Tom Fexas Yachts

Tom Fexas, a marine engineer who worked on nuclear submarines, changed gears and designed his first yacht on commission in 1975. In 1978, a client ordered a 44-foot yacht based on Fexas’ dream boat design, Midnight Lace. Moving to Florida to oversee the project at the Stuart Yacht Builders facility, Fexas completed the order in time to show his project at the Fort Lauderdale Yacht show. The yachting community received Fexas’ contribution with overwhelming approval, generating enough interest to spur Fexas to go into full-scale production of Midnight Lace with Chinese boatbuilder Cheoy Lee.

Between the late seventies and 1980s, several models of Midnight Lace premiered on the market, from 36 feet in length to 65 feet. The boats have a signature profile with long, sleek lines, and s-shaped sheer, a forward cockpit, aft flying bridge, and a clipper-style bow. Manufacturers halted production of the Midnight Lace series in the late 80s in favor of larger yachts, but it was revived in 2003 by popular demand. Although Tom Fexas died in 2006, his wife and his longtime staff continue to build yachts by his designs for an appreciative clientele. Used Midnight Lace yachts are available, starting at $221,000 and reaching just under $2,000,000, depending on age and condition.