Tiara Yachts’ Leon Slikkers’ passion, innovation and craftsmanship were recognized at the 2021 Boat Builder Awards, where he received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. The International Boat Industry and METSTRADE present this award to one who has played an active role in the boat building industry while serving as a strong ambassador for boating and boating culture.
“Without our father’s vision, passion and unwavering entrepreneurial drive over many decades, this company, its rich history, and all that’s been accomplished would not have been possible,” says son Tom Slikkers, president and CEO of Tiara Yachts. “He has devoted his life to this business and the Tiara brand will continue to carry on his legacy. As a nautical legend, this is well-deserved.”
In the mid-1950s, Slikkers sold his home to raise capital to start Slickcraft Boat Company, where he built mahogany runabouts. He founded his second company, S2 Yachts, in 1974, after selling Slickcraft to American Machine and Foundry in 1969. With S2 Yacht’s expansion into powerboats, Tiara Yachts was born.
For more information, visit tiarayachts.com.
