Neil Pryde Retires was "Will To Win" Book Signing Party With Neil Prdye

[ricki]

The signing party went off Friday with a great turnout, about 150 fans of the man and his times. In addition to books signed by Neil Pryde, Kent had arranged for catering van from to provide some outstanding Peruvian ceviche to all comers gratis. We're talking some excellent ceviche too.





Folks are having a good time, catching up with each other and speaking with Neil.



Neil Pryde bracketed by Kent Marinkovic to the right and Roland Marinkovic to the left.



Alexandra Menk collects her signed copy of "Will to Win."



The front of the Coconut Grove store, they even have some Neil Pryde racing bikes on display.



Kent and Christophe Ribot of Miami Kiteboarding



Todd Gréaux and David Linger






Thea mans the fort



Paula Ambrosio-Marinkovic, Luke Vandenberg and friends












Neil with fans Paula, Alexandra, Isabella, Christelle and Francine.



A representative of Bahamian tourism even came down to the signing.



Mike Hirooka is in the house.



Josh and Eric


It was a fun night and a good tribute to the man whose efforts have helped so many to enjoy millions of hours on the water over the last 40 years.

Thanks Neil!

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[ricki]

Neil Pryde came to town all the way from Hong Kong for the grand opening of the Ft. Lauderdale Adventure Sports store.

Originally Posted by RickI

They had the party with an excellent turnout and it seems like everyone had a great time.







Kent introduces Neil Pryde to share a few words about the new store and thanks to the capable staff.




They ran the "I To I Windsurfing Race" earlier that day from Port Everglades to Hillsboro Inlet. I tagged along and took a few shots along the way.




Luke Svanberg, the store manager




Kent Marinkovic with his CFO Brian Green and friends




Ron Kern organizer of the race rigs up, nice sail!




Thea Yatras came up from ASM to help make the opening a great event. There are a ton of great people with Adventure Sports.




Damien LeRoy and the Jupiter crew




Launching, you can see the windsurfers on the beach




They laid on a band for the party




Garrett Scotti of Adventure Sports designed a good portion of the store interior.




Leslye Moreno of Adventure Sports




A nice shot of Dave Kalama and Vickie Pfeiffer of ASFL thanks to 305Kitesurf. I was experimenting shooting for the first time while looking after my two young kids. I missed some photos as a result. More great images at 305Kitesurf's FB page at http://on.fb.me/11xlHs5




We're off!




Juan Pablo kiting instructor with ASM's Matheson Hammock operation




Some of the folks listening to Neil Pryde




Mr. Neil Pryde








Mike Vogt eases around the Port Everglades mark, the Whistle Buoy two miles offshore and starts his long run north.








Garry Menk, Jimmy Lewis distributor to the Americas



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Jon Modica is down for the event




Running up the coast




Packet Casey of Zulu Boards with Bianca Drouin




Leslye shows off some of her core strength hefting BG way off the floor




Neil Pryde did a book signing for "Will To Win" the story of his forty years in the watersports industry. More about the book a pdf download and how to order a copy at: http://www.fksa.org/showthread.php?t=11415




Looks like the makings of revival meeting, my que to pack up the kids and go. It's been fun and thanks!




See you from the new Adventure Sports Ft. Lauderdale store.




More about the book "Will to Win" HERE"Will to Win"


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[ricki]

Neil Pryde retires from the Pryde Group after several decades of global success in numerous watersports brands.

Here is the press release from the Pryde Group:

"Neil Pryde Retiring From Pryde Group
January, 2015
Hong Kong, January 14, 2015 — Pryde Group, an international sports group, announces the retirement of founder and Chairman Mr. Neil Pryde effective January 1, 2015.

Over the past 44 years Mr. Pryde has led the Company through tremendous growth and development, building it into a benchmark in marine and action sports.

Starting as a sail maker in 1970, the Company has successfully expanded into multiple sports and product categories, spearheading the windsurfing and kitesurfing sports revolutions. The international distribution network that the Company established under Mr. Pryde's leadership is unmatched with presence in over 40 countries and in more than 2000 retail locations. Over the years, the Pryde Group's products have won numerous design and marketing accolades and the Company was twice awarded the coveted Hong Kong Business Award for international business excellence.

Mr. Pryde's unbelievable drive and will to win remain the pillars of the company and an inspiration to all employees.

Mr. Mark Shriro, Chairman of the Shriro Group, the controlling shareholder in Pryde Group, commented on Mr. Pryde's retirement: "Neil has been our partner for the last 28 years and has built the Pryde Group into the position it occupies today. It has become a world famous brand and the leader in its field. It has won numerous world championships and many awards in the advertising and sporting fields. Neil will be greatly missed by us all and we wish him the best of health, luck and happiness in his future endeavors."

In leaving his post as Chairman Mr. Neil Pryde said: "Leaving the company which I founded and led for 44 years was undoubtedly an emotional wrench but I am confident that the Management Team headed by Patrick Pender and Peter Lui will continue to foster the winning spirit that has brought Neil Pryde Limited to the leadership position it occupies today. I thank everybody who has worked with me over the years to create this legacy—good luck!"

Neil Pryde leaves the company in the capable hands of CEO Patrick Pender and COO Peter Lui, as well as an established Senior Leadership Team. Mr. Pender and the management team will continue to champion the spirit that Mr. Pryde created while charting and executing an exciting new course for the company."


Enjoy a well earned retirement Neil and thank you for all the great times on the water!!!



http://www.continentseven.com/

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