Yacht Rendezvous 2015 Media

The 20th Anniversary Celebration was perhaps one of the most memorable Rendezvous in our history. Thursday’s christening of the 142’ Status Quo kicked off the weekend’s activities- fireworks again lit up the Miami skyline. Admirals enjoyed an intimate dinner at the Golf Grille featuring Cartier’s private collection and tried their luck at Casino Royale. Golf cart decorating was a huge hit, including a visit by Presidents and the Pope. Friday’s White Party drew guests like Marilyn Monroe, Navy officials, Charlie and his Angels. The Village People lead the crowd to the YMCA, Gloria Gaynor reminded people “I Will Survive” and The Blues Brothers rocked the late night. The Von Allmens hosted Admiral Club members to a private party aboard the MY Lady Linda and were surprise inductees into the Dream Keepers Society. The creative black tie affair allowed the guests to be fun with their formal wear. New Admiral Club Members : Anna and Oscar Barbara, Don Davis and Gemma Adawi, Elizabeth Marie Fago, Sandi and Andrew Farkas, Fonda and Wayne Huizenga, Jr, Roryand Howard Meyers, Nancy and Walter Raquet and Jeanette and John Staluppi. A bidding war energized the auction: Leslie and Tom donated a charter aboard Cocktails and matched

Island attired guests are taken to a Polynesian island theme party. Guests participate with Club members at the Carnival and hilarious mini-NASCAR races. Guests toast the christening of the new “Lady Florence”. Jay Leno stops by. The Sabates’ are welcomed into the Dream Makers Society. Larry DeGeorge inspires 5-year pledges by Jim Mattei, Larry F. DeGeorge and Suzanne Neidland, Felix and Carolyn Sabates and Admirals Club donations by Robert Tomsich, Bill and Betty Jane France and Doug and Linda Von Allmen. Paul Castronovo emcees the weekend joined by the Burt Reynolds, Enrico Colantoni and supermodel Kim Alexis. Gloria Gaynor brings everyone to the dance floor performing “I Will Survive” and more. History is made proclaiming the Rendezvous the most successful fund-raiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs in all of America.

The 23rd Annual ShowBoats International Rendezvous was chaired by Christine Lynn and Tony Harris, along with Mr. & Mrs. Donald J. Trump as our honorary chairs. Rybovich Yacht Club was packed with beautiful mega yachts as the three days of “fun” raising begin. The festivities begin with the christening of John Rosatti’s beautiful 164’ Remember When. When his beautiful daughters and son smashed the christening bottle, the sky was filled with an incredible display of fireworks. Guests tasted incredible dishes from many of South Florida’s best restaurants and caterers as they hopped from yacht to yacht. Friday’s traditional pig roast was a real treat as guests joined dockside for another beautiful day. Chefs competed in the first Delightful Dockside Desserts contests. Quantum of Solace was definitely one of the crowd’s favorite. Guests dressed for the White Party as they partied the night away at the historic Whitehall Flagler Mansion and danced to Mark Riveria’s New York State of Mind which features members of the Billy Joel band. Special appearances by Princess Leia and Storm Troopers. Kerry Hallam, renowned artist, held a special art clinic for members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. Mar-a-Lago was the magical setting for the Formal Ball on Saturday evening. Admiral Club Members had an opportunity for a meet and greet with James Belushi and Dan Akroyd. Steve Mariano and Gene Reed try to outbid each other on many items; both winning a song onstage with the Blue Brothers. Don King. offers a special boxing package, Felix Sabates is headed to Madison Square Garden to see the fights. The Cases win Kerry Hallam’s commemorative Rendezvous masterpiece. The Blues Brothers rock the house and Rendezvous guests dressed in sunglasses and black hats dance everywhere including the stage. James Belushi and Dan Akroyd hit the after party with the Rendezvous guests making the 2010 Rendezvous one of the best.

“Seahawk” and “Aria” are officially christened. Dressed in their best disco gear, everyone boogied to the hits of KC and The Sunshine Band. Guests are dressed in their best for the Black and White Ball. Admirals Club welcomed Rick and Rita Case and Terry and Cindy Taylor. Rusty Wallace “races” on stage to auction off two of his racing suits. Martin Katz dazzled us with his jewels, reminding everyone that diamonds really are a girls best friend.

An evening Yacht Hop sets the festive party mood of the weekend. Late nights are had by all at Club Tangier. Grammy-award winning artist, Michael Bolton performs for guests. Larry DeGeorge announces the new Admirals Boys & Girls Club. Jim Belushi and the Sacred Hearts Band rock the room and bring everyone to their feet…and on stage! New members are welcomed to the Admirals Club including Al Rapetti, Mike and Arlette Baker, Tim and Tristina Elmes, Peter and Traci DeGeorge, Wayne and Marti Huizenga, Christine Lynn, and Cortright and Janice Wetherill. Atlantica is officially christened and later “unofficially” transformed into a karaoke stage as guests join Michael Bolton and Jim Belushi in a impromptu karaoke sing-off!

The event is sold with not even a single dock on the entire island. The DeGeorges kick-off the weekend in grand style to the excitement of toga-costumed guests. Oprah Winfrey shares inspiring words and Jim Mattei is inducted into the Admirals Club. Quin Machamer begins the last party with a major donation. New chairman, Claudette Bonville brings her enthusiasm and style to the event. The Rendezvous is named the most exciting yachting event in the world.

The Rendezvous returns toCat Cay to celebrate the 10th Anniversary. Weather attempts to interfere but does not stop the DeGeorges from again kicking-off the weekend. The marina is filled with more luxury yachts than ever at once on the island. Felix and Carolyn Sabates co-chair the event and continue to astound. Robert Tomsich is held in Ohio due to a snowstorm but “faxes” an Admiral Club contribution. Bahamian Junkanoo topped with a tremendous fireworks displayed under a full- moon create one of the most dramatic finale’ parties ever.

Fisher Island welcomes back the Rendezvous. Pajama-clad partyers kick off the first night’s party and dance the night away. The new Florence A DeGeorge Club is announced. The 50’s Swing Party and The Yacht Hop welcome guest to “hop” in a spectacular collection of mega-yachts. Robert Tomsich is inducted into the Admirals Club kicking off wild bidding at the Live Auction. Felix Sabates welcomes three new Admirals Club contributions by the Botts, Meyers, and Porters topping off a “magical” entertainment revue from Las Vegas

The “Fonz” Henry Winkler gives thumps up as the DeGeorges kick-off the weekend with a major contribution. Nascar drive, Kyle Petty leads a parade of guests on their motorcycles to center stage to announce the Bikers Ball; Bob Levine places a record-breaking bid in the history of the organization; Fisher Island is transformed into the Old West for a private performance by headliners Tanya Tucker, Johnny Paycheck, and Garry Morris.