Honoring Honey Fitz

Restoring a yacht is a rare opportunity to revive a vessel’s legacy, but how do you approach redesigning one steeped in such remarkable history? Honey Fitz served five US Presidents and soon became an icon of the twentieth century. Now fresh from a comprehensive redesign project, she’s once again ready to welcome guests.

Originally launched in 1931 for American businessman Sewell Avery, the superyacht Honey Fitz is known for hosting Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Richard Nixon. But she is most famously associated with John F. Kennedy in the 1960s, when the yacht became a retreat for him and his family throughout his time in office.

Following decades of slow decline, entrepreneur Charles Modica came across Honey Fitz in 2020 and saw the potential in restoring a piece of history. Over the past four years he and his team have brought Honey Fitz back to what he calls her “Camelot” era splendor. “I encountered the vessel when she was scheduled to be docked and based at Pelican Club,” he says. “The previous owners were unsure about managing her without doing a complete restoration. We chose to buy her and move forward, believing it would be a valuable investment.”

“Honey Fitz served five US Presidents and soon became an icon of the twentieth century.”

Restoring Honey Fitz to former glory

Greg Albritton, the yacht’s captain for over a decade, recalls seeing Honey Fitz as a child: “I was born and raised in West Palm Beach. During the early 1960s, Honey Fitz could be seen docked at the US Coast Guard station on Peanut Island or cruising the area with the President. We actually have pictures of the Honey Fitz with JFK and Jackie on board.”

Modica and Albritton enlisted Brad London with his company, Total Refit LLC, to assemble a team of Florida’s finest yacht craftsmen for the four-year project. Design veteran Jack Phillips was also brought in to replicate furnishings and decor of the Kennedy era. To ensure the refreshed Honey Fitz stayed true to her history, first mate Katelyn Kiefer worked closely with the United States Archives and the John F. Kennedy Museum to replicate the interior and exteriors of the historic vessel. “We used every picture available to ensure that all details of the restoration were exact,” says Albritton. You can still find historical functioning parts from the ‘30s, World War II and the ensuing presidential eras between 1945 to 1971 on board.

Both Albritton and Modica were committed to bringing the vessel back to her presidential glory. “The design inspiration came when I saw original photos of the vessel’s former beauty, which featured glamorous events and occasions hosted by several former US presidents, with their families and guests in attendance,” says Modica. “We wanted to preserve and honor that in the most faithful way.” From the master bedroom to the salon, every detail was carefully restored.

An icon of past and present

“Honey Fitz was built when yachting was experimenting with new hull designs and technology to increase speed in large private yachts using diesel power,” Albritton says. “She served as a submarine patrol vessel for the US Coast Guard during World War II, and as the presidential yacht for five presidents. All of these are great aspects of the yacht’s history, so being part of her restoration and being captain is very special.”

The lengthy project has brought much joy to Albritton and Modica, but also the president’s family. Modica says that seeing the Kennedy family on board this past Fourth of July was particularly meaningful: “They took a special cruise from Hyannis Port and were moved beyond their expectations with the level of restoration.”

Experience a piece of presidential history aboard Honey Fitz. Perfect for private charters, intimate functions, and special events, she offers a unique setting that blends timeless elegance with modern comfort for up to 35 guests.

To learn more, visit: www.thehoneyfitz.com