For decades, Cherubini Yachts has stood as a beacon of classic elegance and robust build quality in the marine industry. Nestled in Delran, New Jersey, this family-led shipyard has cultivated a reputation for producing sailing yachts and powerboats that blend traditional aesthetics with impressive performance, appealing to discerning owners worldwide.
The Origin Story
The Cherubini name has a long-standing connection to boat building. While some historical accounts suggest the Cherubini brothers, Jon and Frit, were involved in boat building as early as the 1920s, Cherubini Yachts, as a distinguished builder of its own iconic models, truly began its celebrated journey in 1977. At the heart of this venture was John E. Cherubini, a talented naval architect who had honed his skills through the Westlawn School of Yacht Design. His vision was to create vessels that were not merely means of transport but works of art, imbued with classic lines and exceptional seaworthiness.
The company's groundbreaking vessel was the Cherubini 44, which debuted in 1977. This ketch-rigged sailboat, initially featuring a fiberglass hull and molded cockpit combined with cold-molded marine plywood decks and solid mahogany cabin sides, immediately captured the attention of the sailing community. It represented a commitment to robust construction and artistic design, setting the stage for the company's future endeavors.
History and Evolution
From its inception in 1977, Cherubini Yachts quickly established itself as a niche builder focused on quality over quantity. The success of the Cherubini 44 laid a strong foundation, leading to the development of other significant models. In 2007, three decades after its initial launch, the company introduced the Cherubini 44 Mk II, an updated version that subtly enhanced the original's timeless design with slightly higher bulwarks and a molded fiberglass composite deck structure with a foam core and Vinylester resin for improved systems.
Throughout its history, Cherubini Yachts has maintained a steadfast commitment to bespoke craftsmanship. Each vessel is constructed with meticulous attention to detail, often using hand-laid fiberglass hulls and exquisite teak joinery. This approach has allowed the company to offer high levels of customization, tailoring each boat to the individual owner's requirements. The family involvement remains strong, with David Cherubini, a member of the founding family, currently serving as CEO.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Cherubini Yachts is renowned for its classical approach to yacht design, seamlessly blending traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering. The builder's reputation in the sailing world is one of elegance, quality, and high performance. They are celebrated for producing comfortable family cruisers and capable bluewater yachts, known for their aesthetics and seaworthiness.
A signature of Cherubini design is its timeless aesthetic, drawing inspiration from classic yachts of the early 20th century. This includes features such as graceful overhangs, sweeping sheer lines, deep cockpit coamings, and teak decks, all contributing to a nostalgic yet enduringly elegant appearance. The Cherubini 44, for example, was notably influenced by the work of legendary naval architect L. Francis Herreshoff.
While John E. Cherubini was the primary designer for many of the company's iconic models, including the Cherubini 44 and 48, he also lent his design prowess to other notable brands. He was the primary designer for Hunter Yachts for a number of years, creating models such as the Hunter 25, 27, 30, 33, 36, 37, and 54. Other designs attributed to John Cherubini include the Essex 26 and the Raider 33. Furthermore, the Cherubini 44 notably incorporates a shallow, long Scheel keel, a design patented by naval architect Henry Scheel.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The Cherubini 44 remains the company's most significant and successful sailing yacht model. Around 35 units of this iconic bluewater cruiser were built. Owners have proudly recounted its impressive sailing performance, including victories in races like the Ft. Lauderdale-to-Key West SORC race and a first-place finish in the 2007 Marion-Bermuda race on corrected time. The 44 is recognized for its unique twin cockpits—an elliptical steering cockpit aft and a rectangular crew cockpit forward, a design described by author Ferenc Mate as "the world's most beautifully designed". The model was offered with various rig options, including cutter, staysail ketch, or schooner.
Building on the success of the 44, Cherubini introduced the Cherubini 48, further pushing the boundaries of luxury and craftsmanship. The 48, especially the 48 Staysail Schooner, is considered a masterpiece for serious sailors, offering excellent stability and handling for long-distance cruising with luxurious comfort.
Beyond their renowned sailboats, Cherubini Yachts also diversified into powerboats, offering a range of classic runabouts that marry vintage aesthetics with modern performance. Notable models include the Cherubini Classic 20 and Classic 24, both celebrating the charm of classic designs with superior functionality. The Classic 20, for instance, blends classic lines and craftsmanship with modern powerplants and jet drives, delivering smooth rides and impressive maneuverability. Other powerboat models include the Cherubini 255 Sport Cruiser, The Floridian, The Veloce, and the T20 Yacht Tender.
Cherubini yachts have garnered accolades for their classic design, spacious cockpits, technological advancements, and noteworthy seaworthiness, often appearing in classic yacht regattas. Their enduring appeal is reflected in their strong resale value, with many models maintaining significant worth years after their initial build.
The Builder Today
Cherubini Yachts continues its operations from Delran, New Jersey, maintaining a dedicated, albeit quieter, online presence. Under the leadership of David Cherubini, the company still specializes in building semi-custom yachts to order, working closely with clients to create their dream vessels. The current offerings include the esteemed Cherubini 44 and 48, continuing their legacy of handcrafted excellence.
Modern Cherubini boats appeal to those who seek a yacht with a soul—a vessel that combines the charm and elegance of traditional design with the reliability of modern construction. Ownership of a Cherubini yacht is an experience steeped in appreciation for meticulous craftsmanship and a timeless aesthetic, ensuring a strong connection to a distinguished nautical heritage.
