Enjoy Free Day Dockage at the 20th Anniversary Sunday Jazz Brunch at the Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk April 28, 2010
The SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch has been a festive tradition at the Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk, held on the first Sunday of every month. This Sunday, the City of Fort Lauderdale announces its 20th Anniversary Party! The usual Jazz Brunch hours of 11am to 2pm have been extended to 4pm this week to honor 20 years of celebration with the Fort Lauderdale community. Located on the scenic Riverwalk, the free live outdoor concert series brings the best jazz artists from the area. On May 2, the Sunday Jazz... Read More
The World’s Largest Superyacht Currently Under Construction April 20, 2010
The motor yacht Eclipse is currently under construction and is set to become the world's largest yacht when she is completed and delivered later this year. The details of the superyacht are kept extremely private, but rumors are flying that the owner of the world's largest yacht is Russian billionaire Roman Abrahamovich. The Eclipse first hit the water in June 2009 and is currently being built at the Blohm + Voss Hamburg shipyard in Germany with interiors by the world-renowned London company Terence Disdale Design. The length... Read More
Plans to Improve Canals in Fort Lauderdale, Florida Will Draw Mega Yachts April 13, 2010
As the Yachting Capital of the World, Fort Lauderdale draws in millions of dollars of revenue each year from the yachting industry. The marine industry in Fort Lauderdale creates jobs, brings a world-renowned annual boat show each fall, increases tourism dollars and not to mention boosts demand for waterfront real estate - keeping up property value in the region. That's why it's no surprise that Fort Lauderdale city officials are looking into the dredging of the New River, the main line of access to yachting facilities in... Read More
Florida Legislature Voting on Measure that Sets Tax Cap on Boats at $18,000 April 6, 2010
The House Finance and Tax Council have moved forward with a measure that caps sales tax on boats sold in Florida at $18,000. The tax cap is part of a measure that plans to spend $89 million on tax incentives this year. Under the proposal, all boat purchases are subject to Florida's standard 6% sales tax, but once the tax amount hits $18,000, (the equivalent of a $300,000 boat) the rest of the boat's cost is tax free. If the measure is approved by both houses of... Read More
New “Gold Anchor” Rating System Pushes Marinas to a Higher Standard March 31, 2010
The Marina Industries Association launched its International Gold Anchor rating system in Australia in 2009. The three-to-five gold anchor rating system is designed to suit the Asia Pacific region to provide boat owners and marina users with a simple way to determine which marinas best fit their needs. The rating serves as a quick and easy reference similar to the hotel association's star rating system. Marinas currently utilizing the new rating system are assessed on different elements relevant to consumers such as marina design, condition, services offered,... Read More
Jump Onboard with Atlantic at the Palm Beach International Boat Show March 25, 2010
The 25th annual Palm Beach International Boat show kicks off today in downtown West Palm Beach on the newly revamped West Palm Beach waterfront. The $30 million waterfront, a 12.5-acre site with a large, open green, an events pavilion and native vegetation, was unveiled last month. The Palm Beach International Boat Show is one of the top boat shows in the country. The 2010 Palm Beach International Boat show features 20% more exhibitors than the previous year and more than 500 boats in the show from 8-foot... Read More
Yacht Racers Deterred by Skipper’s Injury March 16, 2010
On the final leg of a yachting race to San Francisco, California from Qingdao, China, skipper Piers Dudin of second place vessel The Hull & Humber was injured, causing The Hull & Humber to break from the race. Dudin's vessel was 400 miles east of Japan, nearing the final stretch of a 35,000 mile circumnavigational race when the incident occurred. This journey began in September 2009 from the Humber estuary, and was nearing its close when the skipper broke the shin of his right leg during rough... Read More
Yacht Show in Dubai Featured Hundreds of Yachts and Superyachts March 10, 2010
This week, Dubai is hosting the International Boat Show, and it kicked off with a great start. Merchants were selling everything from shark repellent to boat houses and police boats. More than 400 small vessels and over 25 superyachts are on display at the Dubai International Marine club. The Silver Zwei, a superyacht, traveled from Australa in just eleven days. One of the major attractions of the week's events, this vessel reaches a top speed of 27 knots and is 73m long. This particular show is a favorite... Read More