Tributes have been paid across the yachting community to Rich Lazzara of Lazzara Yachts and HYM Yacht Sales broker who has died aged 51.
He had been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurological disease, in 2021.
Rich was a third-generation yacht builder who spent more than two decades in the industry.
He grew up working in his grandfather’s factory at Gulfstar, wehre he gained first-hand knowledge of yacht engineering, processes, and construction.
He was responsible for developing the sales team and international dealer network, helping to expand his family’s Lazzara Yacht business to a $100 million company by 2008.
Rich was known for his forward-thinking approach and understanding of modern sales tools such as social networking, websites, direct mail, email, and mobile platforms, utilising them effectively to meet client needs and deliver solutions tailored to their needs.
Yacht-building pedigree
His yacht-building pedigree, combined with this understanding afforded Rich a high level of sales success.
“From lamination to listings, there isn’t a facet of the yachting industry he hasn’t been involved in,” said a spokesperson from HYM.
And Captain David Meyer, a friend of Rich, added: “Saddened to wake up hearing that my friend, and yachting legend Rich Lazzara has lost his battle with ALS.
“Rich impacted many lives in yachting, and countless youth through his work at church and on missions trips to areas. He will be sorely missed.”
Alongside his yachting career, Rich dedicated countless hours to youth ministry and was passionate about investing in the next generation and sharing the love of Jesus.
He was a keen youth group leader connecting, guiding and inspiring.
His daughter, Hayley Lazzara added: “Rich will be remembered for his deep love for Jesus, his dedication to his family, and the kindness and care he showed to everyone he met.”
