2008 Rybovich Boatyard Ball

CaptTom · 04-05-2008, 08:59 PM

As they have done in the past, Rybovich Marina again hosted their Boatyard Ball in conjunction with the Palm Beach Boat Show. But this year, things were a bit different.

First, Rybovich Marina was added as the third venue for the show itself. By car or water taxi, show attendees could peruse the superyachts on display, from the likes of Mirage (and her triple engine water-jet drives), Big City, Golden Times, M Sixty Five, Seafari, Louise, a new Viking San Lorenzo, Never Say Never (Lazzara), Princess Tina, Indefensible (complete with helicopter) or the Queen of the Rybovich site: Tooth Fairy.

Second, Rybovich didn't host just a party. Under the official name of Rybovich VIP Superyacht Hop, Luxury Car Display and Boatyard Ball, attendees were treated to the finer toys of the yacht society. Along with the superyachts, there were exotic and high-end fine automobiles, several "oldies" autos, and a gaggle of helicopters to get your blue-blood flowing. Add in flowing cocktails, delicious food samplings, a DJ playing tunes from a "pimp my ride" Ipod setup and a beautiful evening, it couldn't get much better. But it did.

For the Ball, each yacht was open for touring, with crews and brokers available to answer questions (like "Is Tooth Fairy owned by a dentist?" By the way, no). The crew at Rybovich, including Mike Bach and Lauren Cotten did a great job pulling this event off. Everyone seemed to have a great time, strolling the red carpet as the late day sky turned into night and the blue spotlights created a magical sense amongst the finest toys money could buy (or at least rent for a while).

Join us as we take a photo journey through the evening...

CaptTom · 04-05-2008, 09:10 PM

You knew where you were when you entered the huge tent. A large circular bar manned by a small army of bartenders and runners kept spirits high by pouring the spirits.

One oldie but goodie: a 1957 Chevrolet Nomad, by Aero Toy Store, who by the way also displayed several of the helos you will see.

With Rybovich's new 600-ton lift in the background, a selection of autos and "birds" were neatly lined up.

CaptTom · 04-05-2008, 09:15 PM

There's nothing like the grill of a Rolls Royce, either old or new (this was a newbie).
For the exotic car buffs, there was plenty to see and drool over (saw a few guys wiping their chins).

Thanks to Palm Beach Motor Cars for the fine display of autos.

CaptTom · 04-05-2008, 09:22 PM

A view from the driver's seat of an Aston Martin.
Check the dash on the second photo. Those buttons in the center are for the transmission (P, R, N, D). Look ma, no stickshift.
Okay, a few more birds before we get to the yachts.
The boss' ride.
The aft end of a helo.
Helicopters were coming and going, and blowing over display stands.

CaptTom · 04-05-2008, 09:28 PM

Oh yeah, the yachts. While the sun was still shinning, we grabbed a few shots.

The majestic Indefensible.
Mirage - her helm looks like a space ship (I'll have to dig up that photo).
Never Say Never - this is the Lazzara version.
Royal Denship's Louise.
The Queen - 147' Tooth Fairy. Check out those windows. You can spot her a mile away. Cool!

CaptTom · 04-05-2008, 09:32 PM

The Ball heated up as the sun went down. A few faces from the event.
A familiar name amongst YF crowds, Michael Bach of Rybovich.
The DJ doing his thing. Look ma, no CD's.
A bevy of beauties. Not sure who they were, but if beautiful women are near when I have my camera, I shoot first and ask questions, well, never.
Part of the party crowd. Keep in mind there were about 1,000 attendees, scattered all about.
There were a couple of nice hogs there too. Not people, motorcycles.

CaptTom · 04-05-2008, 09:45 PM

As mentioned, the weather couldn't have been better. And the blue spotlights gave a gentle glow to the area.

The huge Rybovich lift was just too big to capture the whole thing.
The scene at the Viking Sanlorenzo 88.

CaptTom · 04-05-2008, 09:50 PM

Tooth Fairy was a big hit with the crowd. I stole a few shots around the yacht.

CaptTom · 04-05-2008, 09:55 PM

Another crowd favorite (especially since she was docked right next to the party tent and lounge area) was the yacht Indefensible.

CaptTom · 04-05-2008, 09:59 PM

The crew of Big City invited us aboard and took us on a tour of this Palmer Johnson 123'.

CaptTom · 04-05-2008, 10:08 PM

A few more shots to round out the photo journey:
M Sixty Five, which is an 80-foot Mangusta.
Princess Tina's name board.
A nice Jaguar.
The 94-foot Hargrave Goden Times.
Helo on the pad.

I hope you enjoyed the journey. Thanks for the opportunity. Capt Tom

Note - reproduction of these photos is a no-no for commercial use. But if you want them for your computer desktop, no problem.

taobsu · 04-05-2008, 10:10 PM

Wow, nice pictures!

The color contrast is about as great as it can be for the night shot.

YachtNews · 04-05-2008, 10:16 PM

Wow Tom, this is good commentary and very nice pics too, you really made the show come alive again for those who couldn't be there like me! Thanks man!

Dan Evans · 04-05-2008, 10:24 PM

...I'm sorry, all I heard was Aston Martin!

Beautiful pictures Captain! Thank you for sharing them with the rest of us

Dan

CaptTom · 04-05-2008, 10:45 PM

Thanks for all the comments guys.

toabsu, I've been practicing taking night shots, which are tricky. You have to use the manual settings, and definitley a tripod. Even though I had to lug the tripod around the show, the results are worth it.