The start of a Legacy
Primarily due to the product and design philosophy instilled by its founder, Freedom Yachts of Portsmouth Rhode Island, the Legacy brand developed a strong following of boating enthusiasts throughout North America. The first Legacy motor yachts were developed and built by Freedom, the builder of a high quality and innovative line of sailing yachts.
From the conception of the first Legacy in the 1990’s, they believed that the Legacy brand should lead the industry with yachts that provide efficient performance measured in speed, comfort, superior handling, and sound construction to withstand the rigors of the sea. The Legacy 40, a Mark Ellis designed Downeast yacht and the Legacy 28 designed by Bill Langan were both developed by Freedom Yachts in the late 90’s. These models set the tone for future Legacy models, great looks and efficient performance.
The Legacy 34, another Mark Ellis design filled the line to a 3 model offering and enjoyed a long production run with over 60 hulls produced. The largest Legacy produced was the Bill Langan designed 52.
Present day Legacy
In 2010 Tartan acquired Legacy and moved the Legacy 32 and 42 molds and tooling to its Fairport Ohio manufacturing facility. With the marine industry still recovering from the effects of the Great Recession, Legacy remained out of production until 2013/2014 when the first new Legacy, a 32 was built. Since that time, Tartan has stepped up the production of 32’s 42’s and recently launched the new Legacy 36, a design collaboration between Mark Ellis Design and the Tartan Design team, headed by Tim Jackett. The new Legacy’s all benefit from Tartan’s leading composite technologies, award winning interior craftsmanship and the best component suppliers in the industry to build great performing luxury cruising yachts, now power and sail.
