[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 39 (Monday, March 10, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E338]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING WHITICAR BOAT WORKS FOR THE 50-YEAR CELEBRATION OF THE 
                              ``ELEGANTE''

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                          HON. PATRICK MURPHY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 10, 2014

  Mr. MURPHY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Whiticar Boat Works on the occasion of the 50-year celebration of their 
1961 Motor Yacht Elegante, built in the same location that this family-
run business still resides at in Stuart, Florida. Founded in 1947 by 
Curt Whiticar, who just celebrated his 103rd birthday last month, this 
renowned business has expanded but still remains family-run by Curt's 
son John Whiticar, and nephew Jim Dragseth.
  Fifty years ago, Whiticar built the Elegante on the very location 
where they now celebrate the motor yacht's anniversary. Originally 
called Aphrodite, the yacht was built for Fishers Island, New York 
resident John Hay ``Jock'' Whitney, a U.S. Ambassador to the United 
Kingdom and publisher of the New York Herald Tribune. For many years, 
Jack Whiticar, a brother of the company's founder, served as the 
captain of the yacht for Mr. Whitney. The yacht, now known as the 
Elegante, is currently owned by Pat and Bill Anton and remains the sole 
motor yacht ever produced by Whiticar Boat Works.
  I am extremely proud of Whiticar for the great work they have done 
for so many years on the Treasure Coast. From its founding over 66 
years ago to the present day, Whiticar has demonstrated a commitment to 
excellence in serving the boating community and producing excellent 
custom sport fishing boats. Passed from fathers to sons, Whiticar is a 
testament to hard work and dedication, a reminder of the important role 
family-owned businesses play in strengthening our economy. But not only 
has Whiticar Boat Works contributed greatly to our local economy and 
boating industry, but has played an integral role in our community, 
supporting coastal cleanups and efforts to clean our local waterways, 
encouraging boating safety, and benefiting local organizations such as 
the Boys & Girls Club. We are so very lucky to have Whiticar as part of 
our Martin County community.
  Mr. Speaker, I again congratulate Mr. Whiticar and Whiticar Boat 
Works for the 50-year celebration of the Elegante, and I am honored to 
recognize the work they have done over these many years. I am proud 
that such a terrific organization has made its home in my district, and 
I wish them continued success and many more milestones to celebrate.

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