It was a little more than 40 years ago, that yacht broker Art Kadey sat with naval architect Jim Krogen in Miami. As they talked, Jim sketched on a piece of notebook paper what would become Kadey’s personal cruising vessel, the Krogen 42’—the legendary “salty and seakindly” visionary design with superior cruising characteristics that set the stage for today’s Kadey-Krogen passagemakers. That meeting and sketch also led to a business partnership and the formation of Kadey-Krogen Yachts in 1977. The company remains privately owned and operated.

Those who have followed Kadey-Krogen Yachts’ progress throughout the decades, know they have designed and built well over 600 long-range yachts ranging from 36-58 feet, and have designs up to 70 feet. Their latest model introduction, the Krogen 50’ Open, with its open and continuous salon/galley/pilothouse layout, is just an example of the continued innovation and blue water novelty still to come from the iconic brand. Not to mention, their continued dedication to growing the cruising lifestyle among boating enthusiasts.

Thirty-Eight Kadey-Krogen yachts arrived in Newport Harbor, Newport, Rhode Island on June 29th, and filled the piers and floating docks at Fort Adams State Park to attend the Kadey-Krogen Yachts 40 Anniversary Rendezvous. Steps from the Fort Adams State Park piers, and with its Newport Harbor view and waterfront lawn, the Sail Newport Public Sailing Center property was the chosen location for the large tent that welcomed the celebration’s 185 attendees. 

Events that happened during the four-day rendezvous included two evenings of live music and dancing, a night dedicated to Kadey-Krogen Yachts trivia and two surprise presentations of original Krogen yacht portraiture, an all-day Explore Newport Dinghy Scavenger Hunt, a traditional New England-style clambake, a parade of Kadey-Krogens through Newport Harbor, and excursions to do America’s Cup 12-meter sailing, a private Newport Winery tour and tasting, and tours of the Gilded Age Newport mansions. Honored rendezvous guests were members of the marine media; nine marine industry sponsors who helped make the party possible; and from Asia Harbor Yacht Builders in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, the Lin family, who own and operate the yard dedicated to building Kadey-Krogens.

“Whether it’s the number of candles on your cake, years of wedded bliss, or pounds lost, achievements with the increment of 40 associated with them should be celebrated,” said Jennifer Burkett, director of marketing and public relations for Kadey-Krogen Yachts. “And to be a part of this company and to announce its 40year in business to our industry peers, the marine media, and our family of enthusiasts and owners, is a gift. The response and support we’ve received since we announced our 40 anniversary has been amazing.”

“Within our company culture, there is a charming confidence that comes from a long, successful history, and an unwavering energy for the future,” said Larry Polster, vice president of Kadey-Krogen Yachts. “We’ve stood the test of time, and long before the word “trawler” came in vogue, Kadey-Krogens were cruising the world. Kadey-Krogen’s 40 years of fine-tuning seaworthy designs and developing the best manufacturing practices, has resulted in a yacht with more solutions—more storage, more options, and more like home.”