Vintage Weekend at Ocean Reef Club

Ocean Reef Club Welcomes JFK's Presidential Yacht Beautifully restored Honey Fitz to be among the vintage conveyances on display.

KEY LARGO, Fla., October 22, 2012 – Vintage Weekend is a long-standing tradition at the legendary Ocean Reef Club showcasing some of the world’s finest classic and antique yachts, aircraft and automobiles. The renowned private club, located on 2,500 tropical acres in the Florida Keys, is one of the few destinations in the world that can offer a show of vintage conveyances from all three modes of transportation.

The 18th Annual Vintage Weekend, taking place from Thursday, November 29–December 2, 2012, will be particularly exciting event for yachting and history enthusiasts. Honey Fitz, a 92′3″ motor yacht, best known as the presidential yacht of John F. Kennedy, has been beautifully restored and will be in attendance for this special occasion. The classic motor yacht, now privately owned, has been completely refit and upgraded by Moores Marine. Built in 1931 and christened the Lenore, Kennedy renamed the yacht Honey Fitz, the nickname of his beloved grandfather, John Francis Fitzgerald, a two-time mayor of Boston. A life-long lover of the sea, Kennedy enjoyed the yacht with his family on the Potomac, and in Newport and Palm Beach. Honey Fitz, which served five presidents, is forever part of the lore of Camelot, and great care was taken in the restored to preserve her place in history. Although much of the vessel’s structure was replaced, her interior and galley remain very much the same as when Kennedy used her for meetings and getaways.

Honey Fitz will take her place alongside other classic yachts that gather each year for the prestigious show. Elegantly restored Trumpy Yachts and sport fishing yachts from Rybovich & Sons Boat Works are typical “fan favorites” among event spectators. Revered automobiles and an impressive collection of meticulously restored working aircraft round out the selection of exhibits.

The four-day celebration of antique and classic planes, automobiles and yachts brings together those who own and appreciate these conveyances, with a full schedule of social gatherings that include a tailgate party, road rally, champagne and ice cream social, fascinating lecture, vintage aircraft aerobatic show, dinner dance and awards presentation.

Though the renowned club is a private member-owned community, non-member guests are invited to experience Ocean Reef Club’s unique way of life through this one-of-a-kind event. For information and reservations on Ocean Reef Club’s Vintage Weekend experience, please call Member Events at 305-367-5874 or visit www.oceanreef.com/vintageweekend.