TITAN CUSTOM YACHTS 63

Maryland's Eastern Shore produces the ride of a lifetime

- CHRIS RABIL

Nestled among the rolling cornfields of coastal Maryland, Titan Custom Yachts is situated right in the backyard of the white marlin capital of the world. Owner Russ Garufi progressed to boatbuilding in 2001 after a lifetime career as a custom-home builder, and with nine delivered yachts to his name, Titan is just starting to hit its stride. After only a few months in operation, the new 63-footer, Lunatico, has already proved her worth-most notably with a 682-pound fish landed by owner Lance Converse to take the Blue Marlin Jackpot in July's Bermuda Billfish Blast.

I first visited Titan in August 2021. The build was halfway complete but was starting to take form, and Palm Beach Towers was on-site to measure for what would surely be the proverbial cherry on top. As I combed through the boat, I was impressed to see the construction methods that were being used. All items were not just fastened but bonded, to ensure a tight, quiet ride, and I was looking forward to experiencing all of this for myself after delivery.

The call that Capt. Cory Gillespie was en route to Florida with Lunatico came in late spring. Under the gun to fish the Bahamas tournaments before heading directly to Bermuda in July, I was lucky to jump on during a rare gap in the boat's schedule. As I walked down the dock, Lunatico's unique and custom-crafted Titan Gray hull set this boat apart from all others, and I marveled at how such a flawless finish could be achieved in a barn in the middle of farm country.

When I asked Gillespie and mate, Capt. Andrew Kennedy, what their favorite aspect of the boat was, both exclaimed in unison, "The ride."

BRIDGE AND TOWER