Newsletter February 2019


From The Captain's Chair

From The Captain's Chair

February-2019

PROTECTING THE NAVIGABILITY OF OUR WATERWAYS

I hope everyone had an opportunity to visit the Miami YachtShow and the Miami International Boat Show this monthand that many of you have plans to attend the Palm BeachInternational Boat Show next month as the boat showseason comes to a close. While different in the size andscope of FLIBS, collectively the shows are important driversto our regional marine industry, which, as you know, now hasa $12 billion economic impact and supports 142,000 jobs.

You may have heard about some unexpected IntracoastalWaterway bridge closures in Broward and Palm Beachcounties this month, which fortunately did not negativelyimpact our industry, but potentially could have. After amechanical failure of the Atlantic Avenue bridge in DelrayBeach, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)was forced to perform preemptive inspections of similarlydesigned bridges, including those on Commercial andLas Olas Boulevards where additional faulty bolts werediscovered, requiring all three bridges to be partially orfully locked down. With 11 bridges over the ICW and fiveover the New River in Broward County, it is imperative thatwe invest in the necessary infrastructure to safeguard thecontinued navigability of our waterways. Our constantrefrain for additional and improved infrastructure is in partto ensure predictable and scheduled upgrades, maintenance,and repairs to allow businesses and boat owners to prepareappropriately and for our regional community to have a 21stcentury transportation system.

One proposed infrastructure project that we don’tsupport, however, is a pedestrian walkway over the NewRiver in downtown Fort Lauderdale. This FDOT proposalis a misguided attempt to solve a problem that alreadyhas multiple solutions. We are vehemently opposed toany further impediments along the New River that wouldinterfere with the ability of the many businesses andboatyards to continue to navigate the river safely. FDOThas scheduled a “Public Kick-Off Meeting” to develop andevaluate design concepts for the pedestrian crossing onThursday, March 14th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at theTrinity Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. MIASF will be thereto oppose the plan and impress upon the presenters thethreat this bridge presents to the substantial economicimpact of our industry. I invite anyone who has the time tojoin us and stand up against this enormous waste of taxpayermoney. Feel free to call the office if you need any additionalinformation.

In a world of economic uncertainty, it’s encouraging to knowthat our industry is still growing and that recent sales in ouractivated marine Foreign Trade Zone sites, like Bahia Marand Lauderdale Marine Center, are aiding companies in doingbusiness and offering opportunities for significant savingsthat are not available anywhere else in the country. MIASFestablished the Foreign Trade Zones as an additional toolfor its members and an advantage to businesses and owners,which is still only available in South Florida. The more sites that get activated, the more we secure and protect ourposition as the yachting capital of the world.


Phil Purcell
CEO/President, Marine Industries Association of South Florida




MIASF Busines Spotlight: Lauderdale Small Boat Club

In 2018, Lauderdale Small Boat Club celebrated its 70th year as a private boat club. It not only has the distinction of being the oldest boat club in Broward County but is one of the largest marinas, providing 267 slips to small boat owners and services for almost 500 small boat enthusiasts.

LSBC has grown from six men looking for a place to keep their under 32’ boats in the water to a fantastic facility for small boat enthusiasts needing dockage, haul out facilities, and many other conveniences.

The club hosts a variety of social events each month, from "Happy Hours" to fishing and holiday special events for members and their families. It has grown immensely over the past 50+ years, from a hole-in-the-ground that accommodated a few boats to a family-oriented boat club that reflects on those years with pride and a sense of accomplishment.

Thanks to the sweat-equity and donations of its members, LSBC has been able to maintain the special atmosphere and surroundings that its members have come to enjoy, appreciate, and expect. The feelings of camaraderie and membership that are the foundation of LSBC continue today and are likely to for many years to come.


Faces in the Industry: Chris Coleman, Oversea Yacht Insurance

Faces in the Industry: Chris Coleman, Oversea Yacht Insurance

Tell us where you are from, what brought you to Florida, and how long you’ve lived here.
I was actually born here in Broward County, but spent the second half of my childhood in North Georgia off of Lake Lanier. I have been back in South Florida for 6 years now, determined to never be too far from the ocean again.

Where do you work, what is your job title, and what does your job entail?
I work at Oversea Commercial Marine, a subsidiary of Oversea Yacht Insurance. I’m the Director of our Commercial Marine insurance department and fulfill the role of a Yacht Insurance Agent as well. My current title is Commercial Marine Specialist, and I am responsible for commercial accounts of all shapes and sizes, from maritime attorneys to shipyards, yacht dealers/brokers to research vessels, shark diving tour operators to marine product wholesalers/retailers. From beginning of an inquiry to day-to-day client interaction, I help procure all lines of coverage including but not limited to: Marine General Liability, Cyber/Crime, Protection & Indemnity, Bumbershoots, Hull & Machinery, Cargo/Stock Throughput, Yacht/Charter Brokers Legal Liability, Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions), Contractors Pollution, Workers Comp/USL&H, and Kidnap Ransom & Extortion.

How did you initially become interested in the marine industry?
I have always had a fascination with the boating industry, but never thought I would find myself immersed in it. At an early point in my insurance career, I stumbled upon a few marine clients and became fixated on trying to break into and fix the multitude of errors I repeatedly find in this niche market that we find ourselves in. What I have discovered is that there is a lack of insurance professionals who are trained or proficient in marine laws and coverage requirements. Marine Insurance is unique, it’s been around for centuries, and yet it still is constantly evolving. This impermanence fuels my desire to think abstractly and problem solve; and, turns what most typically feel is a generally “monotonous” work product into a new challenge on a daily basis.

What is your favorite or most valuable benefit of membership in MIASF?
There are many benefits to membership in MIASF, but I believe the opportunity to grow my relationships within the industry and giving back top the list. I am a huge advocate on leaving it better than you found it, and that’s what motivates me to volunteer. From the Plywood Regatta to Spin-a-thon to involvement with the Workforce & Education committee, all of the volunteer events and opportunities to support and educate potential new blood is what makes being a part of MIASF satisfying.

Describe some of the other community organizations or events that you are involved with or participate in.
At present I am the Events Chair for Young Professionals in Yachting’s USA chapter, as well as an active member in the US Superyacht Association, and International Yacht Brokers Association. I am currently assisting the Young Professionals in Yachting International Board with their Inaugural Sailing Trip in Croatia this summer, bringing together the 7 existing chapters for a week of seminars, sailing workshops, and best practices networking opportunities. I also am working on joining the advocacy team that will be attending the American Boating Conference in Washington DC in an effort to do my part to prove that this industry is for all generations, and we are in it together.

Tell us about your hobbies and what kinds of things do you do for fun.
Currently I am the team captain of a co-ed 7v7 soccer team comprised of a group of industry professionals, but I also enjoy any opportunity to get out on the water. I have recently started paddle boarding and look forward to joining some of my colleagues in a few amateur races in the future. When I do find the free time, I try to make it an effort to travel and see the world while I still can.


Habitat for Humanity Sponsorship Deadline

Habitat for Humanity Sponsorship Deadline

LAST CALL! As you know, MIASF is sponsoring its third Habitat for Humanity home build, this time in the Rick Case Habitat Community in Pompano Beach. Sincere thanks to the generous MIASF members who have already signed up to sponsor and schedule build days. Some limited sponsorship opportunities are still available but will be closed very soon. Please contact patience@miasf.org as soon as possible if you are interested in participating in this rewarding and fulfilling opportunity to offer a hand-up to a deserving family.


Marine Industry Elevatory Pitch Competition

Marine Industry Elevatory Pitch Competition

MIASF visited South Broward High School last month to present this year’s “Marine Industry Elevator Pitch Competition,” where junior and senior students are given one minute to sell themselves for a career in the marine industry. The top 20 students will give their presentations at the Refit Show on April 11th, and the top student will receive a scholarship toward post high school education. Bluewater Crew Training and Toastmasters came along to assist with the presentation. MIASF will be returning to SBHS on March 12th to judge the first round of presentations and is looking for industry professionals to assist as judges on both March 12th and April 11th. Please email Sean@miasf.org if you are interested in participating.


MIASF Scholarship Winner Follow-Up

MIASF Scholarship Winner Follow-Up

Congratulations to former MIASF scholarship winner, junior at Florida Institute of Technology, and Plywood Regatta mentor, Natalie Gadelrab, on recently joining Horizon Naval Architects as an intern. Horizon provides naval architecture and marine engineering services and solutions to owners, captains, and management companies. Natalie is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Ocean Engineering with a minor in Sustainability and is interested in pursuing a career in renewable energies and energy efficiency. Well done, Natalie!


Broward County Legislative Delegation

Broward County Legislative Delegation

MIASF had the privilege of hosting the Broward County Legislative Delegation on a Water Taxi tour of the working waterfront along the New River. Seven of the 19 state elected officials’ offices were represented on the tour, which highlighted the importance of the marine industry to the local economy and employment statistics. Many, even some native Broward Countians, had never seen the confluence of boatyards and marinas from the river and were unaware that the marine industry has a $12 billion economic impact in South Florida and employs 142,000 people. We look forward to continuing the dialogue with our legislators.


Ocean Exchange

Ocean Exchange

As a founding member of the Marine Research Hub, MIASF is pleased to announce that Savannah Ocean Exchange, a non-profit organization that has awarded $1.2 million in funding to start-up companies that offer marine-related solutions to identified problems and challenges, has partnered with the Marine Research Hub and will transition its annual competition to Fort Lauderdale beginning in 2019. With two $100,000 awards, the Orcelle and the Neptune, plus a $10,000 collegiate award, the Ocean Exchange and the Marine Research Hub create a pipeline of university research, economic development, and start-up funding to support the commercialization and monetization of marine research using a market-based approach to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. We look forward to welcoming the finalists and voting delegates to Fort Lauderdale this October. For more information contact kelly@miasf.org.


23rd Annual Plywood Regatta Sponsor Opportunities

23rd Annual Plywood Regatta Sponsor Opportunities

Time is running out to sign up for a Plywood Regatta Sponsorship! Now in its 23rd year, the hands-on training event will be held in Dania Beach on Saturday, April 6th and Sunday April 7th with approximately 30 teams of middle school, high school, and technical school students designing, building, painting, and racing their plywood creations with the help of seasoned mentors. The weekend is filled with incredible teaching and learning moments, as well as team-building and camaraderie. Volunteers are needed! Be a part of building boating’s future and sign-up today! To learn more about sponsorship levels and opportunities, visit www.plywoodregatta.org or email nicole@miasf.org.


Claim Your Future Career Fair

Claim Your Future Career Fair

MIASF participated in the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance’s Claim Your Future career fair this month at the BB&T Center and had the opportunity to talk to hundreds of Broward County high school juniors about careers in the marine industry. MIASF Director of Development Sean Smith moderated a panel discussion on careers in the marine and aviation industries, and Brittani Severn from RMK Merrill-Stevens Shipyard represented the marine industry on the panel. Two students from Stranahan High School stopped by the MIASF booth later that day to tell Sean that they had learned about the Marine Industry a couple of years ago at the Marine Industry Summer Camps, and that they were both determined to work in the marine industry. Both students followed-up with emails to Sean that evening, and he is working to find them both summer internships in the industry. If you are interested in hiring these or other interns this summer, please contact Sean@miasf.org.


Member News

Member News

Yacht Mate Products is 20 Years Old! Congratulations to founder Sandy Hoekstra for finding the niche market and filling a need for marine water treatment services and equipment, like water softeners, UV sterilizers, drinking systems, and Ozone products. Cheers to 20 more, Sandy!

Cielito, a 43’ trunk cabin motor yacht designed in 1930 by the Stephen Brothers, won the 2018 Vintage Weekend award for Best Restoration, which was completed by Florida’s original shipyard, RMK Merrill-Stevens. The 23rd edition of Vintage Weekend, organized by the Ocean Reef Club, was celebrated on November 29 – December 2 in Key Largo, Florida. The four-day event showcased the world’s finest vintage yachts, aircraft, and automobiles, and awarded the best of each in multiple categories, including Best Restoration. The Cielito project will be a highlight of RMK Merrill-Stevens’ appearance at the April 10-11 Refit International Exhibition & Conference in Fort Lauderdale.

Congratulations to the eight new members of the International Superyacht Society 2019-2022 board of directors!
• Jill Bobrow of Jill Bobrow Associates LLC / AIM Media
• Christelle Holler of Tahiti Private Expeditions
• Andre Jonker of Abeking & Rasmussen
• Kristen Klein of Northrop & Johnson
• Abi McGrath of ACREW
• Melissa Orlick of IsoTropic
• Peter Southgate of Southgate Maritime Inc.
• Rick Thomas of Nautical Structures

Seahaven Superyacht Marina is now open! Located in Dania Beach, the new marina boasts wet slips for vessels up to 250’, no fixed bridges or drawbridges to the inlet, pump-out service, high speed bulk fuel delivery, and 30/50/100/200-amp electrical service. Seahaven prides itself on offering yachters the region's most discreet and secure yacht harbor, with managed pedestrian access and industry-leading surveillance monitoring. Whether boaters are enjoying Seahaven's luxurious onsite amenities, or downtown Fort Lauderdale's world-class shopping, dining and recreation, their vessels are secure.

Fort Lauderdale City Commissioners recently voted to allow Tavistock Development Co., owners of Pier 66 and the former Sails Marina, to build a one-story, 5,000 square foot air-conditioned building with indoor/outdoor bar and seating at the property on the south side of 17th Street Causeway. Tavistock plans to open the new entertainment venue, which could host yoga, happy hour, brunch, a farmer’s market, or rotating food trucks, by the end of the summer, before the start of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

JL Audio recently announced its new M6 line, featuring a variety of full-range speakers, subwoofers and tower speakers. M6 is acoustically engineered to reproduce powerful, low-distortion bass and evenly disperse smooth sound in an open-air boat environment. The new line also features JL Audio's stringently tested marine-grade materials withstand intense UV and saltwater exposure, along with new styling and JL Audio's patent-pending Transflective LED illumination.

After a strenuous vetting process, Compass Logistics & Marine, a customs broker and international/domestic freight forwarder, was certified as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business and is now eligible to participate in Veterans First Program opportunities with the Veterans Administration.

Do you have news you want to share? Send updates to pr@miasf.org to be considered for publication in upcoming issues of the newsletter.


Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

DON’T FORGET! Saturday, March 2nd is the 42nd Broward County Waterway Cleanup. Choose from a list of 38 cleanup sites online at www.waterwaycleanup.org, put on some closed-toed shoes and sunscreen and help clean up the County from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Thousands of volunteers will descend on local parks, marinas, and inland waterways for the yearly exercise that will result in the collection of about 30 tons of trash and debris. Whether they arrive on foot, boat, canoe, kayak, or paddleboard, these dedicated volunteers, some of whom have participated in every Waterway Cleanup since its inception, are true stewards of our land and water resources. We hope you’ll join them in the cleanup and celebrate afterward at the Trash Bash – MIASF’s volunteer thank you party.

Many thanks to all the generous sponsors, including F.I.N.D., Broward County, JM Family, Save the Sea Turtles Foundation, 4Ocean, Publix, Starbrite, Dumpster King, Rush Roll-Off & Recycling, City of Fort Lauderdale, Wright Maritime Group, Environmental Marine, Margate Waterfront Foundation, Pier Sixty-Six, Derecktor, Plantation, Complete Marine, Neptune Boat Lifts, Frank & Jimmie’s Propeller, Chappell Group, City of Margate, Lauderdale Small Boat Club, Cliff Berry, Dometic, Coconut Creek, Water Taxi, Harbour Towne Marina, Wilton Manors, Bluewater, City of Hollywood, Land ‘N Sea, Dania Beach, Deerfield Beach, Trac Ecological, IsoFlex Packaging, City of Oakland Park, Coral Springs, Hallandale Beach, Gold Coast Marine Distributor, Lauderdale Isles Water Management District, Coastal Tank, and Boatsetter. Feel free to contact nicole@miasf.org with any questions.

MIASF’s monthly Maritime Monday will be held on March 4th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Riverside Market South. Come out to join friends and make new acquaintances at the best marine industry networking event around and MIASF will buy your first drink! Members - bring a new guest and we’ll buy their drink too. As always, light bites will be provided. Hope to see you there!

Mark your calendar for the 34th annual Palm Beach International Boat Show from March 28th through 31st along Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach. For tickets, special events, seminars, and VIP details, go to www.pbboatshow.com. We wish the Palm Beach Marine Industries Association and Informa the best of luck with their upcoming show.


Past Events

Past Events

Last month’s Maritime Monday at Funky Buddha Brewery was a great outdoor evening event followed by a fun Trivia Night. With dozens of members, as well as guests and potential new members traveling outside the downtown zip code, it was another productive networking opportunity. Many thanks for the warm welcome and excellent service by the Funky Buddha staff.

By all accounts, the Miami Yacht Show and the Miami International Boat Show, held from February 14th through 18th, had great weather and attendance. Having moved from its previous location on Collins Avenue, the Miami Yacht Show had tremendous land and water space, including the Superyacht Miami exhibit at Island Gardens Marina on Watson Island. Transportation to the shows was enhanced with the addition of Brightline service and getting from site-to-site was made a little easier with convenient buses and water taxis. Congratulations to NMMA, IYBA, and Informa!

MIASF held the Broward County Waterway Cleanup Kickoff at its headquarters on February 7th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Many thanks to the National Save the Sea Turtles Foundation for sponsoring the kickoff and special thanks to Steve Diossy, who, once again, offered his incredible artistic talent to create a one-of-a-kind poster to promote the 42nd Broward County Waterway Cleanup. Presented by F.I.N.D., the Waterway Cleanup will be held on Saturday, March 2nd from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Sailorman hosted its annual Chili Cook-Off this past month as an MIASF Member Mingle event. The event had a great turnout and ten different teams of cooks submitted chili for the cook-off. MIASF Director of Development and Host of Salty Jobs, Sean Smith, was invited to participate as a judge and got to sample a wide variety of recipes from classic red chili to green chili and even an alligator chili! The event also featured free food and drink and a live auction. Congratulations to Silly Willie’s Chili for winning this year’s Sailorman Chili Cook-off!

The Chris Hixon Memorial Inaugural 5K Run/Walk was held on Saturday, February 16th at Charnow Park in Hollywood. The event drew nearly three times the expected participants, including MIASF staff and members of the Board of Directors. All proceeds went to the Chris Hixon Athletic Scholarship Foundation, named in honor of the Athletic Director of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School who was shot and killed in last year’s rampage.


Welcome Aboard New Members!

Welcome Aboard New Members!

MARINE INDUSTRY MEMBERS:

National Liquidators
Matt Amata
Email: mjamata@natliq.com
Website: www.natliquidators.com
2965 W State Rd. 84
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Phone: 954-791-9601
Company Description: National Liquidators is the leading vessel recovery and remarketing firm in the nation. With four full service locations, we are one of the highest volume used boat dealers world-wide. Our inventory includes; retail brokerage, dealer and manufacturer consignment, lender repossessions, government seizures and legal disputes.

Oasis Marinas, LLC
Anna Bennett
Email: abennett@oasismarinas.com
Website: www.oasismarinas.com
125 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: 410-741-3773
Company Description: Oasis Marinas was founded by a team of experts with deep industry knowledge, including facilities management, hospitality, business development, human resources, corporate finance, and marketing. With decades of successful business experience, and our own knowledge of boating, we will help you find efficiencies and use technology to increase your revenue and provide superior service.

Marlin Bay Yacht Club
Kevin Ceneviva
Email: kceneviva@elitealliancehospitality.com
Website: www.marlinbay.com
3800 Gulfview Ave.
Marathon, FL 33050
Phone: 305-731-2207
Company Description: Marlin Bay Yacht Club - conveniently located in the heart of the Florida Keys is a hidden gem that doubles as a resort and marina. Many boaters make a point to stay here on their way to or from Key West. Guests feel at home in the beautiful, three-story vacation rental residences. They can choose between fully appointed three- or four-bedroom homes; some featuring private plunge pools others with roof-top decks. All guests have access to top-notch amenities around the property include a heated beach-entry swimming pool, an in-ground jacuzzi, a new pool bar, clubhouse, fitness center, sauna, steam room, game room, grills and a fish-cleaning station. The marina has 74 concrete-fixed docks and 25 boat lifts for vessels up to 70 feet. The marina offers weekly, monthly, seasonal and annual rates. On-site concierge services and a professional dockmaster and dock hands are at your service every day.

Fine Line Yacht Sales
David Copleston
Email: d.copleston@finelineyachtsales.com
Website: www.finelineyachtsales.com
13611 S. Dixie Hwy., Suite 369
Miami, FL 33176
Phone: 843-790-3597
Company Description: Fine Lines Yacht Sales began with a simple idea: buying and selling yachts shouldn't be a stressful process riddled with unknown hazards and disappointments.
Staying true to that idea, we have amassed a team of experts who provide honest advice, forthright consultation, and unparalleled results. We build solid relationships precipitated on delivered results in line with our mutually established expectations.

Digital Video Systems
David Daniel
Email: David.daniel@digitalvideosystems.net
Website: www.digitalvideosystems.net
3270 Executive Way
Miramar, FL 33025
954-239-4410
Company Description: Integration

Vandalize Boat Works LLC
Hugo Dominguez
Email: vandalizeboatworks@gmail.com
3480 NW 21 St.
Miami, FL 33142
305-504-9242
Company Description: Boats manufacturer based in Miami. We work in the development of premium boats with high quality materials and fully-customizable.

Dianthus Miami
Amy Kreft
Email: Amy@dianthusmiami.com
Website: www.dianthusmiami.com
7650 NW 26th Ave.
Miami, FL 33147
786-781-7440
Company Description: International Floral Design Company who provides Yachts and Cruise Ships with Flowers and Florists daily world-wide. Family owned business successfully servicing clients for 22 years. Head office is in Amsterdam, US operations is in Miami. We are just completing a brand-new design studio and warehouse in Miami, but our US office has been here for over 10 years.

Azimut-Benetti Americas
Caterina Valiani
Email: cv@azimutyachts.com
Website: www.azimutyachts.com
1883 W SR 84, Suite 103
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
954-727-0584
Company Description: Azimut Yachts is an Azimut|Benetti Group brand. With its Atlantis, Magellano Flybridge, S and Grande collections, it offers the widest range of 34 to 120-foot yachts. It has a presence in 70 countries through a network of 128 sales and assistance centres, as well as direct representation and assistance branches in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Fort Lauderdale (USA) and Itajai (Brazil).

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS:

Sunbelt Rentals
Shaun Sullivan
Email: Shaun.Sullivan@sunbeltrentals.com
Website: www.sunbeltrentals.com
3701 NW 120th Ave.
Coral Springs, FL 33065
Phone: 954-577-9429
Company Description: Tank cleaning, air conditioning and refrigeration, marine paint and marine supplies.

Akerman LLP
Spencer Crowley
Email: Spencer.crowley@akerman.com
Website: www.akerman.com
98 SE 7 St., Suite 1100
Miami, FL 33131
305-982-5549
Company Description: Spencer Crowley is an environmental and land use attorney who routinely handles complicated permitting matters for some of south Florida’s largest marinas and boatyards. Spencer also serves as the Miami-Dade County Commissioner for the Florida Inland Navigational District, and in that role assists with dredging the Intracoastal Waterway and providing grants to local governments for waterfront improvement projects. Spencer lives in Miami with his wife and four children.

For information on joining MIASF, email Sean Smith at sean@miasf.org.