The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season came finally came to a close on November 30^th, drawing sighs of relief for many, some of who, have yet to fully recover.

No one in South Florida, The Caribbean, or Texas needs to be reminded of the devastation wrought by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, but we can take a closer look at the season, and see what went right and what went wrong, particularly for yacht owners and the marine industry.

It should surprise no one that the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane season was one of the most destructive on record. From the tragic floods caused by Harvey in southeastern Texas to the Florida Keys ravaged by Irma, and Maria’s widespread devastation in Puerto Rico, the impact of this past hurricane season, was dramatic, heartfelt, and will be remembered for years to come.

According to NOAA, this was the busiest storm season in the Atlantic since 2012 as 17 storms were named. While it was not a record-setting season in terms of the number of storms, it will likely be remembered as one of the most intense in United States history. A hurricane season’s intensity is quantified by Accumulated Cyclone Energy, or ACE, which measures the combined strength and duration of all of the tropical storms and hurricanes that occurred during that given season. An above-average season is about 111 units, while a below average season is less than 66. According to Colorado State University, the ACE value for the Atlantic Season which just ended, is 226, making it well above normal.

As of Dec. 1, this season’s ACE value ranks as the seventh most active on record to date, trailing only 1893, 1926, 1933 and 2005, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Economic Impact

Totals are still being calculated, but as of the writing of this article, current estimates are that the U.S. suffered more than $200 billion worth of damage from the 17 storms this season, with the most damage, of course, caused by Hurricanes, Harvey, Irma, and Maria. This makes the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season the most costly on record, easily eclipsing the previous record of around $159 billion, set during the summer of 2005, when Hurricane Katrina inflicted massive devastation on New Orleans.

Some Other Facts and Figures About the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season

• Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria changed parts of Texas, Florida and the Caribbean forever.
• September 2017 was the busiest month of hurricane activity on record.
• 12 storms, 6 hurricanes and 2 major hurricanes, placed 2017 among the top 10 most active Atlantic seasons on record.
• It may take years for Puerto Rico to fully recover from Hurricane Maria.
• Hurricane Harvey ended a 12 year “Hurricane Drought” where no major hurricane (category 3 or higher) had made landfall on the US mainland.
• Hurricane Irma held Category 5 status for a record breaking three straight days.

However, as devastating as this season was, and particularly the impact Hurricane Irma had on Florida, we are happy to report, that none of the yachts in our care, or inventory, were significantly damaged by the storm. So, if there is any lesson learned for Southern US coastal boat owners from what was one of the worst Atlantic Hurricane Seasons on record, it is that preparedness is key!

Recapping Your Hurricane Preparedness Plan

In the wake of Hurricane Irma, maritime experts pointed out, many boat owners were spared significant damage to their vessels because they were properly prepared. The 2018 Atlantic Hurricane season may still be a long way off, but it is never too early to review your Hurricane Preparedness Plan.

If you plan to keep your boat south of Georgia during the Atlantic Hurricane Season, most insurance companies will require a hurricane plan.  Working with several of the local insurance companies, Florida Yacht Management (FYM) is uniquely suited to offer viable hurricane plans to our full time management clients. Situated four miles inland up the New River, Marina Bay is a designated “hurricane hole,” meaning that its location is less subject to the dangerous storm surge that impacts many vessels docked closer to the coast.

FYM provides captain services to move your vessel to designated hurricane holes to satisfy most insurance requirements. In addition, we will work with your insurance company to provide details and documentation to show that you have done everything in your power to protect your asset during the storm.

Without a proper Hurricane Plan – THIS could be YOUR boat!

How Yacht Management Can Help  

There are many advantages to having your motor yacht signed up with a professional yacht management company such as Florida Yacht Management (FYM). In addition to handling all the details of managing the operations of your boat, FYM will make every effort to ensure its safety during hurricane season. FYM has a detailed preparedness plan in place for all yachts in our charge.

When a Tropical Storm Warning is announced by NOAA, we begin preparations
for the storm.

All vessels currently docked in Marina Bay will be secured in Marina Bay, 4
miles inland, west of I-95 on the New River, 2525 Marina Bay Drive West, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. Vessels located in alternate locations will receive the same preparations, as follows:

• All available fender and docklines will be used to secure the
  vessels to the docks/floating docks.
• All removable canvas, cushions, and loose deck equipment will be
  removed and stored indoors.
• All hatches and seams will be blue taped.

Your vessel’s LOA determines Line Detail, as follows:

• Under 60’ = Doubled 1⁄2” Lines (Tenders Included)
• 60’ – 100’ = Doubled 3⁄4” Lines
• 100’+ = Doubled 1” Lines
• All Vessels will receive Nylon Braided Lines with locations as follows:
• 2 on Bow, 2 on Stern, 4 Spring Lines

For all yachts we will:

• Deploy anchors if deemed necessary.
• Photo documentation of preparations.

Hurricanes and tropical storms can be unpredictable. However, one thing you can be sure of is that you have a better chance of protecting your boat, if you work with experts who understand the value of being prepared.

For more information on how to personally prepare, and protect your home or business during hurricane season, visit FEMA.

You can see live coverage of any approaching storms or bad weather at stormpulse.com.

Operating a motor yacht can be costly. You can reduce your expenses, and avoid costly repairs by keeping her well maintained. On Demand Yachting from FYM can help. If you would like to learn more, or if you have any questions or comments about this blog post, do not hesitate to contact our Yacht Management specialists, or call us at (954) 900-9968

360 Market Updates, an internationally respected producer of market research reports, has just announced the availability of their Outboard Electric Motors Market Status and Trend Report 2013-2023.

Boaters have always considered themselves to be stewards of the environment. With and increased desire to preserve and protect the waterways they enjoy, recreational boaters are more and more turning toward alternative propulsion, and green technophiles, and this also goes for outboard engines.

The report starts with a basic outboard electric motors market overview, and then goes on to detailed analysis of market growth and the key players, between now and 2023.

More Details About the Outboard Electric Motor Market Research Report

In the report, the market for electric outboard motors is examined for price, cost and gross revenue. These three points are analyzed for types, companies and regions. Then, the research analysts provide an elaborate description of the value chain and its distributor analysis. This report provides analysis based on:

• Geographical Regions
• Manufacturers
• Applications
• Types
• Drivers
• Opportunities
• Current and Future Challenges

Finally, the report concludes with development trends in the outboard electric motors market. A detailed analysis of upstream raw materials, downstream demand, and current market dynamics is also carried out.

The Future of Yacht Engines and Marine Propulsion Technologies

One of the overall themes of the market report on electric marine engines, is a frank discussion of advances in propulsion systems, and the increased demand for alternative propulsion to traditional marine gas engines.

These are trends and topics we also keep a watch on in these pages. As news of advances in engines and propulsion technology breaks, you can be sure to read about it here. In the meantime, you can make sure the engines on your yacht are always running at peak performance, by signing up for our On Demand Yachting solution.

Operating a motor yacht can be costly. You can reduce your expenses, and avoid costly repairs by keeping her well maintained. On Demand yachting from FYM can help. If you would like to learn more, or if you have any questions or comments about this blog post, do not hesitate to contact our Yacht Management specialists, or call us at (855) 318-6328.

[All Images Licensed through Adobe Stock]

Unless you have been living in a cave the last decade or so, you are well aware of the power of social media, and particularly Facebook in disseminating news, building a following, and creating brand awareness.

For most successful businesses today, “social media marketing,” is an integral part of their overall advertising and marketing strategy. However, the yachting industry has been a little slower than most, to really leverage the power of Facebook. At the recently concluded Superyacht Forum in Amsterdam, it was suggested that our industry can take a few lessons from the social media giant, specifically, a few pages, from their “Little Red Book.”

However, in his talk at the Forum, Paul Kemp-Robertson, of Contagious Communications, was not there to talk about how to use Facebook in your marketing efforts per se, but, more to examine how they, as a company, grow and remain relevant in a rapidly changing environment. They use a strategy that involves the company’s “Little Red Book.” According to Kemp-Robertson, as discussed in column by Rachel Rowney in SuperyachtNews, “When a new employee joins [Facebook], they are given a ‘Little Red Book’. Within its pages are various mottos, mantras and ideas, but one is especially striking: “If we don’t create the thing that kills Facebook, someone else will.”

The book continues: “Embracing change isn’t enough. It has to be so hardwired into who we are that even talking about it seems redundant. The internet is not a friendly place. Things that don’t stay relevant don’t even get the luxury of leaving ruins. They disappear.” According to Kemp-Robertson, each Facebook employee is encouraged to dedicate time looking at the flaws of the company – indeed, their own product – and to try and make it obsolete.

Embracing change as business strategy is not a groundbreaking concept. What intrigued Kemp-Robertson most about Facebook’s strategy, is the idea that employees are instructed to find ways to actually destroy the company. It is kind of like the ultimate in preventive maintenance, find every way possible to sink your ship, and you will be well prepared to weather any crisis!

Ben Barry is a designer, who created the “Little Red Book,” during his time at Facebook, he has created a website, where you can get a glimpse at some the pages in the book, if you want to see the whole thing, you will just have to get a job at Facebook!

Courtesy Superyacht Forum 2017

Why Does the Yachting Industry Need to Evolve Now?

Why should any of this matter? Why is it so important that we, as an industry, need to start doing things differently, and soon? According to Kemp-Robertson and other experts from other industries, it is because we are about to experience, “the largest transition of wealth in history; over $4 trillion between generations. This will occur when the baby boomers will leave their vast amounts of wealth to their descendants, many of whom are millennials.” This will create a marketplace of high-net worth individuals, with values, needs, and desires that are vastly different from those of their parents and grandparents. They will need to be marketed to, in very different ways that appeal to their unique values and sensibilities.  Kemp-Robertson says that an industry like yachting, rooted in doing the same things the same way for generations, cannot attract that new generation of buyers, without some serious self-examination. Facebook’s “Little Red Book,” strategy presents an excellent model for self-refection and evolution.

In the Market for a Makeover?

How we in the yachting industry market ourselves to our clientele, may not be the only thing on the water in need of a little makeover. If it is time for you to upgrade, or refit your yacht, keep watching these pages, as we bring you news of some of the world’s most amazing yacht transformations. And, if you are ready for a refit or upgrade of your own, remember, our refit specialists are here for you. We can modernize all of your yacht’s critical systems, from the electronics to her engines, as well as make any interior or exterior repairs, making her as good, if not better, than the day you bought her!

Operating a motor yacht can be costly. You can reduce your expenses, and avoid costly repairs by keeping her well maintained. On Demand yachting from FYM can help. If you would like to learn more, or if you have any questions or comments about this blog post, do not hesitate to contact our Yacht Management specialists, or call us at (954) 900-9968.

Looking for a perfect Holiday gift for a boater? How about one that is a real lifesaver!

Every boater knows that life jackets are an essential part of your yacht’s safety equipment. Never overlook the importance of PFDs. Even for strong swimmers, having the right kind and the right number of life vests onboard, provides a valuable extra margin of safety, and for non-swimmers, they are an absolute must!

In this edition of Yachting Gear and Gadgets we take a look at a lifesaver of another kind, which should also become part of your yacht’s safety gear — a man overboard tracker.

This simple, yet ingenious device is now available from a company called Sea-Tags. Worn as a wristband, it has a waterproof removable Bluetooth tracker attached to the backside that detects your location by using the Sea-tags app whenever the wristband is immersed in water. When that happens, any phone synched to the app, will receive an audible alert, and display a tracking map to help navigate back to the wristband wearer.

The system is simple, smartly designed and works well to protect your guests. It is particularly recommended for children and/or pets on board, and should be part of your Man Overboard (MOB) action plan.

According to the company, Sea-Tags works by continuously transmitting a signal that one or more Smartphones can monitor using the application. If the signal is interrupted by emersion in water, the monitoring phone (or phones) automatically triggers an alarm and records the GPS position at the time of the incident. The Sea-Tags application displays the MOB’s position, the real-time position of the boat, and provides real-time updates of the heading and distance to retrieve the MOB.

On Demand Yachting Provides Peace of Mind

When it comes to making sure you and all of your guests are as safe as possible, having the right safety gear on board is only part of the equation. In the unlikely event it is ever needed, you must also ensure that the gear is ready and operational. That means PFDs need to be checked and replaced, fire extinguishers maintained and recharged as necessary, first aid kits restocked, etc.

Maintaining your yacht’s safety gear at operational readiness is just one of the services you can count on from our On Demand Yachting Solution.

Operating a motor yacht can be costly. You can reduce your expenses, and avoid costly repairs by keeping her well maintained. On Demand yachting from FYM can help. If you would like to learn more, or if you have any questions or comments about this blog post, do not hesitate to contact our Yacht Management specialists, or call us at (954) 900-9968.

[Main Image – Courtesy Sea-Tags https://sea-tags.com/?lang=en]

Management software is bringing yacht management into the digital age.

Owning a luxury motor yacht is an incomparable experience; but running such an expensive and complicated vessel, can turn your dream boat into a nightmare.

It is not just the operation and maintenance of such a vessel that requires professional help — that is what you have a crew for. But, running an upscale motor yacht is very much like running a business, and even the with the best captain and crew, it could be challenging just to keep everything organized and going smoothly.

One of the best ways to do all of that, is to take a page form the corporate world, and use a management software solution. However, the problem many yacht owners and captains are finding as yacht management enters the digital age, is that “off the shelf” software, which has not been specifically designed for our industry, just does not take all of the idiosyncrasies of managing a luxury motor yacht into account.

Speaking to SuperyachtNews, Ian Hornsby, director of Hub-Ware, a management solutions provider said, “The corporate heavyweight solutions such as Salesforce, SharePoint and Microsoft Dynamics are too intimidating and require strong commitment and heavy investment to deploy them in a way that improves the bottom line, [for yacht owners].”

Here at FYM, we have heard these frustrations, and that is why we have developed our own proprietary yacht management software. Our “On Demand” yachting package has been specifically designed for yacht captains and managers who want a comprehensive digital solution that addresses all departments on board a vessel.

What Can Yacht Management Technology Do?

Yacht management software such as FYM’s own “On Demand Yachting” solution is designed to streamline every task related to the operation of your motoryacht. Our solution is a fully-integrated technology platform that allows you to login to your own secure dashboard and monitor any and all work being done to your vessel in real time. You can approve or reject estimates, track maintenance history, schedule owner usage, and so much more.

Beyond tracking and scheduling your vessel’s maintenance and repairs, a good yacht management software solution will also allow you to:

• Schedule and monitor all tasks for your crew.
• Manage all of the yacht’s, passenger’s and crew’s documentation, and update as needed.
• Store and organize all critical operations and registration documents.
• Keep and manage all necessary safety information for regulatory agencies, and be able to provide it in simple reports as necessary.
• Accomplish simple and complex accounting and bookkeeping tasks, including crew payroll, and any transfer of funds between operational departments.

Organization Is Key

The main advantage of yacht management software is, it helps to get you organized and keep you organized. All of the data pertaining to your motor yacht is in one, easily accessible place. Relevant reports can be generated and printed out or emailed to owners, crew, or any regulatory agency as needed,

But more than keeping you organized, management software also keeps you in control. There are yacht owners who realize the advantage, but are reluctant to hand their precious vessel over to a yacht management company because they are just not sure “what they are going to do, or how they will treat her.”

Yacht management software, such as our On Demand solution, removes any of that doubt. It makes the process of yacht management completely transparent to the yacht owner, and ensures open and honest communication between the owner, crew, and Management Company.

Operating a motor yacht can be costly. You can reduce your expenses, and avoid costly repairs by keeping her well maintained. On Demand yachting from FYM can help. If you would like to learn more, or if you have any questions or comments about this blog post, do not hesitate to contact our Yacht Management specialists, or call us at (954) 900-9968.

We recently published our list of Top Ten Boat Drinks for the Holidays. But, what about for your “designated captain,” or for those who just do not imbibe, but still want the feel of a tropical holiday at sea?

Not to worry, a company known as Seedlip, has come up with a line of non-alcoholic boat drinks, to keep all of your guests safe, and in the Holiday Spirit! After just two years on the luxury beverage scene, the company, which bills itself as “the world’s first line of distilled non-alcoholic spirits,” has made quite an impression. Poured by an impressive list of world-class restaurants, including The French Laundry, The Fat Duck, The Clove Club and The American Bar at The Savoy, Seedlip was recently awarded the prestigious “Brands of Tomorrow Award for Emerging Talent” by Walpole British Luxury Awards at The Dorchester.

According to Seedlip, the process of creating “non-alcoholic spirits,” involves, “copper pot distillation of individual herbs, plants and spices which creates two unique spirit blends that are sugar-free, sweetener-free and calorie-free and are best mixed with tonic or used as a base for non-alcoholic cocktails.” 

All of which makes them the perfect base for booze-free boat drinks at your yacht holiday party.  You can view and download recipes using Seedlip’s two non-alcoholic spirts — “Garden 108” and “Spice 94” – in drinks such as a “Seedlip Garden Booch,” or a Watermelon Sour by visiting their website.

At FYM we want everybody to enjoy all that the yachting lifestyle has to offer, but we also want to have a happy and safe Holiday Season. So if you are going to “party hardy” with any alcohol onboard, make sure you have a designated captain, and mix him or her up a batch of these “merry mocktails!”

Operating a motor yacht can be costly. Putting your boat in Charter can earn income, and defray some of the costs of ownership. On Demand Yachting from FYM can show you how. If you would like to learn more, or if you have any questions or comments about this blog post, do not hesitate to contact our Yacht Management specialists, or call us at (954) 900-9968.

[Images Courtesy Seedlip via https://www.facebook.com/seedlipdrinks/]

It’s the middle of December, people are counting down till Christmas, the radio has been playing Holiday tunes for weeks, stores are packed with shoppers, and visions of sugar plums may be dancing in your head! But, that doesn’t mean all your thoughts need to turn to snow and ice. In fact, if you would rather see how the Holidays are celebrated in the tropics, and consider sipping Pina Coladas instead of Egg Nog and Hot Cocoa, here is our list of the Top Ten Winter Yachting Destinations.

Bahamas – The Bahamas “tops” our list if for no other reason than its close proximity to South Florida. The Bahamas are just a short cruise away from SOFLA, and once you get there it is a boating paradise with over 700 islands from the Abacos to the Exumas, all of which are best seen by yacht! Plus, the bright and colorful Junkanoo, one of the most popular festivals in Bahamas, is celebrated during Christmas time with spectacular island music and dance.

The British Virgin Islands –The British Virgin Islands, or BVI, are known the world over as a popular destination for sailing yachts and catamarans, but more and more luxury motor yachts are finding their way to this exotic locale of pink sand beaches, rockey shoals, and amazing nightlife, all in reach of your yacht’s tender!

Ft. Lauderdale – OK, it may not be as exotic as some of the other places on this list, but local Ft. Lauderdale is not called the “Venice of America” without good reason. With miles and miles of coastal and inland waterways, Ft. Lauderdale is a true yachting hub, and during the Holiday season, home to The Winterfest Boat Parade among other Holiday extravaganzas!

US Virgin Islands – The other “VI,” the US Virgin Islands, have as much to offer a yachtsman as the BVI, along with some remarkable hidden coves and private beaches you can only get to by boat. And, the US Virgin Islands have the added advantage, for American yacht travelers, of no fees or other special entry requirements, that you may find in the Bahamas or elsewhere.

Hawaii – According to the crooner classic, “Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say on a bright Hawaiian Christmas day…” Why not see for yourself by taking a yacht to America’s paradise? The Holidays in Hawaii will mean trading snow and bluster for plenty of sun, sand, and blue water, and instead of a sleigh ride after Christmas dinner, snorkeling, surfing, and jet skiing will be in order!

Turks and Caicos – These “sister” islands are known for their scuba and snorkeling opportunities. They are also a top destination for whale watching during the winter months when humpback whales are migrating through the areas around Mouchoir and Silver Banks.

The Seychelles – Perhaps one of the more distant and exotic locales on this list, the Seychelles are a place for those who really want to “get away from it all,” for the Holidays, or just a cure for the Winter Blues. Located just off of the coast of East Africa, the Seychelles are known for “ecotourism” and white sand beaches, jungle and coastal hikes, SCUBA and snorkeling and lots of faraway coves and bays to explore.

Belize – Never heard of Belize? That is part of its charm, and what makes it ideal for a Winter Holiday getaway! Belize is in the Western Caribbean, just off the coast of Central America. As compared to the other Caribbean Islands on this list, only a small portion of the world’s tourists have visited Belize, and that has kept Belize’s ancient Mayan ruins, pristine rain forest and especially the Belize Barrier Reef, “unspoiled” for all to enjoy.

Grenada – If partying for the Holidays is more your thing, especially if you want to ring in the New Year on a luxury motor yacht, Grenada is the place to be! The island is packed with exciting events, parties and festivals during the winter season. St. George, the Island’s capital, is known to be one of the best places to party in the Caribbean, offering a variety of barefoot luxury and traditional Grenadian beach bars. So, if partying is a high priority for hailing in 2017, Grenada should be on your menu.

Sydney – And speaking of ringing in the New Year, there is probably no better place to do so from the deck of a yacht, than in Sydney Harbor. The Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks display is famous the world over. With an astonishing number of fireworks blazing across the sky over the city, reflecting off the Sydney Opera House and the harbor, the best way to watch is from your luxury yacht.

Knowing the Top Charter Destinations Means Increased Charter Income

Getting to know and leverage the most popular destinations to visit by motor yacht during the winter, and all year round, is an important part of maximizing your yacht charter income. When you sign up for our On Demand Yachting, or one of our charter income programs, our professional charter brokers will work with you to design yacht charter itineraries that are best suited for your yacht, and your earning potential!

Operating a motor yacht can be costly. Putting your boat in Charter can earn income, and defray some of the costs of ownership. On Demand Yachting from FYM can show you how. If you would like to learn more, or if you have any questions or comments about this blog post, do not hesitate to contact our Yacht Management specialists, or call us at (954) 900-9968.

Well-known Italian superyacht builder creates an equally super hybrid yacht tender!

Italian shipyard, Perini Navi has announced that it is working on a hybrid yacht tender project. At nearly 85 feet, the all-aluminum “tender” could be considered a hybrid motor yacht in her own right. However, according to the builder, she was commissioned as a secondary vessel for a returning client who owns a 165 foot sailing superyacht, also built by Perini Navi.

Speaking to BOAT International, Luca Boldrini, sales director of motor yachts at Perini Navi, explains, “The project grew out of discussions for a bigger sailing boat. What they really wanted was more flexible cabin space to accommodate single guests or children. As they prefer to anchor offshore, they also wanted to explore closer inshore in something more substantial than a conventional RIB.”

Her fine lines, more akin to a sports yacht than a mere tender, come courtesy of Perni Navi’s in-house head of design, Franco Romani, who says he designed her with high bulwarks that not only give her a unique look, but which means that guests will be able to “step straight onto the mothership from the secondary boat.”

Besides her unique look and style, it was very important to the buyer that she be a hybrid. According to Boldrini, power will come from a diesel-electric drivetrain that comprises a pair of 1,627hp MAN engines twinned to Hamilton waterjets for a top speed of more than 30 knots. The owner can also opt for a zero-emission mode that uses a battery bank to power the waterjets — ideal for exploring marine parks or other environmentally sensitive areas. Boldrini describes this system as a “first”, adding that the impetus came from the nature-loving owner, who has a “huge respect for the environment.”

More pictures of the unique yacht tender can be seen in the current issue of Boat International Magazine.

How to Find a More Traditional Tender for Your Yacht

While every yacht needs some kind of tender, not every yacht will need something as large and extravagant at the Perini Navi Eco Super-tender. But, how do you choose the tender that is right for your needs?

The most common mistake that yacht owners make when shopping for a tender is to get one that is the wrong size for their primary boat. You would be surprised at how many yacht owners simply do not measure the exact dimensions of where the tender will be housed on the yacht. Dimensions can be deceiving. You need to take into account the tilt on the tender’s outboard for example, and also keep in mind, that while a 13 foot tender may fit in 14 feet of space, it may restrict access to boarding or maneuvering about the boat. When looking for a tender, it may be a good idea to take your engineer, or captain along, or trust the advice of your yacht manager, to ensure you get the right size.

Love Your Tender

Our On Demand yachting service will “love your tender,” and everything else there is about your luxury motoryacht. With On Demand you can be sure that engines and every other system aboard your tender or primary boat, are always in tip top shape, and ready for adventure, whenever you are!

We provide “tender” loving care to your yacht and secondary boat!

Finding reliable crew can be challenging. On Demand yachting from FYM can help. If you would like to learn more, or if you have any questions or comments about this blog post, do not hesitate to contact our Yacht Management specialists, or call us at (855) 318-6328.

[Main Image Courtesy of Perini Navi – http://www.perininavi.it/news/]

The tree has been trimmed, the lights all hung about the house, as the old song says “everywhere there’s a feeling of Christmas.” But, what about aboard your luxury motor yacht? Even if you did not participate in the recent boat parade, you may want to decorate your yacht for the Holidays. Whether for a Holiday Party, or a New Year’s Bash, here are some special decorating ideas, (as compiled by Boat International) for a nautical Noel!

Lalique ornaments – When only the best will do, decorate your yacht’s Christmas tree with Entrelacs crystal hanging ornaments by Lalique. Available at  http://www.lalique.com/en/catalog/homeware/home-accessories/ornaments

Allessi centerpiece – Your yacht’s formal dining table won’t be completly dressed without an ornamental steel Christmas tree centerpiece by Boucquillon & Maaoui, available at https://www.alessi.com/gb_en/product/fall-winter-2017/bark-for-christmas-9445.html

Molton Brown baubles – These Limited edition baubles filled with assorted body washes, by Molton Brown, serve a duel purpose of adorning your tree, and can be given to departing guests as favors. Just have them pick one off the tree like an exclusive and succulent fruit! Available at Harrods.

Place card holders – “Silver bells, Silver bells, it’s Christmas time in the city…” and the same could be said for your yacht, as guests find their place at your table with these silver bell place holders by Linley.

Georg Jensen ornaments – Compliment the crystal ornaments above, with these gold-plated ornaments by Alfredo Häberli, available from Georg Jensen.

Festive live flower wreaths – Bring nature aboard with these festive live flower and berry wreath arrangements from Wildabout Flowers.

Kim Seybert stocking – Where will you find a stocking hanging that is as expensive and exclusive as the gift you might find inside? On a luxury motor yacht, of course! Your onboard Holiday decor will be completed with these Fireworks embellished stockings, designed by Kim Seybert, available at Bergdorf Goodman.

A Holiday party at sea can be a once in a lifetime experience. Have a great time, and you can help make “the spirits bright” with some of these Holiday decorating ideas!

Happy and SAFE Holidays to you and yours from all of us at Florida Yacht Management and On Demand Yachting!

Operating a motor yacht can be costly. You can reduce your expenses, and avoid costly repairs by keeping her well maintained. On Demand yachting from FYM can help. If you would like to learn more, or if you have any questions or comments about this blog post, do not hesitate to contact our Yacht Management specialists, or call us at (954) 900-9968.

Arcadia is a 103 foot yacht that was originally built by Feadship in 1968. Like other “classics” from that era, such as The Beatles, Woodstock, and Star Trek, she has withstood the tests of time. However, that doesn’t mean the old girl isn’t due for a bit of a makeover.

Arcadia is in the final stages of a four year refit project. The $12 million plus refit will take this already high-end boat (after all she is a Feadship!) well beyond her original specs. In fact, the project is so unique and the makeover so extensive, that we, along with our sister company, 26 North Yachts, (who will be handling the sale of the yacht), are creating a film documenting it! During one of the interviews for the film, Mike Carlson, the Co-founder of 26 North Yachts, said, “They took this boat down to bare metal. She has a brand new interior, a brand new engine room, basically everything on this boat is brand new. The refit is about 85% completed, and they have about $12-14 million into the boat as she sits.”

Only about one person in a billion would take on this magnitude of a refit. The owner could have easily purchased a new or later model boat for the amount that has gone into this refit, and that is part of what makes this project worthy of a documentary film.

Beyond that, there’s something of a Feadship “dream team” working on this project, starting with Captain Sandy and Wally Nisbett (the engineer). These two fellows have extensive experience with Feadship yachts, and are well-known in the industry. Captain Sandy was the captain of a very famous Feadship for almost 30 years, so he knows this type of boat literally from stem to stern.

Keep watching these pages, and follow us on Facebook, for the release of the film, which we anticipate to be around January 2^nd.

Upgrade or Refit Your Luxury Motor Yacht

Keep watching these pages as we bring you news of some of the world’s most amazing refits and yacht transformations. And, if you are ready for a refit or upgrade of your own, remember, our refit specialists are here for you. We can modernize all of your yacht’s critical systems from the electronics to her engines, as well as make any interior or exterior repairs, making her as good, if not better, than the day you bought her!

Operating a motor yacht can be costly. You can reduce your expenses, and avoid costly repairs by keeping her well maintained. On Demand yachting from FYM can help. If you would like to learn more, or if you have any questions or comments about this blog post, do not hesitate to contact our Yacht Management specialists, or call us at (954) 900-9968.