For years we've debated making the move into custom North Carolina yachts. For years we kept doing our research and kept coming back to production boats. That all changed with just one ride on a 60' Ritchie Howell Custom Carolina Yacht.

We had already done our research on virtual every single production and custom yacht on the market. In fact, our research was a lot more hands-on than most as the Crew of the Canyon Runner has owned a total of 37 boats, captained another 30, and fished on or delivered another 40. Accordingly, we've had intimate knowledge with over 100 different vessels and dozens and dozens of manufacturers. But we never ran a Ritchie Howell.

That all changed in March 2008 when Capt. Phil Dulanie, Capt. Mark DeBlasio and Capt. Joe LaRosa boarded The Rebel - a 60' Ritchie Howell Custom Carolina Yacht - and departed Virginia Beach in 35-knot northerly winds. Leaving the inlet, the Captain turned her into the sea, pushed up the throttles to 30 knots, and headed for the first set of breaking 8-footers. Our Crew braced for the inevitable. But as they hit that first wall of water nothing happened. Disbelief fell over crew as to the speed they were actually making - but the GPS showed 30 knots.

When they hit the dock they each separately called me. The quote was the same from all three, "That was the best riding boat I've ever been on - hands down!!!!!" We all agreed this would be the next Canyon Runner. I immediately called Ritchie and our new 60' Ritchie Howell Custom Carolina Yacht was ordered - without me even seeing one or sea trialing one.

Since that day we've all been on several Ritchie Howell's and every experience is the same - we continue to be impressed on a daily basis. So impressed, that not only is our brand new 2008 60' Ritchie Howell going to be the premier vessel in our charter fleet, we are also going to be the Exclusive Northeast Broker for Ritchie Howell Custom Carolina Yachts.

Please take some time and read all about our new vessel, the build process, what we plan on out fitting her with, and about our Exclusive Northeast Brokerage of Ritchie Howell Custom Carolina Yachts.

Sincerely,

Adam and the Crew of the Canyon Runner

P.S. That 60' Ritchie - The Rebel that we sea trialed back in March 2007 - won the 2007 White Marlin Open with the largest white marlin taking home $1,394,480.50.