From Napkin Sketch to Middle Tennessee Shores: The Unwavering Voyage of Martinique

Nashville’s shimmering waterways are poised to welcome a new icon of luxury: Martinique, a vessel not merely of transport, but of transformative experience. Conceived by Ricky Toran, a Nashville native whose roots run deep in the music industry and television production, Martinique promises an unparalleled journey along the serene expanse of Old Hickory Lake and the historic Cumberland River. Imagine indulging in exquisite cuisine, savoring fine wines, and enjoying premium cigars, all while gliding through picturesque landscapes – the perfect backdrop for a memorable date night, a sophisticated corporate gathering, or an elegant group outing. But the story of Martinique is more than just a vision; it's a testament to unwavering determination; a journey forged through legal tides and unforeseen storms.

The genesis of Martinique can be traced back to an inspired moment in April 2019. Instead of a traditional brick-and-mortar establishment, Ricky envisioned a unique floating haven – a space dedicated to fine spirits, curated tapas, and captivating live entertainment. This ambitious concept, sketched initially on a simple napkin, began its arduous voyage towards reality.

Fortuitously, the means to fuel this dream emerged from Ricky’s familial roots. The sale of property gifted by his parents, expertly managed by his sister DaJuana’s development company, provided the crucial initial funding. This West Nashville property became a landmark sale, nearing a million dollars, solidifying the first tangible step towards bringing Martinique to life.

However, the path ahead was far from smooth. A crucial legal hurdle emerged through Ricky’s lawyer, Ramona: the prohibition of privately-owned businesses selling alcohol on Tennessee’s waterways. Until 2019, the legal framework only permitted corporations operating paddle-boat style vessels with a US Census residential areas of 250K or more to obtain such licenses. Undeterred, Ricky embarked on an ambitious mission to rewrite legislation. The summer of 2019 saw the initial groundwork laid, followed by the formal introduction of the bill in the Tennessee legislature in January 2020.

Then, the world ground to a halt. The COVID-19 pandemic struck in February 2020, casting a shadow of uncertainty over all endeavors. Yet, behind the scenes, Ricky’s dedicated lobbyists persevered, navigating virtual meetings to champion his bill in both the House and Senate. Against all odds, June 2020 witnessed a landmark victory: Martinique became the catalyst for a new law, granting it the distinction of being the first privately-owned business in Tennessee to secure a liquor license for operation on its waterways, establishing significant barriers to entry for future ventures.

During this period of legislative maneuvering, Ricky immersed himself in the intricacies of boat building. An encounter with a Kentucky-based boat builder proved pivotal, leading to the crucial advice: engage a naval architecture firm. This search led him to Daniel J. Avoures and Associates in Tracy City, the firm that would ultimately design the elegant vessel envisioned.

Simultaneously, another challenge arose. No marina in Nashville was willing to accommodate such a unique project, citing insurance concerns and a lack of suitable slips. Finally, in the spring of 2021, Drakes Creek Marina in Hendersonville bravely stepped forward, offering a lifeline – a slip that Ricky has diligently paid for, even without a vessel to moor.

Tragedy struck in December 2021 when Daniel Avoures fell ill, necessitating a search for a new architectural partner. Ricky reached out to naval architecture firms across the nation. In May 2022, Robert Socha, VP of Sales and Marketing at Conrad Shipyard, though deeming the project too small for their firm, offered a crucial connection. He urged Ricky to contact John Waterhouse, Principal Owner/Emeritus, and John Reeves, Principal in Charge, at Elliott Bay Design Group in Seattle, Washington.

An introductory email blossomed into a Zoom call, culminating in a meeting in June 2022 with their new office project manager in New Orleans, Joey Cardella. After exploring several shipyards in New Orleans and finding the project size prohibitive for many, a pivotal meeting was arranged in July 2022 with Frank Patti Jr., owner of Patti Marine Shipyard in Pensacola, Florida. In September 2022, Ricky traveled to Pensacola, forging a partnership that would solidify the physical creation of Martinique.

Since then, a powerful alliance has formed between Martinique, Elliott Bay Design Group, and Patti Marine, all dedicated to bringing Ricky’s vision to fruition and delivering the vessel to Nashville. Navigating the complexities of legal and financial paperwork has been an ongoing process, but by the summer of 2025, all regulatory hurdles were finally cleared.

Now, securing the necessary funding to build Martinique is the paramount priority. The unwavering goal is to have this exceptional vessel gracing Nashville’s waters by Spring 2026 or Winter 2027, perfectly timed for the grand opening of the new Tennessee Titans Stadium.

Ricky Toran’s journey with Martinique is a compelling narrative of passion, resilience, and the transformative power of a dream. From a simple sketch on a napkin to the cusp of reality, his story is a testament to the unwavering spirit of entrepreneurship and the belief that even the most ambitious visions can navigate the currents of challenge and emerge triumphant, ready to redefine the very essence of "transportainment" in Music City.