Copyright © 2006 -2008 Schulz Boat Company
Currently under construction is the first Shannon 52 Global, being built for one of the most experienced and interesting couples that we have built a boat for in a while. Jodi and Bob Bitchin are well-known because of their Latitudes and Attitudes magazine and their great “everyone welcome” parties at the boat shows. Walt and Bob met at the boat shows several years ago and instantly recognized each other as kindred spirits . Besides looking like ex-bikers, Bob and Walt share a love of the sea. Starting in California, Bob and Jodi have sailed extensively in both the Pacific and Atlantic on a variety of boats. In conversations with serious cruisers in anchorages all over the world, Bob and Jodi heard that everyone’s dream boat for actually going somewhere was a Shannon. When it can time after selling their boat to find a replace, an oft-hand comment by Bob at this year’s Annapolis boat show resulted in the beautiful claret red 52’ hull sitting in our shop. The new Global 52 is the perfect boat for a knowledgeable sailing couple to go anywhere in the world in comfort and safety. The interior steering station gives all-weather capability, while the helm in the cockpit is perfect for nice days and nights.
If you would like more information, or a DVD when our new video on the 53HPS is finished, contact Bill Ramos and let him know.
Until the new video is finished, we will try to keep you updated here on this site with photographs on the construction progress of the Shannon 53HPS. We hope you'll visit us again.
The construction of the
Shannon 53HPS progresses...
(click this link)
(Far Left)After a complete refit, including engine rebuild and fuel tank replacement, 1984 Shannon 38 Hull #94 "Sooloo" is on her way back into the water with a Shannon Yachts Refurbishment Certificate. To her right is 1978 Shannon 38 #22 waiting to come into the shop for refurbishment.
(Left) Walt christens "Sooloo" with blackberry brandy
Our summer restoration projects include our 1930 William Hand Motorsailer, and our 57' Elco Motoryacht that was once owned by the hotelier Howard Johnson
We are also about to launch a new Custom Division....stay tuned for more details.
Save the date to visit us at the Annapolis Sailboat Show October 9-13. We’ll be in our usual spot behind Pusser’s Bar at the Marriott.
Bob is also interested in making his new Shannon innovative, and we will be incorporating the newest equipment from the best suppliers in the world. Bob is following the construction progress in his magazine, which is now available free online at www.latsandatts.com.
Representatives of all the different Shannon models are stored either right here or at boat yards close by, if you interest in an in-depth inspection. So if you would to schedule a Shannon shop tour anytime at your convenience, just contact Bill Ramos.
Shannon 52 Global
Shannon Classic Yacht Restoration
Shannon Refurbishment Program
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Besides Shannon's world-renowned bulletproof construction, our greatest asset for Bob is Shannon’s custom interior capabilities. As anyone who has meet him in person knows, Bob is a mountain of a man, and just like the tailors in Hong Kong, Walt used his tape measure to record Bob’s measurements. Bob does not fit in the standard spaces available on the typical production boat, but his Shannon will suit him perfectly, thanks to Walt’s custom interior layout plan.
In February, Bob & Jodi visited us for a few days our shop and they were thrilled with the way the interior was progressing after seeing the mock-up we built for them. As we frequently do this for our new owners, we believe that building lockers and cabinets from homosote creates real spaces so folks can get a feel for what their interior will look like before it is built. Below is the mock-up of Bob and Jodi's galley/ office space. There will be lots of storage in the galley, with an L-shaped high/low counter top. Across from the galley is Bob's office, where he will spend time writing for his magazine when he is not sailing.
Marsh and Fran worked with Walt Schulz of Shannon Yachts, then a new boat yard in Bristol, Rhode Island, to build Invictus. That dream became a reality after Invictus was christened, and two years later, Marsh and Fran set sail for their three-year odeyssey. Invictus is hull #12 and is famous as the first Shannon yacht to circumnavigate.
In 1998, Marsh and Fran decided that it was time Invictus passed on to new owners. For Mike and B.J. Strickland, Invictus fulfilled the dream of owning, re-fitting, and cruising a Shannon yachts in the Pacific and possibly beyond.
Gordon had dreamed of owning a cruising sailboat for 30 years, and with retirement on the horizon, seriously began looking for a suitable boat. He knew of Shannon's reputation for quality and seaworthiness, but on the Pacific Coast, they are rare. We believe it was fate that brought us together with Invictus. In December, Mike and B.J. entrusted her to us, and it is our hope and intention that we carry on the legacy of love and care shown her by the families before us.
As we re-christen Invictus we will all toast with blackberry brandy following the tradition of Walt Schulz when he christens his new boats."
"Gordon and I thank you for joining us today to celebrate the re-christening of Invictus, our Shannon ketch. Re-christenings are always a special occasion, and this one is no exception as it is 30 years and 32 days after Invictus was first launched and christened. But this occasion is all the more special because all three of her families are here today to wish her Godspeed in the next chapter of her life.
