BRIG Family Foundation

One of our Southern Boating partners, BoatTEST met with Boyd Tomkies, the president of BRIG USA. BRIG is based in Kharkiv, Ukraine, one of the hardest-hit areas during Russia’s attack on the country. BRIG builds about 4,000 rigid hull inflatable boats annually and has had to shut down operations to keep its employees safe. A handful of employees are living at the BRIG factory and have taken up arms to protect it. Showing the familial nature of the marine industry, BRIG distributors throughout Europe are taking in the factory employees and their families until the fighting is over. To help the BRIG refugees, please donate to the BRIG Family Foundation here.

3 Must-Try Caribbean Cocktails

The Caribbean is known for its sun, sand, sea, and…rum. Here are a trio of signature tropical cocktails, their key ingredients in case you want to whip them up at home, and where you can find the best when on the islands.

Pina Colada: Puerto Rico, specifically the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, is the birthplace of this frosty combination of coconut milk, pineapple juice, and rum. Order one from the hotel’s Caribar, and sip it on the terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Bushwacker: Created in a long-gone pub in the 1970s on Sapphire Beach in St. Thomas, USVI, it’s Paradise Point above Charlotte Amalie that now claims to serve the best. This concoction is made of equal parts of vodka, Bailey’s Irish cream, Cruzan Coconut Rum, Cruzan Dark Rum, Amaretto, and Kahlúa over ice, with a squirt of chocolate syrup and a cherry on top.

Painkiller: There’s long been a rivalry between a British Virgin Islands-based bar owner and rum-maker over who came up with the perfect combination of orange juice, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and rum. The answer is Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke with Pusser’s rum as the spirited ingredient.

2022 Miami International Boat Show Recap

Enthusiastic crowds were all smiles as they celebrated the return of the 2022 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show. The troubled waters created by the pandemic have calmed enough for boats to fill the docks of Sea Isle Marina, One Herald Plaza, the Museum Park Marina, and the IGY Yacht Haven Grande Marina at Island Gardens. Boats up to 49 feet also made their way on dry land for a full-scale display in the newly renovated Miami Beach Convention Center along with just about everything imaginable that makes the boating lifestyle such a joy.

There was an enormous showing of the latest boat models due in part to the shipping delays created over the last two years, and those that didn’t make it time for the Fort Lauderdale show made it to Miami to everyone’s delight. We tested out the new SŌLACE 415 CS that’s powered by Volvo Penta’s diesel engines with inboard/outboard drives as well as the Beneteau Swift Trawler 48 and Leopard’s 46 PC that will showcase in an upcoming Southern Boating issue.

Pursuit’s new S 428 Sport was there and earned the NMMA Innovation Award for best Center Console/Walkaround Fishing Boat, while Ingenity Electric’s 23 Electric won in the Cuddy Cabin, Bowrider, Deck Boats category. However, the Monterey 385 SS, Formula’s new 387 CCS to launch this summer, Scout’s 400 LXF, and Boston Whaler’s 360 Outrage are only a few of the latest models introduced at this year’s show. They are perfect examples of how the builders have used the last two years to up their game in innovation, creativity in design and styling, and the use of the latest technologies in propulsion, materials, and electronics.

Mercury Marine’s V12 600-hp Verado Outboard is fast becoming an engine of choice for many of the new boats, and Indmar’s innovative EcoBoost and EcoJet brings jet propulsion to pontoon boats.

Then there’s all the related gear and accessories from boat shoes to fishing rods and reels to graphics, personalized mats and seat coverings to barbecues to cocktail trays to air conditioners and toilets and ice makers to toys, paddleboards, personal watercraft, and…the list goes on. Magma Products even won an innovation award for their modular Crossover Series that allows boater to cook on the grill, in a pizza oven, a cooktop, and a griddle.

Rebranding the Miami show to Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show describes just how this year’s show went: it was a dock-filled, aisle-lined discovery of boats, goods, and services that represent all that boating has to offer—the fresh air, the wind in your face, the fun, the escape, and being with family and friends. A boat show instills the imagination to get out on the water and really discover boating, and Southern Boating is always glad to be a part of it.

7 Super Bowl Dips to Complete Your Party Spread

Delicious Dips for the Super Bowl

Tasty blends for dipping chips, veggies, or as a spread

Super Bowl parties always highlight delectable dips, and because I really enjoy entertaining aboard my boat, I always look for delicious dip recipes to whip up with a few ingredients already on board or that I can quickly buy in advance to serve with cocktails on a cruise or at the dock.

I usually offer several dips, many made with low-fat or light sour cream, cheeses, and mayonnaise. Below are my favorite dips along with suggested dippers.

For Potato Chips or Crackers

Caramelized Onion Dip

4 Tbsp. oil

4 cups onions, diced

½ tsp. each salt, pepper, and cayenne

4 oz. cream cheese

½ cup sour cream

½ cup mayonnaise

Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add onions, salt, pepper, and cayenne, and sauté for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 more minutes until the onions are golden. Once cooled, add onions to the remaining ingredients and combine until smooth. Taste and add more salt and pepper, if desired.

For Raw Vegetables

Spicy Asian Peanut Dip

½ cup chunky peanut butter

6 oz. warm water

2 tsp. soy sauce

1 tsp. chopped garlic

½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

In a bowl, whisk together all ingredients and set aside for 30 minutes to develop flavors. If the dip is difficult to stir, warm it in a microwave for 20-30 seconds and add a little more water to thin out. Keep adding water until you like the consistency. This dip is also great as a sauce for noodles or cooked chicken.

Garlic Aioli Dip

3 Tbsp. garlic, minced

2 tsp. lemon juice

½ tsp. salt

½ cup mayonnaise, to taste

¼ tsp. mustard

In a bowl, combine garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Stir in mayo and mustard. Taste, and adjust if necessary—if the garlic flavor is too strong, stir in more mayonnaise by the tablespoon. Aioli will keep well in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 10 days. It will thicken as it chills.

For pita bread or pita chips

Spicy Feta Dip

½ lb. feta cheese

2 Tbsp. sour cream

3 Tbsp. oil

1 tsp. garlic, minced

½ tsp. dried mint, crumbled

4 Tbsp. sliced pepperoncini (mild pickled peppers) or 2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

Mash the feta cheese, then add sour cream, oil, garlic, mint, and pepperoncini. Taste
and add more pickled peppers, if desired. If it is too spicy, simply add a little more feta
or sour cream.

Rustic Rouille

6 Tbsp. water

½ cup breadcrumbs

1 Tbsp. garlic, minced

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 cup jarred mild red peppers, finely chopped

6 Tbsp. oil

In a food processor or blender, add water, breadcrumbs, garlic, salt, cayenne pepper, and chopped red peppers. Add oil slowly, while food processor/blender is running, until well-combined. Alternatively, you may mix by hand for a chunkier dip. Use this sauce as a dip, or on pasta, in fish or shellfish soup, or as a topping for crostini.

For tortilla chips

Shortcut Guacamole

2 cups mashed avocado

¼ cup of your favorite salsa, drained

2 Tbsp. jalapeño, minced (optional)

1 Tbsp. cilantro, chopped (optional)

1 Tbsp. lime juice

½ tsp. salt and pepper

Mix ingredients and taste. Add more lime juice or salt and pepper, if desired.

For fresh fruit

Honeyed Fruit Dip

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

½ cup sour cream

¼ cup honey

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

½ tsp. cinnamon

¼ cup walnuts, chopped

Combine first four ingredients, store in refrigerator, and bring to room temperature for serving. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nuts before serving. This is wonderful as a fruit dip, and as a spread for date nut bread or banana bread.

– by Lori Ross

What’s New In The Bahamas In February

WHAT’S NEW IN THE BAHAMAS IN FEBRUARY

NASSAU, Bahamas, 01 February 2022 — Travellers can exchange their winter blues for warm turquoise waters this winter season. Though temperatures have cooled a bit, the sun continues to shine bright over The Bahamas with luxurious new hotel and marina accommodations, more direct flights to the Out Islands and hot vacation deals.

NEWS

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation Appoints New Leadership — Seasoned Bahamian business professional Latia Duncombe has been named Acting Director General, and Dr. Kenneth Romer, formerly the Ministry’s Executive Director, was selected as Deputy Director General. The new leadership team will oversee efforts to drive continued growth and recovery of tourism, and further propel The Bahamas as a leading Caribbean destination.

Grand Reopening of Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort — After completing a multimillion-dollar renovation, the reimagined Sandals Royal Bahamian is now welcoming back guests to the luxurious, all-inclusive resort and private offshore island. Highlights of the resort’s enhancements include new swim-up suites and private villas, upgraded restaurants and five new dining venues, as well as new and exciting entertainment offerings.

Pharrell Williams Announces Resort Plans in The Bahamas — 13-time Grammy winner Pharrell Williams announced plans to bring ‘tropical modernism’ to Atlantis Paradise Island with an all-new resort, Somewhere Else. The 400-room property is scheduled to open in 2024 and will feature multiple bars and restaurants, as well as bungalows with recording studios.

Superyacht Marina “Norman’s Cay” Opens in The Exumas — Norman’s Cay, a secluded and charming island located at the northern end of The Exumas, is now welcoming captains to the new 37-slip marina that accommodates a range of vessels, including luxury yachts and swooped sailboats.

Aztec Airways Adds New Nonstop Flights to Eleuthera — Aztec Airways adds twice-weekly flights from Fort Lauderdale to Rock Sound Airport on the island of Eleuthera. The new service joins existing routes to North Eleuthera and Governor’s Harbour, as well as to Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay in Abaco.

Atlantis Paradise Island Wins “World’s Best Casino Hotel 2021” — The world-class Atlantis Casino, home to over 700 slot machines and 85 table games, wins the top spot as World Casino Awards’ “Best Casino Hotel 2021”.

The Bahamas and Homesick Inspire Wanderlust — The limited-edition “‘The Bahamas” candle, inspired by the destination’s warm temperatures, unique culture and idyllic white sand beaches, brings island vibes to travellers’ homes as they dream and plan their next vacation. Now through 28 February 2022, consumers can enter to win the ultimate Bahamas escape to Caerula Mar Club in South Andros.

PROMOTIONS AND OFFERS

For a complete listing of deals and packages for The Bahamas, visit www.bahamas.com/deals-packages.

Visitors Travel with Confidence at Baha Mar — The world’s first “‘Travel with Confidence” program continues at Baha Mar. Guests who test positive for COVID-19 can choose between complimentary private air travel home, or free 14-day quarantine accommodations with a daily $150 dining credit.

U.S. & Canadian Travellers Fly Free to the Out Islands — When island hopping from Nassau, travellers prebooking a minimum 4-night stay at an Out Island participating property will receive one free airline or ferry ticket. Those booking a 7-night stay or more can score two free airline or Bahama Ferries tickets from the nation’s capital. Booking window is now through 14 February 2022, for travel until 31 August 2022.

Moonlight Delight Cocktail

Learn how to make a Moonlight Delight cocktail, a Hendrick’s Lunar gin cocktail with ginger beer and lime juice.

8 oz. Hendrick’s Lunar Gin (or other favorite gin)

8 oz. apple juice

4 oz. lime juice

1 cup ginger beer

4 slices each of fresh apple and cucumber

Mix all ingredients except apple and cucumber in a pitcher. Divide among 4-6 glasses filled with ice. Add a slice of apple and cucumber to each glass. Enjoy!

Basic fishing gear you should keep on board

Stocked and Ready to Go

Basic fishing gear every center console should keep on board

Center consoles are popular with anglers because they are designed with many fishing-friendly features. Powerful engines quickly get the boat to where the fish are biting. Common amenities include fish boxes, lockable storage, raw-water washdown system, and tons of rod holders. However, there is some basic fishing gear that might not come standard. These are some items that every center console should keep on board.

Rods and reels

It goes without saying, but we’re saying it anyway. They are two of the most essential pieces of fishing gear—you can’t catch fish without them! There are many brands from which to choose, such as Daiwa, Penn, Abu Garcia, St. Croix, and Shimano. Each offers a plethora of different rods and reels for every fishing adventure at any skill level. Do some “reel” homework to find out which combo best suits your needs.

Lures

You know what else you need to catch fish? Sure, a great personality helps, but can you put that on the end of the line? Lures are also essential to have on board for your fishing excursion. “You’ll want a mix of styles, colors, and sizes to match the local prey and cover the entire water column from top to bottom,” says fisherman and award-winning outdoor writer Tom Schlichter. Some of the more well-known lures are made by Rapala, Strike King, Panther Martin, and Heddon.

Fishfinder

“In today’s world, it’s hard to imagine not having a fishfinder aboard your center console,” says Schlichter. “A fishfinder confirms your hunches and pinpoints the exact depth and coordinates of your quarry whether in the back bays, inshore ocean, or offshore grounds.”
The Furuno DFF-3D is a fishfinder that produces highly detailed images and turns the NavNet TZtouch MFD into a multi-beam sonar to let you see the direction fish schools are moving, while displaying the seabed condition in real time.

Tackle box

More center consoles are building tackle storage drawers into the console with new models, but every angler should have a durable, waterproof tackle box with compartments of various sizes and a large base storage area to keep lures, line, sinkers, pliers, and other items organized on board. In this “case,” size matters. The occasional fisherman can stick with a small or medium box, like the Plano Guide Series Waterproof Utility Case, while a more serious, experienced angler with lots of goodies will need a much larger box, like the Flambeau Outdoors Waterproof Tackle Satchel.

Landing nets

Big fish, little fish, red fish, blue fish—if it’s on a hook, the easiest, safest, and most effective way to land fish is by scooping them up in a net. “Collapsible nets are real space-savers, but be sure to buy a net large and strong enough to lift aboard the biggest fish you might catch in your home waters,” says Schlichter. “Frabill offers some great choices, including its Deep Knotless Conservation Nets which are less prone to tangle with your rigs and hooks.”

Long-nose pliers

Fishing pliers are indispensable on board. Need to de-hook your catch? Cut the line? They even help with bending wire and changing split rings. The versatile tool should be corrosion-resistant with jaws that align properly and slip-resistant grips that are easy to use when your hands are wet or wearing gloves. Rapala, Bubba, and Umpqua, just to name a few, make long-lasting fishing pliers.

Coolers

They keep your snacks and beverages cool, and the stronger ones like Yeti and Igloo can also serve as casting platforms if secured to the deck. Use separate coolers to store food and catch.

Ruler

A 36-inch ruler sticker applied to both gunwales makes it easy to ensure that your inshore catches measure up to minimum size limits,” says Schlichter. A high-quality fish ruler, like ones made by SeaDek and Berkley, provide accurate measurements to prevent you from getting penalized. Go big AND go home!

Boat Club Memberships: Why Should You Join?

Join the Club

The benefits of getting a boat club membership

Boating can be one of the most pleasurable and memorable times in one’s life, but the cost of ownership is often a detractor. It usually leaves many on a dock gazing at a group out on a vessel laughing their socks off as if their lives were a serendipitous event.

Fortunately, there are boat clubs throughout the U.S. that offer opportunities for experienced as well as newcomers to enjoy the boating lifestyle. The boat club experience is not only geared toward individuals looking for a more accessible, affordable option, but also to former boat owners who are aware of the cumbersome responsibilities of ownership.

Companies such as Freedom Boat Club, Carefree Boat Club, Sovereign, and others offer boaters the opportunity to take watercraft out on their own for the day and head home afterward without worrying about maintaining it or the insurance costs. Another big advantage is that those who want to get into boating but have never owned or operated a boat will go through training by the boat club staff to ensure safety and confidence in taking the helm.

A Member Weighs in

Andrew Novak of Lighthouse Point, Florida, is a former boat owner who wanted a departure from the constant upkeep and overhead of ownership. “I thought, ‘Let me give this boat club a try and see how active I can be with it,’” he says. “I don’t have to keep it trailered. I can give it back when I’m done.”

Novak became a Freedom Boat Club premium member and pays just over $500 a month in addition to his $5,000 initiation fee. He explains that the premium membership at Freedom is 10 percent of the members at a particular location. “If there are 600 members, only 60 are allowed to belong to the premium membership,” he says. The main benefit to him is being able to commandeer a hearty vessel capable of knocking out waves on his way out to sea. “It gave me access to the twenty-five-foot and larger boats,” Novak says. “I take out a twenty-seven-foot Cobia center console regularly from Lighthouse Point Marina.”

Novak likes to use his private membership to fish. He typically goes for dolphin and wahoo, which hide just underneath the mahi-mahi. “The boat isn’t super-set up for live baiting. I could slow troll because the twenty-seven-foot Cobia is equipped with outriggers, but it’s not my cup of tea,” Novak says.

Not all clubs will allow you to store a boat at your personal dock overnight, but Freedom Boat Club does for up to three nights in a row. “I love being able to take the boat home,” says Novak. “There’s something about me looking out of the back window of my home and seeing a boat that makes me happy.”

Boat Club or Boat Rental?

Boatsetter.com is a peer-to-peer renting service that has a very large marketplace with more than 17,000 boats in more than 600 locations worldwide. The main benefit to Boatsetter is skipping the sizeable initiation fee of $5,000 that most boat clubs charge. However, avoiding the initial fee may cost you in the long run. One of the lowest rental prices is $44 per hour for a pontoon boat, which adds up to $352 for an eight-hour day. This is just above the average monthly cost at a lot of boat clubs ($300), once you fork over the mandatory $5,000, sometimes less, sometimes more.

The question then becomes, “How much will I use the vessel in a month or year?” Novak says his premium membership at Freedom allows as many reservations as his schedule permits, which is a mainstay at most boat clubs.

Initial Fee vs a Down Payment

If you were to buy a boat, the typical down payment range is 10 to 20 percent of the total cost. For instance, to purchase a $30,000 boat, 10 percent down would be $3,000. The advantage to joining a club is that you can cancel your membership after a year (or less); whereas, buying a boat would leave you on the hook for four to five years or more. The initial fee for a boat club ($5,000-$7,000) is comparable, but then factor in no maintenance or upkeep and that cost lessens overall. The South Florida Boat Club has a trade-in option if you own a boat with less than 200 hours.

Similarities and Drawbacks

Boat clubs generally require a one-time initiation fee. South Florida has the lowest initial fee starting at just $1,200, but it only has locations in Fort Lauderdale and Miami. It allows a member and any of their guests to board a vessel, including your Labrador retriever. This may not seem like a big deal (to let any guest, furry or otherwise, on board), but Suntex Boat Club has restrictions that limit your guests if they are not immediate family members and breaks up the membership based on this sole factor. Suntex has other locations in various states, but only two in Florida and has pet-designated boats and a $5,000 deductible for non-negligent repairs.

Most clubs above either offer or suggest ways to find boating education courses and, in some cases, it is a mandatory precursor to taking a boat out. In addition, most clubs require members to be 21 years or older to drive. Every club has an online reservation system and allows unlimited usage with the only requirement to return the boat fully fueled.

Carefree offers “spur of the moment” reservations by simply calling the dock to determine availability so a member can arrive and throttle out to sea. All clubs generally carry boats ranging from 18 feet to 27 feet. Boatsetter also has larger vessels available, but usually require a licensed captain.

Try it Out

A boat club is the perfect way to get your feet wet in operating a boat and knowing how boating can fit into your lifestyle. Joining a boat club allows you the chance to experience being out on the water and is a great way to figure out if owning a boat is right for you, including the chance to try out a variety of boat models to see which you like best before purchasing one.

Typical boat rentals give a similar opportunity, and chartering a boat is good when you want to go for a day of fishing, a sunset cruise, or a week-long vacation, but as Cecil Cohn, president of Freedom Boat Club, says, “Customers can plan their vacations around a club location. We want our members to have a lasting, great experience.”

-by Jamion Dietrich Kries

100 years later: the impact of water skiing on the nation

It grew from one man’s dream on a Minnesota lake to a Hollywood darling, from a pastime to a sport, and changed the economic landscape of a state half a nation away. Entwined like roses, the story of waterskiing must include not only Florida’s first theme park, but the lasting impact the sport continues to have on the Sunshine State 100 years after its birth that ripples through the nation today.

As every water skier knows, the sport started when a young thrill seeker, Ralph Samuelson, decided he wanted to skitter across Lake Pepin on skis instead of the then-standard board. After days of trial and error, all young Ralph had gained was a crowd from Lake City who watched his efforts while safe and dry on shore.

But not so far away that he couldn’t hear them.

The mocking stopped on July 2, 1922, when Ralph glided across the lake, upright on his skis. When he got to shore, the crowd gathered around him, begging him to teach them how to do it. And thus, after nearly a week of trial and error, a new pastime was born.

It was nearly 25 years later when Dick Pope Sr. returned home after serving his nation during World War II. While he was gone, his wife Julie had added a water ski show to their lakeside botanical theme park, Cypress Gardens, to entertain area troops. Pope not only embraced the idea but doubled down on it. Leaning into cutting edge technology, Pope created newsreels featuring the daredevils of Cypress Gardens on Lake Eloise. In no time, Winter Haven was “the water sports center of the United States” with Lake Eloise becoming the equivalent of the sport’s Lambeau Field or Fenway Park.

Developed into a competitive sport just a few years earlier, Pope’s marketing brought international attention to both it and his theme park. All this attention, in turn, fueled greater levels of competition, and improved competitors. The stunts got bigger, the speeds faster and the distances longer. Innovations included human pyramids, clowns, titanic ski jumps and crafty inventions, such as Willa Cook’s swivel ski. The spectacle soon caught the eye of Hollywood, captured in the hit 1953 Esther Williams ode to the sport, “Easy to Love,” filmed at the gardens and featuring both its stunts and performers. As the years passed, television often used Cypress Gardens as a backdrop – and world famous celebrities took to the water during the massive water ski show spectacles.

In short, when partnered with the Popes’ ceaseless and inventive marketing campaigns, waterskiing and Florida tourism came of age together. Intertwined, they transformed the image of the Sunshine State from the marshes, swamps and cowboys of yesterday to the playground for sun and fun of today.

The relationship continues today. In Florida, as we approach its July 2 centennial celebration, water skiers still perform on Lake Eloise, where Cypress Gardens was replaced by the LEGOLAND Florida Resort 10 years ago. While the original theme park might be gone, tourism is the number-one industry in the Sunshine State, cementing Dick Pope Sr.’s legacy. As for water skiing, today it is a healthy portion of an estimated $42 billion industry, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association. We like to think we get more than our fair share of that business here in Central Florida’s Polk County, where we’re blessed with more than 500 lakes ringed with restaurants featuring dockside dining as well as water ski schools staffed by those same Cypress Gardens water skiers of lore.

Polk County will highlight the unique marriage of Pope’s legacy and the sport during the upcoming year-long centennial celebration of the creation of water skiing. Starting with the USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Awards Gala at the RP Funding Center in January, at least 10 different sanctioned water ski events featuring every discipline known in the sport will take place in Polk County in 2022, including the July 2 Water Ski Extravaganza by the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team on Lake Silver in Winter Haven. The years’ worth of events culminates in the Oct. 22-23 International Water Ski and Wake Sports World Water Ski Show Tournament on Lake Silver in Winter Haven. Held every two years, the best show ski teams in the world gather to perform one-hour spectaculars that combine entertainment with world class athletics. The USA Water Ski Show Team – which features numerous performers with Polk County ties – has won the team title each year. Other teams expected to participate include Belgium, Canada, Germany, Australia, China and Mexico.

Bringing the event to Polk County was a joint effort between the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team and Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing (PCTSM) to bring Winter Haven the biennial world championships to the Water Ski Capitol of the World. Assistance from USA Water Ski and Wake Sports, the national governing body of organized water skiing and wakeboarding in the United States, was also instrumental.

Far from stagnant, new disciplines and techniques continue to evolve from the old. Additionally, thanks to advances in technology, the sport is far more accessible today than ever. Cable parks – think of ski gondolas without the gondola – have opened the doors to the boatless. Advances in technology have made the sport more accessible for the disabled. And some disabled athletes, like blind wake boarder Scott Leason, not only compete but often win against able competition.

Mark Jackson is the Director of Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing. A former professional water skier at Cypress Gardens, he continues to contribute to the sport as a color commentator on numerous broadcasts.

And who knows – perhaps someone in the crowd, seeing an athlete glide across Lake Silver, will start to dream. And what are dreams if not the stuff that innovation springs from? Central Florida’s Polk County welcomes the world to join us in celebrating the 100^th anniversary of the sport that defines the Sunshine State, water skiing.

Grand Opening for Town of Palm Beach Marina

Ribbon-cutting Event Officially Launched Renovated Luxury Facility

The Town of Palm Beach celebrated the official grand opening of its newly renovated Town Marina with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, December 9th. The $40 million in upgrades and improvements transformed the classic docks into a world-class yacht center that welcomes vessels from 60 feet to 294 feet. The marina is currently taking seasonal (November 1st – April 30th), annual (December 1st – November 30th), and transient slip reservations.

The Town Marina, only steps away from Worth Avenue, Palm Beach’s landmark shopping and dining district, has 84 slips located along the Australian, Brazilian, and Peruvian docks, and a new 250-foot Royal Palm Dock. The marina’s enhanced master plan includes a floating dock system and a suite of technological upgrades, such as high-speed Wi-Fi, advanced shore power, and state-of-the-art security systems. Trash pickup is now more convenient with boatside service several times daily. Staffing has been increased with dock attendants and other team members on-hand for guest assistance. In addition, boaters can easily reserve dockage using the online service Dockwa via the Town Marina website.

Guests can also enjoy complimentary access to the oceanfront Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course, the recently updated health and wellness facilities at the Morton and Barbara Mandel Recreation Center, and the town’s 13 premier tennis courts.

“It’s not only beautiful to look at, but our close-to-brand-new marina is chock-full of high-tech amenities that truly bring us into the 21st century and today’s world of sophisticated, luxury yachting,” said Assistant Town Manager Carolyn Stone. “And most importantly, it’s already ninety percent occupied.” Mayor Danielle Moore also expressed her enthusiasm for the new marina. “Our town is known all over the world for its desirable lifestyle and its abundance of amenities,” she said. “This marvelous marina will be a perfect addition to what makes Palm Beach so unique and wonderful.”

For information about long-term dockage, storage, and other services, visit townofpalmbeachmarina.com.

The Passing of a Legend – Robert T. Healey Sr.

Viking Yachts Co-Founder Robert T. Healey Sr. (1929-2021)

Robert T. Healey Sr., the co-founder of the Viking Yacht Company who helped build the company into an industry leader and led the fight that repealed the Federal Luxury Tax on yachts in the early 1990s, passed away last week at the age of 92.

“My father was a true leader, and his vision will always guide us,” said his son, Robert Healey Jr. “He believed that the people around him – his family, friends and employees – lifted him to success and it was his obligation to leave the world a better place.”

Bob Healey Sr. and his brother Bill established Viking Yachts in 1964, and the company went on to become the largest manufacturer of sportfishing yachts in the world. But that success may have never been achieved without the determination and perseverance of Bob Healey. When a federal 10 percent luxury tax was imposed on yachts in 1991, thousands of people were laid off and hundreds of companies went out of business. Viking nearly went bankrupt, closed a plant in Florida and laid off all but 65 of its 1,500 boatbuilders.

Bob was instrumental in organizing a national, grass-roots campaign to fight the tax. He took the industry lead, organizing busloads of out-of-work boatbuilders to converge on Capitol Hill for demonstrations, and setting fire to a boat on a barge in Narragansett Bay as a highly effective symbol of protest. The tax was repealed 20 months later in 1993.

“My uncle’s efforts to repeal the Federal Luxury Tax on yachts will never be forgotten,” said Bill’s son and Viking Yachts President and CEO Pat Healey. “He saved not only Viking but the entire marine industry. He was the catalyst and leader, and he wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer. He was a brilliant lawyer and savvy businessman who was able to convince the politicians in Washington that this was very much a JOBS ISSUE. It was about good hardworking people losing their ability to provide for their families.

Bob’s 11th-hour lobbying efforts with Congressman Bill Hughes, who represented N.J.’s Second District, helped secure the votes needed to repeal the Luxury Tax in 1993. “It was a great victory for our family-owned-and-operated boatbuilding company, the people of New Jersey and everyone in the marine industry,” said Pat.

With Bill’s help, Bob privately funded the company out of his own savings, allowing Viking to tool up new models. The company came out of the gate running when the tax was finally repealed – and they never looked back.

VOTE NOW: Southern Boating Readers’ Choice Awards

What’s your favorite express cruiser? Where is your favorite cruising destination? Who makes the best fishing reel? What’s your must-have boating apparel item?

Southern Boating wants to know your top picks for our 2^nd Annual Readers’ Choice Awards. The survey will arrive in two parts, one now and another in a few days, so don’t delay! We can’t wait to see your favorites!

Vote Now

2021 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show Preview

The boating boom is alive and well. Ask any of the boatbuilders attending the 62nd Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) set for October 27-31 at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center.

Trying to keep up with unprecedented demand over the past 18 months, boat and yacht builders can be forgiven for not having the capacity or time to add new models. Yet, there are plenty of builders introducing a new boat or two at the world’s largest in-water boat show.

For tickets, hospitality packages including the popular Windward VIP Club, parking, and more, visit flibs.com.

Intrepid 427 Nomad FE

After debuting at an Intrepid Rendezvous in July, the new 427 Nomad FE is making an encore appearance in Fort Lauderdale, powered by triple 600-hp Mercury Verado V12s. Highlights of this roomier, more powerful center console (42′ 7″ LOA, 12′ 8″ beam) include a full-height glass windshield with wiper for maximum protection from the elements. The customizable aft cockpit features a hullside swing-in dive door on one side and a hydraulic hullside platform on the other, each with fold-out ladder and grab bars. Forward seating includes dual sun loungers and a hi-lo table that converts bow seating to another expansive sunpad. The spacious hideaway head with shower completes a package that delivers Intrepid’s signature brand of custom comfort and performance. intrepidpowerboats.com

MJM Yachts 3z

Designed in a Carolina Downeast style, the 3z is MJM Yachts’ first entry into the dayboat market. The 38-footer with an 11-foot beam is built upon the 35z hull designed by naval architect Doug Zurn. The epoxy-infused cored composite hull is light enough that MJM Yachts went with twin 300-hp Mercury Verado XL outboards. The pilothouse offers 360-degree views and can be used for overnighting as port and starboard settees can sleep two or seat six. A full head and shower are in the port console. The builder loaded the MJM 3z with electronic goodies, including Garmin displays, Mercury’s digital fly-by-wire with joystick control, and Skyhook digital anchor. mjmyachts.com

Tiara Yachts 48 LS

The largest outboard-powered Tiara Yachts has ever built, the 48 LS, builds on the legacy of the LS Series. Forward, the bow features wraparound seating and a chaise lounge. Aft, the rotating lounge boasts multiple locking positions and electrically adjustable backrests. Deploy the terrace and expand the cockpit. At the helm, sliding doors provide a retreat from the elements. The 48 LS (48′ 4″ LOA, 14′ 2″ beam) features the new 600-hp Mercury Verado V12 engines that deliver the ultimate outboard-driving experience. tiarayachts.com

Maritimo M55

As part of an ongoing new model development program, Australian luxury motoryacht manufacturer, Maritimo, will unveil the new M55 and S55 in Fort Lauderdale. The M55 (56′ 8″ LOA, 17′ 2″ beam) is the latest evolution of the iconic flybridge motoryacht series. Defining its striking new exterior form are the molded bridge overhangs, which are a legacy feature of Maritimo flybridge motoryachts past. The overhangs not only provide space aboard, they also protect the walkaround side decks. The S55 (56′ 8″ LOA, 17′ 2″ beam, right) is designed to meet the lifestyle expectations of a dedicated group of express motoryacht enthusiasts seeking space, comfort, and luxury with an emphasis on long-range offshore cruising and adventuring. maritimoamericas.com

Formula 500 SSC

The Formula 500 Super Sport Crossover is the latest in the popular line featuring the surefooted FAS3Tech hull. The 53-foot bowrider (14′ 6″ beam) comes with a full cockpit galley and bar, an entertainment system featuring a 65-inch power-lift LED TV, and a hardtop with sun and moon roofs. For overnighting, the 500 SSC has a separate stateroom with a queen-size berth, sofa, and entertainment suite, a full head, and a stocked galley. From the spacious bow to the expansive extended swim platform, sun lovers will rejoice. The 500 SSC has a 290-mile range running 42 knots with its quad Mercury Verado 600 outboards. formulaboats.com

Regal LX 36 | 38 FXO

Following the positive response and success surrounding Regal’s LX Series and Yacht Series, Regal has introduced two all-new models that will make an appearance at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The LX36 (37’ 2” LOA, 11’ 4” beam) brings the luxury of its yacht series and marries it with the performance of its sport boats to create an unparalleled premium bowrider. Meanwhile, the all-new 38 FXO (38’ 10” LOA, 11’ 11” beam) expands Regal’s Flybridge segment as a one-of-a-kind luxury outboard-powered sport yacht providing unbelievable views and an unrivaled boating experience. Regal will offer both new models with outboard or sterndrive power. regalboats.com

Boston Whaler 420 Outrage Anniversary Edition

To celebrate 50 years of exceptional boatbuilding, Boston Whaler released the 420 Outrage Anniversary Edition. The boat (42′ 6″ LOA, 13′ beam) is equipped with triple 600-hp Mercury Verado V12 engines and will be available for testing during the Fort Lauderdale show. The Anniversary Edition comes with upgraded interior and exterior upholstery, a teak accent package, black hardtop frame package, Seakeeper gyrostabilization system, joystick piloting, and custom engine paint. Cruising at 38 knots, the 420 Outrage has a range of 338 nautical miles, and top speed with the 1,800-hp engines is 51.5 knots at 6,000 rpm. bostonwhaler.com

Hinckley 35

Hinckley Yachts and renowned yacht designer Michael Peters teamed up for the Hinckley 35, a twin outboard boat that reflects the company’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality. From stem to stern, the 38-foot vessel (11′ beam) was designed with the user experience in mind. The ClearView single-pane windshield—a Hinckley innovation—provides the driver with undistorted, unobstructed visibility in all directions. The open-air cockpit and cozy salon offer room to spread out and enjoy the surroundings. Below, the 35-foot teak-and-holly-appointed cabin invites friends and family to enjoy a cool drink or even grab a quick nap on the comfortable V-berth. hinckleyyachts.com

Everglades 455CC

Every new model launch is important, but this is one of the most significant in Everglades’ history with the 455CC. The boat is a testament to the company’s 20-year history of unyielding innovation, time-honored design, and uncompromising fishability. The 455CC (47′ 2″ LOA, 13′ 3″ beam) is a flagship of technology with the largest command center to date. The helm allows the operator to control everything. Integrated into the vessel’s central nervous system with the assistance of Garmin’s advanced electronics engineers, three massive Garmin touchscreen monitors provide continuous access to a full array of information and control features. evergladesboats.com

Pursuit S 358

Pursuit’s all-new S 358 is the highly anticipated addition to the popular Sport family. Pivotal to its purpose is functional versatility, like the split mezzanine seat and transom seats that fold away to allow wide open cockpit space for fishing and access to amenities for entertaining. The S 358 (37′ 4″ LOA, 11′ 4″ beam) is ready to fish with plenty of rod holders and storage, a hull-side door, livewell, and multiple fish boxes. It’s the only center console in the 34- to 35-foot market with an enclosed head. With many different social zone configurations, each space can be adjusted to maximize your comfort level. pursuitboats.com

Boatlift 9/11 Documentary

Tom Hanks Narrates “An Untold Tale of 9/11 Resilience”

BOATLIFT is a moving documentary that honors the untold story of marine heroes on 9/11. Narrated by Tom Hanks, the documentary recognizes the hundreds of boats and mariners who took great risks that day to save hundreds of thousands of people.

While most people know about the heroes on land, many are not aware of the 9/11 boatlift the largest maritime evacuation in history. Please join us to commemorate the heroes from this historical date.

Meet the Wandering Knapps

Life living aboard

The Knapps are a family of five that moved aboard a 1987 Marine Tradewind 47 trawler in September 2019 after selling absolutely everything. Jolene and Chris brought aboard their three sons, Carter (12), Chase (11), and Caleb (9), plus two cats (Cheddar and Tiger), and they haven’t looked back.

Like other couples, they planned to cruise in retirement until Carter gave them a bit of a push by asking what the point was of a traditional life as Americans know it. Chris and Jolene realized that it was time to do the adventure with their kids, rather than waiting until they were gone. So far, they’ve spent time at anchor and in marinas over 14 months around the Florida Keys and seven months in the Bahamas. Here are some of their thoughts about living aboard.

Challenges: Something always breaks! It’s a boat. Also, the main struggle is always weather. Weather rules our life. We are always checking the wind, our location, and hiding from the wind. We have had our share of heavy winds, returning to the boat with our dinghy full of water, when every inch of everything is wet.

The Best Parts: Freedom! Beauty. One thing I really enjoy is the simple, small living. We don’t have a bunch of stuff and clutter. We also don’t have the constant hustle of activities that make a family so busy they never spend time together. We eat dinner together and play games all the time. We have all been pushed to try new things and we’ve grown. We have all had to face our fears head-on and we have overcome. The feeling of joy is constant.

Plans for the Future: We have a million plans and we aren’t sure which one to do first: Back to the Bahamas, over to the Dominican Republic, north for the Great Loop, down to Central America or sell this boat, fly to the Med, and buy another boat. After living and traveling for two years on our trawler, we now want to see more than we originally planned.

Biggest Surprise: Ocean cruising is NOTHING like inland and shore cruising. (And we haven’t even done an ocean crossing, we are just baby cruisers.) We have learned how much we don’t know. We studied, read, and heard about it all. But until we had our own experience, we just didn’t understand it. You have to feel it yourself to truly know it and know what you like and what you don’t like.

Advice for Others: Be mentally prepared for anything. It is NOT always paradise. You will be scared, heartbroken, disappointed, distraught, and angry. However, you will also never feel more alive, experience more joy, be prouder of your accomplishments, or spend more family time together and find peace.

Future Plans: For now, we have fun and get to swim around the boat at sunsets after dinner, which is one of our favorite things to do. We don’t have any specific plans anymore. We’re guided by weather.