Bob Kirby knew that his Yachting subscription would provide him stories about incredible yachts, charter destinations, navigation and seamanship. He never imagined it would win him a half-million-dollar mini-yacht of his own.
Kirby, an avid boater from Lincolnshire, Illinois, was in “modest disbelief” when he received the email notifying him he’d won the SOLACE 30HCS as part of the Ultimate Boating Giveaway. Magazine subscribers to Yachting, Salt Water Sportsman, Boating, Cruising World and Sailing World, all titles in Firecrown’s marine portfolio, were entered to win Solace’s hybrid center console and one of the baddest fishing machines on the water. After a few emails and phone calls to confirm, Kirby learned he had in fact won the 30-foot boat valued at over $500,000.
On September 26, Team Solace handed over the keys to Kirby at its headquarters in Edgewater, Florida, then splashed the boat at nearby New Smyrna Marina. It was Kirby’s first chance to take the wheel and put his prize through the paces. After a brief tutorial, Kirby opened up the twin Yamaha 350s for a few sprints in the Indian River.
When asked about first impressions, Kirby highlighted “the quality of the build, thoughtful engineering, on-water performance, all-around handling, plus striking good looks.
“The stepped hull is smart, and the hybrid design makes the boat versatile in all types of water and conditions,” Kirby adds. “Finally getting to see the boat up close, I really appreciate the unique features and attention to detail. It’s darn near perfect.” Day boaters appreciate the 30HCS’s generous 34-square-foot cockpit area, deluxe seating, forward and aft boat shades, and stand-up head. For anglers, there are two 35-gallon in-floor fish boxes, a pair of 30-gallon livewells, and rod holders and rocket launchers galore.
As it turns out, Kirby’s love of the water goes far beyond staring at megayachts in a magazine. The Yachting subscriber grew up on Lake Erie, spending time at the Cleveland Yachting Club in Rocky River, Ohio. He’s also a competitive sailor; among his many events, he’s a seven-time participant in the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series in Chicago, serving as the bow man on a Swan 40. He also owns multiple boats as part of a family partnership, including a Mastercraft X23 and Pardo 38. The Solace 30HCS is his first fishing boat. Kirby plans to keep it in Florida for the winter, then transport it to his family’s getaway spot on Muskegon Lake in Michigan next spring.
But for now, Kirby has a few days set aside in Florida to cruise up and down the Intracoastal Waterway with friends and get familiar with the world’s most amazing magazine subscription freebie.
“This is the best boat I’ve ever won,” Kirby says with a smile.
