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Longtime Charter Broker Rikki Davis Dies

Yachting industry ceremony being planned for later this summer.

Rikki Davis

Rikki Davis spent more than 30 years working in the luxury yacht charter industry. Courtesy Churchill Yacht Partners

Churchill Yacht Partners released the following statement today announcing the death of longtime charter broker Rikki Davis:

“It is with heavy hearts and much sadness that the team at Churchill Yacht Partners announces the death of our friend and charter industry legend Rikki Davis early on the morning of June 29. Rikki passed away peacefully with her husband, Jerry Vurpillat, by her side.

“Rikki was an icon in the industry, being one of the pioneers in the world of yacht charter. She quickly became one of the most successful independent charter brokers anywhere, helping to shape the business at a time when it was still developing without the control of large management companies. Davis traveled
many oceans aboard some of the nicest charter yachts, cruising throughout the Caribbean, Mediterranean, New England and South Pacific. She toured the ruins of ancient civilizations in Turkey, sank her toes into the white sand beaches of Fiji, shopped for trinkets at tiny markets in the Bahamas, sailed on catamarans
throughout the Virgin Islands and, after taking up golf, enjoyed golf-and-cruising charters as far north as Nova Scotia.

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“Rikki lived life to the fullest, and when she wasn’t out conquering and exploring the world, she was a devoted wife and animal lover. She earned every bit of success she enjoyed, and she made the most of every minute.

“Davis sold her business to Churchill Yacht Partners in 2005 and remained active with the company through 2014. Until recently, Churchill’s retail charter division was known as Rikki Davis Yachts at Churchill Yacht Partners.

“Her name was respected around the world, and we will always be proud of our affiliation with her,” says the team at Churchill. “Many important people trusted Rikki Davis with the vacations of their dreams, and for several decades, Rikki made those dreams come true.

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“There will be a reception for the industry to celebrate Rikki’s life this summer to be announced soon. We will always remember Rikki for her tenacious spirit and embracing kindness.”

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