Copyright © 2006 -2008 Schulz Boat Company
The next step up from the renowned Shannon 38 SRD, designed by Walt Schulz
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.
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.
Also, due to launch in the coming weeks are two older Shannons which will leave the shop with the "factory new" refurbishment certificate. The 38' ketch "Sooloo" and the 51' center cockpit "Pegasus" have been completely restored and refinished with all the latest equipment. Shannon's latest wooden restoration project finished with the sale and launch of the 41' Murray Peterson Schooner "Sara Jane".
Back at the shop, the Shannon crew is busy with the new 53 HPS, the 52 Global and a 35 Shoalsailer under construction. Our summer restoration projects include our 1930 William Hand Motorsailer, our 57' Elco Motoryacht that was once owned by the hotelier Howard Johnson, and our latest Shannon refurbishment job, a 38' ketch, Viking Rose.
We are also about to launch a new Custom Division....stay tuned for more details.
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.
Spring is a perfect time to visit Bristol and Newport as the weather is beautiful in New England. 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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