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Hyde Sails 2024 - One Design

New flagship of the MJM fleet, the 53z Breeze

by MJM Yachts 21 Jul 2019 16:48 AEST
MJM 53Z © MJM Yachts

On a spectacular summer evening in front of dozens of MJM owners and friends the Reverend Mary Johnstone pronounced "I christen thee Breeze!" With that crack of the champagne bottle, MJM Founder Bob Johnstone and his wife made MJM's 53z the flagship of the fleet. What made the event extra special was the presence alongside of the very first MJM ever built, 34z #1 GRACE. Mary read the original blessing from the christening in August 2003.

Just days before, Mercury Marine clocked the 53z topping out at 51 mph with her quad Mercury Verado 400's. The boat also earned ISO CE Category A Ocean rating for its seaworthiness. Doug Zurn, her designer, and Scott Smith, CEO of Boston BoatWorks, joined the celebration looking like proud co-parents.

Learn more about the 53z here.

A Triumphant Week at the 12 Metre Worlds.

The 53z commissioning started MJM July Week in Newport, but the fun had just begun. Sixteen MJMs enjoyed VIP spectator status during the 12 Metre World Cup races where twenty-one 12 Metre yachts from around the globe raced in four divisions. 53z Breeze served as the Official Boat of the International Jury.

The Chairman of the Regatta, Peter Gerard had this to say in an email to Bob Johnstone:

"I would like to thank you and the whole MJM family for your support of the 2019 12 Metre World Championships. Not only where we able to wow the judges with their ride, but the quality of the spectator fleet was certainly impacted by the MJM owners fleet."

I would also ask you to pass on my thanks to your owners who were there. Not only did they "class up" the act, but they were also very helpful in managing the crowd by their example."

In addition to watching the racing, MJM owners had a great time rafting up at the beach between races, attending several 12M events including Newport's social event of the summer, the 12 Metre Gala at Marble House. There was socializing dock-side at Newport Shipyard for daily coffee and donuts under the tent, and an MJM owner's cocktail party hosted by East Coast Yacht Sales and McMichael Yacht Brokers.

Many, many thanks to those who made this week so memorable!

Plan ahead for these Fall Shows.

See the 53z Breeze and MJM fleet at the following fall shows:

Newport Int'l. Boat Show | September 13-16
Norwalk Boat Show | September 19-22
US Powerboat Show (Annapolis) | October 3-6
Ft. Lauderdale Int'l. Boat Show | October 30-November 3

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