OnBoard Magazine - Summer 2015

and they know ours intimately. When something goes wrong we are able to pull together as a team, seamlessly,” says Earle Hall. “This streamlines the build process, warranty related items, parts issues—if something comes up we know how to respond, quickly, and expedite solutions. The teamwork goes both ways, playing to each of our strengths. Viking has sent teams to us, just as we have sent teams to them and work well together. They have confidence in our ability to work on their product and that can make all the difference in getting things done quickly and with the most efficiency.” This kind of teamwork has been described time and again in the testimonials of satisfied customers and in the very pages of this magazine. CHERISHING IT ALL At the last Viking Dealer Meeting, Viking Yacht Company was celebrating their 50th Anniversary together with all their dealers. On stage were Bill Healey with his son Pat telling jokes and relating funny stories from all the years of their history—a history that is as much family as it is business. For Bluewater, watching the men on stage, this was witnessing a part of their own history. Bill Healey, respected mentor and Pat Healey, the friend with whom they grew up. On that stage was the embodiment of the development and maturity of the Viking Yacht Company. The man telling the story he had largely written, and the son directly behind him, ready and able to pick up the thread of that story at any moment. It was the picture of a company that has come full circle, and is poised to move forward successfully. Earle Hall expressed, “It was one of the most meaningful moments I have ever witnessed--being a part of that as a dealer— both pride in their accomplishment and excitement for what lies ahead. When it was over I knew we were in good hands moving forward.” Chris Hall felt it last fall, “Earle and I got aboard our new 62 Convertible up at Viking to bring it home to Bluewater when I realized something... As we cruised at speed I looked at Earle and said, ‘you know Earle, the last time you and I brought a boat home together it was 1985. We picked up the flagship Viking at the time, the 48, and remember—we thought it felt like a rocket ship. Now here we are after 30 years of technological advances and we really are on a rocket ship.” Wow. Thank you Viking, it’s been one helluva ride! “It was one of the most meaningful moments I have ever witnessed...” Building Their Legacies: Chris Hall, Sr. of Bluewater and Bill Healey of Viking Yachts RELICS & MEMORIES This is an original Viking bow emblem that the company eventually phased out in the early nineties. Bluewater staff used to remove them and fill the holes for owners who felt they could do without the extra adornments. Bluewater still has about ten in stock, though we’ve been told Viking no longer has any! Customer Dick Pond and his 46’ Viking, Peanut Patch helped Viking win the 2nd Annual Viking/Ocean Showdown hosted in Virginia Beach in 1985 22 BLUEWATER