Written by Elise on March 27th, 2013
 Yachts on Display at the Palm Beach International Boat Show The 28th Annual Palm Beach International Boat Show wrapped up this past weekend and as it does every year, it offered plenty of eye candy to those in attendance. In fact, the 4-day show offered over $1 billion worth of jazzy ocean bling, all lined up along Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach, just waiting to be adorned (and purchased). And if a 200 foot M/Y was not within your budget, there were plenty of other purchase options at the boat show, which would certainly have eased your sudden desire for extravagance brought on by the luxe atmosphere at the spectacular show.
The breezy salty air mixed with the hot tropical sunshine provided the perfect setting for the elegance of the in-water boat show, which is one of the 10 largest in the world. The event drew over 50,000 onlookers this year, and displayed over 500 boats and yachts, most of them for sale, and many of them shipped there by boat shipping companies from all four corners of the Earth.
People came from all over, some buying boats, some buying boating gear, and some just taking in the boating life experience. There were over 360 vendor booths that showcased the finest marine industry services and products. Whatever you needed to buy for your boat, it was there: from luxury services like boat shipping and detailing to yacht toys and navigational aids to apparel and upkeep supplies.
“We really enjoyed the show this year. We live in West Palm, so we go every year,” said Rex Bernard, a local boat enthusiast who regularly attends the PBIBS. “This year I just cruised over in my boat, it was very convenient, actually.” In addition to the usual land access and parking, guests were also invited to come by boat and tie up to the free Come-by-Boat docks located south of the in-water displays.
 In addition to the event being an aesthetically pleasing experience for those who attend, it is also a big boost to the local and state economy. The shows owner, the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County provides over 20,000 jobs and just last year’s show alone generated more than $77 million in economic impact in the tri-county South Florida region, according to Mike Antheil, the MIAPBC Executive Director.
Some new features at this year’s show included a Zeki Swimwear fashion show and live music by Captain Harry Band. Another noteworthy mention included the IGFA School of Sportfishing seminars and youth fishing clinics presented by the non-profit Hook the Future. And this year, the first 50 kids received a free rod and reel set and a commemorative t-shirt.
The PBIBS always provides a fantastic experience for the entire family to enjoy. In addition to being an all around fun event, it is also a great resource for boaters as it is a one stop shop for all their boating necessities. Whatever you needed for your yacht or for next yachting excursion, you could certainly have found it at the show, and so much more!
“We are going to Greece this summer and we wanted to be sure we were prepared,” said John Hain, a local boater. “We figured what better place to get ready than the boat show. This year, we decided to transport the boat instead sailing there ourselves and we were able to get a great shipping rate at one of the shows featured boat shipping companies.”
According to the New York Times, yacht shipping is a growing industry as gas prices and the threat of piracy are both on the rise. Before attending the show, Hain was not aware of how affordable this option could be. Thankfully, he was able to get the useful information at the show.
The Palm Beach International Boat Show ran from March 21 through March 24.
YACHT EXPORTS
[Source: showmanagement.com, sunsentinal.com, newyorktimes.com]
[Photos By: Valentin Toma]
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Written by Elise on March 15th, 2013
 The Lift-on/Lift-off Loading Method Common Used by Boat Shipping Companies According to the New York Times, yacht shipping, a sector of marine transportation is a growing business, despite the current waning condition of the world’s economy. There are several factors that are contributing to this development: rising gas prices and the increased threat of piracy in the HRA (High-Risk Area). As a result, companies that provide boat shipping and yacht shipping services worldwide have seen a consistent increase in bookings in recent times.
If you think you have felt the pain at the pump when you fill up at the gas station, just imagine the sting felt by yacht and boat owners alike as they fuel up for their next seafaring endeavor. As you may have guessed, they are certainly feeling the pain of climbing gas prices much more than the average person, with an exception of perhaps private jet owners, who are also feeling it big time. In fact, yacht owners are feeling it so much, that many of them, instead of cruising around the globe themselves as they once did from destination to destination, they are hiring boat shipping companies to relocate their vessel for them.
Another major factor contributing to the industry’s growth is the threat of piracy. Some of the most desirable boating destinations can only be reached by sailing through the HRA (High-Risk Area) which includes the entire Gulf of Aden and extends 400 miles east of Somalia. The countless acts of piracy and hostage situations that have arisen in these areas are very frightening to boaters and many of them would rather ship their boat than risk theirs and their crew’s safety.
“It’s just not worth the risk,” said yacht owner Bill Cummings of Newport, Rhode Island, who enjoys sailing in Tahiti. “Times have changed, and these pirates are ruthless. Shipping the boat there just makes more sense for us.”
It is estimated that just last year, boat shipping companies relocated some 4,000 yachts ranging from 35-foot sailboats to motor yachts 200-feet long. Customers include wealthy M/Y owners who gallivant the globe searching for paradise; charter companies that rent luxury vessels out in the world’s most beautiful cruising grounds; boat builders delivering new crafts worldwide to boat shows and other places of selling interest; and also a handful of yachters who feel the convenience and safety that come along with such services outweigh the cost.
YACHT EXPORTS
[Source: newyorktimes.com]
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Tags: boat moving, boat shippers, boat shipping, boat transport, boat transportation, boat transporter, boat transporters, International Yacht Transportation, marine transportation, yacht shipping, yacht transport, Yacht Transportation
Written by Elise on February 7th, 2013
 The Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show 2013 Press Release
February 7, 2013 (Miami Beach, FL USA)-Yacht Exports, a marine transportation company specializing in worldwide boat shipping, announced today that it will have an exhibit at The Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show on Miami Beach. The show takes place February 14-18.
Organized by Show Management, The Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show is a 5-day, on-water boat show, showcasing some of the world’s most extraordinary and uniquely designed yachts and super yachts from the world’s foremost custom boat builders. The show will debut several new yachts from the biggest names in the industry such as Azimut Benetti, Satu Marine, Sunseeker, Hargrave. Covering more than 1.2 million square feet of space over a mile-long strip of Indian Creek Waterway, the show will feature over 500 new and pre-owned vessels valued at more than a billion dollars. In addition, there will also be hundreds of marine industry exhibitors providing everything you could imagine for the boating and yachting lifestyle, from nautical retail companies like West Marine to service companies like Yacht Exports who provide boat transportation worldwide.
Yacht Exports has been displaying at The Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show for over a decade. “We always look forward to this show—it is a fantastic event. We see it as a perfect opportunity for us to build relationships with our clients as well as our peers and also to take in all that our great industry has to offer. Show Management always does such a great job organizing it, and we are proud to be a part of it.” Said Yacht Exports General Manager Alon Ezra.
Yacht Exports is one of the world’s leading boat shipping and yacht shipping companies. For over 25 years, they have been providing their clients with the most comprehensive domestic and international boat transportation and yacht shipping services in the marine transportation industry. According to the News York Times, as gas prices continue to rise on a global scale, the demand for boat shipping services has also grown substantially. It seems more and more boat and yacht owners are considering that having a company relocate their vessel for them (as opposed to sailing on their own bottom) will not only save them time, but also money as well. The logistics experts at Yacht Exports are aware of this growth in the industry, and are dedicated providing their clients with the most cost-effective, all-inclusive, worry-free boat shipping and logistics services on the market. Backed by their unparalleled global network and years of experience, Yacht Exports has truly carved a name for itself as one of the most trusted, innovative and future-forward companies in their sector.
 The Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show 2013
For more information on Yacht Exports and their exhibit at The Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show or for general information on the premier yacht shipping and boat transportation services that they provide, visit them on the web at www.yachtexports.com, email them at information@yachtexports.com or call them at +1-954-332-7846.
[Photos Provided By: Show Management]
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Tags: boat shipping, boat transport, boat transportation, marine transportation, yacht shipping, yacht transport, Yacht Transportation
Written by Elise on January 28th, 2013
 The Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show and the Yacht and Brokerage Show in Miami Beach are anticipated to have a huge turnout this year. The shows, taking place Feb 14-18, are usually very popular shows, but this year, they are expected to attract more than 110,000 visitors from all over the world. This is means a big boom in business for the city, as well as the marine industry in general, not to mention the many related industries, such as marine transportation. In fact, one sector of the marine transportation industry, boat shipping, is already feeling the impact.
“Compared to last year, we have seen a considerable increase in bookings for crafts being delivered to the Miami Boat shows. This is a good indication that there will be a really good turnout for this year’s shows,” said Alon Ezra of Yacht Exports. Yacht Exports, operating out of Southeastern United States, specializes in worldwide yacht shipping and boat shipping.
Another factor that will certainly contribute to the shows outcome is the recent announcement made by the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s that recreational boat sales were up 10 percent in 2012 and are projected to rise another 5 to 10 percent in 2013.
The Miami International Boat Show, owned and produced by the NMMA, draws about a billion dollars to the region and employs 9,000 full time workers at the show’s three locations, NMMA vice president of boat shows Cathy Rick-Joule told Soundings Trade Only.
“The last study we had commissioned was in 2005 and the impact was just shy of a billion, at $816.9 million,” Rick-Joule said. “We have commissioned a new economic impact study that will be complete this year.”
The Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show, which is owned and organized by Show Management, brings in around 100 million plus to the area every year.
“We hire 400 additional people every day to set up the show — and that’s just us,” Dane Graziano told Trade Only. Graziano is the Chief Operating Officer at Show Management.
Another positive industry indicator is that the Dealers and manufacturers have reported increased hiring and sales, according to the NMMA.
It is always encouraging to read about industry growth. As they say, one good thing leads to another, and this is certainly true in this case. We can all agree that it is always an encouraging thing when more jobs are created. As the Miami International Boat Shows grow in popularity, more jobs are created across the spectrum in order to meet the demands of a larger number of attendees.
As the opening day of the shows approach, we have already seen significant implications of business increasing for many related sectors. One such sector, the boat shipping and yacht shipping industry (which is a part of marine transportation) has already confirmed this development.
YACHT EXPORTS
[Source: tradeonlytoday.com]
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Tags: boat shipping, boat transport, boat transportation, yacht shipping, yacht transport, Yacht Transportation
Written by Elise on January 24th, 2013
Press Release
January 24, 2013 (Fort Lauderdale, Florida USA)-Yacht Exports, an eminent marine transportation company specialized in boat shipping, yacht shipping and logistics services, has teamed up Camper and Nicholsons International and Oversea Yacht Insurance to co-sponsor a monthly happy hour event at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale. “The Dock Party,” will be held outside the Dock Master’s office at the Bahia Mar from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on the second to last Thursday of every month.
Fort Lauderdale, also known as, “The Yachting Capital of the World,” is the perfect place to be a yacht owner. No other place in the world will you find such favorable year-round weather conditions not to mention the most intricate, multi-faceted yachting community in existence. It is home to the world’s largest annual boat show (Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show) as well as its famous Intracoastal Waterway providing over 300 miles of both a scenic and easy-passage to the Atlantic Ocean to the over 50,000 local residents that have their yachts registered in the city. Fort Lauderdale provides all the perks and luxuries that the yacht enthusiast could ask for including the best yachting events and races and the finest marinas and services. The Bahia Mar Marina is by far one of the best marinas in the city, and it provides a perfect backdrop for this event.
 This happening brings together some of the most well-known and highly respected names in the yachting industry. Yacht Exports has undoubtedly established itself as one of the world’s leading yacht logistics companies, offering their clients bar none the best boat transportation and yacht transportation services in the business. Camper and Nicholson International specializes in all things yachting (including sales, purchasing, chartering, marketing, management, and construction) and has been around for a very long time. Oversea Yacht Insurance, founded in San Diego, California, is a family-run company with over 30+ years in the marine insurance industry. They are also known to be the best at what they do. Although each of these companies offer their clients something different, they all collectively play an important role in ensuring the ultimate satisfaction of the yacht owner. This event is a great way for these companies to network, exchange ideas, and get to know one another and form relationships that will ultimately be beneficial their clients as well. All are welcome to attend.
Yacht Exports organized the event. Fortified by a vast global network and a multi-cultural team of logistics experts, they offer the finest worldwide boat shipping, yacht shipping and logistics solutions in the industry. They have certainly done their homework. They know the business, and they know their client. For over 25+ years, the company has been recognized as one if the most trusted and esteemed in its class. They hold themselves and others to a higher standard. And that is what sets them apart from the rest.
For more information on, “The Dock Party at Bahia Mar,” or for general information about Yacht Exports and the premier boat transportation and yacht transportation services they provide, please visit them on the web at www.yachtexports.com, email them at information@yachtexports.com or call them at +1-954-332-7846
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Tags: boat shipping, boat transport, boat transportation, yacht shipping, yacht transport, Yacht Transportation
Written by Elise on January 18th, 2013
 FORMENTERA BEACH The Balearic Islands, situated in the Mediterranean, are what many would say are some of the most beautiful natural cruising areas in the world. Located in Spain, the four main islands are Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera. With perfect year-round sailing weather, breathtaking scenery and some of the world’s best sailing events, these islands are some of the Med’s prime yacht shipping destinations.
Can you say perfect weather? Out of the 365 days in the year, these magnificent islands are blessed with sun for 300 of them. The peak season is summer in June, July and August, but the out of season weather is still quite pleasant. If that’s not enough reason to plan your next sailing vacation there, I’m not sure what is.
The sailing community in the Balearic Islands is a big one, and it’s no surprise why. Marinas are scattered throughout the area and offer a wide array of facilities. Also, the picturesque islands have many natural harbors, secluded coves and pretty anchorages—making the region the perfect place to sail and become one with nature. There is also much to see both inland as well as in the ports along the coast. The region features a rich culture where one can easily get a taste of the laid-back Spanish way of life by visiting some of the many waterfront bars and restaurants.
Another major appeal for avid sailors are the annual sailing events. The bay of Palma hosts several prestigious sailing events year round, including the Copa del Rey and Trofeo SAR Princesa Sofia held near Easter every year. Many of these sailing events, such as the Trofeo SAR Princesa Sofia, have been held for decades dating back to the 1960s. Not only do sailors and onlookers get to witness the events, they also get to experience the history behind it.
Want some more reasons why these fantastic islands make an excellent yacht shipping destination? How about they feature many unique sights you can’t find anywhere else, including Gothic architecture, hidden beaches, endless orchards of oranges and olives and even quaint little hilltop villages?
Still not convinced? Maybe you should explore Palma de Mallorca, which is the largest of the Balearics, and is known as the island of contrasts. There you will witness an amazing difference between its rough West Coast and its flat East Coast which contains the small and breathtaking fishing villages of Andraitx, Soller and Pollensa. This is a perfect stopover for those who love fishing. Drop in your line and catch yourself a bluefin tuna, albacore, or swordfish, which are all native to the area, and roast it yourself for a tasty delight to top off the experience. The capital, Palma, offers many cultural sights, restaurants and a dynamic nightlife as well. If you sail from Mallorca to Ibiza you will experience the joy of being accompanied by dolphins, turtles, flying fish, large jumping fish and a wide variety of birds. And once you arrive in Ibiza there are many good marinas and hundreds of beautiful bays to explore.
So, now that you’re convinced you must go, how will you get your yacht there to experience the bliss? Well, call your local boat shipping company of course! Yacht Exports of Fort Lauderdale offers the most premier yacht shipping services directly to Palma de Mallorca, landing you right in the middle of the magic. “We ship yachts to Palma de Mallorca regularly,” said Alon Ezra, manager at Yacht Exports. “It’s a beautiful destination, and many of our clients frequent the Balearic Islands yearly.”
So whether you go for the perfect weather, the sights, the events, the local bite, or for all of the above, you must sail the Balearic Islands at least once in your life, if you love sailing. You can thank us later. Happy cruising!
YACHT EXPORTS
[Source: wikipedia]
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Tags: boat shipping, boat transport, boat transportation, marine transportation, yacht shipping, yacht transport, Yacht Transportation
Written by Elise on January 9th, 2013
 The Pavilion Beach Club, Christophe Harbour, St. Kitts One of the most stunning yachting destinations in the Caribbean, St. Kitts, will soon have even more to offer yacht enthusiasts than it has already. The Marina at Christophe Harbour, which is a development located on the southeastern peninsulas of the island, is anticipated to become one of most desirable ports-of-call in the Caribbean. The fully-equipped luxury mega yacht marina is set to serve as the centerpiece of the newly developed Christophe Harbour Resort. Upon the marinas completion, it is projected to accelerate the already growing super yacht markets in the region drawing yachters form all over the world. Boat shipping companies are already busy transporting both personal and charter yachts to the site as limited berths are available and are already being sold.
For many years St. Kitts has drawn countless tourists with its charming repurposed colonial plantation style inns. Christophe Harbour is the newest attraction on the island. It is a brand new luxury community built from scratch and loaded with amenities for guest and residents to enjoy. In addition to the mega-yacht harbor and 300-slip marina, once completed, the high-end community will have a yacht club, an 18-hole golf course, 2 beautiful branded hotels (including the Turtle Beach Bungalows), private residences, beach clubs, fine restaurants, and shopping. Getting to the point of total completion has been a chore for Christophe Harbour Development Company, a venture of Kiawah Partners, thwarted by a fickle economy and a downturn that arrived just as the first shovel hit the dirt in 2008. Now, the development is in full advance. “Despite launching this project during a difficult economic climate, Christophe Harbour has successfully sold more than properties and started to develop both the infrastructure and amenities for a world-class residential resort community,” said Charles P. “Buddy” Darby III, CEO of Kiawah Partners. “Our goal is to create an opportunity for a lifestyle that is unmatched anywhere in the Caribbean, and we believe by doing that, Christophe Harbour is well positioned to take advantage of the economic recovery we are now beginning to see.” It seems Mr. Darby just may right in his predictions. The 2,500-acre resort was just already named one of the “Top 12 Must Visit Destinations in the Caribbean for 2012” by the editors of Caribbean Travel+Life Magazine.
 The Fazio Golf Course, Christophe Harbour, St. Kitts St. Kitts is no stranger to the yachting lifestyle. In fact, Whitehouse Bay, located just outside the Great Salt Pond, is already known to be one of the best anchorages in the Caribbean. And now, with the new high-end marinas completion just around the corner at Christophe Harbour, the yachting industry in the region is expected to grow substantially. With a natural shelter of hills and bluffs, favorable winds, and immediate proximity – and access – to the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, it is an ideal site for a luxury yacht marina and mega yacht harbor. Once complete, the marina and yacht harbor will provide approximately 300 acres of water surface, spacious berthing capacity and commercial and technical advantages that are unique to the region’s boating community. Accommodating the largest of luxury yachts, the marina will offer protected entrance and a safe inner harbor, 300 slips with 50 to 60 of them accommodating vessels 85 feet to 300 feet in length, and a designated port-of-entry featuring streamlined Customs and Immigration Services and easy access for boat shipping companies to safely deliver vessels. Yacht owners will also have access to the yacht club (with captain’s lounge and guest quarters), concierge services (including transportation and laundry services) internet Wi-Fi access, dockside provisioning, freshwater hookups, excursions to points of interest on the island, 24-hour security, private lockers and storage facilities, airport transfers, and reservations to the island’s best restaurants.
The harbors first phase of dredging has already been completed, bringing its depth to 20 feet. “Our goal will be to get the Maltese Falcon in here,” said Buddy Darby. Darby’s own Perini Navi, the 154-foot Andromeda la Dea, visits St. Kitts regularly. As a yacht owner, Darby took a special insight and interest when the amenities to be provided were selected. Many elements of the shores side development are already open, including the Pavilion Beach Club; The Turtle beach Bungalows, and the Beach House Restaurant. Also, the recent dredging has made it possible for boat shipping companies to conveniently deliver the boats and yachts of the visitors and new residents of Christophe Harbour. Although the Marina is not complete as yet, slips are for sale and available today for visitors on a limited basis.
YACHT EXPORTS
[Source: christopheharbour.com]
[Photos Provided By: Christophe Harbour Newsroom]
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Written by Elise on December 19th, 2012
 Kicking off the Caribbean yachting season as it does every year; the 51st annual Antigua Charter Boat Show is the largest charter event in the world. Only professional charter brokers from some of the most elite yacht charter houses worldwide as well as some of the biggest names in yachting journalism may attend this private event.
The exclusive show, which ran from December 2-8, took place on Falmouth Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard, located in the scenic and historic island nation of Antigua. Nearly 100 of the world’s most desirable motor and sailing yachts were there on display, all basking in the beautiful sunshine awaiting their due praises. These magnificent yachts were transported to the show from all four corners of the Earth, by world class yacht shipping companies.
Every year, the annual event, known as the “must attend” show, showcases a wide selection of the finest yachts currently available on the charter market. This industry-only event provides brokers with the unique opportunity to familiarize themselves with the market’s leading yachts, as well as the designs, layouts, facilities and crew available for the upcoming season.
This year’s show exceeded all others before it, as the yachts were the best ever seen, with the latest Sunreef Crewed and Power Catamarans, prestigious Nautors Swan monohulls and luxury CRN super yachts all in attendance and delivered by esteemed yacht shipping companies. Esteemed onlookers also got the chance to see the world’s largest catamaran, Hemisphere, which was last seen at the Monaco Yacht Show 2011. Another noteworthy mention is the luxury sailing yacht Ree, which is a 115 Valdettaro, with accommodation for up to 10 guests in 5 splendid cabins. This vessel truly epitomized the style, elegance and quality of all of the yachts on display at the Antigua Boat Show. Offering all of the luxuries that you would expect to find on a 130 foot M/Y after her $2.5m refit in 2011, she is available for charter in the Caribbean this winter. Her great crew and extensive selection of accompanying water toys are just a few of her additional perks. Another favorite crewed luxury super yachts on exhibit at this year’s show was the Sherakhan. This Ververk 228 is the perfect yacht to entertain a large number of friends and family, with accommodation for up to 26 guests in 13 cabins. Each suite is extremely spacious, and the beautiful M/Y features a BBQ, Jacuzzi, jet skis and enough water toys to keep everyone entertained for hours. The luxurious yacht is available for charters in the Caribbean at Christmas and West Mediterranean in the summer.
The annual show has grown in popularity with the increase in tourism, as Antigua became a more accessible destination, which prides itself on its hospitality, the friendliness of the locals and the fact that part of the island has dedicated itself to the servicing of the yachting industry. There were numerous events throughout the show, ranging from presentations to dinners, and the final day provided the opportunity to cruise Antigua’s stunning coastal waters and islands, aboard some of the finest charter yachts in the Caribbean.
It’s important to also mention that while many of the shows featured M/Y are only available for charter in the Caribbean, some of them are also available for charter in other popular yachting destinations worldwide, such as the South Pacific. International yacht shipping companies, such as Yacht Exports of South Florida, United States, have the capabilities to make this a reality for those clients who are seeking holiday charter destinations outside of the Caribbean.
This year’s Antigua Charter Boat Show was a huge success. The special event brings together only the most prestigious players in the industry, providing them a platform to critique and analyze not only the finest charter yachts in existence, but also the chartering market as it is, and where it is headed.
YACHT EXPORTS
[Source: antiguayachtshow.com]
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Written by Elise on November 19th, 2012
 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s Yacht It’s that time of year again here in South Florida. Time for decking the halls and being merry and although we don’t have the cold weather and snow to ring in the season, we have something just as festive and exciting, the Winterfest Boat Parade. This annual event has been called the greatest show on water as well as the world’s most watched boat parade. Each year, boaters from all over come to Fort Lauderdale to participate in the on-water parade. Locals cruise over with their boats while many out-of-towners use boat shipping companies to transport their vessel there for them—all to be a part of this fantastic event.
Every year, participants decorate their boats and yachts with thousands of lights and over-the-top holiday decorations and cruise 12 miles up the intracoastal waterway from Fort Lauderdale to Pompano, hoping to give onlookers all the oohs and ahhs that they came for. They also compete against each other in a number of categories to be judged by the board of directors and the viewers. Some categories include most original and best overall.
Last year there were over 100 vessels and this year, the same can be expected. The parade will feature every type of vessel from kayaks to multi-million dollar mega yachts to even a priceless war ship replica—all dazzled up for the holidays. The “Clipper Schooner Lynx,” which is a 122-foot square top sail schooner Lynx will be arriving in Fort Lauderdale on December 8th (by way of a boat shipping company) to partake in the festivities. Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and the Star-Spangled Banner, the historical ship is an interpretation of an actual privateer named Lynx built by Thomas Kemp in 1812. She was among the first ships to defend American freedom by evading the British naval fleet then blockading American ports and serving in the important privateering efforts. “We are very excited to visit Ft Lauderdale and participate in the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, and want to thank wholeheartedly our hosts, the Winterfest Board of Directors and the City of Fort Lauderdale with Parade décor provided by Advanced Roofing. It is through their generous support that Fort Lauderdale residents will have the chance to walk the decks and step back in time aboard Lynx, America’s Privateer our National Treasure.” Jeffrey Woods, Executive Director, Lynx Educational Foundation said. This year’s show is not only serving up a unique holiday entertainment experience, it is also dishing out a nice slice of American history.
The Winterfest Boat Parade is fun for the whole family. “We go every year and watch the boat parade,” said Miami native Juan Castillo about him and his wife. “It is a tradition for us. It is something special that we can share together as a family.” This year, he said they plan to bring their grandchildren. Many local families’s share the same ritual and look forward to the fun-filled holiday event in South Florida. And only in South Florida can you be outside looking at Christmas lights at night in 80 degree weather. It’s quite an experience.
This year’s Grand Marshal is Deborah Norville, a veteran journalist and longtime anchor of Inside Edition, which is now the nation’s top-rated syndicated newsmagazine. Deborah will prepare to lead the parade along the Fort Lauderdale waterways in true Grand Marshal style. She will be aboard the Grand Marshal Showboat (the Floridian Princess) waving to the nearly one million viewers watching from ashore as well as from home. And she isn’t the first red carpeter to Grand Marshal the event. Some of the years past G.M.’s include Shaquille O’Neal, Kelly Ripa, Alonzo Mourning, and Kim Kardashian.
The boat parade kicks off on December 15th at 6:30 p.m. in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, traveling east on the New River in Fort Lauderdale and north on the Intracoastal to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. The show is expected to have over 100 decorated boats on display. Among the participants will be local boaters as well as visiting boaters. Visitors will have their vessels shipped by boat shipping companies to Fort Lauderdale so that they may be a part of the parade. And one thing is certain: both local and out-of-town vessels will be providing all the amazing sights and lights that one can expect from the greatest show on water.
YACHT EXPORTS
[Source: winterfestparade.com]
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Written by Elise on November 5th, 2012
 In the aftermath of a natural disaster, such as Hurricane Sandy, the U.S. Coast Guard faces huge responsibility. It is their duty to assess the damage to the coastline of the area as well as get the city ports back up and running again as soon as possible as a major port taken out of commission could devastate local businesses and ripple into the national economy.
In the case of Hurricane Sandy, they had their work cut out for them as the super storm’s surge literally wiped out the entire coastline leaving the whole area out of commission including the New York and New Jersey Ports. These ports, which are vital to the nation’s economy, were closed for an entire week. The U.S. Coast guard responded working 24 hours a day aiming to get the local marine transportation industries going again.
Preparing U.S. ports for disaster is a year-round effort that often goes unnoticed. In the case of Sandy, the Coast Guard, working with local partners and the shipping industry, readied ports on the Eastern seaboard to minimize disruptions. But regardless of how well prepared each port was, Mother Nature took her course. Although some ports opened just hours after the storm had passed, the harder hit areas such as New York and New Jersey saw much longer delays.
The Coast Guard’s priorities are safety of life, to restore the marine transportation system and rapid reconstitution of operations in the affected areas. And even once the ports are reopened, they continue to conduct assessments to ensure ports are safe and ready for business as usual.
“The United States is a maritime nation and we rely heavily on the ports for commerce – 95 percent of our goods come to us by way of sea. Just about everything you purchase on an average trip to store, from yesterday’s Halloween candy to the shirt on your back, most likely came through a seaport somewhere at sometime. The port of New York and New Jersey is vital to our nation’s economy and we are doing everything humanly possible to get the port back to full operations. This is an all-hands on deck evolution,” said Vice Adm. Robert C. Parker, Atlantic Area commander.
The Coast Guard captain of the port works with maritime stakeholders and industry partners to use lessons learned from previous storms to execute regional plans. The foundation of local and federal governments working with stakeholders occurs on a daily basis but is amplified during emergencies. As captain of the port in New York, Capt. Gordon Loebl is responsible for protecting port facilities, merchant vessels and the marine transportation system itself.
“My primary focus is getting the port and waterways open for business and that requires we accurately assess the safe navigation of the channel and the ability of the port infrastructure to receive and support vessel traffic,” said Loebl. “Even though a navigable waterway can be transited, the vessel will still need a facility to moor at safely.”
On November 2, the Port of New York and New Jersey reopened only to limited shipping traffic allowing tank barges carrying much-needed gasoline to the region.
YACHT EXPORTS
[Source: maritime-executive.com]
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In addition to the event being an aesthetically pleasing experience for those who attend, it is also a big boost to the local and state economy. The shows owner, the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County provides over 20,000 jobs and just last year’s show alone generated more than $77 million in economic impact in the tri-county South Florida region, according to Mike Antheil, the MIAPBC Executive Director.
