Newsletter November 2019


From The Captain's Chair

From The Captain's Chair

November 2019



Captain's Chair: Fantastic FLIBS!

With November comes cooler temperatures (hopefully!), a reminder to be thankful for all we have, and the passage of another Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. This year marked the 60th anniversary of FLIBS, and it may have been the show’s best year yet for exhibitors and visitors alike!

Following the special signal flags ribbon cutting ceremony with Andrew Doole of Informa Markets, Mayor Dean Trantalis of the city of Fort Lauderdale, and Linda Mackey, the Consul General of the Bahamas, a traditional Bahamian Junkanoo Band performed at the new Superyacht Village at Pier Sixty-Six South, symbolizing the important ties between Florida and the Bahamas and acknowledging the fundraising taking place during the show to support the Hurricane Dorian relief effort, which included proceeds from the 2nd Annual Sunset Soiree and Yacht Chef Competition and raffle ticket sales for the Pioneer Sportfish 180 donated by Palm City Yachts, all benefitting Mission of Hope and ONE Bahamas.

MIASF was pleased to offer the NBC Sports Network a home-base onboard the Hospitality Lounge as they traveled throughout the show to film the second edition of the FLIBS one-hour special, which will air on Sunday, December 15th, and awarded the Best in Show Trophy to the 140' Majesty. Other special events onboard included the Global Business Luncheon, the Exhibitor Party, the Captain and Crew Luncheon, and the Marine Research Hub Summit, which featured the Ocean Exchange $100,000 Orcelle and $100,000 Neptune award winners - Chris Graves of Noon Energy and Nicholas Flanders of Opus 12, in addition to Patrick Lahey of Triton Submarines who gave a sensational presentation on the Five Deeps Expedition. 

Congratulations to Chef Danny Davies of M/Y Excellence for winning Best Yacht Chef in the competition on Friday night, followed by The Wheeland Brothers outdoor concert. Superyacht Village proved to be a great venue for accommodating the largest vessels in the show and holding multiple well-attended events, including the Mayor’s opening night reception with guests from around the world.

We will soon have data points that we can share regarding FLIBS 2019, and this year Thomas J. Murray and Associates will be conducting another FLIBS statewide economic impact study so that we will have updated sales, revenues, attendees, and other important numbers that illustrate the magnitude of the largest in-water boat show in the world and its impact on the marine industry in South Florida.

MIASF is especially grateful to Lauren Talchik and the Charter One crew, chef, and captains who always make us feel welcome and comfortable onboard the Grand Floridian. Whether it’s early morning breakfast meetings, late night parties and receptions, or the daily buffet lunch that now averages 250 plates a day, our members and guests enjoy the hospitality and respite offered by the exceptional service and professionalism of the entire staff.

Wishing everyone a very healthy and Happy Thanksgiving, and time well-spent with family and friends!


Advocacy Report

Advocacy Report

MIASF was pleased to once again host a Captain and Crew lunch and panel discussion at FLIBS with the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to discuss issues pertaining to visas, cruising licenses, and the foreign trade zone.

At the direction of the Florida Legislature and working closely with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Florida Ocean Alliance (FOA) is drafting a strategic plan to address Florida’s critical ocean and coastal issues and recommend actions to help protect its resources for the future. The FOA is hosting public hearings across Florida to obtain input from the state’s wide diversity of stakeholders, interests, and everyday citizens. MIASF hosted a stakeholder workshop on November 13th in the Flagship Room at its headquarters.


Business Highlight: ZF Marine

Business Highlight: ZF Marine

ZF Marine provides transmissions (reversing, non-reversing and hybrid), propellers, thrusters, steering systems and electronic control systems for a comprehensive range of applications with a power range from 10 to 12,000 kilowatts in commercial and fast crafts as well as in pleasure crafts and yachts.

The product range is continuously developed and adjusted to meet market requirements. Complying with safety standards, reliability, environmental compatibility, economic operation, and customer comfort are top priorities.

As a continuous innovator, ZF is preparing for the next generation of marine propulsion systems with intelligent connectivity solutions that will further improve productivity and efficiency for different ship models. ZF accepts this challenge and combines mechanics, electronics, and digital technologies in order to shorten and prevent down time through predictive maintenance planning.

In light of the increasingly strict regulations at sea and in ports, the future of shipping belongs to clean and sustainable propulsion. ZF offers manufacturers and operators a broad portfolio of hybrid-ready transmissions for almost all types of vessels.

With its high-performance transmissions, propellers, and thrusters, as well as control and steering systems, ZF Marine always offers the right solution. The propulsion technology is optimally and individually adapted to the respective operating conditions – whether in tugs, workboats, and passenger ships, or in fast ferries.

ZF Marine equips pleasure craft with quiet, emission-free, and lightweight transmissions, propellers, controls, and steering systems.


Faces in the Industry: Capt. Juan Mendoza

Faces in the Industry: Capt. Juan Mendoza

Tell us where you are from, what brought you to Florida, and how long you’ve lived here. 

Born in Peru; immigrated to USA at 4 years old. Didn’t get into boating until after attending UCONN and moving to the Long Island shore in Stamford, CT. The boating fever came on hard and I decided to pursue a career in boating. After attending Chapman’s School of Seamanship in Stuart, FL I took my first boating job as an ordinary seaman aboard a chemical tanker. Moved to Florida in 1998 for ‘year-round’ boating.

Where do you work, what is your job title, and what does your job entail?

Working at Charter One Yachts since 2006 as marine manager/company captain. I manage marine operations for our two passenger vessels; consisting from overseeing daily maintenance concerns and marine scheduling to presenting our vessels for Coast Guard inspections. Together, with our unsurpassed marine team, we work proactively to deliver the best dinner charter vessels in south Florida.

How did you initially become interested in the marine industry?  

Once relocated in Stamford, CT, I was attracted to a group of Hobie Cat sailors hanging out at the beach and running to their boats when the winds picked up. Later, I would sail Long Island Sound every summer for a couple of weeks. That was it, I was hooked.

What is your favorite or most valuable benefit of membership in MIASF?

Absolutely, without a doubt, is serving as the Courtesy Lounge/Hospitality Boat for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

Describe any other community organizations or events with which you are involved.

I presently sit on the Hollywood Marine Advisory Board as chairman. We address marine concerns and community events.

Tell us about your hobbies and what kinds of things you do for fun.

I like to chill and enjoy my house. Grilling poolside or playing a little guitar is a nice way to relax and kickback!


FLIBS Events Onboard the MIASF Hospitality Lounge

FLIBS Events Onboard the MIASF Hospitality Lounge

MIASF and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance jointly hosted the 6th Annual Global Business Luncheon on Wednesday, October 30th with a panel discussion featuring John Kelly – former president and CEO of Crown Castle and current CEO of Bradford Marine, along with Lee Gossett - Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Delta Private Jets. Moderated by Howard Greenberg, the panelists offered insights and forecasting on their respective industries to an interested and enthralled audience of community and elected leaders.

The 4th Annual Marine Research Hub Summit was held on Thursday, October 31st and recognized the Ocean Exchange $100,000 Orcelle and $100,000 Neptune award winners, Chris Graves of Noon Energy and Nicholas Flanders of Opus 12. A competitive award conference that was held from October 28th to October 30th, Ocean Exchange funds start-ups with marine-based solutions to many of the earth’s problems, including energy and sustainability and partnered with the MRH to transition from Savannah to Fort Lauderdale. Also, at the MRH Summit, Patrick Lahey, co-founder and president of Triton Submarines, delivered a spectacular and captivating keynote address on the Five Deeps Expedition, the world’s first manned expedition to the deepest point in each of the five oceans using a submarine that was built by his company. In February 2020, the documentary Deep Planet, which chronicles the Five Deeps Expedition from the beginning, will air on the Discovery Channel.

Celebrating the 60th anniversary of FLIBS in groovy style, MIASF hosted its 60s-themed Exhibitors Party on Thursday, October 31st with The Beatlemaniax U.S.A. Plenty of Help! was supplied with food, drink, and lots of tie-dye and peace signs to go around. The event was free to attend, but party goers were invited to Come Together and collectively donated $1,000 toward Mission of Hope’s Bahamas relief efforts. After a Hard Day’s Night of dancing and singing, guests took the Long and Winding Road home, only to dream of the fun they had Yesterday.

At the Global Commerce Exchange reception hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce on Friday, November 1st, MIASF’s president and CEO, Phil Purcell, was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for the association’s commitment to working with the U.S. Commercial Service. In attendance were leaders of the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, Port Everglades, and many local companies.


News

News

MIASF was proud to be named a finalist for the 2019 Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance Education Partnership Award. As described in the announcement at the Alliance annual dinner: In recent years, the Marine Industries Association of South Florida has engaged in a wide variety of education partnerships benefiting the entire community. Initiatives such as the Salty Jobs video series, the Plywood Regatta, and an Elevator Pitch Contest, as well as regular participation in career fairs, serve to make students aware of career opportunities in an industry that has a $9 billion annual impact on Broward County. On an ongoing basis, MIASF education initiatives directly impact students from 15 different K-20 institutions and non-profits, and the association funds a variety of scholarship opportunities throughout the school year. Over 45 MIASF companies participate in its education initiatives annually. MIASF also works with local schools to organize field trips to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and provides complimentary show tickets to teachers and students.

The staff and leadership of MIASF are pleased to announce that previous part-time intern, Megan Piggott, has accepted a full-time position with the association. Megan will continue to pursue her MBA in marketing from Nova Southeastern University (NSU) online while she adapts to her new role and takes on additional responsibilities. Along with her bachelor’s degree in business administration from NSU, Megan has been using her mad video and editing skills to create valuable content for MIASF’s website and social media outlets through the Salty Jobs platform. Check out her newest video venture, Walk the Dock, which she developed on-the-spot during FLIBS. 

In her Salty Jobs debut, new co-host Sarah Kelly joins Sean Smith in fighting fire and rescuing a badly burned dummy inside the training center at Resolve Maritime Academy. Sarah earned her bachelor’s degree in broadcasting at Nova Southeastern University and is currently working on her master’s in organizational leadership. With the dream of being a sideline sports reporter, Sarah brings her enthusiasm and professionalism to every job and lights up whenever she hears the word, “action!” You can check out Episode Two/Season Three of Salty Jobs by clicking here.

NBC Sports Network’s talented team was back in town to film the second year of its one-hour, post-show FLIBS special and present the Derek Jenkins-designed trophy to the Best In Show vessel debut, the 140' Majesty. Onsite were popular commentators Townsend Bell, Leigh Diffey, and Will Christian, who traveled the distance of the show’s seven sites with camera crews in tow to show off the latest and greatest designs, technology, and toys being offered. Tune in to NBC Sports Network on Sunday, December 15th to see all the highlights.

True North, Mission of Hope’s 110’ disaster relief vessel, will be staying put in the hardest hit islands of the Bahamas at least until May 2020, organizers said while in town to accept additional funding raised from proceeds of the Yacht Chef Competition, boat raffle, and individual donations collected during FLIBS. The 37-bunk converted ship can accommodate volunteer medical, construction, and debris removal professionals that will be needed for the long-term recovery of the Abaco and Grand Bahama islands.

Broward County, the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau are excited to announce the expansion of the Convention Center and the addition of a new headquarters hotel. The 600,000 sq.-ft. Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center will almost double in size once the project is completed. The expansion plan includes:

·         An extension of the main Exhibit Hall by 150,000 sq. ft. to create 350,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space

·         A new 65,000 sq.-ft. ballroom facing the Intracoastal Waterway

·         An additional 50,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space to accommodate multiple events or convenient break-out sessions

·         Multiple upgrades including forward-thinking technologies, innovative dining concepts, versatile pre-function space and modern décor that   complements Greater Fort Lauderdale’s waterfront destination

·         Convenient skywalks connecting the event space, headquarters hotel, and parking structure

The proposed 29-story, Broward County-owned headquarters hotel will be managed by Omni Hotels & Resorts. The hotel will include more than 73,000 sq. ft. of meeting space as well as an 11,000 sq.-ft. spa and fitness center. It will be prominently positioned along the destination’s famed Intracoastal Waterway with a scenic view of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Convention Center expansion and headquarters hotel projects, both of which will be LEED Gold-certified, will be the centerpiece of a Convention Center district enhancement project, which will include outdoor event space, exceptional restaurants, premier shopping, exciting arts and cultural attractions and more. For more information and expansion updates, visit https://www.broward.org/ccexpansion.


Meet The McCoys - Habitat Homeowners

Meet The McCoys - Habitat Homeowners

Shundria and Keith McCoy both work at Memorial Regional Hospital, where Shundria is a teacher in the childcare center and Keith is a paramedic in the ER. Keith and Shundria say being involved in Habitat Broward makes them feel proud and accomplished. Owning a home is important to them because it is an investment and gives them a place to call their own. The family currently lives in a two-bedroom apartment. Shundria and Keith sleep in one bedroom, the boys Keith (18) and Keron (14) sleep in the other. Kylie (11) sleeps in a bedroom made from a converted patio. The McCoys like to relax by fishing, playing sports and going to the beach. The family enjoys visiting Orlando and Georgia, and say vacations are wonderful no matter the location, as long as they are together.

The Habitat for Humanity home dedication at A Rick Case Habitat Community in Pompano Beach is scheduled to take place around the third week of December. Many thanks to this home-build’s MIASF member sponsors: High Seas Yacht Service, Boat Owners Warehouse, Frank & Jimmie’s Propeller, Neptune Boat Lifts, Ward’s Marine Electric, Advanced Mechanical Enterprises, and Centennial Bank. This is the third home that MIASF has sponsored for Habitat for Humanity. Congratulations to the McCoy Family – Shundria, Keith, Keith Jr., Keron, and Kylie.


Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

MIASF is one of 13 official Co-Hosts for Dealer Week, the Marine Retailers Association’s Conference and Expo that will take place from December 8th-11th at the Tampa Convention Center. Dealer Week was created as a way to provide education, resources, products, and services to all marine dealers, embracing the philosophy that when dealers succeed, the industry succeeds.

Dealer Week features:

•             Experienced industry trainers hosting every session

•             Keynote from Vince Poscente, best-selling author and former Olympic competitor

•             10 TED-style talks from industry leaders and inspiring and entertaining presenters

•             The largest exhibit hall packed with dealer solutions in MRAA conference history

•             Live broadcast from the show floor by Soundings Trade Only

•             The MRAA Awards Luncheon

•             An all-industry celebration in Downtown Tampa

For registration, schedule, speakers, who’s attending, and more, visit www.DealerWeek.com.


Member News

Member News

Derecktor Ft. Pierce (DFP) is open for business. As of November 1, DFP is accepting dockside work and offering pierage to the global super and mega yacht fleets. At the same time, Derecktor has announced the 1,500 metric ton mobile lift being built for the facility is expected on site in 2020. The lift will be the largest in the world when complete. The opening represents another major milestone in the project, begun in early 2018 when St. Lucie County issued a request for qualifications from bidders on a mega yacht repair and refit shipyard. Following a thorough and lengthy evaluation process culminating late that year, Derecktor was selected to develop and operate the facility. In the ensuing months a contract was signed between the parties and site work and permitting processes have been underway.

Soundings Trade Only announced MarineMax as a winner of one of the Most Innovative Marine Companies Awards at FLIBS. The awards honor forward-thinking companies that are changing the marine industry with new initiatives, processes, technologies, internal changes in culture, and acquisitions. The list included large global companies and small startups.

Suntex Marina Investors announced it has made a significant investment in the Bahia Mar Yachting Center located in Fort Lauderdale. Suntex said it continues to make significant operational and financial investments in marquee properties by adding the premier yachting destination in South Florida capable of accommodating the largest of vessels. With first-class transient facilities now spanning the entire East Coast of the United States, Suntex added that it is poised to offer guests an unparalleled marina experience on the Atlantic Coast or Intracoastal Waterway. The investment in Bahia Mar Yachting Center coincides with Suntex’s sale of its majority stake in the Loggerhead Marina Portfolio to its joint venture partner Equity Lifestyle Properties (ELS). This divestiture and restructuring of the company’s portfolio is intended to focus energies on wholly owned marinas in its portfolio and to create opportunities for geographic diversification. As demonstrated with the Bahia Mar Yachting Center, the company will prioritize expenditures on the operation and development of premier marina destinations throughout the United States such as Liberty Landing, Marina Jack, Miami Beach Marina, State Dock Marina, and the redevelopment of Las Olas Marina in Fort Lauderdale.

Westrec Marinas has announced its partnership with Midnight Express—the high-performance center console boatbuilder—to provide concierge and delivery services in addition to providing four bays at Haulover Marine Center (HMC). HMC is located just miles from Midnight’s manufacturing facility in North Miami, Florida, making it convenient for sales, sea trials, service and more. Haulover Marine Center is located one-half mile from Baker’s Haulover Inlet. This all-purpose marine center has retail stores, a restaurant, bait and tackle, a fuel dock, a marine service department, restrooms, and a sanitary pump out.

TowBoatU.S. Fort Lauderdale, founded in 1989 by Larry Acheson, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The company has grown substantially from its early days, when Acheson plied his 26-foot Privateer towboat, along with a few lift bags and a couple pumps, home to his apartment in Oakland Park at the end of each day. Today, there are 13 boats and almost 40 full-time employees responding from multiple South Florida ports – 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They specialize in marine towing and salvage, as well as providing commercial launch services and work-boat charter services to the marine community.


Did You Know?

Did You Know?

The first Yacht Service Technician Apprenticeship Program in Florida is about to begin at Atlantic Technical College. MIASF member companies are encouraged to enroll new and entry level hires into the two-year program that will teach basic safety, painting, forklift operation, welding, and more.


Welcome Aboard New Members!

Welcome Aboard New Members!

REGULAR MEMBERS:

Maxal Marine

Albert van Zyl

Email: albert@maxalmarine.com 

Website: www.maxalmarine.com 

1625 SW 1st Way, #C17

Deerfield Beach, FL 33064

Phone: 954-666-2282

Company Description: Maxal Marine offers refinishing services for all sizes of vessels 20’ to 200’ interior and exterior. We offer the very best services in our field. We never settle for second best, and always have your satisfaction as our top priority. It’s who we are, and we are proud of it.

 

OT Oliver Treutlein

Oliver Treutlein

Email: oliver.treutlein@olivertreutlein.com 

Website: www.olivertreutlein.com 

Fritz Wendt Strasse 9

Meerbusch, Germany

Phone: 0049 21594017

Company Description: Finest Handcrafted Art Carpets for Yachts and Residences. Design , Manufacturing, and Installation.

 

Seafarers International Union

Kris Hopkins

Email: khopkins@seafarers.org 

Website: www.seafarers.org 

1221 S. Andrews Ave.

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Phone: 954-522-7984

Company Description: The Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO, represents professional United States merchant mariners sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels in the deep sea, Great Lakes and inland trades.

 

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS:

 

Straticon

Rossana Petreccia

Email: Rossana.petreccia@straticon.com 

Website: www.straticon.com

451 SW Federal Hwy.

Stuart, FL 34994

Phone: 954-900-3689

Company Description: We offer a full range of comprehensive turnkey marine construction services. Straticon is able to handle all aspects of the waterfront scope and integrate with the upland design and land planning components. This includes pre-construction project budgeting and CPM scheduling, value engineering, bidding, procurement, contract administration, project management and turnkey construction.