Chris-Craft Celebrates 150 Years of Boating Excellence with Release of Special Anniversary Edition Launch 27
February 14 2024 - 3:00PM
Chris-Craft, America’s Boatbuilder Since 1874 and a wholly owned
subsidiary of Winnebago Industries (NYSE: WGO), is commemorating
150 years of boat-building excellence with the introduction of a
special anniversary edition of its iconic Launch 27. The exclusive
boat, debuting this week at the Miami International Boat Show (Feb.
14-18, 2024), is the first of two Chris-Craft products launching in
2024 as the brand focuses on reaching the next generation of
boating enthusiasts.
“Very few companies have the privilege of prospering long enough
to celebrate a 150th anniversary,” said Stephen Heese, president,
Chris-Craft. “It’s a testament to the vision of the founder of our
company, Christopher Columbus Smith, and to the craftsmen before us
who delivered unparalleled design and handcrafted beauty of
Chris-Craft boats. Since 1874, our boats have been beloved and
passed down to generations of owners worldwide. While we are
excited to celebrate this milestone, we are committed to furthering
the legacy of Chris-Craft by continuing to invest in new
technologies and designs that captivates boaters today and
tomorrow.”
Special Edition Launch 27 on Display at the Miami
International Boat Show
The centerpiece of the Chris-Craft 150th anniversary celebration
is the release of a special edition of the brand’s iconic Launch 27
boat. Distinguished by a signature aquamarine trim that harkens
back to one of the signature colors incorporated into Chris-Craft
boats over generations, the special edition Launch 27 pays homage
to the brand’s legacy of pleasure boating. Each anniversary boat
comes equipped with a 150th burgee and steering wheel cap.
Additionally, the anniversary edition Launch 27 features all the
hallmarks that inform Chris-Craft’s legendary approach to
boatbuilding, including a signature deep-V hull, reverse transoms,
classic lines, hand-selected teak and an uncompromising attention
to detail.
A Brand for the Past, Present and Future
Founded by Christopher Columbus Smith in 1874, the Chris-Craft
story is interwoven with American history. From pioneering
engine-propelled boats and skiffs in Algonac, Michigan, to
contributing over 12,000 vessels to the U.S. military during World
War II, Chris-Craft has always been a proudly American company.
Chris-Craft boats, which are defined by their handcrafted
beauty, elegant design, stylish comfort and peak performance, have
drawn discerning boaters and historical figures ranging from
Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy to Frank Sinatra and
Katherine Hepburn. The brand’s timeless elegance has attracted the
attention of audiences in generation-defining films and television
shows, including On Golden Pond, Mission: Impossible, The Sopranos
and The Crown, among many others.
Chris-Craft's story continues to unfold, shaping the future of
pleasure boating. The recent expansion of the brand’s manufacturing
operations in Sarasota, Florida, reflects the brand’s commitment to
pioneering new technologies and designs, ensuring a legacy of
excellence for the next 150 years. In this spirit, Chris-Craft will
soon announce an all-new, next-generation boat with a sportier
design to attract new members to the Chris-Craft owner family.
Chris-Craft will be celebrating its 150th anniversary throughout
2024 with a series of marketing activations celebrating Chris-Craft
owners and dealers, including a unique consumer campaign that
spotlights Chris-Craft owner stories across generations.
For more information about Chris-Craft and its full product
portfolio, visit ChrisCraft.com.
About Chris-Craft
Chris-Craft, America's boatbuilder Since 1874, leads the
industry in craftsmanship and quality which represents the brand’s
enduring devotion to its proud past. Headquartered in Sarasota,
Florida, Chris-Craft builds the following sterndrive and outboard
power boat models for its 2024 Collection: Launch, Launch GT,
Calypso, and Catalina, which range in length from 24 to 35 feet.
Chris-Craft is a wholly owned subsidiary of Winnebago Industries
(NYSE: WGO), a 65-year-old manufacturer of outdoor lifestyle
products. For more information, visit chriscraft.com.
Media Contact: Tiny Mighty CommunicationsKamryn
Heathkheath@tinymightyco.com704-804-0076
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