The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection celebrated the launching ceremony of its first yacht on Tuesday, October 9th, 2018 at the Hijos De J. Barreras Shipyard in Vigo, Spain. Commemorating this milestone in accordance with longstanding maritime tradition, the launching ceremony celebrates a significant moment in the ship building process where after a ceremonial blessing, the yacht slides stern- first down the slipway and touches water for the first time.

As part of this occasion, Douglas Prothero, Chief Executive Officer of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and Timothy Grisius, Global Real Estate Officer for Marriott International, were joined by HJ Barreras Shipyard’s Chairman, José García Costas, and Tillberg Design of Sweden’s Owner and Executive Project Director Fredrik Johansson. Also in attendance was Anthony Capuano, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Development Officer for Marriott International, alongside The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection executive team and members of investor group Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.

With exterior construction almost complete, this event brings the yacht into the outfitting phase and one step closer to its launch in 2020. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will celebrate its naming ceremony this December, and will hold a christening celebration prior to the inaugural sailing in February 2020.