OnBoard Magazine - Issue XIII - 2021 Season

T he stunning 84’ convertible sportfisherman, Reel Development is the latest, and 2nd largest custom boat to ever be delivered by Jarrett Bay Boatworks. Originally commissioned by another owner, this build came available during the construction process and was snatched up by Tony Sydes and family, with Bluewater Sales Professional Clark Sneed overseeing the search and sale. This custom masterpiece blends classic methods with high-tech materials, as her traditional cold-molded hull is met with resin-infused composite deck components. The breathtaking satin cherry finishes throughout the interior hide a bevy of components, equipment and storage spaces that culminate in one of the most well- appointed, high-performance sportfish boats currently roaming the planet. According to Clark, Tony Sydes worked his way up through a Tiara express and a Viking 66C before getting serious about owning a custom-built sportfish. Although he had long been an admirer of a Jarrett Bay 53, he had quickly worked his way past a boat of that size! Clark explains that after buying the 66 and taking it to the Dominican Republic and Los Sueños in Costa Rica, the Sydes were already actively shopping around for their next rig. They were considering their options with who they considered to be the top echelon of custom builders. “We had contracts in hand. Tony left to fish in Costa Rica for a week and when he got back, he was going to decide on a builder. But then he called me while still down there and wanted to make an offer on the Jarrett Bay—a decision that worked out,” recalls Sneed. He explains Jarrett Bay was ultimately an easy choice for Sydes because it was the right place—the factory was close by, and he was able to engage deeply in the remainder of the construction process. Tony was able to visit his in-progress boat weekly—almost daily if he pleased. Plus, because the 84 already had the major power equipment installed, he would have the boat in-hand in less than half the wait than if he had commissioned a new build from scratch. ROOM TO ROAM By all accounts, the most striking aspect of the Reel Development are the copious amounts of space. At 84’ in length and boasting a 21’ 8” beam, there is an incredible amount of volume to meet all of the owners’ needs—with luxurious flair to boot. 84-foot Jarrett Bay custom-built for an other-worldly level of travel and sportfishing Photos by Luke Pearson & Sydes Family