sold several times and have been maintained fairly well since; however, it was decided several years ago to completely refit and make me seaworthy once again to begin life anew as a special events craft.”  

The 'Honey Fitz’ will now be available for charter as a centerpiece for intimate political events, weddings, and numerous venues for those that desire to bask in a setting of rich history and old style grandeur, and maybe hear the faint giggling of Little John or catch a whiff of President Kennedy’s cigar in a cool summer breeze making its way across her bow.  You can find much information about 'Honey Fitz’ charters, and history by visiting www.lotsofyachts.com.  

Welcome aboard.