Who would have guessed that Michel Jordan, one of the greatest basketball players ever, was also an avid fisherman? Imagine being at a marlin-fishing contest, in Ocean City, Maryland, and having a Viking ’80 sailing alongside you all spruced up. A few weeks after the release of“The Last Dance,” the docu-series (which immediately became a cult hit) chronicling Michael Jordan’s last championship with the Chicago Bulls, today we tell you about a Michael Jordan you never expected, the fisherman!
Similar articles:
- Sergio Davì’s tips for safe sailing this summer!
-
Four ideas to make your new boat with less than 30 thousand euros
- Back on the boat: here’s what you can and cannot do from May 18 to June 3
Michael Jordan’s boat
Last summer quite a few fishermen were seen passing by a Viking ’80, named Catch 23 with a 1.98-meter man on it. Who else could it be but Michael Jordan while participating in the White Marlin Open, one of the world’s largest marlin fishing tournaments that draws thousands and thousands of anglers and spectators each year. Another clue is the livery of this fisherman, made with “elephant skin” style veins like the Air Jordan 3, one of the shoes produced by Jordan.
Everything from white marlin to blue marlin, along with tuna, dolphins (usually mahi-mahi) and sharks. Some sources were skeptical about the former player’s participation in the competition. Jordan was a six-time NBA Finals MVP and five-time regular season MVP during his 15-year career. He also won the All-Star game MVP in ’88, ’96 and ’98. After also spending a few seasons as a professional baseball player (during his basketball career), could Jordan have found fishing to be his “new” big challenge?
Jordan’s fisherman: an $8 million Viking
Jordan certainly didn’t choose an entry-level model: this 24-foot Viking ’80 is worth $8 million and is powered by three MTU Series 2000 16-cylinder M96L engines. Maximum speed? Around 40 knots, with 30 cruising depending on load and sea. With 6 1/2 meters of beam (and plenty of height even vertically for obvious reasons), this fisherman is also suitable for cruising. Five cabins, one master suite with king-size bed and walkway around.
Entered through an electric sliding door on the mezzanine deck of the cockpit, the salon is made all of satin walnut wood and leather, created by the team at William Bales and Company. Of course, there are all the amenities in the living room (refrigerators, storage spaces, stove, freezer, and sinks). The flybridge, however, also makes its mark: a center console command post gives the helmsman an excellent view while sailing and fishing.
A U-shaped lounge and table forward of the console is designed to accommodate a larger number of guests, and is specifically located below the helmsman’s forward line of sight due to the raised standing platform behind the console.
HELP US KEEP YOU UP TO DATE
The journalists of
Motor Boats
, together with Giornale della VELA and Top Yacht Design strive every day to ensure quality, up-to-date and correct information about the boating world free of charge through their websites. If you appreciate our work, support us by subscribing to the magazine. The annual subscription costs only 29.90 euros!
Also support us on
SAIL Newspaper
e
Top Yacht Design
!
NAVIGATE INFORMED!
To stay up-to-date on all the boating news, selected by our editorial staff, sign up for the Motor Boats newsletter! Just click the link below, accept the Privacy Policy, and click the “Subscribe Me” button. You will then receive the best powerboat news on your email, twice a week! It’s free and you can unsubscribe at any time, no obligation! CLICK HERE.
