Shipyard Cigarette Racing

History of Cigarette Racing

The American shipyard Cigarette Racing can be called legendary without the slightest exaggeration. It is difficult to find another speedboat manufacturer with an equally rich and dramatic history. Its creator, Donald Aronow, was the son of Jewish immigrants. In the 1950s he became interested in boat racing, and soon the hobby became a business. After founding and selling a number of boat building businesses, Aronow launched his new boat, "the Cigarette" in 1969, its name being a reference to the speedboats of smugglers from the prohibition era. 

In 1982 Aronow sold the company, which then went through a difficult time, changed a few owners and eventually ended up being run by Skip Braver. He was able to successfully adapt the company to modern market realities. Modern Cigarette has not lost its racing DNA, but now it is focused more on wealthy connoisseurs of speed. Owners of Cigarette boats through the years have included who's who of celebrities and the rich and famous throughout the world. Such was (and is) the reputation of Cigarette Racing's boats that an entire class of craft have taken their name from them, an impact few, if any, other shipbuilders can claim.

Production Facilities

The Cigarette Racing shipyard is based in Florida in an area appropriately nicknamed Thunderboat Row.

Model Range

Cigarette Racing is still focused primarily on producing boats that can maintain high speed in open sea conditions, just as Aronow first envisioned. Smooth lines and a well thought-out handrail system are designed to keep passengers from getting hurt during any excitement, of which there is bound to be plenty. Rugged composite hulls, deep V-shaped bypasses and powerful motors allow them to maintain high speeds even in severe conditions and the boats seem to quite literally fly on calm water. 

The company's current portfolio consists of just three models, all high performance, center console designs with bow seating.  The Cigarette Nighthawk and Auroris are similarly sized at 12.5 and 12.8 meters respectively. The Cigarette Tirranna 59 is a larger 18 meter vessel designed in a collaboration with the racing department of Mercedes AMG.

Cigarette Boat Sales

A motor yacht is a significant investment and finding the right partner when looking to buy is crucial to avoid costly mistakes. The itBoat team of yacht experts has years of experience in the yachting industry and can help you find the perfect motor yacht that fits your needs and budget. We can provide you with professional advice, guidance and support from an initial consultation through to the final delivery of your dream yacht. We invite you to contact us today for a no obligation chat to learn more.