2012 Miami International Boat Show
Miami Beach Convention Center, Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center, Strictly Sail Miami at Miamarina at Bayside are the locations for Feb. 16-20 event.

See what’s new at the 2012 Miami International Boat Show, set for Thursday, Feb. 16 to Monday, Feb. 20. Florida’s largest annual event spans three locations—the Miami Beach Convention Center, Sea Isle Marina and Yachting Center, and Miamarina At Bayside—and features more than 3,000 boats and 2,000 exhibitors from all over the globe. There’s no better place to preview the new boating season.

You name it, you’ll see it here—from the latest in powerboats, sailboats and engines to cutting-edge marine electronics and accessories to the best in nautical gifts, services and apparel. And there’s no better time to buy! The five-day event is your once-a-year chance to compare makes and models, and gear up with the latest accessories all at one time! See our attendee page for ticket prices and other information.

Beyond the boats and booths special events, attractions and activities celebrate the boating lifestyle and offer entertainment for everyone. Launch your boating life at the Discover Boating Resource Center, with clinics, seminars and on the water activities to help you get started in boating. The Big Game Room Sport Fishing Expo features everything for sport fishing from boats and gear to seminars and clinics, and the NEW Dive & Travel Harbor offers one-stop shopping for your dive and travel adventures, plus the chance to try scuba in a heated pool. And that’s just the start—visit the show highlight page for a complete listing.

If sailing is your passion, stop by Miamarina at Bayside. You’ll find sailboats, sailing gear and accessories from around the world—including an unbeatable selection of catamarans. Among the highlights: daily sailing seminars, FREE Discover Sailing sailboat rides, Latitudes & Attitudes Bash, featuring the Eric Stone Band on Saturday, Kids’ Aboard boatbuilding workshops and more.

Marina Spotlight
Bahia Mar Yachting Center

The world-renowned Bahia Mar Yachting Center plays host every October to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The 40-acre, 250-slip mega-yacht marina features 2,500 feet of parallel docks on the Intracoastal Waterway and more than four miles of state-of-the-art dockage.

Learn more about this marina.

Interview
7 Questions for Gary Jobson, Sailor Extraordinaire

Gary Jobson was the America’s Cup winning tactician for Ted Turner in 1977, and since then he’s been one of the most well-known names in sailing. For 27 years he’s covered sailing for ESPN and NBC, and he’s currently the president of U.S. Sailing. Southern Boating Magazine’s Doug Thompson talked to Jobson about his life in sailing, and learned that a resolution in a hospital bed keeps him motivated.

Find out what he has to say.

New Launch
Four Winns H230

Versatile boat has room for 11 passengers and offers towing capabilities and large swim platform, plus lots of storage. The hull design carries a high shear line with low profile deck delivering a sleek yet deep and roomy interior.

Learn more about this New Launch.

New Product
Schmitt & Ongaro Steering Wheel

Stylish and classy, Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Products’ 712 Vision Steering Wheel pairs a sleek appearance with a comfortable design. But behind its stainless steel good looks is meticulous craftsmanship for durability and superior performance.

Learn more about this steering wheel.

New Product
Loksak Storage Bags & Cases

Keeping important documents dry and secure can be a challenge while boating or sailing, especially in extreme conditions. Park City, Utah-based LOKSAK, Inc., manufactures storage bags and carrying cases guaranteed to keep your documents protected in all environments from water, dust and humidity.

Learn more about this product.

January 2012 Issue:

• Celebrating Our 40th Year With You
• Vintage Weekend: Yachts, Automobiles and Airplanes
• Visit a Village of Islands: Islamorada
• New Launches: Deep Impact 399, MJM 40z

America’s Cup winner, ESPN
announcer guiding U.S. Sailing
toward 2012 Olympic Games

Gary Jobson

Gary Jobson learned irony can lurk nearly anywhere, especially when you volunteer for something. In 1994 Jobson raised his hand as a volunteer and became the honorary chairman of the Leukemia Cup Regatta sailboat series, and traveled about the country lending his name and expertise to events.

Then in 2003 he was diagnosed with lymphoma, and spent two years battling the disease, including enduring a bone-marrow transplant. He’s now cancer-free, but during his recovery he resolved to be of more service to sailing and to his fellow man.

Jobson, 62, is still the chairman of the Leukemia Cup Regatta, and is also in the third year of his term as the president of U.S. Sailing. Southern Boating Magazine interview Jobson on how he got his start in sailing, the U.S. chances in the 2012 Summer Olympics and his life on and off the water.

SB: How did you get started in sailing, and who were your earliest teachers of the craft?
GJ: I grew up in Barnegat Bay, N.J., and started sailing when I was 6 in 1956. My father was the enthused one. I sailed with him on a snipe, a variety of cat boats, and a pram, like an Opti. I was a post World War II kid at the Beachwood Yacht Club doing what kids did in the summer. At age 12 I got my own boat, a Penguin, a little dinghy and realized this was a sport I could really do well at. I showed a couple and their kids from Philadelphia a boat, and they ended up buying one. I was being a teacher and promoter of sailing. That was the defining moment when I thought “Gee, I could get more people involved.” But to do that, I had to get good. From that point own I dedicated myself to the sport of sailing.

In high school I started writing about it, becoming the editor of my newspapers in high school and college, so I had that journalistic bent. It was a combination of talking about it, writing about and being enthused. I was also a high school wrestler, and to be a good wrestler, you had to do a lot of drills. So I took that and did a lot of drills in sailing and that helped me a lot, and I write about how those drills helped me. Wrestling is one on one, and in match racing in sailing, it’s often one on one.

Then I met a guy name Sam Merrick, who was a lobbyist in Washington and great scow sailor. He and I become good friends even though I was in my teens and he was older. With Sam I took on the role of tactician, and he would listen to me and ask me questions. He helped me with my writing and speaking.

The next guy that came along was Graham Hall. He was a coach at New York Maritime where I went to college, and Graham had a system that he helped me develop to win sailboat races. I used this very methodical system on how to win sailboat races, no matter what kind of boat I was on, from a dinghy, scow, or later on to a 12-meter or maxi boat. It served me very well for a long period of time, and I had 2,000 races in during my four years of college. I was really able to develop my system for sailing. I ended up college sailor of the year twice and an All American for three years.

My motto, since I started teaching sailing at the age 17 in 1967, is: It is more important what you learn than how you do on the race course. I try to instill that to my audiences all the time.

SB: In 1977 you were the America’s Cup Winning Tactician with Ted Turner, describe that experience.
GJ: In 1973 I ended up being a coach over at the Merchant Marine Academy. That helped me with my speaking and writing, and somehow I got the attention of Ted Turner, and I teamed up with Ted. Ted was like Sam. I never appreciated until later in life that Sam was teaching me a lot of things, but I was also teaching Sam. And it was the same way with Ted–he was helpful to me in some ways, and I was helpful to Ted in some ways. When I won the America’s Cup with Ted that launched me in a whole new direction, that’s how I got to ESPN and the combination with all my writing, and speaking and sailing, it was a unique thing.

SB: You are the voice of sailing in the United States–has that provided a bully pulpit? If so, how have you used it to affect change?
GJ: That is a very nice compliment and I thank you for that. I have been the president of U.S. Sailing for two and a quarter years, and it’s a lot of work for a volunteer position. Everyone is emotional and passionate. The question is: what do we do with our sport, when money is an issue, time is a huge issue, and there are environmental problems and concerns. There are also aging rosters at yacht clubs and youth are either being pushed too hard or not at all.

You also have the question of how do develop a good Olympic sailing team with amateur sailors and no government support, when all these other countries have government support. What do we do with our handicap rating rules, which are all over the map and there are too many of them.

So there are a lot of issues. I’m happy to report that U.S. Sailing has no debt. We have 42 full-time employees, seven which are coaches, so we are under staffed in many areas. We are making it work the best we can.

I’ve made a list of everything we need to do, and with less than a year to go—my term ends Nov. 1, 2012—here are some positives. Our membership numbers are up, with 2,000 members today than when I took office. Financially we are good with sponsors, partners and benefactors. We also have a strong board of directors with people with a lot of experience around sailing.

But with the offshore rating rules, sadly, I’m not going to get it fixed. I have brought up an awareness that we have to consolidate our rules from five rating rules down to one rating rule. In the age of computers we ought to be able to pull it off. While I won’t get it down to one rule, consolidate it down to three rules in this country and not five. It will be better but not solved.

As for our U.S. Olympic team, we have changed the format with our trials, and I won’t see how well we are doing until the actual games. We have raised more money, and have great coaches, and hopefully it will result in more medals at the Olympics, but the jury is out.

SB: Recreational sailboat sales are about 8% of overall boat sales in the United States; do you see those sales growing in the future?
GJ: What I think can really help is if yacht clubs, community sailing centers, sailing schools and colleges go and acquire a fleet of boats, so the casual user can use these boats. The use of these boats will lead people to buying their own boat.

We have to do a better job of introducing more people to the sport. The best way is for clubs to give out free sailing lessons. We did this experiment in Annapolis for two straight summers. We had a couple of boats, and advertised “Free Sailing Lessons.” All you had to do is sign up and show up, and get a free sailing lesson. We sold out, with 474 people on the water the first year and last year 630 people. It was one, three-hour sailing lesson, and we later learned some of those people were buying boats and taking more lessons.

SB: Your role with ESPN and sailing coverage seems like a dream job–is it has fun as it looks?
GJ: Covering sailing is the ultimate kick for kick me. I have 27 years of experience with ESPN, I have covered eight America’s Cups, I plan to be doing the Olympics this coming summer, and it will be my sixth time. One of the smartest things I did was doing all my lectures. Last year in 2011 I spoke to 124 groups in this country.

In each one of those groups I get a network of friends, and every group I speak to is an in-person focus group. So when I say something that people like, I note that, and something they don’t like, I get rid of that. So when I do my TV shows I have all these in-person lectures backing me up of what people like and don’t like.

SB: In 2003 you were diagnosed with lymphoma and are now cancer free—how did that experience affect you?
GJ: It affected me a lot. The irony for me was that in 1993 I was a volunteer with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and became the honorary chairman to run the Leukemia Cup. So to get diagnosed with lymphoma myself after 10 years of chairing the Leukemia Cup Series and going to lots of events was quite ironic. It gave me a different perspective on life. I spent two years battling it and was unbelievably lucky. I went through a bone-marrow transplant which is a tough procedure to do. I am eight years out now and the disease has not come back.

One of the things that I resolved, laying in that hospital bed for all those months, was that I would be more of a service to my sport.

SB: Your accomplishments afford you opportunities to sail worldwide–however, where do you enjoy spending your free sailing hours?
GJ: I have sailed on all seven continents. I have been to Antarctica three times, and all the major sailing centers. I am lucky. I have been everywhere. I like to race off Newport and Nantucket. I really like cruising the waters of Maine. Overseas, I find the Solent off the South Coast of England to be a kick, it’s so wild and crazy and confused.

It’s funny. You go to a foreign country to sail. The language is weird, life is different. But once you get on the water, and see the city through the same eyes on the water, and the city becomes very comfortable. Being out on the water and on a sailboat, the whole thing seems more relaxed.

40-acre site offers amenities
for vessels large and small
on Intracoastal Waterway

When walking the docks of the  Bahia Mar Yachting Center in Fort Lauderdale, what’s amazing is what you don’t see. Hoses and cords are not strewn across the surface and that’s all due to the design of the Bellingham docks that were installed in 2003. The Bahia Mar Yachting Center went through a major renovation back then, the improvement aimed at enhancing the experience for everyone at the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, held at the end of October.

The good news for boat owners is that those improvements can be enjoyed year round when visiting the marina. Whether you’re docking a 250-foot mega yacht or 30-foot center console sportfishing boat, the Bahia Mar has a slip for you.

“Last year we did some great trailer packages for people coming from all over,” said Kevin Quirk, vice president of marine operations for the Bahia Mar Yachting Center. “We offered a room and a slip for a very reasonable price. And the Bahia Mar is now a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and went through a multimillion dollar room renovation, so that’s great for guests staying in the hotel.”

The Bahia Mar Yachting Center spans 40-acres and offers 250 slips, with more than four miles of state-of-the-art dockage. There is 2,500 feet of parallel docks on the Intracoastal Waterway and 100 mega yacht berths, more than any other marina in Florida, for vessels up to 250 feet. In addition, 480 electrical power connections were recently added.

A host of other amenities are included at the slips, including cable television, wired and wireless Wayport high-speed internet accession, two telephone lines with private telephone numbers and voice mail, and a sanitary pump-out at each sleep. There are also laundry, shower and restroom facilities open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and a marine store open daily with nautical wear, gifts, sundries, marine hardware, everyday supplies and electronics. Parking is also available with an unlimited on-site access for $7 per day.

The marine fuel station features six ultra-modern, high-speed diesel and gasoline fuel pumps, capable of dispensing up to 100 gallons per minute. There’s also a year-round kids camp offered, Funky Fish, as well as a 40-foot pirate ship for kids, who use a water-cannon to fend off pirates. Boat rentals are also available, as well as diving and sightseeing cruises.

The Bahia Mar is also going to play host to a marina boating day in March, in conjunction with the Marine Industry Association of South Florida.

For more information, contact:
Bahia Mar Beach Resort and Yachting Center
801 Seabreeze Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316
1-888-802-2442
Dock Master: 1-800-755-9558
www.bahiamarhotel.com

Runabout offers variety
of fun on-the-water options
and room for 11 people

The new hull design of Four Winns H230 carries a high shear line with low-profile deck delivering a sleek yet deep and roomy interior. The low-profile swim platform and automotive-inspired custom windshield are direct style cues taken from the larger, newly designed, cruiser boats in the Four Winns’ line.

“The overall look and sleekness of the new H230 is an incredible departure from other boats in this segment,” stated Roch Lambert, Group President, Rec Boat Holdings. “Our consistent design strategy is already beginning to pay off. Consumers and dealers around the world are recognizing the Four Winns brand as a distinctive product among its competitors.”

Click image to view full-size photo

The 2011 exposure of the new H210 and S215 in European markets has already captured attention of consumers and industry media, with the S215 being nominated for the “European Powerboat of the Year Award” by Boote Magazine. The H230 provides generous use of interior space and boasts plenty of seating and storage.

The extra-wide bow area provides improved seating and comfort with hinged backrest storage and side armrest cup holders. The cockpit area features an exclusively-designed walk-through transom entry system with a shock-assisted seat pad that rises up for stepping onto a solid platform underneath the seat. Entry into the boat is easy and convenient with no more stepping onto the seat cushions. New port and starboard bucket seats, which rotate 360 degrees, have edgy lines and lowered side for ease of turning and optimal socializing.

The ski locker, with gas assist lid, is large enough for skis and wakeboards. A large sundeck and newly designed removable cockpit table provide plenty of fun for a full day on the water. An aluminum water sports towing tower with color-matched Bimini top is also available.

Four Winns H230

Specifications
LOA: 23’4”
Beam: 8’5”
Deadrise: 20 degrees
Draft: 33”
Weight (w/fuel, water & engine): 4,470 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 52 gal.
Passenger Capacity: 11
Power: 1x MerCruiser 260-380 hp/Volvo Penta 270-320 hp/

Stainless-steel wheel
provides durability
and superior performance

Schmitt & Ongaro steering wheel

Stylish and classy, Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Products’ 712 Vision Steering Wheel pairs a sleek appearance with a comfortable design. But behind its stainless steel good looks is meticulous craftsmanship for durability and superior performance.

The center spoke, cast from 316 stainless steel, features open and modern styling that flows into the patented finger-grip rim. Each wheel offers corrosion resistance and is polished to a mirror finish.

Because quality and aesthetics are in the details, the control knob body is made entirely of stainless steel, without a plastic top cap that can detract from the wheel’s appearance, crack or fall out. Its smooth operation comes from corrosion-free ball bearings, instead of typical plastic flange bearings.

The control knob also has no exposed fasteners, traditionally a weak point for corrosion to set in. Instead, Schmitt & Ongaro fully integrates the knob into the wheel, welding its axle directly to the ring and polishing it smooth. This also eliminates any sharp edges, which can catch fingers or clothing.

Easy to mount, the Vision Steering Wheel has a 3/4″ tapered hub and stainless steel center nut. Excellent for saltwater and sportfish craft, it is offered in 13.5 inch (34cm) and 15.5-inch (39cm) wheel diameters. Cost is $286.60 for the 13.5 inch and $318.30 for the 15.5 inch.

Dedicated to quality, each Schmitt & Ongaro steering wheel is thoroughly tested for strength and dependability. Schmitt & Ongaro stainless steel steering wheels are NMMA Type-Accepted, carry CE approval and come with a lifetime warranty.

Information: Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Products, 1001 Ranck Mill Rd, Lancaster, PA 17602. 866-724-6488; sales@schmittsteering.com, www.schmittsteering.com.

Tested under extreme
conditions, bags guaranteed
to keep documents safe and dry

Loksak storage bag

Keeping important documents dry and secure can be a challenge while boating or sailing, especially in extreme conditions. Park City, Utah-based LOKSAK, Inc., manufactures storage bags and carrying cases guaranteed to keep your documents protected in all environments from water, dust and humidity.

The US Navy Experimental Diving Unit, scuba clubs, fishing clubs and other organizations, have tested the patented bags under extreme conditions and their lengthy list of users include The Boy Scouts of America, FEMA and the FBI Hazmat Department.

Products include:

* Splashsak comes in a variety of sizes including the map-sized bags shown above. Shieldsak protects credit cards and other informational material from identity theft with a special shield that blocks data scans by intruders.
* Opsak provides odor-proof protection of the bags’ contents.
* All Loksak bags are resealable and prevent penetration of air, water, dust or humidity.

Prices for products range from $6.50 to $52.

Information: 1-435-649-9009; 1-800-355-1126; www.loksak.com/

Marina Spotlight
Pirate’s Cove Resort & Marina

Nestled in Manatee Pocket just off the St. Lucie River, in Stuart, Fla., Pirate’s Cove Resort & Marina provides a private, elegant getaway destination offering a comprehensive list of amenities, all within arm’s reach. This is a family-owned, resort-style waterfront hotel where you’ll experience the true meaning of "Old Florida" charm in a gorgeous contemporary setting. And, for those planning on attending the Stuart Boat Show, Pirates Cove has a special deal!

Learn more about this marina.

Interview
7 Questions for Wayne Huizenga Jr., chairman of Rybovich

Rybovich in West Palm Beach, Fla., is a super yacht marina and refit facility, and Wayne Huizenga Jr., is the chairman. Since Huizenga took over Rybovich in 2004 his team has rebuilt the facility, and in 2008 opened Superyacht Service Center. Huizenga explains in this interview with Southern Boating’s Doug Thompson where Rybovich is headed and how he spends his time on the water.

Find out what he has to say.

New Launch
Caver 54 Voyager

True pilot house yacht incorporates a spacious extended fly bridge, lower helm and highly functional saloon for serious long-range cruising.

Learn more about this boat.

New Product
Thetford Marine Curve Porta Potti

Thanks to its modern and home-like design, Thetford Marine’s new Curve Porta Potti won an Innovation Award at this year’s International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX)., organized by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and judged by Boating Writers International.

Learn more about this product.

New Product
Torqeedo Cruise 2.0 Electric Outboard

With the thrust force of a 6-horsepower combustion engine, the Torqeedo Cruise 2.0 electric outboard engine is the emission-free alternative for sailing and motor boats with
a displacement of up to three tons.

Learn more about this electric outboard.

December 2011 Issue:

• Caribbean Resorts & Marinas
• The Best Winter Charter Deals
• Pamlico River: Exploring the Pirates’ Lair in North Carolina
• New Launch: Nordhavn 63

50-slip marina

a tropical paradise
for short, long stays

The hotel at Pirate’s Cove Resort & Marina serves a complimentary continental breakfast in the resort lobby and porch area. For lunch and dinner there’s no need to leave the grounds since you can enjoy a gourmet meal at the Pirate’s Loft Restaurant.

The second floor views of the water and marina match the outstanding quality of the food and service at the Pirate’s Loft. The Chef is renowned for his fresh Florida cuisine with a creative touch of the Caribbean. Tempting lunch and dinner choices include pasta, chicken, beef, salads, appetizers and of course, the freshest hand-selected seafood in town, all equally delicious. Weekends are celebrated with excellent live music by various area musicians. The restaurant staff excels at catering events and gatherings from business meetings to family reunions and weddings.

Even fishing tournaments, such as the Pirate’s Cove Sailfish tournament each December, are flawlessly executed by the experienced staff.

Outside, a taste of tropical paradise welcomes boaters and guests as they step off the dock by the Tiki bar where a white sandy beach features colorful chairs, beach games and an open-air bar that serves up a fun atmosphere and quick ice-cold beverages.

The full service 50-slip marina is the perfect home to keep your boat for any amount of time from a few short days while in transit, for the season or on an annual basis. An experienced dock master and crew will assist with all boating needs from securing a private slip with pump-out and electric facilities, to tying your boat to the fuel dock, or the public dock if you simply want to come on up to the Pirate’s Loft Restaurant.

For those wishing to attend the Stuart Boat Show held January 13-15, for the three days of the show plus the day before and the day after there’s a great deal. For a total five-day run Pirates Cove Resort is offering an extraordinary deal of $99 per night for a poolside room (regularly $150) or $119 per night for a room overlooking the marina (regularly $175). You must mention Southern Boating to qualify for this discount.

Information:

Pirate’s Cove Resort and Marina
4307 SE Bayview St., Stuart, FL 34997
piratescoveresort.com-772-287-2500
Restaurant 772-223-5048
Marina 772-223-9216
Dry Rack Storage 772-223-0862

New model in Voyager
series offers proven practicality
and luxurious appointments

Carver’s Voyager class yachts are designed and outfitted for exploration to faraway places. Built for long range cruising, the new Carver 54 Voyager can be outfitted with twin Volvo Penta 500- or 575-horsepower engines, or twin Caterpillar C9 575-horsepower engines.

The Carver 54V is built on the proven and popular Voyager Series platform, the fourth yacht in the series. The others are the 56 Voyager SE, the 52 Voyager and the 46 Voyager.

With its 800-gallon fuel tank the 54V has a range of 502 miles at 18.3 knots. The top speed is 26 knots when powered by the twin Volvo Penta 575-horsepower engines. With those engines the 54 Voyager costs approximately $1,175,000.

The 54 Voyager’s profile is configured as a true pilot house yacht, incorporating a spacious extended fly bridge, lower helm and highly functional salon and cockpit that come together in a logical symmetry that blend into the yacht’s character.

Below decks includes a rich combination of Zatara oak hardwood, luxurious fabrics and quality appliances. The designers at Carver have integrated these materials in a way that creates a more spacious and more comfortable environment than other similar sized yachts.

The unique Zatara oak is used to craft cabinets, bulkheads and cabin doors. Zatara is an exotic cut of wood that is finished using a process unique to Carver. This durable finish protects the wood while highlighting the rich, natural character of the select oak hardwood’s grain and golden hue.

The 54 Voyager can be configured to sleep six or eight guests in three cabins, which includes a master stateroom, VIP cabin and guest cabin with two twin beds.

Specifications

LOA (w/platform): 56′ 3″ / 17.1 m
Molded Hull Length: 53′ 6″ / 16.3 m
Beam: 15′ 2″ / 4.6 m
Draft: 57″ / 1.5 m
Weight (w/fuel, water & engine): 51,500 lbs.
Propulsion: 2x Volvo Penta D9 500- or 575 hp engines/Caterpillar C9 575-hp engines
Bridge Clearance w/arch: 20′ 1″

Superyacht yard pushes
forward to build better facilities
and offer more services

By Doug Thompson

Wayne Huizenga Jr.

Wayne Huizenga Jr. grew up in South Florida and has been on the water his entire life. As the son Wayne Huizenga Sr., then founder of Blockbuster Video and former owner of the Miami Dolphins, he’s been steeped in high-powered business affairs. He graduated from the University of Tampa with a degree in business in 1985, and married his childhood sweetheart, Fonda Hix, in 1991. They have four children.

In 2004, Huizenga Jr., bought the famed Rybovich marine facility in West Palm Beach, Fla. Since then he and his company have rebuilt the property, in March 2011 announced plans to build a superyacht haul out facility. Southern Boating Magazine caught up with Huizenga to get his thoughts on the marine industry and where it is headed.

SB: Since taking ownership of Rybovich in 2004 the marine industry has experienced both economic highs and lows. How has Rybovich fared since you become involved?

WH: After my purchase of Rybovich, the company underwent both a physical and an operational transformation. Over the last seven years, every square inch of the Rybovich property was torn down and rebuilt. Similarly, our operations and corporate culture were completely transformed to meet the demands of the changing market. Fortunately, our transformation placed Rybovich at a competitive advantage in facing the challenges of an uncertain market and our business has performed very well.

SB: In October of 2008 the new Mega-Yacht Service Center was opened. Has this part of the business thrived during the economic challenges the marine industry has faced?

WH: Although our business has performed very well, I don’t think that any part of the marine industry has thrived since the downturn in 2008. Concurrent with the opening of the Superyacht Service Center in 2008, Rybovich has focused on delivering unparalleled customer service and fortunately demand has been very strong for that.

SB: You also announced plans in March 2011 to build a new superyacht haul out facility in Palm Beach–now 7 months later, are you confident the marine industry will thrive in coming years?

WH: There are no dedicated superyacht haul out service facilities anywhere in the Americas. As a result, there is plenty of existing unsatisfied demand to make the facility a success regardless of the general state of the marine industry. Nonetheless, I am confident that the marine industry will also improve significantly in the coming years and that will be an added benefit.

SB: You’ve shown support for other big projects in South Florida, such as the Bahia Mar Project in Fort Lauderdale. What will the impact be when the Bahia Mar Project is complete on the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show?

WH: The Bahia Mar is a signature location for the City of Fort Lauderdale and the Boat Show is the City’s signature event. Both are dated and in disrepair and need to be improved as soon as possible if the City of Fort Lauderdale and the marine industry are ever to maximize their true potential.

SB: You grew up in South Florida and around boats. What type of boating do you enjoy?

WH: I have been blessed to have gone boating all over the world on every type and size boat imaginable. Despite all those experiences, the best boat in the world is whatever boat you are currently on, especially if you are driving. I just love to drive!

SB: Rybovich is committed to the Clean Marina and Clean Boatyard program–how has this program helped improve conditions for both your workers and the environment?

WH: The greatest benefit of the Florida Clean Marina and Clean Boatyard Programs is that it creates awareness about the importance of treating our water resources and environment with the respect that it deserves. Our entire industry exists because of our environmental resources and boaters, workers and facilities must work together to preserve those resources.

SB: Do you envision a time when recreationally boaters will be able to freely travel and enjoy Cuba? Have you ever visited there?

WH: There is no question that Cuba will one day be a magical place for American recreational boaters to freely travel and enjoy. I have never visited the island myself but I look forward to the day that I can explore its waters safely and responsibly.