Newsletter February 2022

From the Captain's Chair: It's All About Numbers

Congratulations to the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association, Informa Markets, and the International Yacht Brokers Association for the successful 2022 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show. Reviews have been nothing but positive, and manufacturers report sales were incredible, with many 2022 models sold out and inquiries strong for 2023 boats.
 
The new location and singular transportation network in place for this year’s show were two factors in improving the show experience for attendees and exhibitors alike. It was easier to get around, allowing attendees to see more of the show with less hassle than in years past. Hats off to the show organizers for a job well done.
 
Seeing first-hand how the Miami International Boat Show mastered transportation logistics has me thinking about the ongoing bridge versus tunnel debate. I’ve said for a long time that “no build” is not an option and I still believe that. But as time ticks by we find ourselves still without a solution, and as each month passes, costs only go up.
 
In 2011, the cost to build a mile on Interstate 95 was already a whopping $125 million. In 2022, that cost skyrocketed to $300 million, more than doubling in just over ten years. As politicians argue about whether to go under or over the New River, construction costs will continue to rise, making this project more expensive each day.
 
Rather than put political ideology at the heart of this decision, our leaders at the local, state, and federal level should be making decisions based on facts. FDOT has done the math and based their recommendations on unambiguous – and politically neutral – guidelines. Ignoring this information in favor of rhetoric and whim does a grave disservice to our community, not just in terms of day-to-day transportation inconvenience, but in increased costs, as well.
 
As the debate rages on, I encourage all MIASF members to continue advocating for a swift and fact-based decision on this major issue facing Fort Lauderdale, our residents, and the marine industry.
 
In more positive financial news, the numbers from the 2021 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show are in and very impressive. While 2019 was a record year with $715 million in total sales and an economic impact to Florida of more than $1.3 billion, 2021 far surpassed those numbers.
 
According to the study released in January 2022 by Thomas J. Murray & Associates, the 62nd annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show saw $899 million in total sales and an economic impact to the state of $1.79 billion. It was another record year for FLIBS, an especially important accomplishment coming after two years of pandemic-related global economic slowdowns.
 
And finally, I want to remind everyone that the 45th Annual Waterway Clean Up is coming up this Saturday, March 5th. This is Broward County’s largest and longest-running environmental event, and this year we return to the original format with more than 35 designated clean-up locations.
 
You don’t need a boat to take part, and this is a great family event for people of all ages. If you have not yet registered, there’s still time to do so on our website. I look forward to seeing many of you on Saturday.

Regards,

Phil Purcell
CEO & President

Advocacy Report

The legislative session in Tallahassee has two weeks remaining and marine relevant bills include many proposals by the Florida Fish and Wildlife. One relevant proposed bill is amending language to strengthen law enforcement’s ability to identify and declare a derelict vessel and remove from Florida waters. This bill includes a small increase in vessel registration to fund derelict vessel related costs. Another FWC bill requests the creation and funding of a seven-officer team forming the Illegal Boating Strike Team. The language in the bill defines livery and strengthens requirements of education and insurance before a rental can happen. There is also an amendment proposed to permit human-powered vessels in connection to schools to operate within the channels of the ICW. Last year a bill passed restricting human-powered vessels to only transit the channel as quickly and directly as possible.
 
The Yacht and Ship Brokers Act has continued to move through the process. It has faced some challenges as the additional regulations, intent on raising the professional standards, go against the current philosophy of removing as many governmental impediments as possible to business. Time will tell if the bill makes it to the end of this session. Another bill to watch, although not directly marine-related, is the removal of all sales and use tax for all aircraft, currently only certain types of aircraft are exempt.
 
Environmental legislation includes the creation of the Office of Resilience within the executive office of the Governor and the funding of a study identifying processes of nutrient removal from water bodies. Funding of the Marine Research Hub, whose goal is to commercialize and monetize the marine research done by our local universities has made it to the House, appropriation thanks to the sponsorship of Representative Chip LaMarca. Lastly of local interest is a bill defining a process requiring testing and posting of signage when waters are not safe for swimming.
 
The American Boating Congress has opened registration. Set to run May 11th-13th in Washington D.C., this year will see a format change as the ease of visits to congressional offices may still be hampered by restrictions. Currently the discussion includes a possible boat show to highlight our industry.
The public meetings of the New River Crossing continue, and the importance of a locally preferred alternative is being emphasized to move into the federal funding application phase. The tunnel would naturally work for navigation interests, as would the 56’ and 80’ bridge, unfortunately the tunnel is three3 times the cost of either bridge and the biggest concern is ‘No Build’ becomes the default choice damaging the industry and putting regional commuter rail decades behind as the rest of the country benefits from the current infrastructure funding bill.
Brightline has been meeting with the industry this month. Ken Hall, General Manager of FEC Dispatch whose responsibility is to operate the train schedules within the regulation and assure the coordination of navigation took time out of his day to join MIASF on the Water Taxi for a tour of upriver boatyards and learned the importance of the industry. Earlier this month we met with Vice President of Operations and learned that they are about to roll out a new app that will be more accurate to better assist scheduling decisions for boaters. The bridges in Loxahatchee and St Lucie are in the process of rehab, not unlike New River experienced several years ago as they prepare for the planned route to Orlando.
 
Lastly on April 22 the Coast Guard Foundation is holding their District 7 dinner at the Marriott Harbor Beach. This is an opportunity to meet and speak to leadership and support our Coast Guard. MIASF has taken several tables and has made seats available for $500 each. Individual tables are available for $5,000. Contact patience@miasf.org for additional information.  

YSTAP Report - February 2022

The Yacht Service Technician Apprentice Program continues to be as busy as ever with two classes of apprentices, more than 30 apprentices in all, making progress through different modules of the program. The apprentices who have just begun the program in January have recently completed their Maritime 10-hour OSHA certification. Safety is extremely important when working in a shipyard and transcends throughout every other modulemodule, so it is always the first module for apprentices to complete when they begin the program. Once again, Pat Kelly, of Bradford Marine, donated his time and knowledge, teaching the apprentices the necessary competencies and lead them through the certification process.
 
The second-year apprentices continue to be hard at work as well. As they all are working their full-time jobs with one of our many employers participating in the program, they are each gaining unique on-the-job training experiences. However, they unite on common ground in their once-a-week classroom instruction at Atlantic Technical College. Currently, in the classroom, the apprentices are in the working on piping, plumbing, and hydraulics.  
 
As both classes of apprentices continue on their paths through the program, we are extremely thankful for those involved in the program, like Pat Kelly, who offers tremendous value and expertise to help all of the apprentices learn the tools and earn the necessary credentials throughout the two years. If you would like to get involved in the program in this capacity by donating your time, experience, and knowledge, we are always appreciative of speakers, presenters, and demonstrations who enhance the classroom learning for the apprentices. If interested, please reach out to Lori Wheeler at lori@miasf.org.

Business Highlight: Florida Inland Navigation District

This month we shine the member spotlight on F.I.N.D., the Florida Inland Navigational District. FIND was created by the Florida Legislature in 1927 to be State local sponsor in partnership with the U.S Army Corps of Engineers for Florida’s Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW).  The organization’s purpose is to manage and maintain the ICW and provide assistance to local governments to fund improvement projects and develop waterway access. FIND’s responsibilities stretch from Nassau to Miami-Dade Counties.
 
One of FIND’s largest projects to date is the deepening of the ICW from the 17th Street Causeway north past the Las Olas Bridge. The project was completed by December 2016, six months early and within budget. The $19 million project, funded by FIND, created added navigation and docking opportunities for deep draft and larger vessels and resulted in an increase in marine-related business.
 
This dredging project follows the successful 2012 deepening of the Dania Cut-Off Canal between Port and US Hwy 1, which also resulted in the economic stimulus of more marine-related businesses on the waterway. Both projects were cooperative efforts with Broward County, the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, and the cities of Fort Lauderdale and Dania Beach.
 
FIND also manages the Waterways Assistance Programs, which provides grants to local governments to increase public access to local waterways. Projects that qualify for these grants include navigation channel dredging, channel markers, navigation signs or buoys, boat ramps, docking facilities, fishing and viewing piers and other access-related projects.
 
FIND operates from their office in Jupiter, FL at 1314 Marcinski Road. To learn more about FIND or their grant program, contact Janet Zimmerman at jzimmerman@aicw.org, visit FIND’s website at www.aicw.org or give them a call at 561-627-3386.

Faces in the Industry: Katie Hagan

Katie Hagan – Chief Operating Officer, FHG Marine Engineering, Inc.
 
Tell us where you are from, what brought you to Florida, and how long you’ve lived here.
 
Although my focus is now all about the ocean, I’m initially from the desert of Scottsdale, Arizona. In 2018, I left my former career doing international humanitarian diplomacy work in New York City to move to Fort Lauderdale to co-found FHG Marine Engineering with my business partner and now husband, Richard Grennen. We moved here in the summer of 2018, so we’ve been here now just under four years.
 
Where do you work, what is your job title, and what does your job entail?
 
I’m the Chief Operating Officer and Owner of FHG Marine Engineering Inc. FHG Marine Engineering provides concierge yacht maintenance service and ship repair. We service the luxury yachting industry, as well as the commercial shipping industry. As the COO, I manage our daily operations in our team of 11 engineers and technicians. That includes everything from interacting with clients and vendors, new business development, HR, finance, social responsibility, parts ordering, invoicing, reporting, you name it.
 
How did you initially become interested in the marine industry?
 
When I was 19, I lived and worked as anas an assistant librarian onboard Semester at Sea’s ship the M/V Explorer. In five 5 months, we completed a global circumnavigation voyage visiting 10-12 ports throughout Asia, Africa, and South America.  Ironically our final disembarkation point was right here in Fort Lauderdale at Port Everglades. Before moving to Fort Lauderdale to start FHG, that was the only time I’d ever been here.
 
What is your favorite or most valuable benefit of membership in MIASF?
 
MIASF is a wonderful organization for so many reasons. When we moved to Florida, we really didn’t know anyone. MIASF was our first networking event we ever attendedattended, and we immediately felt so welcomed and included. Starting a business is seriously hard work and maintaining one is even harder. MIASF gave us that grounded sense of community, support, and camaraderie that’s so crucial. My favorite memories are probably participating each year in MIASF’s Annual Broward County Waterway Clean-up.
 
Describe any other community organizations or events with which you are involved?
 
I’m also on the Board of Young Professional in Yachting (YPY) USA as the Volunteer Chair, as well as a member of US Superyacht Association (USSA), WISTA, an official partner and Executive Club partner of Eco-Mer’s Yachts du Coeur in France, and Ambassador for She of the Sea. 
 
Tell us about your hobbies and the kinds of things you do for fun.
 
When I’m not working, I also try to keep up my language skills studying Mandarin Chinese. I’m also a huge reader and love yoga, cooking, and doing anything on the water.

Sea Tow Fort Lauderdale Donates Life Jackets to Plywood Regatta

Our annual Plywood Regatta event celebrates the craft of boat building in a fun and competitive weekend for middle school and high school students to get involved in our industry. This event would not have the success it has had for its 25 years of existence without the support of our community and marine businesses. This year, as the event returns to its traditional format, we are beyond excited to have received more than a hundred life jackets donated to the event by Sea Tow Fort Lauderdale. Keeping all students safe on race day as they test their boats in the water is extremely important to the event and our current inventory of life jackets were getting worn down. Thank you, Sea Tow, for your contribution to this event!!!

Record-Breaking Economic Numbers at the 2021 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

At the 62nd Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October 2021, the energy on the docks was electric and transcended throughout the entire show and all its sites and exhibitors. Together with our partner, Informa Markets, we commissioned Thomas J. Murray & Associates to conduct an economic impact study of the show just as he did for FLIBS in 2019. The results of this study are record-breaking.
 
In the study, it was revealed that FLIBS 2021 contributed an incredible $1.79 billion to Florida’s economy. This massive number is driven by the $899 million of direct sales that took place over the five days of the show ($179.8 million per day). Additionally, the show generated $85.8  million in sales tax benefit to the state of Florida, $24.5 million (29%) going to Broward County alone. These unprecedented results solidify the importance of FLIBS to our community, industry, and state as a reliable economic driver. Additional FLIBS economic impact highlights include:
 

• $1.79 billion in economic output throughout the state of Florida through show purchases and expenditures
• $709.7 million in estimated sales by Florida companies during the show, with $513.9 million made by Tri-County companies, and $233.9 million by Broward County companies
• $85.8 million in state and local taxes generated within Florida, with $24.5 million in Broward County alone.
• $580.4 million in statewide personal income and economic activity.
• 100,000+ show visitors, with 49% of visitors from outside Florida
• $241 per day average spend by out-of-town visitors (hotels, restaurants, retail, and local transportation).
• $47.3 million in estimated total expenditures by non-local visitors and exhibitors.
   
  You can read the complete report here.

5th Annual Marine Industry Elevator Pitch Competition Begins!

The 5th Annual Marine Industry Elevator Pitch Competition has gotten underway with the students in the marine magnet program at South Broward High School. The first round of competition took place on Thursday, February 24th in its original in-person format. For this competition, the students are tasked with creating a 1-2 minute ‘pitch’ presentation about a specific career in the marine industry they are interested in pursuing. The goal of the competition is to guide the students as they learn about a job in our industry, what is required of that position, and how their experiences and passions might fit in with that specific job. This competition is extremely valuable for the students as they gain experience in public speaking in front of our panel of judges of industry professionals. We would like to give a special thank you to our judges who donated their time for this round:
·      John Burke, TDW Marine
·      Christie Harrison, Frank & Jimmie’s Propeller
·      Jorge Lang, DeAngelo Marine Exhaust, Inc.
·      Will Williamson, Resolve Marine Group
 
From marine technicians to naval architects, and from stews to marine IT specialists, the passions and interests of each student was on full display in their presentations. Our industry is in extremely good hands as they continue 89oncontinue their individual paths into our industry.

Megan Piggott Participates in Marketing Career Mentor Panel Discussion

Megan Piggott, Director of Marketing & Workforce Development, was invited to participate in a panel for Marketing Career Mentor. This panel discussion was a webinar and networking event on the topic of ‘How Can You Turbo Charge Your Marketing Career in 2022’. Megan joined two other panelists, each at different stages in their marketing careers, who shared their paths, , lessons learned, and best advice from their own marketing paths. Megan represented the demographic of being early in her marketing career and shared her unique path of joining the MIASF team as an intern and growing into a full-time role with our team where she now directs our marketing and workforce initiatives.

Lori Wheeler Represents at Association of Marina Industries Conference & Expo

At the beginning of February, Lori Wheeler attended the Association of Marine Industries Conference and Expo in Daytona Beach, Florida. This conference is specifically geared toward marina and boatyard owners and allowed Lori the opportunity to meet with and learn from a broad network of industry professionals including dock masters, boat builders, industry consultants and more. From education seminars to keynote speakers, Lori brought back a wealth of new knowledge, ideas, and technologies that can benefit our association and industry in South Florida.  

Megan Piggott Discusses Workforce on IBEX Webinar

MIASF’s Megan Piggott joined Wendy Mackie, Director of Workforce and Foundation Development for Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) on a panel presentation for IBEX’s virtual webinars. The presentation was titled ‘Meet Your Workforce Where They Are: A New Way Toto Recruit’ and Wendy and Megan shared insight, tips, and actionable items of how we as an industry can overcome our workforce challenges and cultivate our talent pipeline for years to come. They broke the presentation down into three specific demographics that our industry can target to market to including K-12 students, graduates, and career-changers. From simple first steps we can all take, to specific examples MIASF and MRAA have initiated, to their personal experiences, Megan and Wendy discussed all things workforce and answered a plethora of questions with the more than 80 attendees joining the online discussion.

Phil Purcell Presents at Broward Workshop Commuter Rail Workshop

A common conversation throughout South Florida right now is one of which locally preferred alternative option is the best path forward for a bridge or tunnel over or under the New River. Many panels, presentations, and public workshops have taken place in recent months to include all stakeholders in the decision-making process. Phil Purcell, CEO/President of MIASF was invited to sit on a panel of a recent workshop hosted by the Broward Workshop. This event brought together key stakeholders and project managers to discuss the process and progress as it moves forward. In Phil’s role on the panel, he was able to inform attendees of the concerns and factors pertinent to the marine industry. The greatest concern is not creating any additional impediments for boats navigating the New River to our local yards. The marine industry generates a $12.5 billion economic impact to South Florida each year. That number is tremendous and should be a key factor to keep in mind when voting on a locally preferred alternative. Phil, and our industry, continue to advocate, and used this latest panel as a platform to do so, that no build is not an option and a 25-ft bridge would add an additional impediment to our industry conducting business. A solution and decision is what we all need.

MIASF Board of Directors Announce Slate of Nominations

Following the bylaws of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, the MIASF Board of Directors has voted upon and approved the slate of Officers and Directors proposed by the nominating committee. The slate of nominations are as follows:
·      Chairman: Jimmie Harrison, Frank & Jimmie’s Propeller
·      Vice Chairman: James Brewer, Roscioli Yachting Center
·      Secretary/Treasurer: Graeme Lord, Fairport, Inc.
·      Doug West, Westwind Marine Advisors, LLC, will serve in the role of Past-Chairman
 
Director Nominations for five (5) vacant directorships follow in alphabetical order:
·      Julie Berry, CBRE Marina Group
·      Tyler Chappell, The Chappell Group, Inc.
·      Chris Coleman, Oversea Yacht Insurance
·      Andrew Doole, Informa Markets
·      Craig Gundry, Fassmer
·      Kathleen Hagan, FHG Marine Engineering
·      Michael Kelly, Bradford Marine
·      Deb Radtke, American Yacht Agency
·      Bill Walker, Water Taxi Fort Lauderdale
 
Additionally, according to our bylaws, nominations will be accepted from the general membership. If you wish to make additional nominations use the form linked here and email to Patience Cohn (patience@miasf.org) or Megan Piggott (megan@miasf.org) no later than March 14th to confirm. Each nomination must carry five (5) signatures of bona fide regular members of the Association. A final ballot will be mailed out to all regular members on Tuesday, March 22nd.

MIASF 2022-2023 Renewals

The system is officially open and operational for MIASF Members to pay their renewal dues which will be due on April 1st, 2022. For regular members and associate members, renewal payments are $500 for the year. To make your payment, log in to your bundle administrator account and click the ‘Renew’ button found at the top of the menu on the left side of your screen to pay be credit card. You can also click the link that will give you a printable invoice for your records and to use if you plan to pay by check. Please make all checks payable to the Marine Industries Association of South Florida and mail to 221 SW 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. If you have any questions about renewal payments or membership, please reach out to info@miasf.org.
 
We look forward to continuing to work with you for the 2022-2023 year.

Member News: Association of the Marinas Certifies Marina Managers

The Association of Marina Industries last week announced its newly certified marina managers and certified marine operators. There are 480 CMMs and 59 CMOs worldwide.
 
After completing an Intermediate Marina Management Course and Advanced Marina Management Course, each manager or operator must submit an application that is reviewed and approved by a review committee.
 
Recipients of CMM and CMO certifications were Amie Nappi, Jim Nester, Robert McQueeny, Dan Ongley, Felecia Ongley, Michele Clark, Sean Adair, Travis Staat, Jeremy Holcomb, Steve Sider, Kathryn Ross, Greg Macuga, Donnie Quinn, Sam Hird, Logan Moore, Jay Korn, Matt Domke and Matt Bauer.

Member News: Land 'N' Sea

Wholesale distributor Land ‘N’ Sea this week received the Best Virtual Trade Show Eventeer Award for its 2021 Marine and RV Virtual Dealer Trade Show. The recognition follows two record years of sales for the company, which offers hybrid virtual and in-person purchasing options for its customers.
 
The Eventeer Awards are given by vFairs, a virtual and hybrid events company.
 
“We are honored to receive the Best Virtual Trade Show Award, which is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team,” Land ‘N’ Sea Ppresident, Mike Conners, said in a statement. “The past two years have changed our industry, as we have learned how to engage and attract new customers through in-person and virtual events. We look forward to continuing the hybrid approach to trade shows in the future.”
 
Land ‘N’ Sea recently reported a 30 percent increase in year-over-year sales at annual trade shows offering hybrid virtual and in-person events.

Member News: Suntex Marina Announces Additional Acquisitions

Suntex Marina Investors announced the acquisition of Garrison Bight Marina located on Key West in the Florida Keys. 
 
The only full-service marina on the island of Key West with dry storage, Garrison Bight offers direct access to the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. The property is on the north side of the island with close proximity to hotels, shops and restaurants. With indoor and outdoor storage, a fuel dock, ship store, and a full servicefull-service department, the property also offers guests waterside dining at Thai Island with the largest menu of any Thai restaurant on the island and a large deck overlooking the marina.
The marina consists of approximately 20 wet slips and 213 dry slips, and the property is the only dry stack operation on Key West.
 
“This purchase provides Suntex with an excellent opportunity to expand upon our holdings in the Florida Keys and our footprint in the South Florida Market,” said David Filler, Investments Partner, Suntex Marinas. “We are committed to offering our guests a best-in-class experience and Garrison Bight has incredible potential. With significant investment in upgrades, we will raise it to match the high standards we have for our entire industry-leading portfolio of premier properties.”
 
“The purchase of Garrison Bight allows us to invest in one of the most desirable locations in the Keys,” said Sam Chavers, Ssenior Vvice Ppresident, operations, Suntex Marinas. “Our plans include a complete remodel of the property to make it one of the best in the entire Florida Keys.”

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Suntex Marina Investors yesterday announced that it is partnering with marina management company Westrec Marinas. 
 
Westrec is one of the largest owner-operators of marinas and marine-related businesses in the world.
 
“Years ago, we realized the many synergies between Westrec Marinas and Suntex,” Suntex CEO Bryan Redmond said in a statement. “Westrec Marinas’ vision of offering the best in customer service and amenities, along with a memorable experience out on the water, align perfectly with our vision.”
 
Added Westrec president Bill Anderson: “Suntex brings significant innovations and more streamlined tools and processes for daily operations. In addition, they have meaningful reporting and financial forecasting with real-time data, a more established communications and marketing effort, as well as additional capital to invest in repair and maintenance and capital expenditures for major projects at our current marinas.”

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Suntex Marina Investors announced the acquisition of Sunset Harbour, a marina on the south shore of Long Island.
 
“We’ve been very interested in expanding our portfolio to New York for some time,” Suntex Marinas investments partner David Filler said in a statement. “Sunset Harbour has incredible potential for development and is ideally located to service the Long Island boating community.”
The marina is in Patchogue, N.Y., and has direct access to Patchogue and Great South bays. The facility has 332 wet slips and can accommodate boats to 58 feet. Additionally, there is a dry-stack system for boats to 26 feet and a ship’s store, as well as a yard with haulout and on-site service providers.
 
The property also has a pool, playground, Tiki bar, restaurant, restroom and shower facilities, a laundry and a captain’s lounge.
 
“Sunset Harbour is a beautiful facility in the heart of New York,” Suntex Marinas senior vice president of operations Sam Chavers said in the statement. “A perfect complement to our other area marina, Liberty Landing, it will allow us to give our discerning guests a choice of the finest destinations in the region.”

Member News: MarineMax Record Results in First Quarter

MarineMax announced record results for its fiscal first quarter ending Dec. 31, 2021.
 
The company reported that revenue increased 15 percent to a record $472.7 million, up from $411.5 million for the previous-year period.
 
MarineMax attributed the growth to its strategic acquisitions and strong same-store sales growth of 9 percent, driven by increased unit sales. The same-store sales growth was on top of more than 20 percent growth in the comparable period last year.
 
Net income increased 52 percent to $35.9 million, and earnings per diluted share grew 53 percent to $1.59, up from $1.04 in the comparable period a year prior.

Member News: Miami International Boat Show Debuts on Fox Sports

Short Shoot – a Los Angeles based entertainment company – will create and produce a one-hour special to air on FOX Sports, highlighting all that the 2022 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show has to offer. 
 
“We are thrilled to team with FOX Sports and Short Shoot for the 2022 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show,” said Andrew Doole, President of U.S. Boat Shows with Informa Markets. “Kicking off the largest boat and yacht event in the world with this incredible team will be integral in capturing the essence our signature event for television audiences across the country.” 
 
Viewers of the FOX Sports program – which will debut on Sunday, March 6 on FS2 (with re-airs on FS1 and FS2) – can expect to see an exciting range of features from Miami, including yacht debuts from some of the most renowned exhibitors from across the globe.
 
The show will also include interviews with industry leaders from the boating and marine industry as well as on-site coverage from the Miami Beach Convention Center. 
 
“The Miami International Boat Show delivers more than a look at some of the newest and coolest boats available, it gives you a peek into the lifestyle and personality of those who love to be on the water,” said Bill Wanger, FOX Sports EVP, Head of Programming and Scheduling. “It will be a lot of fun to bring to the FOX Sports audience.”
 
The FOX Sports show will be anchored by well-known sports television play-by-play announcer Kevin Lee with field reports from racing legend and IndyCar Champion Paul Tracy plus sports and lifestyle personality Kristen Beat.

Member News: Shoreline Foundation

Shoreline Foundation Inc., South Florida’s premier specialty marine construction company and Brayman Construction Corporation, BCC, of Pennsylvania have established a joint venture for the US$28 million contract with Kingston Wharves Limited, KWL, to reconstruct Berth 7 at Port Bustamante in Jamaica. 
 
At the 1/12/2022 Port signing ceremony, James A. Royo President of SFI, said “The logistics of this world-class port infrastructure project are now underway with construction to commence in June.” The project, which is anticipated to take 1 year to complete, requires construction of a replacement 183-meter (600 ft) steel sheet pile and concrete bulkhead.  The new bulkhead will be built 50 feet seaward of the existing bulkhead and will include a dredging component.  Upon completion, KWL will be able to provide their clientele with 550 meters (1,805 ft) of best-in-class continuous berthing at their Port Bustamante facility.
 
The significance of engaging the expertise of U.S. based construction firms for a project in Jamaica, which has seen an increased presence of foreign government-backed contractors in recent years, was welcomed by U.S. Embassy Kingston Chargé d’Affaires John McIntyre.  He noted, “U.S. companies have a proven track record of delivering high quality projects with competitive pricing in Jamaica.  We congratulate SFI and Kingston Wharves on this most recent commercial collaboration between our two countries.”

Upcoming Events in 2022

March is HERE! And that means the 45th Annual Broward County Waterway Cleanup will take place this Saturday (March 5th) from 9 am – 1 pm. The county’s largest and longest-running environmental event is open to volunteers of any age to help keep our community and waterways pristine. There are more than 35 sites across Broward County that are designated as cleanup sites and will have on site volunteers on Saturday to distribute supplies and event t-shirts to registered volunteers. You can register in advance here and each volunteer must complete the registration form individually which includes signing the waiver. Once you volunteer for the morning and do your part to give back to our community, we invited you to our Trash Bash, the official Waterway Cleanup post-event party to thank our volunteers for all they do. Come out to this bash for food, drink, raffle prizes, music, and more! Our scholarship winners for middle school and high school students will also be announced at the event.
 
‘Sea’ you Saturday.
 
Cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, and NFTs are more than just buzz words these days and have officially entered the marine industry. MIASF’s March Member Connect event will be a panel discussion on the topic of cryptocurrency. Come out to the Flagship Room at the MIASF Office on Tuesday, March 15th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm to here from a variety of cryptocurrency experts sharing their knowledge, insight, and experiences in the crypto world.
 
On Wednesday, April 13th we are inviting all our members to come down to Miami for RMK Merrill-Stevens’ Member Mingle Event! It’s going to be a must-attend event as it will give attendees a tour of the new RMK yards, a view of all that has transformed along the river in Miami, all paired with amazing food, drink, and company! We will be sending out additional information about the event soon, but save the date now!
 
On Thursday, April 21st, MIASF will be partnering with Young Professionals in Yachting (YPY) to host a Marine Industry Night at the Florida Panther hockey game! Our team is taking care of business this season so we invite you to come out and join us in supporting them. Our group will take over the Panther Loft and tickets will include entry to the game, parking, and food and drink. Tickets will be limited so keep an eye out for when you will be able to purchase them and reserve your spot!
 
MIASF’s Annual Meeting & Luncheon will take place again this year at the Lauderdale Yacht Club on Wednesday, May 18th. All members are invited to attend this fun and informative event as reflect on the past year, announce our incoming Board of Directors, announce the recipient of our Awards of Excellence and Golden Anchor. Mark your calendars now for this event so you will be free to attend when tickets go on sale. It’s always a great event to come together as an Association and celebrate all we have accomplished together and look ahead to goals for the new year.
 
The 25th Annual Plywood Regatta is returning this year to its traditional in-person format! On April 30th and May 1st, middle school and high school students will come out to Dania Beach in teams to build their own boats out of plywood, zip ties, 5200 caulking, and paint for decorating. Aside from being a fun and exciting environment, this event’s mission is to build boating’s future today and your support and investment in this event means a lot to our industry in the future and the students participating in the event. The students will get the chance on Sunday to race their vessels in a series of heats to find the fastest boat. Additionally, we hand out spirit awards, scholarships, and have a whole lot of fun! If you wish to get involved as a mentor, volunteer or sponsor for this event, email us at info@miasf.org.

Past Events: February 2022

We kicked off the 45th Annual Broward County Waterway Cleanup in February with the official kick-off party, sponsored by National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation. Over light bites and drinks, members, sponsors, and volunteers were invited to the Flagship Room to build excitement for the upcoming clean up event. Additionally, all attendees received reusable eco-friendly cups to use for the night and take home with them. There are always small things we can all do to protect our environment and keep our community and waterways pristine, and these cups were an extra fun way to do so! Thank you to our presenting sponsor of the Waterway Cleanup, the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) who was able to share about their involvement at the event.
 
It’s no secret that our industry is competitive and that was on fully display at our February Member Connect Event. February’s event was trivia night and sponsored by Advanced Mechanical Enterprises, Inc. Attendees wore their smarty pants and put their knowledge to the test in a series of rounds answering general knowledge trivia questions. Over appetizers and drinks, members networked and bonded with their teammates as they competed to take home prizes, gift cards to our local restaurants. Thank you to AME for sponsoring this event and all who attended!

Salty Jobs - Building Our Filming Schedule

If you’re interested in showcasing one of your ‘salty jobs’ in an upcoming episode, reach out to Megan Piggott by emailing megan@miasf.org.

Featured Job: Marine Mechanic, 1st Performance Marine

Marine Mechanic – 1st Performance Marine
 
Job Description: Busy well-established boatyard needs a full time Marine Technician with your own tools. If you are experienced and versatile in diagnosing and the repairs of diesel and gas engines, electrical and service and want to be part of a great team. This position is available immediately.
 
How to Apply: Apply in person at First Performance Marina (1900 S.E. 15th St. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316) or call 954-763-8743 for an appointment.

Did You Know...?

Did You Know… that a new 1-hour special about the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show is airing on TV to complement the FLIBS 1-hour special?! You can catch this special when it first airs on Sunday, March 6th on FS2.

Welcome Aboard New February Members!

Regular Members:

R & R Boatworks

Christie Repass

Email: randrboatworksbills@gmail.com

Website: www.conchboats.com

Address:

4550 SE Hampton CT

Stuart, FL 34997

Phone: 772-221-0171

Company Description: Manufacturer of Conch Boats

Business Category:

• Manufacturer - Production Boats

 

The Catamaran Company

Gaida Cabral

Email: gaida.cabral@catamarans.com

Website: www.catamarans.com

Address:

4005 N Federal Hwy, Suite 200

Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308

Phone: 954-449-4640

Company Description: Boat Dealers Sail (New), Boat Dealers Power (New), Yacht Brokers, and

Charter Boats and Services.

Business Category:

• Boat Dealers - Power (New)
• Yacht Brokers
• Charter Boat Rentals