Neiman Marcus Christmas Book Hacker-Craft Wooden Speed Boat

Fantasy and dreams - isn't that what Christmas is all about? For those who desire to dream really big, there is a fantasy book that is published every Christmas since 1926 that allows all of us to dream BIG - really BIG - complete with big price tags (but of course!). It is the Neiman Marcus Christmas Fantasy book that compiles the very best of the best in the world. The best of best always includes jewelry and cars but for 2011, it also includes a wooden and chrome floating piece of art - a custom made boat.

Most fantasy items are material. Yet, the very rich know that the greatest delights, delights that are long lasting are the delights that create memories. For you see, experiences are often the most memorable. Travel has the ability to take us to a new state of mind, both at the time of travel and upon reflection. For me, I love travel and art. Sometimes the form of art in metal has four wheels (often referred to as the automobile), sometimes it is a painting that takes me to a memory or creates a lasting memory. All too often, I feel the emotion of "lack" when I see a lovely boat. I lust for a beautiful wooden boat. The 2011 Neiman Marcus Christmas Catalog must have been reading my inner thoughts when they showcased my favorite boat, the hand crafted Gage-Hacker.

The Gage-Hacker is not the biggest boat but it is certainly the best boat in the world. Hand crafted and customized to the commission standards of the new owners, this wooden boat is a masterpiece in every sense of the word. A floating piece of art that is beautiful to the eye whether you sit inside enjoying the wind in your face or if you are simply a lucky by stander such as I.

This wooden boat glides through the water and adorns the majestic waters with royal majesty in her own right. Made of mahogany with gleaming chrome. The interiors are hand chosen, commissioned by the owners and literally every inch is a work of art.

How do I know all of this? I was fortunate enough to see these beauties at the prestigious boat show on Geneva Lake in Southern Wisconsin near where I live. In the past few years, I have been a loyal and dedicated bystander. I attend simply to delight in the majesty of these floating creations of art.

Yes, the boat show has many other great floating modes of transportation. Others are beautiful but none as a whole can compare to the exquisite workmanship of these boats.

The man who made this boat come to life is Bill Gage. He is the owner of Gage Marine as I understand it. As no surprise, what makes this boat line so great is the man behind the creation. Bill can be found faithfully upon his boat every minute of the boat show. I have seen him gobble a sandwich in between spectators. He cherishes the moments to share. Bill is always available to answer questions, explain the process, give some historical background. For you see, Bill's standpoint is clearly more than an owner, more than a creator who has brought this wooden boat that will become an American cultural icon to life; he is a caretaker of the finest work of art.

Fantasy firsts for me would be people and events. Nothing tops close friends and family and travel. On the material side, however, this boat would be my first choice. The Gage-Hacker is the ultimate in fantasy gifts. So my wealthy friends who were wondering what my gift list would be - simply one item - this beautiful wooden boat.

The fantasy catalog of Christmas Gifts for the ultra rich is the annual edition of the Neiman Marcus catalog. Neiman Marcus who is world renown for its high quality and "one of a kind" gifts issues a catalog of fantasy items during the Christmas season. The publication is mailed to over 1 million households and this year is also available upon the Apple iPad and on the Neiman Marcus website.

In the 85th edition, the Hacker-Craft speed boat will be offered. It is a custom designed wooden boat. The commission price begins at $250,000.

For every speedboat sold, NM will make a $3,000 donation to the Double H Ranch, a program that provides year-round support for families with children affected by life-threatening illnesses. Cofounded by Paul Newman and Charles R. Wood, the ranch offers unique camp experiences that are memorable, exciting, fun, and empowering.

The mission of the Double H Ranch is "health and happiness to others" and is denoted one of the trees on the 320 acre property.

This special edition boat will also include a donation to a historic ranch located in New York's Adirondack Park. The Double H Ranch was founded by Charles R. Wood and the famous actor we all know and love, Paul Newman. The ranch most appropriately opened its doors on July 4, 1993. Since that time, the ranch has served over 17,000 children from around the world. The unifying force, the common thread that binds these children is the fact that they all share illnesses that gravely threaten their lives.

The mission of the ranch is very simple - "health and happiness". The ranch is more than just recreation, Mr. Wood enlisted the help of Mr. Newman to ensure the ranch was also therapeutic for its young visitors.

“A Celebration of Paul Newman’s Dream” Benefit at Lincoln Center

Posted 03/01/2012 - 13:14

Josh Groban will perform at “A Celebration of Paul Newman’s Dream” event to benefit Paul Newman’s Association of Hole in the Wall Camps. The star-studded event takes place on April 2, 2012, at New York’s Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center

What makes this even more special than just a name? Check out the added features for the cigar and wine lover:

• Humidor - a specific spot for your cigars.
• Decanter rack - a specific spot for your crystal glasses

The many special features of this boat normally includes 15 coats of varnish for a high polished mahogany unparallelled sheen along side glistening chrome - all handcrafted in the USA. This special edition from Neiman Marucs also includes:

• Limited edition of 10
• Monogrammed humidor
• Mercury Marine 8.2 High Output 425-horsepower engine-CE (also compliant for use in Europe)
• Underwater lighting
• Cream colored seating with purple piping
• Refrigerator
• GPS
• Premium stereo sound system
• Sterling silver plaque with the Neiman Marcus name gracing the cockpit

And as if that were not enough, for your crew there are button-down embroidered shirts.

The crown jewel for this one of kind boat is a 23-karat gold leafed lettering of the name you have chosen to christen your boat.