Dock in Paradise

Three of Fort Lauderdale’s Most Prized Big Game Fish

Fort Lauderdale is well known around the world as a standout sportfishing destination. With its nearby reefs and warm Gulf Stream currents, “the Venice of America” offers easy access to a wide array of fish off the Atlantic coast. Deep ocean located just a few miles away from land places you in the territory of some of the world’s most sought-after big game fish, making for an excellent day of off-shore action.

So, what can you expect to catch? Read on to learn about three of the top fishing targets in the waters surrounding Fort Lauderdale.

Mahi-Mahi

Known for its vibrant green, blue, and gold coloring, the mahi-mahi — also known as the dorado and the dolphinfish — is a popular pelagic fish found in warmer climates. Mahi-mahi can grow as large as 70 lbs, and are commonly eaten or displayed as trophy fish.

Sailfish

One of the most desired big game fish in South Florida is the Atlantic sailfish. Characterized by its large, blue dorsal fin, the sailfish is considered to be the fastest fish in the ocean, swimming at speeds of up to 60 mph. Their grand size and dramatic displays make for a memorable battle out on the water.

Marlin

With its spear-like bill that resembles a marlinspike, the marlin — which is the second-fastest fish in the world — is another highly popular game fish for anglers to catch. A thrilling challenge for any deep-sea fisherman or fisherwoman, the largest Atlantic blue marlin ever caught weighed in at 1,402 lbs! 

The Voyage of The Maiden: Empowering Women Since 1989

Never before had an all-female crew set out to circumnavigate the globe. Reaction from the overwhelmingly patriarchal sailing community was angry and swift, but Tracy and her team of intrepid women persevered. Today, Tracy Edwards is once again sailing around the world on The Maiden in order to raise money for The Maiden Factor Foundation, which seeks to advance education for the millions and millions of girls across the globe who lack access to the kind of high-quality educational opportunities that every person deserves. As part of her two-year world tour, The Maiden will be docked right here at Pier Sixty-Six Marina from March 21-31. Tracy and her crew will host “Open Days” on the boat and other special events to introduce Pier Sixty-Six Marina guests and the greater Fort Lauderdale community to The Maiden, her legacy, and Tracy's current efforts to empower a new generation of women.

Trivia Night and Wind Down Wednesdays

All other Wednesdays of the month, Pier Sixty-Six hosts Wind Down Wednesdays from 4 to 6 P.M. on the marina lawn. Wind Down Wednesdays is a special Pier perk exclusively for marina guests. Each week brings complimentary adult beverages paired with a new activity. Past activities have included Movie Night with complimentary popcorn and snacks, beer, and wine; Miami Body Casting, where guests sipped craft cocktails and snapped Insta-ready pics with our in-house mermaid, then watched a live mermaid tail body casting; and Wine and Yoga, the perfect combination to put you at ease from tip to toe. In the next few weeks, Wind Down Wednesdays will feature cocktails made with Blue Chair Rum and Gubba Rum, a wine tasting curated by the expert sommelier from Yacht Chandlers, and another fantastic movie night with tasty bites and luscious libations.

Celebrate the 4th Annual Art Fort Lauderdale

At Pier Sixty-Six Marina, we are thrilled to announce that, once again, our marina will be the starting point for this dynamic celebration of imagination and craftsmanship that takes guests on a breathtaking journey along Fort Lauderdale’s renowned Intracoastal waterways via complimentary water taxi and private yacht.

For the optimal ARTFTL experience, we recommend setting aside four hours to visit the five luxury waterfront homes housing this year’s exciting exhibits. You’ll have no trouble finding the perfect piece to add to your home or office art collection. Better still, each of the amazing waterfront properties is for sale as well, giving you the chance to purchase an opulent new vacation home in Florida’s most vibrant city.

Tour boats depart from the Pier Sixty-Six Marina every day during ARTFTL at intervals of 45 minutes to one hour. Before or after your tour, stop by Pelican Landing Restaurant, conveniently located at our marina, for a delicious meal or craft cocktail.

ARTFTL 2020 SCHEDULE

Vernissage Opening Reception Party / Fundraiser
Wednesday, January 22, 2020, 7 pm - 10 pm

This VIP Opening Reception Party will feature one-of-a-kind cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, top-tier live entertainment, and a long list of celebrated artists, collectors, critics, press, sponsors, and other VIPs.

Advanced tickets and cocktail attire are required for this exclusive event. A small number of tickets are available to the general public for purchase here.

Public Days
Thursday, January 23, 2020, noon - 6 pm (last boat departs @ 2 pm)
Friday, January 24, 2020, noon - 8pm (last boat departs @ 4 pm)
Saturday, January 25, 2020, noon - 8 pm (last boat departs @ 4 pm)
Sunday, January 26, 2020, noon - 6 pm (last boat departs @ 2 pm)

For full details of the 4th annual ARTFTL, visit the official website here.

The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade

But if you love boating half as much as we do at Pier Sixty-Six Marina, there’s just one parade we recommend that you cannot miss this winter. On the evening of Saturday, December 14, the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade will dazzle more than a million spectators with a Yuletide procession that may persuade even Santa to trade his sled for a schooner. This year’s parade, dubbed “Lights, Camera, Action—Movies on Parade,” floats for 12 miles and takes about 2.5 hours to view from any single spot. The pre-show starts at 6 P.M. on the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale and features a series of non-motorized vessels. Then, beginning at 6:30 P.M., you’ll marvel as small private boats, megayachts, massive showboats, and more coast by, all decked out with thousands of glistening holiday lights and decorations. You’ll also be treated to an impressive line-up of celebrity appearances, live musical entertainment, and other exhilarating performances.

Race Away the Winter

Wind conditions are ideal for sailing during Florida’s warm winter, and Pier Sixty-Six Marina will host some of the most anticipated sailing events in the region through the Melges IC37 Winter Series.

Whether you’re an experienced navigator or have a nascent interest in sailing, it’s worth coming by the marina to witness the launch of these incredible racing events. Sponsored by Melges, a leading performance sailboat supplier, the events are sure to draw a crowd of sailing enthusiasts from near and far.

This month, the Fall Cup will precede Thanksgiving week. Come see the contenders on November 22-24. Later, 2020 we’ll kick off 2020 with the Lauderdale Cup the weekend of January 24-26. The series will culminate with the Midwinter Championship from March 20-22.

For more information about the 2020 Melges IC37 Winter Series, including the online entry form and event contacts, visit this website. 

Hot chicks arriving to Fort Lauderdale Beach!

Nesting season on Broward County beaches, like Fort Lauderdale begins in early March with Leatherbacks, followed by Loggerheads in April and Greens in May and June.

Every year, nesting sea turtles return to their natal beach to lay their eggs. Females come up from the water to make their nests and deposit over 100 eggs on average in the sand, but only 1 out of 1000 hatchlings survives to adulthood. Fun fact, the temperature of the beach actually determines the sex of hatchlings. Since this summer has been very hot, scientists expect there to be many more hot chicks than cool dudes this season.

Approximately six to eight weeks after the eggs have been deposited, the hatchlings will make their way from those nests to the ocean using the reflection of the moon on the water as a guide. Therefore, a common threat to sea turtles is disorientation caused by other sources of light. Which is why organizations like Sea Turtle Oversight Protection or STOP are working diligently to help the baby turtles find their way safely to the ocean.

We spoke with a STOP volunteer named Donna about her work. She said, “We are permitted volunteers that can work either 8-12am, 10pm-2am or 12am-4am shifts. The mission is to provide monitoring at night of sea turtle nests, assist those hatchlings that are disorientated with little to no impact of the natural nesting habitat. Disorientation occurs as hatchlings are innately born to gravitate toward the brightest light and often the brightest light are from condos, hotels and the street. The City of Fort Lauderdale has a city ordinance to help protect the threatened and endangered sea turtles by reducing artificial lighting during nesting and hatching season which is March 1- November 1. The conservation effort to assist endangered sea turtles, provides us as volunteers the opportunity to educate the general public regarding sea turtle facts, collect real time data, threats on beach and ocean to turtles and ways public can assist such as using low wattage bulbs, removing all trash and furniture from the beach at night, filling holes in sand leaving a flat surface and reminding all that it is unlawful to shine ANY light onto a nesting female or hatchling.”

Anyone can volunteer with STOP, but a volunteer must complete training in order to become permitted, making it lawful to assist sea turtles. If anyone sees a sick or injured turtle or finds a hatchling crawling inland in Broward County they should call STOP at 954-404-0025 to dispatch permitted staff to the location. To learn more visit SeaTurtleOP.org for information.

Marine Director Megan Lagasse says, “because 90% of sea turtle nesting occurs in South Florida in the US, it is up to all of us to support the efforts of the local groups. Thank you to all the local volunteers who donate their time!”

Happy Hour for you & your Boat

The best happy hour in Ft. Lauderdale just got better!

Anyone can cruise in and enjoy special contract pricing on fuel seven days a week from 11 am – 3 pm through the summer. Call 954.728.3578.

Plus enjoy half off all beers, house wines and well liquors from 11 am – 6 pm every day at Pelican Landing, located on the docks of the marina. Visit Pelican-landing.com.

Yachting With Your Dog

When you’re a dog owner, your pet becomes a big part of your life. They’re family and you share so much with them.

Long walks, cuddling in bed, playing in the yard and maybe even joining you on your yacht for a cruise if they’re lucky. At Pier Sixty- Six Marina and at Pelican Landing (our restaurant right on the docks) we’re pet friendly. We believe there is no reason why you shouldn’t share your love of the sea with one of your furry loves from the mainland.

But as you can imagine, there are a few considerations to keep in mind, in order to make sure the experience is fun, safe and enjoyable for everyone, including your four-legged guests.

Before you embark, there a few things you need to do to ensure their safety. First, if you haven’t done so already, consider getting your dog implanted with a microchip. It will be a lifesaver if Fido accidentally gets lost at port. You never know when they might see something that makes them jump ship. Look, a squirrel! If you dislike the notion of microchipping, at least make sure there is an ID tag on their collar that
contains your yacht’s permanent marina location, a phone number for when you are at sea and also a land line number belonging to a friend or family member as backup.

Secondly, make sure to get your dog a personal floatation device (PFD) and get them used to wearing it. Most animals are naturally good swimmers, but just like people they can panic. A bright orange one is recommended for visibility and if it has a small handle on it, even better. This would allow you to easily grab them out of the water if they fall overboard. You should practice swim and rescue drills with them while your boat is docked and train them to paddle to the yacht’s ladder or swimming platform. Also think about putting down some Astroturf mats or throw rugs to make it easier for your dog to get some traction. Dogs don’t have the advantage of deck shoes (there’s a business idea for someone) and fiberglass decks can be very slippery when wet even for a dog, making it easier to fall off the boat. However, if they dislike the PFD as some dogs do, you just might want to consider a pet crate for when they are on board.

Happy yachting Fido!

Third, much like their humans, dogs can and do get sea sick. Talk to your vet about sea sickness medication for your dog before your trip, just in case. And then get them used to the yacht before the first voyage. Introduce it to them slowly while it is still docked. Let them walk around and get used to the sights, sounds and smells. Pets love familiar spaces and places of their own, so you might also consider a separate room onboard as a designated space for your dog. It will make them happier and any trip with them a whole lot easier.

Next, playtime and exercise are very important for your pets while onboard your yacht, particularly if you will be at sea for extended periods. Dogs in particular need to move around quite a bit. Try to keep them entertained and having fun on board but keep in mind dehydration from a hot sun can be a big problem. Animals are more susceptible to dehydration, heat exhaustion and sunstroke, so be sure they have access to plenty of water and pay close attention to their behavior. Look for signs of dehydration or heat exhaustion such as heavy panting or little movement and fatigue.

Finally, what about doing their business? It may be a bit challenging if you will not be docking often enough for your dog to go potty on shore. You can train your dog to “go” on a piece of sod. But some owners prefer a synthetic grass pad, as they are much easier to clean. Either way, you will have to get them used to that before you take them on a cruise. All in all, with a little patience, prep and a little practice, yachting with your dog can be a fun, enjoyable, memorable experience for everyone.

Sport Fishing in Fort Lauderdale

Whether you’re a first time angler or an old pro, the fishing in Fort Lauderdale is pretty fantastic all year-round.

It’s one of the few places in the world where it’s only 20 minutes to fresh water or salt water, with ample lakes, the Atlantic Ocean and deep waters very close to land. With proximity to the northbound Gulf Stream, the city’s nutrient-rich waters that are teeming with open-water sport fish.

If you’re lucky enough to own a boat, Pier Sixty-Six Marina is the perfect place to dock her so she’s ready to go whenever you’re hankering for your next fishing adventure. Our marina features 157 slips up to 25 feet in depth, floating and fixed concrete docks, with high-speed fueling, power and concierge services. Here’s a pro tip for you, definitely buy your bait from Juli Krebs. She’s been selling bait here from her boat, for 35+ years and she knows what makes the fish bite. If you don’t have a boat, well Fort Lauderdale also offers great fishing right from the beach. All public beaches allow fishing from the shore and it is quite common to see people with their poles and cast nets working the calm surf.

Once you’re all set and in the angling mood, there are 200+ species of fresh water fish waiting for you to catch in the area plus salt water fish of course. Fort Lauderdale is famous for its rich coral reef system and numerous random shipwrecks. This makes for a fishing haven, with Amberjack, Barracuda, Blue Marlin, Bonita, Cobia, Grouper, Hammerheads Kingfish, King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Mutton Snapper, Sharks: Blacktip Duskys and Silkys Hammerheads, Snook, Tarpon, Tuna (Black Fin), Tuna (Skip Jack), Wahoo, White Marlin, Yellowtail Snapper and a whole list of other species living and feeding around these underwater honey holes.

Not to mention the mighty Sailfish. Fort Lauderdale is often called the “Sailfish Capital of the World.” The period from Fall through Spring sees huge numbers of Sailfish come just within a couple of miles of the coastline. The schools come here via a stretch of water known as “Sailfish Alley,” which passes just a mile offshore and has waters 120-180 ft deep. Located just beyond the reefs and on the inner edge of the Gulfstream, this is where almost all of Fort Lauderdale’s Sailfish are caught, with high season running from December to January.

Don’t forget you need a license whether you’re a resident or a visitor. Unless you’re a visitor under the age of 16 or if you’re fishing from a for-hire vessel with a charter license. You can find more information on licenses here. If you need information on a charter or the Marina in general, use our contact form or email info@66marina.com and good luck out there!

Discover the Marine Industries Association of South Florida
The Marine Industries Association of South Florida

South Florida has the largest marine industry in the U.S., and The Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) is the largest marine trade organization in the Southeast United States. It’s dedicated to promoting, protecting, and growing the 111,000 jobs in Broward County and 142,000 jobs regionally in marine businesses. The MIASF promotes boating lifestyles from family cruising and fishing to yachts and the goods and services that sustain them, driving the economic output to $8.9 billion in Broward County and $12 billion regionally.
Through its programs, advocacy efforts, services and the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the MIASF has raised the awareness of its impactful contributions by the public and regulatory officials at the local, state, and federal levels. And MIASF members continue to help foster a reputation for the region, known as the goods and service center of the world for the yachting and marine community. Pier Sixty-Six Marina is a member of MIASF and Megan Lagasse our Marine Director is on the board of directors.
Here’s some information on upcoming MIASF events and initiatives:

Ocean Exchange – Fort Lauderdale

Monday, October 28th through Wednesday, October 30th at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau Ballroom
This event is put on by The Marine Research Hub of South Florida, a non-profit alliance of marine research universities and community supporters. Their mission is to create global change through awareness, conservation and collaborative study of our natural Florida marine habitat and ocean life.
Ocean Exchange encourages collaborative research that leads to the commercialization of marketable solutions to some of the Earth’s most pressing challenges and establish the region as a BlueTech Cluster, supporting investment and growth of knowledge-based ocean industries where information is shared, and organizations jointly pursue business development opportunities.
“By partnering with Ocean Exchange, the Marine Research Hub has created a pipeline of academic research, economic development, and start-up funding that is a model for the rest of the country,” said Kelly Skidmore, MIASF Public Relations Director.

www.marineresearchhub.org

MIASF Workforce / Education Committee Meetings

This committee meets monthly and was created to address the growing need for skilled trades men and women to work in the marine industry as the current workforce begins to retire.

The Broward school system enables workforce development through an educational development ladder that begins with a marine magnet program at New River Middle School, continues at South Broward High School and can culminate with certification at the marine service tech program at McFatter Technical College, the newly-created apprenticeship program at Atlantic Technical College, or the marine engineering program at Broward College.

Currently Jennifer, our dockmaster here at Pier Sixty-Six Marina, volunteers as a judge. She sits on a panel and the high school kids apply for different jobs in the industry such as welders, cruise industry, marine hospitality and crew, in order to get valuable feedback.

For more information about MIASF please contact:

Kelly Skidmore
Public Relations
Marine Industries Association of South Florida
Owners of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
221 SW 3rd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312
Office: 954-524-2733

“Sea The World” Encourages Young People to Pursue Maritime Careers

With an ever-increasing focus on college admissions, many skilled-trade professions, particularly those in the marine industry, are often overlooked. These careers, both on and off-shore, provide well-paying jobs with attractive benefit options and room for growth for men and women alike.

"South Florida’s marine industry is a $12 billion/year economic engine that provides the tri-county area of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties with 142,000 jobs. “Our industry is a gold mine of opportunities for the next generation,” said Christine Battles-Merhige, Chief Administrative Officer at Advanced Mechanical Enterprises. “I’ve made a personal commitment to inspire their interest in our field which will, in turn, maintain the maritime industry as a thriving economic force in the state.”

Read more about this exciting program here.

Party under a full moon at Pelican Landing

UPDATE: Due to impending inclement weather we are postponing the party until the next full moon on Saturday, May 18th. Watch this space for further information.

DATE: Saturday, May 18, 2019
TIME: 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm
LOCATION: Pelican Landing, on the docks of Pier Sixty-Six Marina

Get complimentary glow accessories plus enjoy sponsored drink tastings from:

Patrón Tequila
Lucky Player Vodka
Concrete Beach Brewery
Dear Mom Winery
Scavi & Ray Lambrusco

There will be live performances dockside including a magician, jugglers, and music from Billy Vasquez & Soul Junk until 10:30. As well as drink specials and featured appetizers including a lobster & conch fritter, accompanied by lemon powder, cajun aioli and micro cilantro. All the above samples will also be cocktails you can purchase at a discount.

Make your reservation today!

This event is weather permitting.

2019 Las Olas Food & Wine Festival

Over 20 years ago, the first Las Olas Wine and Food Festival took place hosted by and to benefit the American Lung Association. This year’s event will take place on Friday, April 5, 2019, where 2,500 epicureans will come together to enjoy the fantastic culinary talents of South Florida while raising money for the ALA, which is the leading organization to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research.

Guests will sip, sample, and enjoy dishes from 50+ of South Florida’s finest restaurants and more than 200 wines, spirits, and breweries. This year will be one for the ages as Las Olas Wine & Food Festival gets a brand new look and is infused with more fun and excitement. Check out this list of the top 10 things to do here, as you won’t want to miss the Celebrity Cruises’ silent disco party, the one-of-a-kind Woodford Reserve speakeasy and more!

Pelican Landing, located on the docks of Pier Sixty-Six Marina, will be participating in the festival. Chef Gregory McGowan will be serving lobster & conch fritters accompanied by lemon powder, Cajun aioli, and micro cilantro.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit https://lasolaswff.com/ but do it soon!

Tickets to this all-inclusive VIP evening on Las Olas are going fast.

Introducing the new Superyacht Village at Pier Sixty-Six

60th Anniversary Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show: Introducing the new Superyacht Village at Pier Sixty-Six Marina.

Informa U.S. Boat Shows, in cooperation with our parent company Tavistock Development Company and the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF), will be unveiling a new expansion area named the Superyacht Village during this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The Superyacht Village will be hosted right here at Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina at our “Pier South” property, which is adjacent to the southeast corner of the 17th Street Causeway Bridge. The debut of this new dedicated marina and on-land exhibition space displaying the most spectacular yachts in the show will happen October 30 – November 3rd.

Owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) and produced by Informa, the Show attracts a global audience of more than 110,000 yachting and boating enthusiasts from 52 countries. The “Yachting Capital of the World” becomes the worldwide destination to experience five days of jaw-dropping superyachts, luxury cars and aircraft, yacht toys and marine accessories.

“The growing number of large yachts exhibiting at the show continues to attract affluent buyers and superyacht charter clients,” said Andrew Doole, president of Informa U.S. Boat Shows. “Thanks to a large investment by Informa and Tavistock, we are able to create a new, unique destination for the superyacht community within this extraordinary boat show directly across from Port Everglades. We are excited to expand our partnership with Pier Sixty-Six as they embark on an exciting future to revitalize the iconic waterfront venue that has been part of the boat show history since its inception.”

One of the only venues in Fort Lauderdale that can host vessels up to 400 feet, the 3.5-acre Superyacht Village will display some of the world’s most spectacular superyachts and exhibits by renowned shipyards, along with helicopters, personal submarines, exotic and collectible automotive and other luxury items. Plans include a destination restaurant, reserved parking, valet and private water tender services.

As part of the show’s 60th anniversary celebration, the Superyacht Village will also feature delightful experiences and areas of discovery with events taking place both day and night. Including exclusive, dedicated fine wine and champagne tastings, intimate concerts, pop-up luxury fashion and jewelry exhibits, automotive and superyacht toy interactives, award receptions, seminars, and the second annual FLIBS Best Yacht Chef Competition. The Superyacht Village is open to all general admission ticket holders with direct access by water tenders and shuttle bus routes.

“We are honored to host the new Superyacht Village at Pier Sixty-Six’s new ‘Pier South’ property, which overlooks the Port and offers superyachts the perfect place to call home,” said Jessi Blakley, senior director of Tavistock Development Company. “Pier Sixty-Six is one of the East Coast’s premier yachting destinations, and the exclusive offerings of the Village align with our vision for the future of our iconic property as the social harbor of Fort Lauderdale.”

For more information, visit FLIBS.com.

Juli Krebs & the Ft. Lauderdale Bait Boat

If you’ve ever driven by Pier Sixty-Six anytime between the hours of 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., you’ve probably seen Juli Krebs in her bait boat. There are so many interesting people along the waterways of Fort Lauderdale and she definitely is one of them. We wanted to get to know Juli a little better and learn about her story.

Boating has always been a part of Juli’s life. Growing up, her father was a professional musician working nights (often in Fort Lauderdale) which allowed for many days of fishing, diving and water skiing.

Juli remembers the old days as a child in Miami and Fort Lauderdale and has children herself. “I do love it. I remember a day a few years back when we caught and delivered bait early in the morning, then had a fantastic day fishing, came home and sold the fish. Next, we went to a boat parade party which I left briefly to drop our daughter off at the Broward Center to see the opera, then came back to the party to watch the rest of the parade. Where else can you do that?”

Juli met her husband, Gary, over 40 years ago, and their world has always revolved around the water. For over 30 years, the Krebs commercially fished for snapper, grouper, king fish, and Spanish mackerel. In addition to commercial fishing, they would take customers on private fishing charters as well as the occasional memorial trip to spread ashes of loved ones. They find it a rewarding service. Since 2001, the Krebs have also run a tender service for several shipping companies.

Gary and Juli started selling pilchards (a baitfish in the herring family) wholesale in 1991 and retail (on the north side of the 17th Street Causeway, next to Pier Sixty-Six) in 2005. For 28 years, they caught all the bait themselves until 2012 when the couple semi-retired and started buying the bait to sell. The pilchards are fed every day and Gary works with a wholesaler to make sure the quality of the bait remains as high as when they personally caught it. Juli is who you see in these photos and she is still out there every day selling her bait.

“There is nothing like coming out of my canal to see the sun rising over Pier Sixty-Six, the parrots squawking over my head, an osprey diving for mullet, manatees visiting, watching my daughter kayak swiftly by and a friendly customer pulling up for bait. The best of all worlds. I love my job!”— Juli Krebs

ARTFTL: 3rd Annual Art Fair on the Water

This singular destination art fair highlights the uniqueness of the city and puts Fort Lauderdale on the art world map as a premiere location to view, interact with and purchase art. As well, it gives art aficionados, residents and visitors a cultural experience that is memorable, engaging and unlike any other art show they’ve experienced. Pier Sixty-Six Marina is the perfect launch point with Pelican Landing right on the docks, where you can grab a cocktail and a bite before or after you embark.

The 4-day curated art fair transports attendees on an artistic journey along the famed intracoastal waterways via a complimentary water taxi and private yacht that leaves from Pier Sixty-Six Marina, with stops at multiple vacant luxury waterfront properties that feature artists and galleries exhibiting various styles and methods of art that reflect the past, the present and the future. Art Fort Lauderdale uniquely combines the purchase of art and luxury waterfront homes as the homes are for sale as well. And this year’s fair will feature these five homes/ pavilions which can be viewed here.

Megan Lagasse, our marine director said, ”Fort Lauderdale is such a wonderful community. The art and marine industries are two great groups of people here and this fantastic collaboration brings it together. Art and boating are two of my favorite things so I’m excited that Pier Sixty-Six Marina is a part of this amazing event.”

We recommend 3-4 hours to get the most out of this artistic journey of discovery and encourage all attendees to get to the boarding location at least 3-4 hours before fair closing each day. The water taxi will be coming in 45 minute increments to each home/pavilion. However you can stay for as long as you would like or decide to go when the next water taxi arrives. Departures from Pier Sixty-Six Marina are every 45 minutes to one hour.

Schedule

Guided Vernissage Preview Tour

Wednesday, January 23, 2019 / 11am-5pm

VIP Opening Reception Party @ Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina

This memorable evening will include cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres, performance art piece of “Where the Shaman Lives” by Roberto Rafael Navarette accompanied by the New Direction Chamber Winds Orchestra, live music from DJ La Trice Perry, poems by the Biscayne Poet, VIP presentations and more!

Exclusive invitees include artists, press, critics, collectors, sponsors and other VIPs. Space is limited to the general public, though we have made a few tickets available for sale online for $150 at www.artftlauderdale.com.

A portion of the proceeds benefit the self-funded 3rd Annual Art Fort Lauderdale – “The Art Fair On The Water” initiatives directly, allowing the fair producers to continue developing cultural platforms and events to further their mission of putting Fort Lauderdale on the map as a place to view and interact with art.

“This wouldn’t have been possible if not for the support of Pier Sixty-Six.” – Evan Snow, co-founder/managing partner.

Advance Tickets Are *Required* Dress: Cocktail Attire

Wednesday, January 23, 2019 / 6-7pm (by invitation only) Wednesday, January 23, 2019 / 7-10pm

Public Days

Thursday, January 24, 2019 / 12pm – 6pm (Last boat departs from Pier Sixty-Six Marina at 2pm)

Friday, January 25, 2019 / 12pm – 8pm (Last boat departs from Pier Sixty-Six Marina at 4pm)

Saturday, January 26, 2019 / 12pm – 8pm (Last boat departs from Pier Sixty-Six Marina at 4pm)

Sunday, January 27, 2019 / 12pm – 6pm (Last boat departs from Pier Sixty-Six Marina at 2pm)

Since we’re allocating 4 hours for an enjoyable Art Fort Lauderdale experience, the last boat will leave the marina 4 hours priors to the close of the day.

Pelican Landing Hours

Lunch 11 AM-5PM Dinner 5PM-10PM Sunday Brunch 10AM

Pelican Landing Daily Specials

Monday: Every Monday is BOGO* day. Get two-for-one entrees all day.

Tuesday: “In the Biz” Tuesdays. Live DJ from 5pm to close. Hospitality or yachting industry employees receive 50% off from 5pm to close.

Wednesday: “Wine Down” Wednesdays. Half off bottles of wine from 5pm to close.

Thursday-Saturday: Live entertainment from 6pm – 9pm.

Sunday: Brunch from 10 am with unlimited house-infused vodka bloody marys and mimosas for $15.

Live entertainment from 10am – 2pm. Kick the Keg $1 drafts from 5pm to close.

For more info about the art fair and exhibits, please visit www.artftlauderdale.com

What’s Shaking at Pelican Landing

Located right on the docks at the renowned Pier Sixty-Six Marina, you’ll have front row seats to views of the Intracoastal waterways, unmatched sunsets, the most exclusive boats, happy hour, weekly events including live music and a fantastic Sunday brunch that includes traditional favorites with a Pelican twist.

Bring the whole crew because we are family and pet-friendly. If you are TRAVELING BY BOAT, please call the marina at 954.728.3578 for slip availability or you can hail the marina office on VHF 16 / 71.

See the menu here.

The unique setting is perfectly complemented by the bold flavors of locally inspired cuisine and freshly caught seafood with tropical influences, masterfully prepared by Chef Greg McGowan in our scratch-kitchen. If you love boats, great food and good vibes, you need to cruise on in pronto and get you some of this deliciousness!

Here are our daily specials:

MONDAY: Every Monday is BOGO* day. Get two-for-one entrees all day.
TUESDAY: “In the Biz” Tuesdays. Live DJ from 5pm to close. Hospitality or yachting industry employees receive 50% off from 5pm to close.
WEDNESDAY: “Wine Down” Wednesdays. Half off bottles of wine from 5pm to close.
THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY: Live entertainment from 6pm – 9pm.
SUNDAY: Brunch from 10 am with unlimited house-infused vodka bloody marys and mimosas for $15.
Live entertainment from 10am – 2pm. Kick the Keg $1 drafts from 5pm to close.

If that is not enough to tickle your tastebuds, we’ve also got a new beer on tap from Concrete Beach Brewery called Havana Lager. It is “easy-drinking and smooth, this is the quintessential lager to enjoy while watching the sunset. For all you beer nerds, it won a Bronze Medal in the Vienna-Style Lager Category at the 2018 World Beer Cup®. So you may want to try it ASAP!

If you’re cruising around for the day, there isn’t a more convenient location for great food on the water anywhere in Fort Lauderdale. So if you want to stop off at Pelican Landing while you’re out and about, please click here for slip bookings or call 954.728.3578 for more information.

2301 SE 17th St.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

2 hour complimentary parking at Pier Sixty-Six Hotel HOURS:
Lunch 11 AM-5PM Dinner 5PM-10PM Sunday Brunch 10AM
Click here to make a restaurant reservation.

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show excitement happening at Pier Sixty-Six

There is so much entertainment to enjoy including the following events being hosted at Pier Sixty-Six:

November 2 Sperry’s and Spirits 8 PM – 2 AM

Panorama Ballroom

Looking for an evening of glamour, games, and giving back? Show your philanthropic side with this exciting event that kicks off with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres during happy hour, then transitions into an unforgettable social gala with live entertainment, an open bar, casino tables, and a silent auction. Alongside our friends at 4Ocean, Coral Restoration Foundation, and the Peanut Butter & Jelly Project, we are committed to REMOVE 2,500 lbs. of trash from the ocean, REBUILD .25 miles of coral reef, and RESTORE the act of giving by feeding 750 underprivileged families for Thanksgiving this year.

November 3 Overboard Party 9 PM – 3 AM

Pier Top

Come to Pier Top and celebrate the conclusion of the Boat Show with an after-party featuring world-renowned DJ/Producer Robbie Rivera, while stargazing at the amazing yachts in the Marina.

Tickets $20 – More info at eventbrite.com

Also come by Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina for nightly live performances in our Lobby Lounge with drink specials and hang out at Pelican Landing for live entertainment daily, plus an awesome Sunday Brunch. Here’s our schedule:

Pelican Landing Weekly Events

Thursday DJ, 6 – 11 PM

Friday Live Entertainment, 4 – 9 PM

Saturday Live Entertainment, 12-4 PM & 6-10 PM

Sunday Live Entertainment with Brunch from 10 AM – 2 PM

If you’re attending any of these events, be sure to tag us on social media or use #pier66hotelmarina #FLIB2018. And if you’ve got a vessel that needs to be docked, we’ve got the best options in Fort Lauderdale. Pier Sixty-Six Marina offers 157 slips up to 25 feet in depth, with access to high-speed fueling and provisioning, a convenient hotel for an extended stay, or a quick stop for a cocktail at our Pelican Landing restaurant located on the docks.

For bookings call 954.728.3578 for more information.

Save the Date: Yacht Chef Competition

New this year, we’ve partnered with Wine Enthusiast to host the Inaugural Yacht Chef Competition, where four of the top yacht chefs will highlight their culinary skills on the docks of Pier Sixty-Six Marina.

Guests will enjoy an evening of cocktails and luxurious food tastings while watching competing chefs, such as Chef Freddy Money, present their creative talents by preparing an elegant beach side barbecue. Hosted by a Master of Ceremonies and judged by those acclaimed in culinary circles and celebrities, including Wine Enthusiasts’ Contributing Editor, NIils Bernstein, and Alonzo Mourning, NBA All-Star and Founder of Mourning Family Foundation. The evening will also be a central feature in the NBC Sports Network special dedicated to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The telecast will be modeled after NBC Sports’ North American International Auto Show Special and will showcase the newest vessels, technical innovations and performance reviews. The winners (chef and vessel) will walk away with prizes as well as recognition as Wine Enthusiasts’ “Best Yacht Chef” of the 2018 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

EVENT INFO:

November 1, 2018
Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina
6:30 to 10:30 PM

Cocktails 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM Competition begins at 7:40 PM

Tickets $275

We’re proud to host this amazing event, but that’s not the only special thing we’re doing for the Boat Show! Come by Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina for nightly live performances in our Lobby Lounge with drink specials and hang out at Pelican Landing for live entertainment daily plus an awesome Sunday Brunch. Keep a look out for other special events to be announced, and if you’ve got a vessel that needs to be docked, we’ve got the best options in Fort Lauderdale.

Pier Sixty-Six Marina offers 157 slips up to 25 feet in depth, with access to high-speed fueling and provisioning, a convenient hotel for an extended stay, or a quick stop for a cocktail at our Pelican Landing restaurant located on the docks.

Please visit our reservations page for bookings or call 954.728.3578 for more information.

Pier Sixty-Six Marina Expands

Pier Sixty-Six Marina, owned by Tavistock Development Company, announces the growth of its world-class facility and strategic alliances focused on ocean and marine protection. Featuring 157 slips (24 percent increase) and 5,000 feet of linear dockage (67 percent increase) for vessels up to 400 feet on the north and south side of 17th Street Causeway, the enlarged Marina is the first when entering the Intracoastal from the Port Everglades.

“Pier Sixty-Six Marina is one of the Atlantic’s preeminent yachting destinations, offering unmatched amenities, highly-desirable, easy ocean access and exceptional service,” said Megan Lagasse, Marine Director of Pier Sixty-Six Marina. “Expanding our Marina capacity further enhances our ability to welcome everyone from the world’s most spectacular superyachts to our local boaters; and stepping up our role to help protect Fort Lauderdale’s waterways hits home for our entire team.”

A fully modern facility designed and built to maximize comfort and convenience, Pier Sixty-Six Marina is ideal whether it’s a short stop-over for supplies or an extended call. The pet-friendly Marina provides dockage for up to 157 vessels, 24-hour security, high-speed fueling, WiFi and access to the Pier Sixty-Six Hotel amenities including pools, tennis courts, gym, spa and five dining options.

Raising awareness about marine preservation, Pier Sixty-Six has recently entered partnerships with 4Ocean and #1000Mermaids. The marina is currently home to two 4Ocean vessels that patrol South Florida waterways picking up waste. Since its inception, 4Ocean has collected more than 1 million pounds of trash globally. Pier Sixty-Six is also currently displaying one of #1000Mermaids tail casts prior to the concrete mermaid being submerged off Fort Lauderdale beach later this year to create a habitat for infant coral and help restore Florida’s living coral reef population.

This fall, the Pier Sixty-Six will also be home to one of the 2018 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show’s premier events, the inaugural Yacht Chef Competition in partnership with Wine Enthusiast, NBC Sports and National Provisions. The event will take place on November 1, 2018 from 6:30 – 10:30 p.m. and tickets can be purchased here for $275.

For more than 50 years, Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina has been a beacon in Fort Lauderdale. With its iconic spire-topped tower, the property and its exceptional waterfront location has drawn celebrities, civic leaders, Fort Lauderdale society and visitors from around the world. As Tavistock continues toward the reimagination of Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina as Fort Lauderdale’s social harbor, the Marina will serve as a centerpiece in this reinvention. The company brings tremendous experience to the table, managing other lifestyle, luxury resort and yachting communities such as Albany in the Bahamas and Lake Nona in Orlando, called “the future of cities” by Fortune.

The ROAM app now available in Florida

Anyone arriving in the United States from a foreign port on a pleasure vessel has to report their arrival to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

As part of CBP’s comprehensive effort to improve the security of our nation’s borders while enhancing legitimate travel, they’ve launched the Reporting Offsite Arrival – Mobile (ROAM) app and added Florida to the list of available locations.

The ROAM app is a free mobile application that offers a convenient, quick and efficient alternative to the 1-800 number currently used to report small vessel entry in Florida by providing:

A streamlined reporting process with reusable traveler and mode of travel profiles
Shorter wait times by reporting from a smartphone
Remote inspections by CBP Officers (CBPO) using video chat, as necessary
Our Pier Sixty-Six Marine Director, Megan Lagasse, had this to say about the app, “Bimini, Bahamas being the closest Bahamas destination to Fort Lauderdale roughly, 60 miles, is a very popular destination. This app makes it very easy to check-in and check-out of the U.S. without leaving the boat.”

To use the ROAM app, travelers input their biographic, conveyance and trip details and submit their trip for CBP Officer review. Once the CBPO reviews the trip, travelers will receive a push notification and an email with their admissibility decision and next steps, if applicable.

Travelers enrolled in the Local Boater Option (LBO) registered traveler program and other Trusted Traveler Programs, such as Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI, can save their traveler number in their profiles to save additional time when returning to the U.S.

“Boaters entering the state of Florida with the ROAM App can now expect to save substantial time when reporting their U.S. entry,” said Diane J. Sabatino, Director of Field Operations for Miami and Tampa Field Offices. “CBP looks forward to continuing its collaboration with the boating community to enhance compliant travel into the U.S.”

To use ROAM on your mobile device, download the app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. In certain locations, the ROAM app can also be accessed on tablets.

We’re cleaning up with 4Ocean

At Pier Sixty-Six Marina, we believe wholeheartedly that it is our collective responsibility to take care of our oceans and all of our waterways. It’s not just because we’re boaters, it’s because we care about our natural resources and protecting them. It’s a part of our way of life here in Fort Lauderdale.

That’s why it’s no surprise that two local surfers, Alex Schulze and Andrew Cooper, started a company called 4Ocean. They both grew up in Florida and spent a lot of time on the water. Andrew grew up on a boat on the East coast and Alex on a small island off of Florida’s West coast. Both founders have a deep passion for the ocean and they are on a mission to clean up trash and plastic from our waterways. In support of their initiative, we have recycling bins all over our marina, and you can currently see one of their many vessels tied up at our dock. We commend their efforts.

Megan Lagasse, our marine director said, ”The water is the most important part of the marine industry and often overlooked. We are excited to support the efforts of 4Ocean in hope that the message will spread and more people will get involved.”
In less than two years, 4Ocean has removed 817,072 pounds of trash from the ocean and coastlines. They are operating out of multiple countries and employ over 150 people worldwide. It’s a global movement working to inspire people to keep the oceans clean by actually doing something about it, including hosting cleanups all over the world, both above and below the water, to raise awareness and change behavior in local communities. They have full-time captains and crews cleaning the ocean and coastlines 24 hours a day, seven days a week using the latest technology. And they educate individuals, corporations, and governments on the impact that plastic has on the ocean.

4Ocean also sells a bracelet, where your purchase equates to a pound of trash being pulled out of the waterways. Show your support for a more sustainable future for our planet while looking pretty cool. The 4Ocean bracelet is made from 100% recycled materials. The beads and the cord from the bracelets are made from post-consumer recycled plastic water bottles and recycled glass bottles. Keep in mind not all of these bottles come from their ocean clean ups – many are being recycled by everyday users. You can get one here to help further their cause.
If you are interested in volunteering for a beach cleanup, you can fill out the volunteer form on their website. We believe 4Ocean is a wonderful cause and we hope they’re successful so all of us boaters at Pier Sixty-Six Marina and all along the Fort Lauderdale coast can continue to enjoy the oceans and waterways for generations to come. https://4ocean.com

South Florida Waterways Go High-Tech

The Marine Industries Association of South Florida is the largest marine trade organization in the Southeast United States dedicated to protecting and growing marine industry businesses and promoting boating lifestyles.

Google Waterway View is a first-of-its-kind collaboration with the region’s Google Maps Street View content provider. They are using Street View technology to map the Intracoastal Waterway and the network of rivers, inlets, and commercial canals throughout South Florida, as well as featuring the many waterfront and land-based businesses serving boaters.

Pier Sixty-Six Marina is excited and proud to be the first marina being mapped for the project. This promising innovation started right here with Google choosing South Florida to be the first to use this new technology. Waterway View will ultimately show all of our slips, including slip numbers, lengths, power locations, and capabilities.

“This is an incredible opportunity to add another tool to the toolkit of the marine industry in South Florida, which employs 136,000 people and produces an annual economic impact of

$11.5 billion,” said Phil Purcell, CEO and president of MIASF. “Just as Google Street View is a valuable instrument and a trusted way for businesses to connect with customers, Waterway View has the potential to be the most exciting new resource for the boating lifestyle, connecting boaters with restaurants, marinas, fuel docks, service and sales centers, and all the other resources they may need.”

Not only will Google Waterway View create a detailed visual map covering 143 nautical miles along the Intracoastal Waterway from Jupiter, FL to Key Largo, it will provide the opportunity for nearby businesses to reach customers on their boats. 

Jim Hilker, who has been imaging the waterways for Google, shared a fun nugget with us and you can see it in the image below. You may have heard of Google Street View capturing unexpected images from time to time. He happened to capture an amphibious car zooming along the water. It kind of looks like James Bond meets Uber.

The Google Waterway View should launch as a free mobile app in June 2018 when the mapping is completed. A web browser version will be available before the app release and will be continually updated as more content is added.

Other completed mappings include:

Intracoastal Waterway from the mouth of the New River north to Pompano Beach
Intracoastal Waterway Pompano Beach to Lake Worth
Intracoastal Waterway at Lake Worth northward to Jupiter Inlet
Miami River and Intracoastal Waterway northward to Dania Cut

And mapping the Intracoastal Waterway from Miami southward to Ocean Reef is planned for the future. For more details about exposure opportunities, complete and submit the online form on the MIASF site and Jim will contact you with pricing and details.

The #1000mermaids Project

If you’re on our website and reading this blog post, chances are boating is a big part of your lifestyle. You probably love being out on the water, enjoying the sun, surf and all the glories of Mother Nature. Here in Fort Lauderdale, the salt life is a huge draw and certainly popular amongst residents plus visitors alike. However, large volumes of people are enjoying our natural resources can have a negative impact on the health of the ocean and on reefs in particular. We actually get over 14 million visitors in Broward county every year!

At Pier Sixty-Six Marina, we believe that it’s everyone’s responsibility to take care of our oceans  and waterways. As boaters, we tend to care even more than most about conservation since it is close to our hearts. One solution in the effort to keep our oceans healthy and beautiful, amongst many, is the creation of artificial reefs. They can help tremendously by giving natural reefs time to recover, while providing a protective habitat for fish, lobsters and a myriad of other kinds of marine life.

This is where the spectacular #1000mermaids project comes in. It’s a public art installation that will also serve as an eco-friendly destination for underwater tourism. They are aiming to bring awareness to the growing problems affecting our natural reefs and they’re doing it in a novel way through art that hopes to bring a lot of attention to this issue.

Here’s the gist: mermaids have long been a symbol of the ocean and our connection to it. That’s why the project plans to make 1000 mermaid sculptures and then strategically place them on the ocean floor as an artificial reef art installation, with the help of local government environmental agencies. The planned locations for the artificial reef modules are perpendicular with the tour boat excursions off of Fort Lauderdale beach, and people will be able to learn about the reefs and how to help while on these jaunts.

The mermaid sculptures are actually body casts created by artists Ernest Vasquez and Sierra Rasberry of Miami Body Cast Studio. They’ve been working with dozens of models, social influencers and celebrities since 2015 and what began as a simple idea of turning the models into mermaids has now grown into a long-term project that will involve many people, volunteers, businesses, organizations, environmental agencies, local and federal governments, and the Army Corps of Engineers.

The goal is to create 1000 body sculptures made-up of a sustainable concrete which allows infant coral to adhere to it and restore Fort Lauderdale’s living coral reef population. Each cast will be individually handcrafted by Miami Body Cast and then strategically laid along the ocean of Florida’s east coast. Not only does this project promote eco-friendly awareness and support for the ocean, but it will also become the stage for a world-renowned snorkeling destination.

Interested in being a model or volunteer? Want to be part of the dive team? If you’d like to get involved in some way, you can learn more on their website. They’re definitely looking for more than monetary donations, although those are welcome of course. Also, Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina is now home to its own mermaid sculpture from the project. Come visit us at Pelican Landing to get your photos as a mermaid and learn more about this wonderful cause, as we want all of us boaters along the Fort Lauderdale coast to be able to continue enjoying the oceans for generations to come. Learn more here.

Boats on Boats in the port of Fort Lauderdale

You may be wondering about the unique ship that is docked in our port. It’s a huge yacht transport that carries other boats and yachts on it. During the summer season in Florida, some vessels seek cooler destinations like New England and Europe. For the smaller vessels that are 150 ft and below, they normally get shipped to Europe on a carrier vessel like this one, because they are too small to travel “on their own bottom.” Yacht Transport and Dockwise are some of the more common carriers that can be seen in the port of Fort Lauderdale.

Check out this interesting article from Yacht World about yacht shipping versus yacht delivery. It explains the difference between both methods, which one costs more and the reasoning behind it. Depending on the size of your yacht and the distance between ports, the difference in price between yacht delivery and yacht shipping may be less than you think. Read it here.

Dock & Dine in Fort Lauderdale

There are many ways to relax here in Fort Lauderdale. 23 miles of sun-kissed beaches. Numerous hotels, spas, restaurants and entertainment abound. But if you’re a boater, escaping the land- locked world for a little while is undoubtedly high on your list of favorite things. After your day of sun, seas and cruising around the Atlantic or the intracoastal waterway, we’ve put together our list of favorite places in Fort Lauderdale where you can dock your boat and dine in style.

BIG BOATS WELCOME!

PELICAN LANDING
Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina
2301 SE 17th St.
Fort Lauderdale
954.524.3444

Pelican Landing is our favorite of course! It’s located right here at Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina and offers freshly caught seafood, drinks, live music, brunch and the best sunsets in Fort Lauderdale.

Plus if you tie-up and then tie-one-on, you can stay at our iconic hotel and not worry about boating home until you’re ready.

A LAID BACK HIDDEN GEM.

COCONUTS
429 Seabreeze Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale
954.525.2421

Dock your boat and hit the bar for a cocktail, or simply relax while enjoying local seafood.

FROZEN DRINKS AND WORLD-FAMOUS CRABS.

RUSTIC INN
4331 Ravenswood Rd.
Fort Lauderdale
954.584.1637

The Rustic Inn Fort Lauderdale crab house began as a saloon in 1955. Overtime it turned into a 600 seat restaurant offering nearly every kind of crab dish imaginable, with a great view of the Dania Cut-Off.

PARK YOUR BOAT FOR MIMOSAS OR DESSERT.

SHOOTERS
3033 NE 32nd Ave.
Fort Lauderdale
954.566.2855

Open daily for lunch and dinner, with a popular weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday (dogs welcome), Shooter’s coastal cuisine and craft cocktails ensure a relaxed, yet elegant experience in beautiful Fort Lauderdale.

THE OLDEST RAW BAR IN FORT LAUDERDALE.

SOUTHPORT RAW BAR
1536 Cordova Rd.
Fort Lauderdale
954.525.2526

Dock here for king crab legs, oysters, clams and drinks in a quaint little spot that’s been in Fort Lauderdale for over 30 years. It’s been said that Johnny Weissmuller, the actor who was best known for portraying Tarzan, used to be a regular and after a few beers he would let out his famous Tarzan call.

WHERE THE FOOD LIVES UP TO THE VIEW.

GRILLE 66 & BAR
Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina
2301 SE 17th St.
Fort Lauderdale
954.728.3500

This legendary steakhouse is also located here at Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina. Offering 4 star Chef Michael Siegel’s inspired cuisine and a “Wine Spectator Award of Excellence” wine list with over 800 wines to choose from. They take reservations and be sure to try to the stone crabs and stuffed Maine Lobster!

FRESH SEAFOOD AT A NAUTICAL LANDMARK.

15th ST. FISHERIES
1900 SE 15th St.
Fort Lauderdale
954.763.2777

High-quality seafood at affordable prices makes 15th a favorite settings for boat dockers. Situated directly inside Lauderdale Marina, dockside dining is a casual waterfront experience where you can watch a continuous stream of yachts, fishing vessels and all kinds of boats sailing by. Plus, you can feed the tarpon right from the dock.

FRESH INGREDIENTS AND UNEXPECTED FLAVORS.

THE PIRATE REPUBLIC SEAFOOD & GRILL
400 SW 3rd Ave.
Fort Lauderdale
954.761.3500

You will find original and unique seafood dishes, inspired by family traditions as well as recipes collected by the owners in over 30 years of sailing around the world. It has a great docking area that can accommodate boats up to 100 ft. The oysters and crab are not to be missed.

MODERN AMERICAN CUISINE WITH WATERFRONT VIEW.

KALUZ
3300 E. Commercial Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale
954.772.2209

Have a relaxing drink outside on the lounge of this upbeat and sophisticated New American eatery whose gorgeous setting on the intracoastal is a perfect accompaniment for a tasty menu of seafood, salads, burgers and more.

AN OUTDOOR DINING TREASURE.

DOWNTOWNER
10 S. New River Dr. E.
Fort Lauderdale
954.463.9800

Fresh eats, live entertainment and classic craft cocktails complement the endless parade of boats and yachts. Dating back to the Roaring 20’s, this beloved gem is a wonderful waterfront spot to catch lunch, dinner or a quick appetizer and drinks.

Introducing the new Marine Director of Pier Sixty-Six

Here at Pier Sixty-Six, we’ve got some big news to share. Megan Lagasse has been hired as our new Marine Director. Megan will oversee the operation of our world-class marina including facility maintenance, staff and financial management, business development and event planning. Welcome Megan!

Pier Sixty-Six is Fort Lauderdale’s leading marina, and we’re a fully modern facility designed and built to maximize your comfort and convenience – whether it’s a short stop-over for supplies or for an extended call. Our pet-friendly facility provides dockage for up to 16 boats of the superyacht class, 127 deep-water slips for craft of 40 to 350-feet, deep-water access to the Intracoastal and Atlantic Ocean, 24-hour on-site security and WiFi throughout.

“Our vision is to reimagine Pier Sixty-Six as Fort Lauderdale’s social harbor. Adding Megan to lead and manage our marina operation is a vital piece in this effort, as this world-class facility serves as the waterside gateway to the hotel,” said Amaury Piedra, General Manager of Pier Sixty-Six. “Tavistock brings tremendous experience to the table, managing other luxury resort and yachting communities such as Albany in the Bahamas, and we look forward to revitalizing this iconic Fort Lauderdale destination.”

Previously, Megan was the general manager of the Bahia Mar Marina in Fort Lauderdale where she successfully managed the annual, seasonal and transient marina of 250+ floating slips. Additionally, she served as dockmaster at the Boston Yacht Haven in Massachusetts and the Miami Beach Marina, in South Beach. Megan was also a dock attendant and event planner at the St Thomas’ Yacht Haven Grande in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“Pier Sixty-Six’s marina has been a cornerstone of the Fort Lauderdale yachting community for decades,” said Amaury Piedra, general manager of Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina. “Already a place where boaters enjoy an exceptional experience, we know the addition of Megan will take our w class marina to the next level.”

On top of her impressive work experience, Megan has deep roots in Fort Lauderdale and she gives back to our community in many ways. She has worked closely with the Children’s Diagnostic Treatment Center (CDTC), a non-profit hospital in Fort Lauderdale, since 2014. And she is currently also the chair of The Transformers, a group of local business professionals that helps to spread the message and goals of the CDTC. In addition, Megan sits on the board of the Marine Industry of South Florida Association (MIASF), contributes to the Marine Industry Cares Foundation (MICF), and is a member of Young Professionals in Yachting (YPY).

“I am honored to be a part of the team and I am excited to contribute in the re-imaging of Pier Sixty- Six while preserving Fort Lauderdale’s title as the yachting capitol of the world,” said Megan Lagasse, marine director, Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina.

Renowned for our spectacular views and resort-style amenities, Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina is a unique waterfront jewel among Fort Lauderdale destinations. Surrounded by 22 acres of tropical paradise, and graced with towering royal palms, our hotel is the perfect setting for a Fort Lauderdale resort and spa getaway. We invite boaters to bring their vessel and tie up at Pier Sixty-Six’s world – or just come unwind in sunny Fort Lauderdale, the yachting capital of the world. Be sure say hello to Megan!

The many kinds of vessels at Pier Sixty-Six Marina

Here in Fort Lauderdale at Pier Sixty-Six Marina, we provide service for many different types of boats from tenders to gigayachts, as our deep-water slips allow us to accommodate craft of up to 350 feet in length. Some of the gorgeous vessels you’ll see docked include the following classes:

Motoryachts

Sport Fish – these are fantastic all-purpose boats used mainly for fishing activities on both salt and fresh water. They typically have tons of rod holders, built-in bait and tackle areas, and can move pretty fast for tournaments. Examples of this kind of boat are Viking Hatteras or a Bertram Buddy Davis.

Express Sportfish – these function-first boats are built for tournament speed and and are less focused on luxurious comforts. Examples of these boats are Tiara, Boston Whalers or Intrepids.

Open Express – these boats sport European styling with an open deck space and living quarters below deck. Some examples are Azimut, Riva Pershing, Ferretti and Sunseeker.

Hardtop Express – featuring a hard top over an open deck with a removable glass enclosure for protection but still allowing for open breezes. Examples of these boats include Chris Craft, Hinkley, and Downeast.

Cabin cruisers/ Trawlers

Cabin cruiser – These boats are wonderful for relaxed sailing and include a galley and a berth (large living areas) with all the comforts of home such as heaters, air conditioners, full-size appliances and power generators.

Trawlers – The main advantage of trawlers is that the presence of a displacement hull that allows them to smoothly maneuver through the water without exhausting much horsepower or consuming excessive fuel. This quality makes the trawler a great option for participating in long-range cruising activities. And even though salons tend to be less spacious than some yacht interiors, they are comfortable and stylish.

Megayachts – generally these yachts are 80ft (25m) and up in length and have captains and crews. They can be used for short jaunts, weekend expeditions, coastal cruising or living aboard. They often resemble luxury condos and have many of the same amenities focusing on comfort inside the yacht. Some examples are Sunseeker, Lazzara, Ocean Alexander, and Choy Lee.

Superyachts – these are 150 ft (50m) and up in length. Superyachts are very large, impressive vessels that can contain all sorts of incredible, luxurious amenities on board from swimming pools to their own helicopters. Some examples are Trinity, Palmer Johnson, and CRN.

Gigayachts –  these are the elite of the elite. This magnificent fleet consists of the top 100 yachts in the world and are typically in excess of 250 ft in length. The world’s largest gigayacht is the size of two football fields, has nine decks, two helipads, a 94,000 horse  power engine and costs a tidy $770 million. Some examples of these are Lurseen, Feadship, Oceanco Aberking and Rassmusen.

Tenders – this is a type of boat that is used for servicing and providing support and entertainment to a private or charter luxury yacht. They can be anything from an 8 ft inflatable to a million dollar custom job for a superyacht.

Whether your vessel is a small craft or a massive gigayacht, Pier Sixty-Six is Fort Lauderdale’s leading marina, designed to maximize comfort and convenience for a short stop or an extended call. We’d love to see you and your boat docked in our marina!

Top Apps for Yacht Crews

We all rely on our iPhones and Androids more and more these days. According to research the average person can spend as much as 90% of their time on a mobile phone using an app. This may seem like a high percentage but it’s a fact of modern life. And of course this includes yacht crew members that are using app technology while docked at Pier Sixty-Six Marina, working in Fort Lauderdale, or in their daily duties on the high seas.

The smartphone has become an invaluable tool and we’re listing several here that we think are useful to assist in many facets of daily operations, based on an compilation written by Luke Wheeler via http://www.yachting-pages.comand our own internet research.

1. Navionics Nautical Charts

Navionics Nautical Charts is free to download with in-app purchases for individual regions. Navionics offers charts for nearly all of the key yachting regions (including Mediterranean, US, Caribbean, and more). Use Navionics to download the maps you need, and then plan offline at your convenience. The app also features auto-routing and is highly adaptable to any yacht configuration. When connected to WiFi or cellular internet, the app can also provide sonar overlay and tidal updates.

Learn more: https://www.navionics.com/gbr/charts/features/nautical-chart

2. Marine Traffic

Marine Traffic shows you real-time positions of ships and yachts worldwide. It works by connecting to the largest network of AIS (automatic identification system) receivers, and the app covers most major ports and shipping routes. There’s also the ability to track your position, speed and course as well as the positions of the vessels around you.

Learn more: https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/p/mobile

3. Recipe Organizer

This handy app lets kitchen staff keep recipes organized right on an iPhone. There’s no time to waste or room for clutter on board a yacht. So you use this app to keep Grandma’s secret recipes stored, or to simply organize your own custom recipes. Snap a photo of a recipe and it’s ready for you to view. The app keeps your recipes organized by category, and you can tag each dish for easy searching. And you can share your recipes by email, text messages or social media.

Learn more: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/recipe-organizer-by-organizeat/id1059211083

4. Paprika Recipe Manager

Paprika Recipe Manager is for Android phones and is very similar to the Recipe Organizer app for iPhone. It allows you to import recipes you own or recipes saved from the web and saves them to the cloud so you can access them from any of your devices. Makes keeping recipes organized on board a yacht a snap and as simple to browse as possible with easy to organize folders, features such as shopping lists, a calendar-based meal planning, plus a powerful recipe search.

Learn more: https://www.paprikaapp.com/

5. Efficient Sea

The Efficient Sea iPad app is specially designed for the professional management of superyachts and other large seagoing vessels. There’s everything you need to manage and support an ISM, MLC compliance, including safety management systems, chartering, crew management, accounting, bridge resources, captains resources, engineering maintenance, life-saving appliances and shipyard needs. Designed by an experienced superyacht captain, Efficient Sea makes every document, code and form readily available on your iPad, where they can all be completed, signed and emailed without the need for hard copies, files or scans.

Learn more: http://www.efficientseaapp.com.au/

6. Voly

Voly is a newly developed app that simplifies the budget management process on board a yacht. Working on an inter-departmental basis, each HoD can log purchases into a centralized yacht report. A fully integrated currency card can be prepaid and records transactions to the Voly app. Reports can then be accessed by the owner, captain or management company.

A free app on iOS and Android, but it requires a Voly account (charges may be applicable).

Learn more: https://ypicrew.com/voly-app/

7. CrewBoard for iPhone

Crewboard is a free iOS app that provides quick, easy access to a secure overview of which crew are on board. It acts as a digital equivalent to the traditional onboard whiteboard.
With its appealing user interface and intuitive management system, adding new crew members, groups, subcontractors, day workers and accessing advanced features is simple and self-explanatory. Full user profiles including names and job titles can be added and amended quickly and easily, whilst profile photos can be selected from existing albums or taken directly via the device’s inbuilt camera.

Learn more: http://www.yachtcloud.eu/products/crewboard

8. Enjoy Yacht Management

Developed by an experienced yacht manager and with input from captains, crew and owners who understand the complexities of yacht management and maintenance, the ENJOY Yacht Management app simplifies mandatory operations on board, maximizing the time of superyacht captains and crew so they can focus on guest comfort and the everyday tasks in hand.

From managing an entire fleet of yachts to creating and administering individual task lists for specific crew members, the Enjoy Yacht Management solution is flexible and scalable. Free on iOS and Android, but it requires a subscription. A 30-day free trial is also offered.

Learn more: http://enjoyyc.com/index.html

9. Seahub

Seahub is an intuitive cloud-based yacht maintenance app designed by ex-superyacht engineers, to improve reliability and safety for the global superyacht industry.

The app is a platform to manage, in real time, vessel-related projects, on-board inventory, oil analysis programs, documents, warranties and contacts and effectively schedule and document maintenance tasks to avoid costly unplanned downtime.

Learn more: https://seahub.com.au/

10. Tides Planner

This app is the essential tides tool for boaters, sailors, divers, canoeists, fishermen, surfers, swimmers, photographers and anyone involved with sport or leisure at the seaside. At the push of a button Tides Planner allows you to see tides for over 8,000+ worldwide locations. No internet connection is required as the app has its own database.

Learn more: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/tides-planner/id317900837

Pier Sixty-Six Marina leads the way in the Yachting Capital of the World

Miles of waterways. Immediate access to the ocean from the protected inland waterways. Some of the best sport fishing anywhere in the world. A multitude of activities and services for yachts and crew. Close proximity to the Caribbean. All of these attributes, for good reason, give Ft. Lauderdale its name of “The Yachting Capitol of the World”, cementing its position as the leader in South Florida marine facilities.

There are several good marinas to choose from in the area but the Pier Sixty-Six Marina is by far the crown jewel amongst all the offerings. A multimillion-dollar renovation has been completed, making it a brand new facility as well as the most modern marina in the area.

Upgrades to the 127-slip, deep-water marina include new bulkheads by South Florida-based Shoreline Foundation and Eco Building Solutions, and a new Marinetek floating dock system equaling more than 3,600 linear feet of parallel dockage and fixed docks. The entire electrical infrastructure has been replaced with new power distribution, new dock pedestals and electrical capacity to include 480 volt 400-600 amp, three-phase power able to meet the needs of superyachts. A new dockmaster’s office and captain’s/crew clubroom is located on the intracoastal waterway. And the new marina layout can accommodate 16 vessels of the superyacht class up to 150 feet, up from six prior to the redesign, with the deep-water capacity to accept craft of 40 feet to yachts up to 350 feet. Plus Pelican Landing restaurant, located above the dockmaster’s office is open, serving cocktails and signature fresh seafood dishes, along with some of the most beautiful sunsets in Ft. Lauderdale.

The Ft. Lauderdale marina opened in the late 1950s as a fuel dock for the Phillips 66 Petroleum Company. Phillips later developed a yacht club and in 1957 opened the Pier Sixty- Six Hotel, whose tower became an iconic piece of the Ft. Lauderdale skyline. In December 2016, Tavistock Development Company acquired Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina to invest in the revitalization of the destination and to return the hotel as one of Ft. Lauderdale’s social harbors. Recently, Pier Sixty-Six Marina was the 55th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

Show’s seventh and newest show site. The show is the largest in-water boat show in the world, and took place from Oct. 30 through Nov. 3, attracting an enormous international audience of thousands of marine enthusiasts. The show’s seven locations were connected by a very convenient land and water transportation network offering several options to get show- goers to the Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel & Yachting Center, the Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Municipal Marina, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Sails Marina, Pier Sixty- Six Marina and the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.

Marinas are more than just a dock. They are a destination.

According to Webster’s dictionary, a marina is defined as “a dock or basin providing secure moorings for pleasure boats and often offering supply, repair, and other facilities.” While this definition is accurate, over the years many marinas have evolved to become much more than a functional place to moor your boat or yacht. They have become resort-type marinas that offer one-stop shopping, accommodating the needs of cruising consumers that want to make the most of their time on the water. Pier Sixty-Six Marina is the perfect example. Surrounded by 22 acres of floral Florida elegance, our marina is famous for the hospitality and amenities provided by our world-class resort and hotel. As well as our incredible Marina staff that work to not only provide slip reservations and dock hand assistance, but to provide an exceptional home-away-from-home experience that is unparalleled.

Many marinas are striving to provide both convenience and a destination experience to owners, captains and crew, as boaters now look for just the right balance between work and play when choosing a marina. Their requirements can range from the standard services like taking on fuel, provisioning, pump out and yacht detailing, to more luxurious indulgences such as relaxing by the pool, working out in a high-tech modern gym, the all-important access to high-speed Wi-Fi, fine dining, or socializing with friends and family. That’s why our recent refurbishment of facilities and grounds make Pier Sixty-Six Marina the most sought-after destination on the Florida Atlantic coast. For craft of 40 up to 350 feet, we offer 127 deep-water slips on the Intracoastal Waterway, immediately adjacent to Port Everglades, while remaining private and secluded with 24-hour on-site security. Convenient to surf and to city, we are the ideal berth for a quick stop, provisioning, or a luxurious extended stay catering to the unique needs of the larger superyacht class. And we’re pet friendly, too.

Marina’s like ours that have the capability of offering all the above can become a premier yachting destination for not only the yacht owners, but also the crew. Increasingly important, an accommodating marina must cater to the changing needs of a professional crew, making it a true destination with a lot to offer. Companies engaged in the marine industry are seeing the demand, providing more than just yacht services for the boat. They now host crew nights, poker runs, excursions and other networking events and activities that bring crews together in a social setting, offering them other things to do while they are there working. The yachting industry as a whole has become not just a business, but a community. This social aspect has become an important factor in the nautical world, making the difference for marinas that wish to be sought after by owners and crew alike.

See us at the 8th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the “Yachting Capital of the World” will host the 58th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, and will for the first time, open the show on Wednesday November 1st and run until Sunday November 5th. The Show exhibits this year will range from yacht builders and designers to exotic cars and brokerage yachts. A wide variety of boats will be on display including runabouts, sportfishers, high performance boats, center consoles, cabin cruisers, flats boats, skiffs, express cruisers, sailing yachts, motor yachts, bowriders, catamarans, ski boats, jet boats, trawlers, inflatables, canoes and of course, extraordinary superyachts.

One amazing vessel located at Pier Sixty-Six Marina, being exhibited by Edmonton & Company, is the 257 ft. “TV” built at the Lurssen shipyard under the supervisions of Moran Yacht & Ship. She’s an Espen Oeino and Alberto Pinto designed vessel with a laid back South Beach inspired interior. Her many unique features include 8 staterooms, 6 located on the main deck with huge ceiling-to-floor windows, a delightful master suite that looks forward with 180-degree views, twin Jacuzzis, a large counter current swimming pool, as well as enormous exterior sun bathing areas and a huge interior space to relax and unwind. TV is one of the finest yachts ever built, equipped with a custom elevator and a fully operational helicopter pad with fueling station. If you love boats, yachts and the seafaring lifestyle, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is exactly where you want to be, so you can take it all in.

Be sure to sign up for the many special events at the show. TAKE THE HELM is a hands-on boating skills course where you can learn from the experts. All sessions are taught by USCG licensed captains who are professional, certified instructors. You’ll learn basic and advanced skills that will last a lifetime! And if you’re a sport fishing fan, there’s THE ANNUAL KIDS’ FISHING CLINICS: Presented by Hook the Future. It’s FREE for all children who have a ticket to the boat show and who are between the ages of 5-16. And there is the IGFA SCHOOL OF SPORTFISHING SEMINARS like the “Secrets for Dolphin”, “Kingfish Tips & Techniques”, “Big Fish on Light Tackle” and so much more.

This is also the first year under the ownership of Informa Exhibitions who purchased the show in March of 2017. Informa also owns and operates the world renowned Monaco Yacht Show. This year’s show will feature over 2.5 million square feet of exhibition space and 1000 boats in the water. Pier Sixty-Six Marina will be exhibiting, be sure to stop by our booth #109 and say hello. We look forward to meeting you there!

Pier Sixty-Six Marina is Now a Foreign Trade Zone

Pier Sixty-Six Marina has been designated a foreign-trade zone by the United States Customs and Border Patrol. What does this mean exactly? According to Wikipedia, in the United States, a foreign-trade zone (FTZ) is a geographical area, in (or adjacent to) a United States Port of Entry, where commercial merchandise, both domestic and foreign receives the same Customs treatment it would if it were outside the commerce of the United States. Merchandise of every description may be held in the zone without being subject to tariffs (customs duties) and other ad valorem taxes. This tariff and tax relief is designed to lower the costs of U.S.-based operations engaged in international trade and thereby create and retain the employment and capital investment opportunities that result from those operations.

The new zone is expected to provide several benefits to yacht owners looking to sell their vessels to U.S. buyers, or have them repaired or upgraded by marine industry craftsmen in South Florida. Previously reserved for ports, holding zones and airport “duty-free” zones, the FTZ designation will permit international vessels to dock at Pier Sixty-Six Marina without paying duty, and allow brokers to show for-sale vessels to U.S. citizens. Vessels will be able to come and go as needed from the zone to accommodate owner trips or charters. And newly built yachts that have entered the U.S. within the last three years can use the zone to file for a refund on previously paid duties. Additionally, major yacht refit projects can also benefit because duties on all imported parts can be deferred while vessels are in the zone. After the work is completed, the vessels may depart the U.S. without being required to pay duties or taxes. This is great news for Broward County as the FTZ designation makes the upcoming Fort Lauderdale Boat Show the only one in the country where FTZ transactions can take place. The estimated economic impact of the marine industry is $8.8 billion in the county.

The FTZ designation works like this: two weeks prior to arrival, the owner’s representative needs to provide a list of all the crew members, the vessel’s registration, the value of the vessel, and the name of the vessel. Once these are filed, the vessel will need to be considered cargo and then must cancel their cruising permit. The vessel can leave Pier Sixty-Six Marina for sea trials, boat shows, etc, as long as Customs Border Patrol form 216 is filed. The vessel can not leave US waters however and has to return to the original FTZ slip within 120 days of departure. Pier Sixty-Six Marina is working with Interport Logistics to work as an agent through the process. Please call (954) 873-3157 for more information.

Home Sweet “Home” at Pier Sixty-Six Marina

This amazing vessel located at Pier Sixty-Six Marina, was built by Dutch yard Heesen and won Best of Show at the renowned Monaco Yacht Show. The owner is described as a yacht enthusiast who has owned multiple yachts before, but were in particular drawn to the yacht’s shallow 2.1 meter draught, which makes her well-suited for the Caribbean where a shallow-depth displacement is often required. Not to mention the unique, modern exterior and its high-tech interior design with floor to ceiling windows. Luckily, Pier Sixty-Six Marina offers deep-water access to the intercostal and Atlantic Ocean, as well as 127 deep-water slips for craft of 40 to 350-feet, so it isn’t an issue for almost any yacht. But for cruising around the Bahamas, the shallow-depth displacement will come in very handy.

The all-aluminum “Home” introduces a whole new breed to Heesen’s lineup with its hybrid propulsion system and the its innovative Fast Displacement Hull Form. According to Heesen, she will burn 98 liters of fuel per hour at 12 knots and only 57 liters per hour at ten knots. Despite being powered by relatively small engines for her size — twin 804hp MTU 12V 2000 M61s — “Home” will still achieve a respectable top speed of 16.3 knots when powered by her main engines and the diesel-electric propulsion system will allow for silent cruising at up to nine knots. Smaller engines mean the yacht will also be more spacious, with less room taken up by the engine room. With a particular attention to weight control, “Home” is predicted to achieve a transatlantic range of 3,750 nautical miles while cruising at 12 knots, despite carrying just 45,000 liters of fuel.

The yacht also makes silence the ultimate luxury, since she only registers 46 decibels of noise in the owner’s suite while cruising in electric mode. That’s about the same level of sound as the volume of soft rainfall. “Home” will accommodate 12 guests split across six staterooms, including a main deck owner’s suite with its own office and walk-in wardrobes. On the lower deck, the guest accommodation is separated from the engine room by the gym, which has been fitted with a Technogym exercise bike and a set of Bow Flex free-weights. The exterior styling comes from Frank Laupman of Omega Architects, who has penned the striking superstructure and an almost vertical bow, which will reduce vertical acceleration, thus improving on board comfort. “Home” is a “modern, innovative yacht with striking lines and a lot of glass,” said Laupman. “More like a beach villa in style, with nature all around you.”

Salty Jobs video series

Salty Jobs, is a three-to-four-minute video series geared toward young people entering the workforce, showcasing a variety of jobs being performed by its host, Sean Smith, who is also MIASF’s director of development.

Details of specific education or certification requirements for each job, as well as salary ranges, are revealed during interviews with people in the business, from entry level positions to senior management, and even entrepreneurs. These videos were created in response to the marine industry’s growing need for skilled tradesmen and women. MIASF is professionally producing and branding an educational video series that identifies the many employment opportunities and career paths available through the marine industry, which typically pay 16% higher than the State average.

Sean Smith, host of Salty Jobs, said, “I’ve met so many people who are passionate about what they are doing in the marine industry, and it’s very rewarding to share their stories and experiences with the next generation of talented workers.”

Salty Jobs episodes are currently being shown in South Florida K-12 public schools, colleges, and universities, at state-funded CareerSource Centers (workforce development), at meetings and events of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and other economic development organizations, at Broward County Six Pillars events, as part of national marine industry conferences, and during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

Visit saltyjobs.org for more information.