The 2007 FLL Boat Show spanning over 3 million square feet in 6 locations drew to a close Monday October 29^th under gray overcast skies, but spirits were high as horns blew from Mega and Super Yachts indicating the end of a successful long weekend. Sighs of relief where heard from all those who worked tirelessly to answer questions and show off the 2 billion dollars worth of yachts and latest technology to the thousands who visited over 4 days.

The most impressive yachts were the $130 Million 223’ Lurrsen Kismet, 164’ Trinity Mine Games, Milk and Honey 125’ Palmer Johnson and Argyll 153’ North American.

We were fortunate to have boarded these yachts and meet with the crew of:

Milk and Honey 125’ Palmer Johnson,

Argyll 153’ North American,

Symphony II 112’ Westport,

Mariah II 110’ Benetti,

Miracle 110’ Monte Fino,

Martha Ann 140’ Westship,

Inspiration 156’ Broward,

Cocktails 97’ Hargrave.

The 5 star magnificent M/Y Argyll, boasting many spectacular features:

• Accommodation for 10 guests with 9 crew.
• She is one of the few yachts that has an elevator and is wheelchair accessible.
• The owner’s penthouse measuring over 2,400 sq feet with wrap around windows to maximize enjoyment of the view. His and hers baths, library with fireplace and a private aft deck with bar and Jacuzzi.
• 2 double bed guest staterooms and 2 twin guest staterooms.
• All Staterooms have en-suite baths.
• Separate passageways for the crew provide the privacy for the owners and guests.
• Ralph Lauren nautical furnishings, black and white photographs of famous movie stars from a by-gone era
• Argyll’s crew proudly took the Crew of Year Award 2007.

M/Y Symphony II the 112’ Westport whose proud owner led us on a tour to show us around with pride. No expense is too much for his passion. From the special blinds to let in just enough light without blocking out the view, to the bidets with blowers, glass bottom kayaks, the 30’ Intrepid and exercise equipment.

In the owners words, Symphony II offers 5 star luxury in casual elegance.

The buzz around town is that the show was successful for brokers and retailers alike.

Our hats off to Lagoon for this fantastic yacht that for the first time adds the hybrid engine principles pioneered in the auto industry to reduce carbon emissions.  The Lagoon 420 hybrid has two electric motors, propelled by batteries.  These batteries, which recharge from the turning props while sailing, can run the engines for 2 hours for completely eco-friendly cruising.  There is an onboard diesel generator that kicks in if the batteries get too low so that you can motor for more than two hours if necessary.

Click here for more information, and charter availability, on these low carbon emissions catamarans.

We were fortunate to be invited aboard the marvelous M/Y Starship which was docked at the Monaco Yacht Show last week to mingle with industry folk who came from a variety of ports dotted around the world.

After taking a tour to view this magnificent, well equipped charter yacht, guided by Judy Smith, Starship’s private helicopter pilot, we were in awe of the plush mahogany interior, updated electronics, elliptical machine and water toys available to those guests who would be eligible to take a charter vacation of this sort.  She offers 3 King and 1 Queen, 1 twin and one 1 pullman accommodations for up to 12 guests with TV’s DVD’s,CD’s in all cabins.  Dining facilities for 10 guests inside and 12 outside.

She is available for charter in the Mediterranean as well as the Caribbean Islands.

A bit of the show happenings and gossip from our resident Kiwi: