Rare John Hay Whitney Elegante Motor Yacht Offered at Special Mecum Auctions Event

Vessel to be Presented at Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show

Published: Tuesday, October 12, 2010 7:00 am
By: Mecum Auctions

MARENGO, Ill. – Mecum Auctions is proud to announce an exclusive event to offer John Hay “Jock” Whitney’s specially commissioned Elegante motor yacht at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show, Oct. 30, 2010.

Built in 1964 by Whiticar of Florida, the 63-foot Elegante is a one-of-a-kind vessel, featuring a sport fish-inspired hull designed for smooth handling and gliding speed through the waves.

“Whitney– a multimillionaire sportsman and founder of J.H. Whitney & Co., the oldest venture capital investment company in the U.S. – spared no expense when he commissioned the luxurious Elegante motor yacht nearly five decades ago,” said President Dana Mecum. “Expertly crafted with the finest woodwork, polished brass and artful décor, Elegante’s graceful style puts the yacht in a class of her own. We look forward to offering this unforgettably unique piece to the public at another special Mecum Auctions event.”

Born Aug. 27, 1904, in Ellsworth, Maine, Whitney’s career included roles as a publisher, financier, philanthropist and horse breeder. He was an internationally ranked polo player, a U.S. ambassador to Great Britain and a strong supporter of the arts, evident in his investment in Pioneer Pictures and the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. An art collector himself, Whitney’s refined sense of style was captured in the Elegante, which provides overnight accommodations for two couples and can entertain up to 25 guests on daytime or sunset cruises.

Elegante is powered by twin Detroit 60 Series turbocharged engines rates at 680 hp, employs a new Onan 21.5 KW generator and features fully modernized auto navigation, GPS and satellite communications systems. Captain Jack Grimes has expertly cruised the motor yacht on both coasts and as far north as Alaska. To hear Captain Grimes share additional details about the Elegante, visit www.motoryachtelegante.com.

The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for 23 years, now offering an industry-leading 5,000 collector cars per year. Consignment, bidder and event information is available online at www.Mecum.com or by calling 815.568.8888.

Mecum Elegante Yacht Auction will take place Oct. 30, 2010 at 3p EST during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Located in the Bahia Mar Yachting Center B-Dock Slip 223 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301.