Story and photos by DinaRella
Anchored by an inboard-powered 515 and a trio of center consoles in all four corners, with a central bar flowing with Cierto Tequila cocktails – Cigarette Racing Team smoked the Regatta Harbour Hangar in Coconut Grove unleashing its bold and beautiful 52 Thunder luxury performance center console to the boating world on Thursday evening June 22nd.
Subsequent to a brief introduction by chief executive officer Alex Ruiz and a video reminiscing back through the brand’s legendary history… lights were lowered and “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC was turned up, as the draping dropped on the new $3.1 million nautical nirvana.
Filling the slot between the smaller 42 Auroris and 42 Nighteagle and big brother 59 Tirranna – the black, white and red 52-footer marks the first model launch since the Ruiz family took over the Opa-locka-based company back in 2021. Vectorworks, the Titusville, Fla., naval engineering, tooling and manufacturing company which Cigarette acquired last year, was responsible for constructing the hull.
Following a live video walk-thru by Heigo Paartalu pointing out a variety of features on the stepped hull which possesses a 24-degree deadrise and spacious 14-foot beam, the room full of invite-only media, marine industry leaders, special clients and sponsors from Garmin, JL Audio, GG Schmitt & Sons, NAC and Mahogany Company were invited aboard to check out the 29,000 pound powerhouse exuding plushness and high-performance prowess.
Trend-setting visual details astonishing the senses combined with unprecedented design and construction attributes demonstrating the flagship’s unwavering dedication to innovation can be accredited to award-winning Italian architect Giorgio Cassetta, who after his successful collaboration with Cigarette on the Tirranna, again worked his magic on this latest piece of Cigarette DNA.
For starters, this is a luxury dayboat by heart, as evidenced by the amenity-laden, open galley format to stern and generous aft social zone which comfortably fits eight guests. However, I’d have to say garnering more attention than the galley grill was the six-pack of brand spanking new Mercury Racing 500-hp, supercharged V-8 outboards – fresh off their own Charleston, South Carolina, unveiling a week prior at the 50th Anniversary Gala – tacked on the transom and capable of pushing the beast to a projected wide open flight in the mid-80s range. (We’ll report back once the Thunder has been dialed in and more details are released.)
For many, the outboard set-up stole the show, but in my eyes it was without doubt, the sports car-esque, shock-mitigating, fully hydraulic captain chairs with adjustable heights, and moveable armrests under the immense helm station that elevated this center console to next level lunacy. Leaning back or sitting down on one of these seven seats test the limits in search of perfection! I can just imagine how comfortable the ride will be when running wide open.
Moving forward, the bow could also be blamed for “stealing some of the thunder.” It exemplified the latest in exceptional craftsmanship capabilities thanks to its enormous triple sun lounger increasing the premium, first-class feel of the vessel. The in-house upholstery work was beyond flawless and any amount of fluff wording wouldn’t do it justice. This gem needs to be seen and touched in person to be fully appreciated. And with heaps of space, a private head and shower, and an 8,000 BTU air conditioning unit blowing below deck, the cabin appears equally inviting for chilling out or grabbing a power nap away from the elements.
Located on the grounds of the former Chart House with captivating views over Biscayne Bay, the three massive bars and green lawn space for games and special programs just makes you feel like you are on vacation. Most importantly, there’s direct access to the waterside walkway promenade and marina, where dockage is available for visitors arriving by boat.
Besides the booze that flow till 3 a.m., Regatta Grove is proud to provide quality eats at affordable price points. The open-air culinary hub offerings from five separate kitchens are brought to you by Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-nominated chefs: Jeremy Ford, Jose Mendin, Janine Booth, Kenny Gilbert and Jeff McInnis. Popular menu items receiving lots of praise on opening night included: the soft-shell crab burger, truffle fries and the signature pizzas, not to mention the stone crabs, salads and sorbets.
Whether you were in the market for a new Cigarette boat, some fried chicken and biscuits or were just out to catch a Thursday night buzz… Regatta Harbour delivered the goods! in a grand way!
Anchored by an inboard-powered 515 and a trio of center consoles in all four corners, with a central bar flowing with Cierto Tequila cocktails – Cigarette Racing Team smoked the Regatta Harbour Hangar in Coconut Grove unleashing its bold and beautiful 52 Thunder luxury performance center console to the boating world on Thursday evening June 22nd.
Subsequent to a brief introduction by chief executive officer Alex Ruiz and a video reminiscing back through the brand’s legendary history… lights were lowered and “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC was turned up, as the draping dropped on the new $3.1 million nautical nirvana.
Filling the slot between the smaller 42 Auroris and 42 Nighteagle and big brother 59 Tirranna – the black, white and red 52-footer marks the first model launch since the Ruiz family took over the Opa-locka-based company back in 2021. Vectorworks, the Titusville, Fla., naval engineering, tooling and manufacturing company which Cigarette acquired last year, was responsible for constructing the hull.
Plushness Meets High-Performance Prowess
Following a live video walk-thru by Heigo Paartalu pointing out a variety of features on the stepped hull which possesses a 24-degree deadrise and spacious 14-foot beam, the room full of invite-only media, marine industry leaders, special clients and sponsors from Garmin, JL Audio, GG Schmitt & Sons, NAC and Mahogany Company were invited aboard to check out the 29,000 pound powerhouse exuding plushness and high-performance prowess.
Trend-setting visual details astonishing the senses combined with unprecedented design and construction attributes demonstrating the flagship’s unwavering dedication to innovation can be accredited to award-winning Italian architect Giorgio Cassetta, who after his successful collaboration with Cigarette on the Tirranna, again worked his magic on this latest piece of Cigarette DNA.
For starters, this is a luxury dayboat by heart, as evidenced by the amenity-laden, open galley format to stern and generous aft social zone which comfortably fits eight guests. However, I’d have to say garnering more attention than the galley grill was the six-pack of brand spanking new Mercury Racing 500-hp, supercharged V-8 outboards – fresh off their own Charleston, South Carolina, unveiling a week prior at the 50th Anniversary Gala – tacked on the transom and capable of pushing the beast to a projected wide open flight in the mid-80s range. (We’ll report back once the Thunder has been dialed in and more details are released.)
For many, the outboard set-up stole the show, but in my eyes it was without doubt, the sports car-esque, shock-mitigating, fully hydraulic captain chairs with adjustable heights, and moveable armrests under the immense helm station that elevated this center console to next level lunacy. Leaning back or sitting down on one of these seven seats test the limits in search of perfection! I can just imagine how comfortable the ride will be when running wide open.
Moving forward, the bow could also be blamed for “stealing some of the thunder.” It exemplified the latest in exceptional craftsmanship capabilities thanks to its enormous triple sun lounger increasing the premium, first-class feel of the vessel. The in-house upholstery work was beyond flawless and any amount of fluff wording wouldn’t do it justice. This gem needs to be seen and touched in person to be fully appreciated. And with heaps of space, a private head and shower, and an 8,000 BTU air conditioning unit blowing below deck, the cabin appears equally inviting for chilling out or grabbing a power nap away from the elements.
Regatta Grove Opens Its Doors
Adding to the excitement of Cigarette’s latest center console debut, just steps away from the Hangar, the oohs and aahs continued at the grand opening of Miami’s new entertainment venue called the Regatta Grove. Resembling the bow of a boat, the nautical-themed, multi-level waterfront complex by the Breakwater Hospitality Group (of The Wharf fame) features casual dining options and tropical cocktails of all sorts.
Located on the grounds of the former Chart House with captivating views over Biscayne Bay, the three massive bars and green lawn space for games and special programs just makes you feel like you are on vacation. Most importantly, there’s direct access to the waterside walkway promenade and marina, where dockage is available for visitors arriving by boat.
Besides the booze that flow till 3 a.m., Regatta Grove is proud to provide quality eats at affordable price points. The open-air culinary hub offerings from five separate kitchens are brought to you by Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-nominated chefs: Jeremy Ford, Jose Mendin, Janine Booth, Kenny Gilbert and Jeff McInnis. Popular menu items receiving lots of praise on opening night included: the soft-shell crab burger, truffle fries and the signature pizzas, not to mention the stone crabs, salads and sorbets.
Whether you were in the market for a new Cigarette boat, some fried chicken and biscuits or were just out to catch a Thursday night buzz… Regatta Harbour delivered the goods! in a grand way!
