Allied Marine’s 80th Anniversary Celebration
November 5th, 2025
November 5th, 2025
By Jill Bobrow
Contrary to popular belief among Americans, the iconic song “Volare” was not originally performed by Dean Martin. Instead, it was written and composed in 1958 by Italian artist Domenico Modugno. The memorable lyrics “Nel blu, dipinto di blu” and the catchy refrain of “volare” have an irresistible appeal, making it almost impossible not to sing along.
This infectious spirit took center stage at Allied Marine’s 80th anniversary party, held on Halloween eve during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS). Jon Burkard, President of the Allied Marine Group, led the charge by belting out “Volare,” and soon all the guests followed suit. The evening demonstrated music’s ability to unite people, foster conviviality, and create camaraderie—even among guests who had never met each other before.
To mark its milestone anniversary, Allied Marine brought together a vibrant mix of clients, colleagues, brokers, yacht managers, yacht designers, and friends. The event, sponsored by Kimberly Pucci and Robert Allen Law, showcased hallmark Italian fare including hand-sliced prosciutto, Parmesan Reggiano, Italian caviar and blinis, sparkling Bellavista Franciacorta, and other signature cocktails and mocktails.
Two of the Allied Marine yachts on display at FLIBS were open for cocktails al fresco. Jazz singer Mafalda Minozzi, accompanied by guitarist Paul Ricci, set the tone with her engaging performance, encouraging guests to join in the dancing and singing. Meanwhile, DJ Siso kept the energy high with a lively playlist featuring mostly Italian songs.
The celebration’s white party dress code lent an air of sophistication, with attendees looking particularly chic. With her signature flair, Silvia Nordio, Allied Marine’s Head of Partnerships and Events, transformed the Bahia Mar in-water boat show display into a scene reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast.
The space featured potted lemon trees dripping with fruit and infusing the air with a fragrant Mediterranean atmosphere. Décor elements, designed by Kimberly Pucci, drew inspiration from the timeless Dolce Vita lifestyle of the 1960s, featuring high-performance textiles in a vibrant lemon-yellow palette. A stunning backdrop of the world-famous Faraglioni rocks provided a perfect setting for photos against an immersive Capri-inspired scene, while the magnificent yachts on display completed the elegant atmosphere.
Founded in 1945 along the Miami River, Allied Marine initially served returning World War II veterans, offering them boats and recreational opportunities on the water—hence the name “Allied.” In 1978, the company was acquired by Winthrop P. Rockefeller, a passionate yachtsman and fisherman.
In 2008, Ferretti SpA cemented its acquisition of the company, renaming it Allied Marine. Today, Allied Marine specializes in new yacht sales, brokerage, and post-sales service. Its partnership with The Ferretti Group has evolved over the years, and in 2018 it became the exclusive U.S. dealer for Ferretti Yachts, Pershing, and Itama, as well as East Coast dealer for Riva and authorized agent for Custom Line and CRN.
In 2022, the opening of the renovated Fort Lauderdale Ferretti Group Flagship Showroom marked another milestone. This 20,000-square-foot, contemporary in-water showroom features an Italo-style reception area, a Riva Lounge, covered slips for yachts and superyachts, and private meeting rooms.
“Not all brokers can sell elite products,” says Simone Meletti, Managing Director of Ferretti Group Americas. “The way I see it is that it is fundamental for Ferretti Group to have experienced brokers who can educate clients about a new build and who can enhance their enjoyment of the best side of yachting.”
Jon Burkard, President of Allied Marine Group, echoes Meletti’s sentiment. He says, “Our experienced brokers are as comfortable in the engine room as on the flybridge. Most are as knowledgeable about a yacht as the project manager on the build. This experience makes all the difference.”
Burkard has been with Allied Marine for 45 years. “I started working when I was a teenager after school in the parts department,” he recalls. “My first year of law school, I sold two sizeable boats and decided it was more exciting than law. I went with my passion.” Over time, he became CEO of Allied Marine, and during the Ferretti acquisition, he became president.
He adds, “What sets us apart from other brokers is that we are wholly owned by the largest luxury boat builder in the world. We have seven brands from 27 feet to 90 meters in length. No other brokerage is in that position.”
Owner loyalty plays a big part in Allied Marine’s success. While Allied Marine is part of the Ferretti Group, the brokers are also well acquainted with a wide cross-section of other yacht brands. If, for instance, a client wants to sell a Mangusta and move into a Ferretti Group yacht such as a Pershing, it’s never a problem. According to Burkard, “We can do it all.”
Nel blu, dipinto di blu literally means “In the blue painted in blue.” Volare in Italian means “to fly.” Perhaps the song sung at Allied Marine’s 80th anniversary celebration can be seen as a metaphor — flying away into the blue ocean aboard the yacht of your dreams. Any way you look at it, the lovely event at the 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) was an apt way to celebrate the legacy of Allied Marine.
As a Ferretti Group company, Allied Marine is one of the largest yacht brokerages in the world. Allied Marine is the Exclusive U.S. Dealer for Pershing, Itama, and Ferretti Yachts, and the Exclusive U.S. Central and East Coast Dealer for Riva. Allied Marine is also an Authorized Agent for Custom Line and CRN. The company offers global expertise in new and preowned yacht sales, luxury yacht charters, and superyacht management.
Silvia Nordio
Head of Partnerships and Events
silvia.nordio@alliedmarine.com
1445 SE 16th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
www.alliedmarine.com