In an ever-evolving marine industry, few brands dare to push the boundaries of design, technology, and luxury like ECLIPSE Yachts. Recently, Eric Kyle, the esteemed publisher of Great Lakes Scuttlebutt, sat down with Dave Jirikovic from HMY Yacht Sales the ECLIPSE dealer, for an insightful conversation about the journey behind the creation of this remarkable yacht line.
The ECLIPSE Journey: From Concept to Reality
The creation of the ECLIPSE yacht line was no small feat; it took nearly three years to bring this visionary project to life. The journey started with a bold concept and evolved through a series of strategic collaborations with some of the top names in the marine industry. Dave Jirikovic highlighted the incredible effort it took to get to where ECLIPSE is today, sharing: “It took 2 and 3/4 years to get where we are today, from outlining the original concept, to engaging Michael Peters Yacht Design and Design Unlimited ltd, while at the same time, Two Oceans Marine Manufacturing of Cape Town, South Africa concurrently acquired and brought online dedicated production facilities”. These collaborations brought together the expertise of world-class designers and builders, resulting in a yacht that is not only visually stunning but also functional, innovative, and versatile.
A New Segment in Luxury Cruising
The ECLIPSE Yacht line was born from a desire to create something truly unique in the marine industry, a segment that is not only luxurious but also versatile and high performing. Dave Jirikovic explained that ECLIPSE aimed to address the needs of modern boaters by creating a yacht that does it all:
“It’s a new segment in cruising…. What we wanted to do is create something that really does it all. When you look at everything in the industry, it’s a bit aged, so we wanted to put really great performance on the water but also include all of the amenities and technology owners demand into our products”
The result is a yacht line that seamlessly integrates the latest technological advancements with luxurious comfort, catering to both casual boaters and professional mariners alike. This innovative approach sets ECLIPSE Yachts apart from the competition.
A Range Designed for Everyone
One of the unique features of the ECLIPSE Yacht line is its versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned mariner or a weekend boating enthusiast, ECLIPSE is designed to accommodate a wide range of needs. Dave Jirikovic emphasized that their vision was to create a yacht that is accessible to everyone: “We want our lineup to not only create barrier-free entry and ease of use for the owner-operator, but also be capable of serving those in the commercial and professional maritime industries.”
This inclusive approach ensures that ECLIPSE Yachts are not only user-friendly but also robust enough for commercial applications, making them a versatile addition to any fleet. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious personal cruiser or a reliable tender for professional use, ECLIPSE Yachts offers a range of options tailored to your specific needs.
The ECLIPSE Range:
Pushing the Envelope of Design and Technology
ECLIPSE Yachts is more than just a new player in the marine industry—it’s a disruptor that is pushing the limits of what’s possible. As Dave Jirikovic shared during the interview: “We really wanted to push the envelope. The level of luxury on this boat is something an owner of an ECLIPSE is going to be accustomed to.” One of the key aspects that sets ECLIPSE apart is its dedication to being original. Eric Kyle, who has been in the boating industry for years, was astounded by the new technology integrated into the ECLIPSE Yachts line: “There are new forms of technology on this boat that I’ve never even seen before. The innovation that went into this boat is miles ahead of where a lot of the competition is.” From state-of-the-art steering wheel controls to advanced helm stations, ECLIPSE Yachts are equipped with cutting-edge features that elevate the boating experience. The helm station, for instance, offers full engagement with the windows and doors, giving the captain complete control over the vessel’s environment.
Features that Combine Beauty with Functionality
ECLIPSE Yachts prides itself on blending aesthetics with practical functionality. Dave Jirikovic elaborated on some of the standout features that make this yacht line truly exceptional like the Drop-in Boarding Door, Motor Well Cover, Convertible Mate Seat with a Footwell, etc. This philosophy extends to every aspect of the yacht.
What’s Next?
As we look ahead to 2025, the ECLIPSE Yachts brand is poised to make even bigger waves in the boating industry. With the upcoming launch of the 605 model and additional units arriving from Cape Town, ECLIPSE Yachts is committed to redefining the luxury express cruiser yachting experience. For those who missed the ECLIPSE 505 Shadow debut at this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), stay tuned for more exciting developments as the brand continues to expand its impressive lineup.
For more information about ECLIPSE Yachts and the 505 Shadow, please visit www.ECLIPSE-yachts.com or contact the dealer, HMY Yacht Sales, at (561) 448-8500.
Video Link: Check out the full walkthrough of the ECLIPSE 505 Shadow with Erik Kyle and Dave Jirikovic here.