Phil Friedman News

Following its assessment of activity at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show, Dwight Tracy & Friends Yacht Sales announced expansion of its program for representing new construction shipyards, both in the U.S. and Europe. “The current strength of the euro against the U.S. dollar, and the current situation in our domestic new yacht market, makes this a time of opportunity for European yacht buyers in search of first-quality vessels. The key, however, to a successful buying experience is to have representation that is knowledgeable and experienced.

Palmer Johnson, Inc. announced this week the signing of a letter of intent to acquire two companies: Richman Marine, Inc., a worldwide yacht chandlery company, and Global Yacht Fuel Inc., an international fuel bunkering company. Both companies are based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. According to Palmer Johnson’s President and Chief Executive, Phil Friedman, the acquisitions expand the size and scope of Palmer Johnson’s On Call yacht chandlery and logistical support unit. With the latest acquisitions, Palmer Johnson On Call becomes one of the most comprehensive yacht service and support operations available.

The people of Palmer Johnson Yachts and family, friends and colleagues from around the world are mourning the loss of Chairman Emeritus Mike Kelsey, Sr., who died Sunday, July 21. Mike Kelsey, Sr., was large responsible for building the company into one of the world’s leading custom yacht brands, as a yacht builder and also a provider of yacht refit/repair services, brokerage, chandlery and related support services. Kelsey’s son, Mike Kelsey, Jr., who is now worldwide director of sales for the company, said “I am so lucky to have had him for a dad and teacher. He taught so many people about our business. Phil Friedman, current president and CEO of Palmer Johnson, said that Mike Kelsey represented the true spirit of Palmer Johnson. “We’re all very saddened,” he said.

Palmer Johnson Savannah and Atlantic Dry Dock Corp. have entered into a joint effort via a letter of intent for the establishment of Palmer Johnson @Atlantic (PJA) on the site of the 60-acre Atlantic Shipyard facility near Jacksonville, Fla. The new Palmer Johnson division will specialize in providing service and refit for yachts measuring 197 ft. (60 m) or larger. According to Phil Friedman, president and CEO of Palmer Johnson, the new venture will be able to haul, service and refit basically any yacht in the world. "The combination of Palmer Johnson's highly skilled finish craftsmanship and yacht project management expertise with Atlantic's extensive shipyard experience and facilities will produce a capability second to none in the world," Friedman said.

Palmer Johnson Savannah and Atlantic Dry Dock Corp. have entered into a joint effort via a letter of intent for the establishment of Palmer Johnson @Atlantic (PJA) on the site of the 60-acre Atlantic Shipyard facility near Jacksonville, Fla. The new Palmer Johnson division will specialize in providing service and refit for yachts measuring 197 ft. (60 m) or larger. According to Phil Friedman, president and CEO of Palmer Johnson, the new venture will be able to haul, service and refit basically any yacht in the world. "The combination of Palmer Johnson's highly skilled finish craftsmanship and yacht project management expertise with Atlantic's extensive shipyard experience and facilities will produce a capability second to none in the world," Friedman said.