Bernie Madoff's Rybovich Sportfish "Bull"

I was aboard Bull yesterday and today with the new owner. The owner is a local businessman who doesn't plan on keeping Bull for personal use.

The yacht is in as close to perfect condition as they come. Amazing what a million bucks can do for a refit. Federal Marshals had removed most belongings but there were a few items that remained with the vessel: Limoges china in the galley, gold-rimmed bar glasses with hand painted bulls, a bull painting, and a boat flags. The flags of interest were the house flag which is, duh, a bull; a Rybo flag, and 2 well worn fish flags which proved this boat was a fishing machine under previous ownership.

The owner says he bought the boat to help some of the Madoff investors get restitution.

Judy Waldman

Bull sold at auction for $700,000 and then there were about $50,000 in additional fees. The owner intends to sell the yacht. He's not a sportsfisherman and he wants her in the ownership of someone who will use and appreciate her appropriately.

She really is a beautiful boat. The Rybo refit should have gotten an award from somewhere. She's tasteful and elegant (well, maybe excluding the bull painting) and has some nice practical features. You can't help but appreciate the yacht and appreciate her build for intended use.

Judy

Madoff had 3 boats go to auction: Bull, the 55' Rybo; Sitting Bull, 38' 2003 Shelter Island; and Little Bull, 24' Maverick with Yamaha engine.

The new owner of Bull just told me he is donating the proceeds of the sale to victim restitution.

Judy