Richard “Dick” Bertram: An Icon Who Revolutionized Yachting

Although the term "icon" is often overused, there is no more fitting word to describe Richard “Dick” Bertram, who passed away on April 28, 2000, leaving an indelible mark on the yachting world.
The eagle emblem of Bertram Yachts stands as a symbol of strength, freedom, and precision—qualities Dick Bertram always strived to embody in his boats.

He was an entrepreneur who looked beyond conventions, a visionary with an innate ability to recognize and promote innovation. His insight into the potential of deep-V hulls revolutionized boatbuilding and offshore racing, setting new standards that endure to this day.

In 1965, after winning the Offshore Boat Racing World Championship, Time magazine wrote:
"At 48, Dick Bertram is the Enzo Ferrari of offshore racing. Like Ferrari, he sells luxury vehicles to an affluent clientele: his sleek fiberglass cruisers and sport fishermen range from $9,000 to $75,000. Like Ferrari, he stakes his reputation on the racecourse—and like Ferrari, he almost always wins, whether in calm or rough seas."

The Story of Richard Bertram and His Legendary Brand
Richard Bertram excelled both in sailing and motorboat racing, a rare dual talent. His passion for the sea began in childhood, winning his first regattas by age ten.
At Princeton University, he founded a sailing club and won collegiate championships in 1936 and 1937. After moving from New Jersey to Miami, he continued his success by winning the Lightning class championships (1948, 1949) and the prestigious Newport-Bermuda Race three times.

Alongside his competitive career, Bertram established Richard Bertram & Company, one of the most prominent yacht brokerage firms of its time, eventually leading to the creation of Bertram Yachts.

The Meeting with Raymond Hunt: The Deep-V Revolution
In 1958, Bertram spotted a small, unusually shaped boat navigating effortlessly through Rhode Island’s rough waters—designed by Charles Raymond Hunt. Recognizing its potential, Bertram commissioned a personal boat based on the same innovative deep-V hull (24° deadrise).
Thus, the 30-foot wooden prototype Moppie was born, revolutionizing offshore navigation.

In its first test, Moppie faced two-meter waves and 30-knot winds, performing superbly and cementing the deep-V hull as a new standard.

The Rise of Bertram Yachts
In 1960, Bertram and Moppie won the Miami-Nassau race by a two-hour margin.
Seeing the market potential, Bertram founded his shipyard, producing the Glass Moppie (fiberglass version), which further demonstrated exceptional performance.

The first production model, the Bertram 31, was unveiled at the 1961 New York Boat Show, becoming an instant icon for offshore fishermen and sport cruisers.
A total of 1,860 units were built over 16 years, many still operational today.

From Glory to Challenges
The brand expanded rapidly with models like the Bertram 25, 28, 46 Convertible, and the 54 Convertible, solidifying Bertram’s reputation worldwide.

However, the 1970s brought setbacks, including the sinking of Brave Moppie during a race, affecting Bertram’s personal enthusiasm for competition.

Ownership Timeline of Bertram Yachts (1960–2025)
1960 – Founded by Richard Bertram in Miami.

1968 – Sold to Whittaker Corporation; Bertram stays on briefly.

1985 – Acquired by American Consumer Products; start of decline.

1992 – Bankruptcy and closure.

1993 – Purchased by Merion Bluewater; attempted brand revival.

1998 – Acquired by Ferretti Group; quality improvements but niche market status.

2015 – Acquired by Gruppo Gavio; production remains in Tampa, Florida.

2022 – Bertram establishes a European production division at Marina di Carrara, Italy (Baglietto Group).

Key Bertram Models Over the Decades
1960s: Bertram 31, Bertram 25, Bertram 20 Bahia Mar.

1970s: Bertram 28, Bertram 46 Convertible, Bertram 54 Convertible.

1980s: Bertram 33, Bertram 38 Special, Bertram 50 Convertible.

1990s: Bertram 43 Convertible, Bertram 60 Convertible.

2000s: Bertram 390 Convertible, Bertram 510 Convertible (under Ferretti).

2015 onward: Bertram 35, Bertram 61 Convertible, Bertram 28CC, 39CC, and Bertram 50S.

Today, Bertram Yachts stands as a symbol of enduring American yachting excellence, rooted in innovation and the pursuit of performance.

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