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Catalina Yachts Announces Loss of CEO Frank W. Butler

We were sorry to receive the news this morning that one of California’s legendary boatbuilders has passed away. We’ve had the pleasure of working with Frank, his team and his dealers, as well as telling the stories of so many of his customers. Many of our readers started in one of his Catalina 22s and moved on to sail the Delta or cruise in the Baja Ha-Ha aboard one of the thousands of boats he built. We received the following from Catalina this morning:

“It is with great sadness that we announce that Frank Willis Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away November 15, 2020, in Westlake Village, CA, due to unexpected complications from a recent illness. We extend our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Frank’s family. Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult time.

“A sailing icon and industry ‘kingspoke’, Frank Butler has introduced hundreds of thousands of people to sailing during his lifetime. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Frank have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Frank leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Catalina Yachts.”

“Born in California in 1928, Frank’s line of popular sailboats put more than 85,000 Catalinas on the water throughout the yachting world. His boatbuilding career began in 1962, when he contracted with a Southern California builder for a 21’ daysailer. The builder was unable to finish the boat, and gave Butler the tooling. He completed building the boat himself, found he enjoyed the process, and agreed to take over the company.

“A few years later he founded Catalina Yachts, which has grown to become the largest builder of fiberglass production sailboats in the United States, a position it holds to this day.

“A key to Butler’s success in the sailboat industry was his attention to Catalina customers. Handling warranty issues himself, owners were nearly always surprised and reassured to get a personal call from Frank to discuss their concerns.

“Butler was inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame in 2013. In recognition of his support of the Congressional Cup, a world match racing event, Long Beach Yacht Club awarded him the Crimson Blazer. He was also a founder and lifelong member of the Westlake Yacht Club in Westlake, CA.

“Awakening the joy of sailing for so many people in past generations, Frank Butler’s sailing legacy will certainly continue well into future generations.”

27 Comments

I was Harbor Patrol at White’s Landing on Catalina Isle in 2001 and 2002. Frank sailed in in his dark blue Catalina 42 named THE BUTLER DID IT and I put him on a mooring next to my sailboat. Great Guy but 3 days later he motored off the mooring in some wind and caught the mooring wand in his prop. I put a knife in my teeth and dove in the water like Tarzan and cut him free……Frank gave me a $50.00 tip……folks that knew him said NO WAY…..But Frank did indeed tip me……A very nice man and I am sorry to hear he passed.

He brought an awful lot of boats to an a awful lot of people and that is a great thing. Rest in peace Frank Butler your boat will sail forever.

Before Catalina Yachts there were the Coronado boats. A beat up Coronado 25 got me around the Bay, into racing, into the Singlehanded Sailing Society, every sail I’ve sailed since 1971. When we had 20 Coronado 25s on the YRA start line and more at the Nationals Frank Butler cheered us on, supported out-of-production boats, and showed up at the Southern California events. I see a Coronado 25 out sailing from time to time and reflect back on those early sailing days. — Pat Broderick, “CIBOLA” #37368

Thanks for that post, Pat. I started in a Coronado 25, too,” Our Boat “ before moving on to an Olson 25 (Vivace) and an Express 37 (Elan). It was the Coronado 25 Nationals at the old St. Francis that got me hooked on racing. Yes, we had a huge fleet, especially compared to anything other than the J-24 and J-105’s.

My family moved to Westlake Village in early 1968. I went to high school with Frank’s sons, Dave and Bob. In 1969 we bought a Coronado 15, (US 379) from him and raced it extensively. During the summer, Frank gave several of us small jobs at his factory in North Hollywood. He was a taskmaster to be sure, but a great guy. I clearly recall at the age of 14, negotiating with “Mr. Butler” for a used $300.00 trailer for our boat that he had at the factory. I remember we went ’round and ’round for nearly an hour on the price. I think he considered it a sporting event, as he was normally way too busy to be haggling with a 14 year-old kid over a trailer. I look back on that and really get a good laugh. It was an honor to know him! My most sincere condolences to Dave, Bob and the rest of the Butler family.

Yes!!! He was a negotiator for sure! Lol

I fell in love with sailing upon purchasing my first boat, a 20-year-old Catalina 30 in 2003. From there, I moved up to a beautiful 2005 Anniversary Edition Catalina 36, and then the 400. All were great boats and held their value well. Even after eventually moving up to a Tayana 52, I still consider the Catalina 36′ the best boat I had for light-breeze cruising off Santa Barbara’s coast. Simply put, the happiest days of this sailor’s life was never the day I sold a Catalina! Frank Butler made sailing affordable for the masses, and I’ve always heard great things about him as a person. Fair winds, following seas, and Godspeed, sir.

loved our Catalina 38. Fond memories. RIP Chris Clothier for Don Clothier

An icon just passed on. Catalina Yachts makes beautiful, practical boats at a price affordable for anyone who gets the sailing bug thanks to Mr. Butler. In terms of value for your dollar, excellent layouts and sea worthiness it is hard if not impossible to beat what Catalina offers.

I visited their factory about 15-20 years ago right around the time the company had started the process of moving production to Florida to get out from under the punitive and outrageous dictates of the California bureaucrats. What a sad loss of such an outstanding company to the California economy.

The company’s dedication to customer service was top notch!

He was responsible for more sailors than any other man I know. He will be missed!

Our family had three catalinas, two of which are still in Alameda named the Irish Lady. My father was a huge fan. We had the pleasure of taking it to Hawaii in the Pac Cup as well. RIP Mr. Butler as you in fact, did do it (Right)

My husband and I did indeed start our sailing education in a Catalina 22 at Tradewinds Sailing School in Richmond, slowly working our way up the fleet through Catalina 27s and 30s to the racer/cruiser classic Catalina 38. We loved sailing the 38 so much that a few years later we bought our own. Your boats have made a lot of people happy, Frank. Rest in peace.

Frank was an icon in the industry. I worked for him in Woodland Hills as his Purchasing Manager and then under Sharon Day as a Marketing Manager. During my time at Catalina Yachts I learned more about business than any school could ever teach me. He was hard boss and expected the best out of you always. I will always look up to him, a great mentor, a tough boss but always fair. I feel honored to have worked for him and I will always miss him.

Frank Butler designed and built sailboats for the masses. I have a Catalina 30 and a Coronado 15. Both are well built, easy to work on and have tremendous support. Mr. Butler has a legacy that is unmatched. RIP Mr. Butler.

The passing of an era. My first keel boat was a 1976 C22. I found ‘Hope’ abandoned in the backwaters of Tiburon. She had a horrible ‘baby-shit yellow’ paint job, a bent boom, and was filled with duck shit. For $1500 she and a non-functioning (but over time cost more than the boat in storage fees) trailer were my companions for several years. After I destroyed the keel trunk and keel lockdown bolt, I called Catalina for advice and to purchase replacement parts. Mr. Butler got on the line and spoke with me for 30 minutes or so. He sent me new keel pivot shoes and bolts for free and advised me to look into some of his larger boats should I continue to sail outside the GGB. To this day, the sea is my church and the boat is my alter. Thank you, Mr. Butler, for helping me find the way. Fair Winds and Following Seas Sir.

So nice to have a man in this world so passionate about sailing and building boats for such a long time. I know Catalina Yachts introduced and made sailing happen for so many people! I never met Frank Butler but will always respect what he did for boating!

So many wonderful times spent on our Cat.34. We raced, cruised and just spent the night on her for 10 years. Thanks Frank !

Frank Butler was an honorable man!

We purchased a “1967 DOLPHIN 26” in 1994, and nobody, including Lat/38, could give us any information about the boats origins, Richard suggested that I contact Frank Butler to see what he could tell me. A long story ensued, as Frank knew a lot! The short version is that some guys approached him for advice in starting to get into the boat building business with something larger that the Coronado 25 Frank was then building. Being a good guy he lent them a Coronado 25 to help them get to a good starting place. Those guys evidently used the boat to make a plug or a mold, changed the shape of the bow to resemble the snout of a dolphin which added about a foot, and went into the boat building business in competition with Frank with the DOLPHIN-26. Frank described them as “not honorable men” and wouldn’t say anything more derogatory about them. We can all learn from a guy who lived with that kind of attitude! I finally got a chance to meet him in SanDiego at the Catalina 25 Nationals in 2011. He was still involved with everything Catalina and enjoyed mixing and chatting with sailors and racers.

Frank Butler is an icon in production boat history, I bought a 1989 Catalina 42 in 2012 that I’m still sailing in the South Pacific and have logged over 25,000 Nautical Miles. A great boat, fast and lively with every inch of her well designed. I believe the Catalina 42 with swim step was the prototype for all the modern cruiser/racers. Catalina’s are highly regarded in New Zealand and Australia, a huge compliment to any designer/ boat builder. Fair Winds, Frank.

in 1998 i had a fueltankleak in my catalina 36 due to poor design of the platform I wrote a letter to Catalina and complained about it and then about a week later I received a call at 8:30 at night on a Friday night from Frank Butler saying that he would make things right for me That is why the company was so successful a hard-working CEO

Fair winds! Bought a 380 and in the process spoke with him before and afterwards. An icon.

Frank Butler was a Titan among ordinary people like us. Even with his enormous and longstanding success, he never forgot who he was, nor thought of others as less. He was an honest and honorable man whose word was better than gold. I had the honor and pleasure of meeting with him once a month for several years as we served together on the Channel Islands Harbor Association of Lessees Board. Rest in peace, Frank. Rest among the Gods where you belong.

When I was about 7 my parents bought a house right on the Chesapeake Bay and sent us to SSA sailing school in Annapolis, MD. Then at 11 years old my parents decided we three kids were pretty proficient sailors so bought a few boats and eventually Catalina 27 named Flight One. We enjoyed sailing as a family on the bay. It was just the perfect sailboat for a family of five to do day sailing. My brother eventually convinced my Dad he could sail it and took the boat to Ft Lauderdale, Florida . Thanks to the Butlers and the Catalina Company for introducing us to big boat sailing too. I’m now a member of MYC in Melbourne and thinking about my next big boat!! Maybe it’ll be bigger than the 27’ my dad had!

We kept our Catalina 22 in Dana Point for almost thirty years. It was a great day sailor that provided innumerable memories and great times. Thanks Mr. Butler. Sail on———

We have owned Catatinas since 1982. We had a ’77 C-30 that we bought in 1982. We then bought a new C-36 in 1987. And when I had a minor warranty issue I too received a personal phone call from Frank Butler. He was very gracious and wanted to get the details so Gerry Douglas would address the issue. We now own a Catalina 42. We could not be happier. Thanks for Great Boating Frank, Fair Winds Always to you. You built great affordable boats.

Frank built me a Finn , which is an Olympic class, at his first factory, Wesco, in north Hollywood. I believe he only made 1 and I had the opportunity to race it at Lake Arrowhead Yacht Club and all over Southern California. After the Finn I purchased a Coronado 15 and raced it at Westlake Yacht Club. Frank gave up his display building in Westlake to sell boats and thats how Westlake Yacht club got started and is still there today. A great guy. RIP.

My family and I bonded deeply over many a sail in our Catalina 25 pop top. Our best times were sailing to Catalina Island where we were met by a Blue whale and her calf and hundreds of dolphins as we crossed the channel. Thanks Frank for those wonderful experiences. You will be missed.

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The crew at 48° North was saddened to learn that the founder and CEO of Catalina Yachts, Frank Butler, passed away on November 15.

In 1969 Frank Butler built the first Catalina sailboat, the Catalina 22, in North Hollywood, California. His hope was to sell 300 hulls if all went well. By 1975, he’d far exceeded that number, as hull number 5,000 was completed. Since then, the Catalina 22 has become known as the boat that launched the pocket-cruising trailerable class and 15,000 hulls have rolled out of various facilities. It also launched Butler and Catalina into the boat building record books.

The 22 was the beginning of what would be many successful Catalina Yachts for Butler and his burgeoning company. Soon to follow was the Catalina 27, which sailor Patrick Childress completed a two-and-a-half-year, singlehanded circumnavigation on in 1982. Next came the Catalina 25, 30, 36, and on and on to the present day flagship, the Catalina 545. Over 85,000 Catalina Yachts have been built since that first 22 and if you haven’t owned one, you’ve certainly sailed on one or have at least shared a marina or anchorage with one.

Having raced on a Catalina Capri 25, taught sailing lessons on Capri 22s, and test-sailed numerous models in my capacity as a magazine editor for various publications, I’ve always been struck by how the boats were thoughtfully designed for common sailing families, and customer service was paramount. It’s said that if you bought a Catalina and called the company with any sort of issue, the man who picked up the phone was often its owner, Frank Butler.

“If there are problems, I want to know about them,” Butler once remarked. “Plus, anyone who buys a Catalina is part of the Catalina family. They can call me any time.” That family approach was a hallmark of Butler’s business philosophy and boat designs back in 1969 as much as it is today, and is an enduring part of his legacy. Sail on, Frank.

Catalina Yachts today issued the following statement:

It is with great sadness that we announce that Frank Willis Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away November 15, 2020 in Westlake Village, CA, due to unexpected complications from a recent illness. We extend our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Frank’s family. Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult time.

Born in California in 1928, Frank’s line of popular sailboats put more than 85,000 Catalinas on the water throughout the yachting world. His boatbuilding career began in 1962, when he contracted with a Southern California builder for a 21-foot daysailer. The builder was unable to finish the boat, and gave Butler the tooling. He completed building the boat himself, found he enjoyed the process, and agreed to take over the company.

A few years later he founded Catalina Yachts, which has grown to become the largest builder of fiberglass production sailboats in the United States, a position it holds to this day.

A key to Butler’s success in the sailboat industry was his attention to Catalina customers. Handling warranty issues himself, owners were nearly always surprised and reassured to get a personal call from Frank to discuss their concerns.

Butler was inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame in 2013. In recognition of his support of the Congressional Cup, a world match racing event, Long Beach Yacht Club awarded him the  Crimson Blazer.  He was also a founder and lifelong member of the Westlake Yacht Club in Westlake, CA.

Following his graduation from Glendale High School, he served in the US Navy. He met his wife, Jean, at a school dance; they recently celebrated their 71st anniversary.

Frank is survived by Jean, their four daughters, Deborah Reese, Mary Linn, Nancy Bear, and Karen Butler; three sons, David, Robert and Steve; 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Awakening the joy of sailing for so many people in past generations, Frank Butler’s sailing legacy will certainly continue well into in future generations.

Andy Cross is the editor of 48° North. After years cruising the Pacific Northwest and Alaska with his family aboard their Grand Soleil 39, Yahtzee, they sailed south and are currently in the Caribbean Sea. You can follow their adventures at SailingYahtzee.com.

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ASA Remembers Catalina Yachts Found Frank Butler

By: Lenox Grasso American Sailing Association

The sailing world has lost an icon. Frank Willis Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away on 15 Nov 2020 at age 92 in Westlake Village, CA. Frank founded Catalina Yachts in North Hollywood, CA, in 1969. Now headquartered in Largo, FL, but with offices still in Woodland Hills, CA, Catalina Yachts has grown to become the largest manufacturer of production fiberglass sailboats in the United States, floating more than 85,000 yachts to date. In his lifetime, Frank Butler has introduced hundreds of thousands of people to the sport of sailing.

Born in Glendale, CA, in 1928, Frank began his career in the U.S. Navy and then went to college in 1948, but it wasn’t for him. Instead, he opened his own machine shop called Wesco Tool where he enjoyed great success making airplane parts. In 1949, Frank met and married his wife of 71 years, Jean, and started a family that would eventually lead to seven children. Frank’s career as a sailor began in the late 1950s on dinghies. As his family grew, he needed a bigger boat! In 1959, Frank contracted with Henry McCune Shipbuilders to build a Victory 21 sloop, designed by naval architect Ted Carpenter. McCune ran out of funds so he gave Frank the tooling to continue building his boat by himself. By 1962, Frank had built 126 Victory 21s that led to founding his next company, Wesco Marine, in 1964.

In 1966, Frank changed Wesco Marine into Coronado Yachts and built the Coronado 25. This was Frank Butler’s first notable boat design, incorporating his knowledge from his work in the airplane industry at Wesco Tool. In 1967, Frank purchased Columbia Yachts and then sold Coronado Yachts in 1968. Finally, after its founding in 1969, Catalina Yachts shifted all manufacturing rights out of Wesco Marine, which still exists today as a supplier of rigging hardware for Catalina Yachts. Once at Catalina, the Victory 21 was rebranded as the Catalina Capri 21 Victory. By 1977, Frank had designed and manufactured the Catalina 25, Catalina 27, and Catalina 30. In 1978, along came the Catalina 38, based on molds for a Sparkman and Stephens tumblehome racing design from the bankrupt Yankee Yacht Company. Later, in 1984, Frank expanded Catalina’s manufacturing capabilities by acquiring Morgan Yachts. Frank insisted upon continuing to use the company’s brand name for his Catalina Morgan 440 introduced in 2004.

In 1989, Frank helped to transform the Congressional Cup in Long Beach, CA into one of the world’s premiere sailing competitions by designing, building, and donating eleven Catalina 37 yachts to the Long Beach Yacht Club for their annual Congressional Cup match race. The Catalina 37s, specifically built for match racing, have been sailed in every Congressional Cup since 1990. Most recently, Frank acquired the tooling and manufacturing rights to build the True North line of Downeast Maine-style powerboats. The redesigned True North 34 was just introduced at the Miami International Boat Show in Feb 2020.

At Catalina Yachts, Frank Butler brought to market good quality boats at reasonable prices that were intended for all sailboat enthusiasts to enjoy. He was the kind of man who, if he boarded your yacht at a Catalina Rendezvous and found a 10-year-old deck brace missing, would ask you if he could install a replacement at his expense. He was the kind of man who, if he noticed at haul-out that your Catalina 42 had bottom blisters, would arrange to have the entire bottom redone with vinyl ester, no questions asked. Catalina owner Arthur Ciancio writes it best, “Frank Butler was a straight-up honorable man who took pride in what he made. He’s an inspiration to everyone and we miss him”.

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Catalina Yachts Announces Loss of CEO Frank W. Butler

It is with great sadness that we announce that Frank Willis Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away November 15, 2020 in Westlake Village, CA, due to unexpected complications from a recent illness. We extend our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Frank's family. Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult time.

A sailing icon and industry “kingspoke”, Frank Butler has introduced hundreds of thousands of people to sailing during his lifetime. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Frank have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Frank leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Catalina Yachts.

Born in California in 1928, Frank’s line of popular sailboats put more than 85,000 Catalinas on the water throughout the yachting world. His boatbuilding career began in 1962, when he contracted with a Southern California builder for a 21’ daysailer. The builder was unable to finish the boat, and gave Butler the tooling. He completed building the boat himself, found he enjoyed the process, and agreed to take over the company.

 A few years later he founded Catalina Yachts, which has grown to become the largest builder of fiberglass production sailboats in the United States, a position it holds to this day.

 A key to Butler’s success in the sailboat industry was his attention to Catalina customers. Handling warranty issues himself, owners were nearly always surprised and reassured to get a personal call from Frank to discuss their concerns.

Butler was inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame in 2013. In recognition of his support of the Congressional Cup, a world match racing event, Long Beach Yacht Club awarded him the Crimson Blazer. He was also a founder and lifelong member of the Westlake Yacht Club in Westlake, CA.

Following his graduation from Glendale High School, he served in the US Navy. He met his wife, Jean, at a school dance; they recently celebrated their 71st anniversary.

Frank is survived by Jean, their four daughters, Deborah Reese, Mary Linn, Nancy Bear, and Karen Butler; three sons, David, Robert and Steve; 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Awakening the joy of sailing for so many people in past generations, Frank Butler’s sailing legacy will certainly continue well into in future generations.

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News | Catalina Yachts founder Frank Butler dies at 92

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By Jo Murray,

Contributing writer

Frank Willis Butler, president and CEO of Catalina Yachts who helped transform Long Beach’s Congressional Cup into one of the world’s premier sailing competitions, died this week from unexpected complications from a recent illness. He was 92.

Butler, who founded Catalina Yachts in 1969, died Sunday, Nov. 15, at Westlake Village, his company said in statement.

Catalina Yachts, now headquartered in Florida but with offices in Woodland Hills, has grown to become the largest builder of fiberglass production sailboats in the United States, the company said.

“A sailing icon and industry ‘kingspoke,’ Frank Butler has introduced hundreds of thousands of people to sailing during his lifetime,” the company said in its statement. “Frank leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Catalina Yachts.”

In 1989, Butler designed, built and donated 11 Catalina 37s to the Long Beach Yacht Club for its annual Congressional Cup match race, which began in 1965, and other sailing competitions.

The yachts first saw action in 1990 and they’ve been used in every Congressional Cup since. The Yacht Club canceled the 2020 Congressional Cup because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, but the next iteration — also featuring Butler’s Catalina 37s — is set for May 11 to 16.

“Frank Butler,” said Yacht Club Commodore Charles Legeman, “is the one person who helped take Congressional Cup to the top level in the world by his donation of the Catalina 37s, which were specifically built for match racing.”

For his efforts, Butler received the Crimson Blazer — which, much like the Green Jacket at golf’s Masters tournament, goes to the Congressional Cup winner — from the Long Beach Yacht Club.

The Long Beach stop in the California Dreamin’ Series is also named the Butler Cup in his honor.

“I’ve seen many happy faces aboard Catalina Yachts sailboats,” said Long Beach Port pilot Bob Blair. “The Catalina Yachts’ various fleets are enjoyed on the waters around the world. “

Blair attributed sailing’s popularity growth to Butler, noting that he introduced hundreds of thousands of people to the activity.

Butler’s company has put more than 85,000 Catalinas on the water, Catalina Yachts said in its statement.

“Awakening the joy of sailing for so many people in past generations,” the company said, “Frank Butler’s sailing legacy will certainly continue well into in future generations.”

Frank Willis Butler was born in California in 1928 and graduated from Glendale High School, according to his company. He met his future wife, Jean, at a school dance. The couple recently celebrated their 71st anniversary.

Butler then joined the United States Navy.

In 1962, Butler contracted with a Southern California builder for a 21-foot sailboat. But after the builder couldn’t complete the work, Catalina Yachts said, finished the work himself.

Butler “found he enjoyed the process,” Catalina Yachts said, “and agreed to take over the company.”

He founded Catalina Yachts in 1970 in North Hollywood.

Four years later, Butler relocated the company to Woodland Hills. The company entirely relocated its manufacturing to Florida more than a decade ago.

In 2013, Butler was inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame.

Butler is survived by his wife, Jean Butler; their four daughters, Deborah Reese, Mary Linn, Nancy Bear and Karen Butler; three sons, David, Robert and Steve; and 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

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Catalina Yachts Announces Loss of CEO Frank W. Butler

As we were finishing up this week’s Cruising Compass, this sad news came in about the single most prolific sailboat builder in American history.

Woodland Hills, CA – November 15, 2020 – Catalina Yachts today issued the following statement:
It is with great sadness that we announce that Frank Willis Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away November 15, 2020 in Westlake Village, CA, due to unexpected complications from a recent illness. We extend our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Frank’s family. Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult time.
    A sailing icon and industry “kingspoke”, Frank Butler has introduced hundreds of thousands of people to sailing during his lifetime. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Frank have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Frank leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Catalina Yachts.
    Born in California in 1928, Frank’s line of popular sailboats put more than 85,000 Catalinas on the water throughout the yachting world. His boatbuilding career began in 1962, when he contracted with a Southern California builder for a 21’ daysailer. The builder was unable to finish the boat, and gave Butler the tooling. He completed building the boat himself, found he enjoyed the process, and agreed to take over the company.
    A few years later he founded Catalina Yachts, which has grown to become the largest builder of fiberglass production sailboats in the United States, a position it holds to this day.

Sandy Parks

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In Memoriam: Frank W. Butler

WOODLAND HILLS—Catalina Yachts announced the death of its CEO, Frank Willis Butler. Butler died on Nov. 15. He was 92.

Catalina Yachts issued the following statement and eulogy:

“It is with great sadness that we announce that Frank Willis Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away November 15, 2020 in Westlake Village, CA, due to unexpected complications from a recent illness. We extend our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Frank’s family. Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult time.

A sailing icon and industry ‘kingspoke,’ Frank Butler has introduced hundreds of thousands of people to sailing during his lifetime. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Frank have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Frank leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Catalina Yachts.

Born in California in 1928, Frank’s line of popular sailboats put more than 85,000 Catalinas on the water throughout the yachting world. His boatbuilding career began in 1962, when he contracted with a Southern California builder for a 21-foot daysailer. The builder was unable to finish the boat and gave Butler the tooling. He completed building the boat himself, found he enjoyed the process, and agreed to take over the company.

A few years later he founded Catalina Yachts, which has grown to become the largest builder of fiberglass production sailboats in the United States, a position it holds to this day.

A key to Butler’s success in the sailboat industry was his attention to Catalina customers. Handling warranty issues himself, owners were nearly always surprised and reassured to get a personal call from Frank to discuss their concerns.

Butler was inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame in 2013. In recognition of his support of the Congressional Cup, a world match racing event, Long Beach Yacht Club awarded him the  Crimson Blazer.  He was also a founder and lifelong member of the Westlake Yacht Club in Westlake, CA.

Following his graduation from Glendale High School, he served in the US Navy. He met his wife, Jean, at a school dance; they recently celebrated their 71st anniversary.

Frank is survived by Jean, their four daughters, Deborah Reese, Mary Linn, Nancy Bear, and Karen Butler; three sons, David, Robert and Steve; 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Awakening the joy of sailing for so many people in past generations, Frank Butler’s sailing legacy will certainly continue well into in future generations.”

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> > Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums. 01-12-2020, 18:25   Yachts, passes away a couple weeks ago at the age of 92. I did a quick CF search and did not find the news but perhaps others posted. He put over 85,000 on the , including 1972 C22 1234, my very first . I talked to him once when I called with some crazy question I don't remember and would probably be embarrassed to admit I asked. A lot of dreams were launched along with those . Peter to follow along 01-12-2020, 18:55   Boat: Jeanneau 41 DS was a 16 and when I toured the plant in the guide actually showed the original blue prints of 104. They were friendly and great folks to with back in 1999. That plant has since closed due to strict environmental laws. Thank you Mr Butler for that little boat that brought years of joy. God Bless Abe , Thread Tools Rate This Thread : Posting Rules post new threads post replies post attachments edit your posts is are code is are are are Similar Threads Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post isy43 Multihull Sailboats 3 30-01-2011 11:05 Interstategypsy Flotsam & Sailing Miscellany 7 12-08-2008 13:32 - - - - - - - Privacy Guaranteed - your email is never shared with anyone, opt out any time. Arizona Yacht Club Members Remember Boat Builder – Frank Butler The sailing world lost a legend last month. On November 15th Frank Butler, president and CEO of Catalina Yachts, died at age 92. Butler’s company has put more than 85,000 Catalinas on the water since it’s beginning in 1969. Can any of us imagine a world without the Catalina brand boat? There are over 70 Catalinas owned within AYC and ASF. Without Frank, there would be no C14.2 fleet on TTL and no C22 Fleet, Catalina 25s, 27s, 270s or other Catalinas on Lake Pleasant. And for many members, over the years, no Long Beach Race Week on the C37s. I recently learned that the C37s were built and donated by Frank to the Long Beach Yacht Club in 1989 for the Congressional Cup. As a past Catalina Yacht owner and having raced a C37 in Long Beach Race Week, the news of Franks passing piqued my interest in his life and how he started his exemplary business. You can read more through the links below. Last weekend I was informed that a few folks in our club knew Frank personally and these relationships, with such a man, are certainly worth sharing. Member Joyce Seale served as the Secretary-Treasurer of the Catalina National Sailing Association for six years and promoted the Catalina 22 nationally. She first met Frank in 1979 when another AYC member bought a C38. After Frank came to a club meeting to thank Joyce publicly, he helped get her C22 Hermetically Sealed packaged up and gave her the details of the freight forwarder he used. She remembers delivering it to the dock and paying for the shipping, which turned out to be so cheap she now wonders if Frank paid for part of it. Tom Errickson, member and owner of the Sailboat Shop at Scorpion Bay, had this to say about Frank, “Frank Butler was an inspiration to many people, including myself. Without the high quality and service standards for Catalina and Capri products’ I would not have lasted over 30 years in the sailboat business. Frank was a unique individual, and he would always offer a hand up to people he appreciated. Many individuals in the boating industry today were bolstered by his support. “Frank came to an AYC General Membership Meeting to thank AYC Staff Commodore Joyce Seale for her service with the Catalina 22 National Sailing Association. Before her move to New Zealand, Frank showed his gratitude again and helped Joyce get her boat shipped. “Frank and his wife of over 50 years helped raise about a dozen foster children. Generosity, thoughtfulness, fairness, and compassion were traits that defined Frank Butler. For many sailors, his passing is a loss that will continue to ripple through the sailing world and boat industry.” Dennis Lynde worked for Frank at the Woodland Hills factory as the Catalina Service and Parts Manager. Below is the story of his relationship with Frank. “I was working for a dealer of Franks in Marina Del Rey when they went out of business. Frank remembered me from several of our parts discussions about Catalinas and offered me the job as Parts Manager and Customer Service Manager at Catalina Yachts. This offer came as a huge surprise to me, but I packed up and moved to the factory location in Woodland Hills. “I was in charge of warranty and customer service, getting parts shipped to customers and dealers, and giving factory tours. One of the amazing things I did each day after lunch was to bring defective parts up to Frank’s office. I met with Frank, Jerry Douglas, and the plant manager to discuss why a part had failed: Was it our warranty if we built it, the manufacturer’s warranty, and what was needed to remedy the situation? Frank would get the customer’s names and call them back personally, and sometimes well into the night – to make sure their issues got resolved. It’s hard to find a CEO of any large manufacturing plant that does that for his customers. I was in awe of the care he took with his boats and his people. “The factory was clean and awesome – a former Titan missile factory – and they used the cranes to move boats around on the assembly lines. Frank had his sail loft, run by Ullman sails, and a wood manufacturing facility. He made his own cushions, and the spars and rigging were all done on-site. He also owned Garhauer marine, which manufactured the blocks and hardware. He hired Sharon Day as his vice president to help make his boats more appealing to women, pick better fabrics, and offer amenities they would enjoy. And with Jerry Douglas as his engineer and designer to upgrade his boats, he was always trying to think ahead. Frank did for sailing what Henry Ford did for automobiles. “Without Catalina Yachts, which also built Capri sailboats, I know of at least three fleets in Arizona Yacht Club that would have never existed. I owned C-22s, a C-25, and now a Capri 14.2. “Frank was a pretty wonderful man and raised many foster children. He put on a gruff exterior until you sat down and got to know him a little. He will be missed by so many and certainly by me.” Eight Bells Tribute in Scuttlebutt Sailing News Sailor Transformed Hobby Into Business – Wall Street Journal Article Cruising at 80 – A special feature article in the May 2008 issue of Cruising World. Frank also enjoyed cars and he shares a bit about them in this fun read! Below are a few AYC members having fun on Catalinas. Thank you Frank Butler! Share this: CLASSIFIEDS NEWSLETTERS SUBMIT NEWS Catalina Yachts announces loss of CEO Frank W. Butler Related Articles BOAT OF THE YEAR Newsletters Sailboat Reviews Boating Safety Sails and Rigging Maintenance Sailing Totem Sailor & Galley Living Aboard Destinations Gear & Electronics Charter Resources Ultimate Boat Giveaway End of an Era at Catalina Yachts By Cruising World Editors Updated: December 22, 2020 Changes are afoot at Catalina Yachts, America’s largest sailboat builder. Longtime designer and company executive Gerry Douglas has announced that after 45 years with the company, he plans to retire in 2021. Douglas’ work over the years includes more than 40 designs and the construction of some  60,000 boats built by Catalina in both the California and Florida manufacturing facilities. Douglas said he will be on hand to finish several ongoing projects, and that a future management team is being assembled. Company founder and owner, Frank Butler, passed away in November. “I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to do what I love every working day of my life,” said Douglas in a release issued by Catalina this week. “But what is most important to me are the relationships I’ve enjoyed with marine industry colleagues, as well as passionate Catalina owners throughout the world.” The Catalina announcement continues: “Douglas says a few of the high points of his career include his first boat designed in 1982, the Catalina 36, of which 2,305 were built. “Most recently, the Catalina 545, now the flagship of the Catalina fleet, was the overall winner of the 2020 Industry Boat of the Year Award for Cruising World magazine. “Bookended by those two designs, Douglas delivered the 445 and the 425. Over the course of his long career, his designs won more than 13 Boat of the Year awards, and multiple Best Boat awards from Sail Magazine. “Gerry Douglas will always be appreciative to the late Frank Butler, founder of Catalina Yachts, for giving him the chance to pursue a long and fulfilling career in yacht design and manufacturing. “His retirement plans include continuing his work on the Public Arts Commission, yacht club committees, cycling, sailing, racing, cruising and spending time in Florida and at his cottage on the coast of Maine.” More: catalina yachts , people More People Off Watch: School Daze For Sale: 2003 Saga 48 Celebrating 40 Years of the ARC Passage Report: Sailing Totem Finds Aloha Paradise Pummeled A Guide to Cruising Paperwork A Superyacht Approach at Southerly Yachts Digital Edition Customer Service Privacy Policy Terms of Use Email Newsletters Cruising World Sailing World Salt Water Sportsman Sport Fishing Wakeboarding Two Billionaire Mega Yachts Just Collided Off The Coast Of Italy Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Two of the world’s most famous luxury yachts owned by a pair of the richest people in the world collided in a fender-bender accident while anchored off the coast of Naples, Italy this week. Mexican billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego's luxury yacht, Lady Moura, on July 5, 2023 . Mexican retail and broadcasting billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego took to Instagram Wednesday to share a video of a sleek boat drifting toward his mega yacht Lady Moura as crew members blast the horn, scream and shout in a bid to get the crew’s attention. The oncoming vessel, Salinas said, was the Venus luxury yacht famously built for Apple co-founder Steve Jobs and now owned by his widow, Laurene Powell Jobs. The video shows Venus bounce off the side of the Lady Moura without breaching the ship’s hull before it drifts away backwards. Salinas posted there was no major damage but that his ship was left with “a big scratch that’s going to be a lot to fix.” He then told his followers to buy Apple products through his Group Elektra retail chain to help Powell Jobs pay for the damage. Neither billionaire owner was on board the ship at the time of the crash, according to Dagens news of Media Group Denmark. Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here : joinsubtext.com/forbes. The yacht ordered by Apple's late founder Steve Jobs named "Venus docked at the De Vries shipyard in ... [+] the Netherlands, on Oct. 29, 2012. Crucial Quote “I would like to know what the captain and crew were doing that they didn’t see a yacht the size of mine,” Salinas said on Instagram. “You see that there are no shortage of idiots in the world.” Key Background Construction began on Venus , Jobs' $120 million yacht , in 2009 and was completed three years later. The boat was designed by French industrial designer and architect Philippe Starck and was created to look like an Apple product with sleek lines and 15 tons of glass walls. Jobs himself never boarded the 78.2-meter vessel—he died before it was completed. Lady Moura has been renowned as one of the world’s most lavish yachts since it was launched in 1990. The vessel is almost 105 meters long and can accommodate 27 guests and 72 crew members. Forbes Valuation Powell Jobs was ranked as the 126th richest person in the world with an estimated net worth of $14.4 billion as of Thursday. She inherited much of her fortune from her late husband, Jobs, who died in 2011. She is the founder of two philanthropy organizations, the Emerson Collective and the Waverley Street Foundation, and has committed to giving billions of dollars to charitable organizations. Salinas is the heir to the publicly-traded Grupo Elektra, which was founded by his grandfather in the 1950s. He now runs the financial and retail corporation and TV Azteca, the No. 2 Mexican TV broadcaster. As of Thursday, he was ranked as the 221st richest person in the world with an estimated net worth of $10 billion. Further Reading Jobs’s Boat and Mexican Billionaire’s Yacht Get Into Fender Bender (Bloomberg) Steve Jobs' Mega Yacht Wrecks Billionaire's Floating Palace (Dagens) Billionaire Yacht Tracker (Forbes) Real-time Billionaires (Forbes) Editorial Standards Reprints & Permissions Join The Conversation One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts.  Forbes Community Guidelines Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space. In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's  Terms of Service.   We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil. Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain: False or intentionally out-of-context or misleading information Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author Content that otherwise violates our site's  terms. User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in: Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected Racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk Actions that otherwise violate our site's  terms. So, how can you be a power user? Stay on topic and share your insights Feel free to be clear and thoughtful to get your point across ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ to show your point of view. Protect your community. Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules. Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site's  Terms of Service. Steve Jobs’ visionary superyacht collided with a Mexican billionaire’s boat  Steve Jobs’ $130 million former yacht, Venus, was accidentally involved in a billionaire boat collision off the coast of Italy. The Apple cofounder, a legendary tech inventor and CEO, passed away in 2011 at the age of 56. The 256-foot-long vessel, now owned by Jobs’ widow, businesswoman Laurene Powell Jobs, was anchored off the coast of Naples when a change in the wind caused it to drift, Business Insider reported , citing a spokesperson from Powell Jobs’ Emerson Collective.  Venus collided with another superyacht, Lady Moura , owned by the third-richest man in Mexico, Ricardo Salinas Pliego . Only crew members were aboard the Venus , according to the spokesperson.  In a video posted by Salinas Pliego on social media, those aboard the Lady Moura could be seen shouting to get the attention of the crew aboard Venus, to no avail. In a post on X Wednesday, a clearly irritated Salinas Pliego said in Spanish that Venus left “a big scratch that is going to cost a lot to fix.” “I’d like to know what the captain and crew were doing that they didn’t notice a yacht as big as mine in front of them,” the cofounder and chairman of conglomerate Grupo Salinas wrote on X. There was no shortage of idiots in the world, he added. No me lo van a creer pero nos chocaron el yate mientras estábamos en Nápoles. Les cuento ☕️… el yate de Steve Jobs fundador de Apple (ahora de su esposa Laurene), nos pegó mientras estábamos anclados frente a Nápoles. Yo quisiera saber que andaba haciendo el capitán y la… pic.twitter.com/R1XVzZFGkD — Don Ricardo Salinas Pliego (@RicardoBSalinas) August 7, 2024 The multibillionaire, who owns a chain of stores in Latin America called Elektra that offers everything from motorcycles to electronics with financing, joked that his social media followers should buy Apple products from his stores so Powell Jobs could afford to pay for the repairs to his boat. Jobs’ yacht launched in 2012, just a year after the Apple founder’s death from pancreatic cancer. Jobs collaborated with French designer Philippe Starck over four years to create a ship that matched the minimalist aesthetic of an Apple product. Although he never set foot on deck, the ship ended up being one of Jobs’ final passion projects, according to Vanity Fair . “It was not a yacht that Steve and I were constructing, we were embarked on a philosophical action, implemented according to a quasi-religious process. We formed a single brain with four lobes,” Starck told Vanity Fair. The damages to Lady Moura will likely be covered by insurance, which can range from 5% to 6% of the vessel’s total value. Salinas Pliego reportedly bought the superyacht for $125 million in 2022 . The two ship captains apparently met immediately to discuss the “minor repairs needed,” Boat International reported , citing a source close to the matter. Although bothered by the crash, Salinas Pliego seemed to want to cast off from the subject. “Oh well, we’re going to continue enjoying our vacation,” he wrote on X. Latest in Tech Mark Zuckerberg gave his ex-Facebook engineer startup advice at 2 a.m. over chess—now she’s a founder with over $8.5 million raised in funding Boys are taking images of female classmates and using AI to deepfake nude photos. A landmark lawsuit could stop it. 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Related Topics DONALD TRUMP NORTH CAROLINA NEWS Top Stories Thieves ransack two 7-Eleven stores in Hollywood within minutes Comedian Perry Kurtz killed in hit-and-run crash in Tarzana SoCal doctors at center of Matthew Perry's death case Riverside man charged with murder in death of boy, 8, killed in crash Rancho Palos Verdes mayor seeks Elon Musk's help amid landslide US experiencing largest summer COVID wave in at least 2 years: CDC Chicago preps as Democrats descend for convention Suspect drives erratically through LA, attempts bizarre escape 222 COMMENTS Eight Bells: Frank Butler, Founder of Catalina Yachts The sailing community this week lost a giant among the ranks of production boat builders. Frank Willis Butler, president and chief executive officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away November 15, 2020 in Westlake Village, CA, due to unexpected complications from a recent illness. In making the announcement, Catalina said, "We extend our most ... Frank Butler (founder) Frank Willis Butler (January 17, 1928 - November 15, 2020) [ 1] was the founder of Catalina Yachts, one of the biggest boat designers and manufacturers in the world. [ 2] Catalina Yachts Announces Loss of CEO Frank W. Butler We received the following from Catalina this morning: "It is with great sadness that we announce that Frank Willis Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away November 15, 2020, in Westlake Village, CA, due to unexpected complications from a recent illness. We extend our most heartfelt condolences and ... Sail On: Catalina Yachts Announces Passing of CEO and Designer Frank The crew at 48° North was saddened to learn that the founder and CEO of Catalina Yachts, Frank Butler, passed away on November 15. In 1969 Frank Butler built the first Catalina sailboat, the Catalina 22, in North Hollywood, California. ASA Remembers Catalina Yachts Found Frank Butler The sailing world has lost an icon. Frank Willis Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away on 15 Nov 2020 at age 92 in Westlake Village, CA. Frank founded Catalina Yachts in North Hollywood, CA, in 1969. Now headquartered in Largo, FL, but with offices still in Woodland Hills, CA, Catalina Yachts has grown to become the largest manufacturer of production ... Eight Bells: Frank Butler Eight Bells: Frank Butler. Lydia Mullan. Nov 18, 2020. Catalina Yachts has announced the passing of their founder and CEO Frank Butler. Butler was a sailing icon credited with introducing hundreds of thousands of people to sailing during his lifetime, with over 85,000 Catalinas on the water throughout the yachting world. Catalina Yachts Announces Loss of CEO Frank W. Butler It is with great sadness that we announce that Frank Willis Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away November 15, 2020 in Westlake Village, CA, due to unexpected complications from a recent illness. We extend our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Frank's family. Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult time. Catalina Yachts founder Frank Butler dies at 92 Frank Willis Butler, president and CEO of Catalina Yachts, died at Westlake Village on Nov. 15. Catalina Yachts Catalina Yachts. Catalina 27 racing on San Francisco Bay. Catalina Yachts is a U.S.-based builder of fiberglass monohull sloop-rigged sailboats ranging in sizes from eight to 54 feet in length. It was founded in 1969 in Hollywood, California by Frank Butler . [ 1] Catalina Yachts is one of the largest boat manufacturers in the world, with over ... Catalina Yachts Founder Frank Butler Dies Frank Butler Frank Willis Butler, president and chief executive officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away November 15 in Westlake Village, Calif., due to unexpected complications from a recent illness. He was born in 1928 in California and during his career, Catalina built more than 85,000 sailboats. Catalina Yachts Announces Loss of CEO Frank W. Butler Woodland Hills, CA - November 15, 2020 - Catalina Yachts today issued the following statement: . It is with great sadness that we announce that Frank Willis Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away November 15, 2020 in Westlake Village, CA, due to unexpected complications from a recent illness. We extend ... Industry mourns loss of Catalina Yachts CEO Frank W. Butler Catalina Yachts recently announced that Frank Willis Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away November 15, 2020 in Westlake Village, Calif., due to unexpected complications from a recent illness. CATALINA YACHTS ANNOUNCES LOSS OF CEO FRANK W. BUTLER CATALINA YACHTS ANNOUNCES LOSS OF CEO FRANK W. BUTLER Dec 1, 2020 It is with great sadness that we announce that Frank Willis Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away November 15, 2020 in Westlake Village, CA, due to unexpected complications from a recent illness. In Memoriam: Frank W. Butler WOODLAND HILLS—Catalina Yachts announced the death of its CEO, Frank Willis Butler. Butler died on Nov. 15. He was 92. Catalina Yachts issued the following statement and eulogy: "It is with great sadness that we announce that Frank Willis Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away November 15, 2020 in ... Frank Butler, founder CEO Catalina Yachts, has passed Frank Butler, founder of Catalina Yachts, passes away a couple weeks ago at the age of 92. I did a quick CF search and did not find the news but perhaps others posted. Members Remember Boat Builder The sailing world lost a legend last month. On November 15th Frank Butler, president and CEO of Catalina Yachts, died at age 92. Butler's company has put more than 85,000 Catalinas on the water since it's beginning in 1969. Can any of us imagine a world without the Catalina brand boat? There are over 70 Catalinas owned within AYC and ASF. History CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY. July 1969 Catalina´s first model, the Catalina 22, is built in North Hollywood, CA. Company owner Frank Butler hopes to build 100 boats if all goes well. March 1970 Catalina´s second model, the Catalina 27, is introduced following the success of the Catalina 22. Catalina Yachts From the past 50 years, and to the next 50, Catalina is devoted to providing owners and dealers with quality and value that has made Catalina America's largest sailboat builder. Frank Butler's vision and philosophy carries forward with Sharon Day, who worked alongside Frank for 48 years, at the helm of a veteran leadership team. Catalina ... Home Discover the beauty and performance of Catalina Yachts, the home of American sailing. Explore our fleet, history, and passion for the sea. Catalina Yachts announces loss of CEO Frank W. Butler It is with great sadness that we announce that Frank Willis Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away November 15, 2020 in Westlake Village, CA, due to unexpected complications from a recent illness. Catalina's Gerry Douglas Announces Retirement Dec 22, 2020. After 45 years with Catalina Yachts, including four decades as chief yacht designer and executive vice-president, Gerry Douglas says he will be retiring in 2021. During Douglas's tenure at Catalina the company launched dozens of new designs and built some 60,000 yachts at both its California and Florida manufacturing facilities. End of an Era at Catalina Yachts End of an Era at Catalina Yachts Longtime yacht designer and company executive Gerry Douglas has announced he'll be retiring in 2021. Catalina Yachts CEO and Key Executive Team Catalina Yachts does not have CEO or key executive data available at the moment. Two Billionaire Mega Yachts Just Collided Off The Coast Of Italy Topline. Two of the world's most famous luxury yachts owned by a pair of the richest people in the world collided in a fender-bender accident while anchored off the coast of Naples, Italy this week. Steve Jobs' visionary superyacht collided with a Mexican billionaire's boat Steve Jobs' $130 million former yacht, Venus, was accidentally involved in a billionaire boat collision off the coast of Italy. The Apple cofounder, a legendary tech inventor and CEO, passed ... Trump rally in North Carolina: Trump's Asheville visit to highlight Former President Donald Trump is delivering remarks on the economy in North Carolina on Wednesday as the campaign works to reset his campaign against Vice President Kamala Harris. catamaran gulet motorboat riverboat sailboat trimaran yacht