yacht club in fort lauderdale

Yacht Dreaming

Yacht Clubs in Fort Lauderdale: A Guide to the Best

Exploring the World of Yacht Clubs

If you are a boating and yachting enthusiast, then you know that choosing the right yacht club is crucial to your experience on the water. Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is one of the top destinations for yachting in the world, and it boasts some of the best yacht clubs you can find. In this guide, we will explore the world of yacht clubs in Fort Lauderdale and help you find the one that’s perfect for you.

What is a Yacht Club?

Before we delve into the best yacht clubs in Fort Lauderdale, let’s first define what a yacht club is. A yacht club is an organization founded by boating enthusiasts to promote boating and yachting, and to provide a social venue for members. Yacht clubs usually have facilities like marinas, docks, and boathouses, along with amenities like swimming pools, restaurants, and bars.

Why Join a Yacht Club?

Joining a yacht club has many benefits for boating enthusiasts. Apart from the social aspect, members of yacht clubs have access to facilities and amenities that non-members don’t. Yacht clubs also organize events, competitions, and regattas that allow members to showcase their skills and connect with other boating enthusiasts.

The Best Yacht Clubs in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is home to some of the best yacht clubs in the world. Here are some of the most popular ones:

1. Lauderdale Yacht Club

The Lauderdale Yacht Club is one of the oldest and most prestigious yacht clubs in Fort Lauderdale. Founded in 1938, it has a rich history and boasts world-class facilities, including a marina, a swimming pool, and a gym. The club is also known for its social events and regattas.

2. Coral Ridge Yacht Club

The Coral Ridge Yacht Club is another popular yacht club in Fort Lauderdale. It has a marina that can accommodate boats up to 100 feet in length, along with a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar. The club is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and its junior sailing program.

3. Bahia Mar Yachting Center

The Bahia Mar Yachting Center is a full-service marina and yacht club located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. It has over 250 slips and can accommodate boats up to 300 feet in length. The club also has a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant.

4. Pirates Cove Resort and Marina

The Pirates Cove Resort and Marina is a popular destination for boaters and yacht enthusiasts. It has a marina that can accommodate boats up to 130 feet in length, along with a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a tiki bar. The club is known for its beautiful location and its friendly staff.

5. Pier Sixty-Six Marina

The Pier Sixty-Six Marina is a luxury marina and yacht club located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. It has over 120 slips and can accommodate boats up to 230 feet in length. The club also has a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant.

Choosing the Right Yacht Club for You

Choosing the right yacht club can be a daunting task, but it’s important to find one that fits your needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a yacht club:

1. Location

Consider the location of the yacht club and how convenient it is for you to get to. Do you prefer a marina that’s close to your home or one that’s in the heart of the city?

2. Amenities

Consider the amenities that are important to you, such as swimming pools, restaurants, and bars. Do you want a club that has a gym or a spa?

3. Social Events

Consider the social events that the yacht club offers. Do they have regular events and activities that fit your interests?

4. Boating Facilities

Consider the boating facilities that the yacht club offers, such as docks, slips, and boat storage. Do they have facilities that can accommodate the size of your boat?

Yacht clubs in Fort Lauderdale offer some of the best facilities, amenities, and social events for boating enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned yacht owner or a beginner, there’s a yacht club in Fort Lauderdale that’s perfect for you. Consider the factors we’ve discussed when choosing a yacht club, and you’ll be on your way to a fun and enjoyable yachting experience.

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6 Boat Clubs in Fort Lauderdale You Should Know (Must-See!)

Fort Lauderdale is a beautiful destination city because of its clear waters and excellent sailing opportunities. For those that live there, getting out on the open water is a dream come true.

Boat clubs are great for trying out different watercraft. With membership in one of Fort Lauderdale Florida’s amazing, top boat clubs, you won’t have to worry about owning and maintaining a boat.

There are many excellent boat clubs in the Fort Lauderdale area. Depending on what you or your family need, you want to make sure that you’ve picked the right boat club.

Before you make a final decision, check out these top five clubs!

Table of Contents

Carefree Boat Club

Carefree Boat Club is one of the largest boat clubs with destinations across the United States and Canada.

This is an excellent option if you think you may want to travel and take advantage of the ability to sail on the open sea in another locale.

Despite being a relatively large boat club, membership here still manages to feel exclusive. Managers do their best to keep the member to boat ratio low.

For every ten members, there should be one ship that is reserved for the exclusive use of club members. They never charter or rent out their boats during the off-season.

If you want to try out a wide variety of boats, this Fort Lauderdale club is going to be the perfect choice for you.

Carfree Boat Rental Options:

• Fishing boats
• Ski and sailboats

Related Article: Boat Club Rules: 10 Thing to Know Before Joining

Carefree Boat Club Memberships:

One of the best things about the Carefree Boat Club is that they offer a variety of memberships. You can choose to sail on weekdays or weekends exclusively to save a bit of money.

Be sure to inquire about the specific plans that might suit your needs.

This is also an ideal choice if you have minimal boating experience. Carefree Boat Club is committed to safety on the seas.

You will be required to read through a training manual and take a hands-on class covering topics like maneuvering boats and basic safety protocols. It’s a great time to ask questions and learn more before you dive right into sailing.

Related Article: 9 Boat Clubs to Know in South Carolina

Coral Ridge Yacht Club

Are you looking for an extremely exclusive boat club that is unavailable to the general public? Available by invitation only, the Coral Ridge Yacht Club is an excellent blend of family-focused fun and exclusivity.

A current member must be willing to sponsor you in order to be considered for entrance into this elite yacht club. Rest assured if you don’t know anyone but still want to become a member here.

Much like Carefree Boat Club, Coral Ridge also allows you to explore other destinations.

However, they only offer 36 different locations scattered around the state of Florida. Traveling will be a bit more limited with membership to this yacht club.

Related Article: 7 Boat Clubs in Florida You Should Know (Before Choosing)

Coral Ridge Memberships:

Joining the Coral Ridge Yacht Club is about so much more than simply renting a boat on the weekend.

Their membership department can help to match you up with an existing member to secure a spot in this club.

Most of their members embrace a particular lifestyle and want to welcome all of the best things that life has to offer. The social aspect of joining this yacht club is even more critical than simply boating itself.

That is why their campus includes amenities such as fitness centers, tennis courts with waterfront views, swimming pools, and even multiple restaurants.

Related Article: Boat Clubs In Naples, Florida (8 Clubs You Should Know)

Best Boat Club

The Best Boat Club in Fort Lauderdale has been an affordable option for more than twenty years. They have two Fort Lauderdale locations – one at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center and one at the Pier 66 Resort and Marina.

Between the two locations, they host a pretty impressive fleet. Choose from deck boats, pontoons, or ski boats.

They also have several center console boats that are ideal for finishing or hosting a few family members and friends on the water.

Perhaps the best part of the best boat club is the flexibility of their membership plans. Unlike other memberships, you may be required to pay a rental rate with some of the membership options.

Corporate memberships are available, but individuals can choose from four different levels:

• Standard : Saves forty to fifty percent off boat rentals
• Silver : Unlimited use of the entire fleet on weekdays only
• Gold : Unlimited use of the whole fleet on weekdays and weekend mornings only
• Platinum : Unlimited use of the entire fleet whenever

If you have a lot to learn about boating, you may want to consider signing up for a membership at the Best Boat Club.

They are the only authorized US Powerboating training center in the Fort Lauderdale area. They have the most extensive training center in the country and feature plenty of hands-on powerboat training.

Related Article: Boat Clubs In Los Angeles: 7 Clubs You Should Know

Lauderdale Yacht Club

The Lauderdale Yacht Club has long roots in the Fort Lauderdale area. Having been founded in 1938, this private club is still managed by its members and reflects a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere.

Be prepared to find a sponsor as membership is invitation only.

Much like the Coral Ridge Yacht Club, membership at Lauderdale Yacht Club is about more than simply making it onto the open water.

They are tucked inside a quiet residential area featuring beautiful amenities like tennis courts and a state-of-the-art fitness center. There are even options for dining and enjoying the company of other members.

One of the significant advantages of joining the Lauderdale Yacht Club is its impressive sailing program.

They start by teaching young children the basics of racing, but adults are welcome to join in the merriment as well.

The Lauderdale Yacht club offers classes and training to help you move from a bronze level sailor to a gold level sailor.

Grand Yacht Club

The Grand Yacht Club is a little different than the memberships found with other clubs. Instead of reserving a boat for a single afternoon on the water, you can choose a getaway from their cruise menu.

Take a three-day getaway or a dream trip that lasts for up to ten days. The choice is completely customizable for your unique interests and plans.

Knowing what kind of boats are available in the fleet is essential to potential new members.

You won’t find too many smaller boats like pontoons and deck boats here. There are three distinct boating styles you can choose from when you make a reservation with this boat club:

• 60’ Sport Yacht
• 75’ Sailing Yacht
• 80’ Luxury Cruiser

Members tend to love Grand Yacht Club because they include the cost of water sports in your membership dues. This includes jet skis, kayaks, diving, and snorkeling materials that you can check out hourly, daily, or for the entire week.

Much like some of the other yacht clubs, Grand Yacht Club also includes other activities that are focused on promoting a certain lifestyle.

From time to time, they have tournaments, seminars, and even romantic getaways for you and that special someone.

South Florida Boat Club

The South Florida Boat Club is a laid-back club that features great amenities just outside the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale. They are just a few minutes away from the airport, the Las Olas shopping district, and Port Everglades.

Their property also has excellent amenities like a casual grill and a crystal-clear pool. It may not be as fancy as some of the yacht clubs listed here, but this laidback style appeals to many families.

Unlike some of the other exclusive boat clubs, entrance and membership here are a little bit more casual. You will have to submit to an interview with the membership director, but it is not an invitation-only club.

If you would like, you can even interview current members about their own experiences with the boat club before you make a final decision.

As with many of the premier boat clubs, there are flexible membership plans so that you can choose what makes the most sense for you.

They offer annual, seasonal, and partnership programs. Monthly rates start as low as $199 per month with an initial $1,200 fee.

Their fleet is one of the most extensive ones offered in the Fort Lauderdale area. Reserve deck boats, bowriders, cruisers, and center console boats up to 23’ from either the Fort Lauderdale or Miami locations. Extended hours and overnight access to the boats are provided.

Larger boats are available for rental when you choose an upgraded membership plan.

How to Choose?

Choosing the right boat club in the Fort Lauderdale area is hard when you have so many excellent choices. Each one offers a unique take on membership and has its own fleet to offer up for your usage.

Depending on the amenities you want and even what kind of social connections you have, it may make sense for you to join one of these clubs over another.

Consider what might be the right fit for you and your family with these top boat clubs .

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Review Highlights

“ Membership has its privileges and when I'm here periodically throughout the year I feel at home. ” in 3 reviews

“ Food-wise, the conch chowder was truly delicious, with a tinge of spice. ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

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1725 SE 12th St

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

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Just a wonderful place food is good service is good and friendly The ambiance is soft and easy We celebrated my cousins birthday

Fun times on Labor Day!! Quite the Labor Day party set up!! Had a great time -- ANYONE would!! $35 all you can eat bbq with Margarita Cart, Beer Keg in pool on rowboat, alcohol-infused popsicles! There was a chocolate slip-n-slide for the kids. Fun times with M&M!

Been coming here for most of my life, love this place. It's home away from home!

An amazing club with wonderful members and staff. We appreciate our membership and the friends and fun we have had and will continue to have!! The Beyer's

See all photos from Tracy R. for Lauderdale Yacht Club

Boats and Mo's (Mimosas tehe)! My sister Fran and I dropped anchor right the the pool bar last Saturday. Let's just say those Mimosas had the both of us dragging anchor by the end of the day. Excellent staff service! The chicken was a little dry, but Fran and I were already full from all of the eye candy. I would recommend xoxo Jan

Really awesome spot on the pavilion. Sylvia suggested a raspberry margarita because I like sweeter drinks. It was probably the best margarita I have had in a very long time. She was really nice and wanted to actually have a conversation with me. She made our experience awesome.

Best salad bar in town! Everything you can imagine that should be on a salad bar is here, I loaded my plates with mixed greens, tuna salad, beets, hard boiled egg, garbanzo beans, cucumbers, and many varieties of seeds ( pumpkin, sunflower). Lots of dressings, breads and dried fruits as well. Everyone enjoyed their dinner. The service was excellent (Salem?). Service: 5 stars Food : 5 stars Ambience: 5 stars

Ducked in so my business partner, Marnie, could receive her Golden Mouse Award for Excellence in Social Media Marketing. Excellent service. Beautiful day. We were in the main ballroom for lunch. The food was delicious. The portions were fair. Dessert was awesome. The salad was better than expected. My only complaint, was my main course was cold. I ate it. This was my first time visiting the joint and I loved it. Sat right on the water. Cool lounge. Cabeza OUT!

Amazing Wait, what's more than Amazing? Over the last few years a select group of members recreated LYC. It's fantastic. Congratulations!

The exclusive LYC has been serving up great drinks, good food, and memorable times for decades. Located in the Rio Vista neighborhood just north of the 17th Street Causeway, I have been to the LYC on several occasions for lunch, company holiday parties, and friendly get togethers. The catering staff is AMAZING - they will accomodate the most discerning of guests and will go out of their way to ensure that your party is satisfied. I have tried the caprese salad (delicious!) as well as the filet with leeks & demi glaze, served with veggies and potato (also delicious!). The conch chowder is also very very good - try it with a splash of sherry to compliment the flavors of this soup. Overall everything is fresh and tastey, the grounds are well kept and the Club is nicely landscaped & a perfect setting for a casual afternoon on the water or an elegant evening event.

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Lauderdale Yacht Club Inc.

Lauderdale Yacht Club is located on beautiful Frederick Henry Bay, 20 minutes south east of Hobart.

Lauderdale Yacht club (LYC) was originally founded by a keen group of amateur sailors, regularly sailing out of Frederick Henry Bay.  With no clubhouse or facilities to speak of at the time, the first races eagerly commenced in the summer of 1974-75. After a lot of negotiation with the Clarence City Council (who have been strong supporters the club to this day), it was agreed the site of Roches Beach would be utilised as a suitable location to sail from.  

The Club held it's first major regatta in 1981, the Cobra Cataramarn National Titles. With no physical structures to speak of on site at the time, & over 60 competitors having travelled from around Australia, it was decided shortly after the event that a clubhouse was to be constructed (and yes it still stands today!).  Construction of the bespoke facilties commenced in 1981, with the clubhouse itself completed in 1983. Alan Gardner, a founding member of the club, was the Commodore at the time and did much of the engineering and organisation himself. His work has definately stood the test of time!

Since 1981 LYC has played host to many National and State Title events, including Cobra, Moth, Nacra, Paper Tiger, & Formula 18 (F18) National Championships.

The club provides sailing training to youth and adults. For those more experienced sailors keen to test their skills and sailcraft, races are held most Sunday afternoon's in the warmer months. 

We have a fleet of Bic O'pen Skiffs, Sabots, Puffin Pacers and Lasers that are sailed on Sunday mornings from late September every year-to-April. More advanced juniors are welcome to participate in advanced training and racing in the afternoons.

The LYC organises racing for 29ers, catamarans, windsurfers, and any off the beach class, that wish to sail with the club.

In the past we have enjoyed sailing with the B14 skiffs, Moths, Sharpies, and a host of other wonderfull machines.

Recently both the Australian Paper Tiger Nationals and the Australian Formula 18 Naitonals were held at the LYC. Both events were a very well-polished and attracted a lot of attention from many local and national sailors.

Aiming to be a friendly and community orientated, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.

We are a non-for-profit organisation that rely on hard working volunteers (yes - we are always looking for these), our wonderful members, and support from several fantastic local businesses (refer to Club Sponsors of which we are truely greatful for) to get by. 

Lauderdale Yacht Club (LYC) is affiliated with Australian Sailing which allows our members to compete at all levels of the sport.  

8 Beach Towns In Florida That Are Great Alternatives To Fort Lauderdale

• Skip crowded city beaches - Deerfield Beach and Port St. Lucie offer pristine waters and free access.
• Delray Beach has art and nature - visit gardens, museums, and beaches for the full Florida experience.
• Historic Cape Coral and refreshing Cocoa Beach bring historic charm and multiple water activities to explore.

The Sunshine State of Florida is one of the US's premier spots for perfect beaches . Famous for its white sandy dunes, colorful architecture, plentiful palm trees, and great hiking trails, Florida's beaches stand apart from all others on the East Coast.

Tourists traveling to Florida will have no shortage of places to stay for the perfect beach experience, with many choosing to stay at well-known places like Miami and Fort Lauderdale. While big cities like Fort Lauderdale are famous for their fun and iconic experiences , they can be overwhelming, expensive, and overcrowded. Luckily, Florida is full of adorable beach towns that bring both beauty and a peaceful atmosphere. So, whether tourists are looking for a more unknown place to travel to, a quaint and quiet town to retire in, or a more family-friendly stop for kids, these Florida beach towns will certainly provide an escape from the big city.

Top 16 Magnificent Beaches To Visit in Fort Lauderdale

Deerfield beach, this town north of fort lauderdale is a great alternative for tourists traveling with kids and for those interested in fishing.

One of the best alternatives to Fort Lauderdale is the nearby town of Deerfield Beach . This charming town north of Fort Lauderdale has plenty of parks for families, water sports for the adventurous, a pier for those who love fishing, and a beautiful beach to watch the sunrise on. Tourists traveling with kids will have a blast here at Quiet Waters Park (which has a fun splash park) and at the nearby Butterfly World .

The main attraction of this town is its magnificent beach, which has an international fishing pier that is 976 feet in length .

7 Beaches Perfect For A Day Trip From Orlando

Port st. lucie, this city, 90 miles from fort lauderdale, draws tourists in with its free beaches and botanical gardens.

Just an hour and a half north of Fort Lauderdale is the charming coastal city of Port St. Lucie . This city is famous for its many parks, golf clubs, and easily accessible beaches.

One of the best things about Port St. Lucie is its 21 miles of pristine beaches. Best of all, and completely distinct from Fort Lauderdale, is that all the beaches here are free and open to the public . Even parking is free here! Tourists and retirees can explore great beaches like Porpoise Beach, Jetty Park, Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, South Causeway Beach, and more.

Tourists who are interested in beautiful parks should head to Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens , which has pavilions, fountains, ponds, ancient palms, walkways, roses, and more. Other attractions include Oak Hammock Park, Spruce Bluff Preserve, and Oxbow Eco-Center.

Nearby this city is the St. Lucie County Aquarium , where tourists can go to learn about the Caribbean marine life and the native Floridian ecosystem.

The beaches in Port St. Lucie are free and open to the public!

Delray Beach

This hub of international culture is the perfect florida town to explore for art, gardens, and beachside parks.

Delray Beach is one of the best beach towns north of Fort Lauderdale. This area is rife with attractions galore, from the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens to the Green Cay Nature Center and Wetlands and Mounts Botanical Garden . This area even has its own art museum, the Cornell Art Museum at Old School Square . These parks and cultural centers make life in Delray Beach truly rich and add a layer of international charm to this region that big cities like Fort Lauderdale lack.

Delray Beach, as its name suggests, is famous for its beaches. The titular Delray Municipal Beach is an obvious choice, but other beaches, such as Atlantic Dunes Park , Spanish River Park , and Gulfstream Park , also offer stunning coastal views and recreational opportunities. A great oceanside attraction is Sandoway Discovery Center , which offers tourists the chance to learn about Florida's native marine life.

14 Best Things To Do In Delray Beach, Florida

Fort lauderdale may be the venice of america, but cape coral has that european city's famous canals.

Although Fort Lauderdale is often called the Venice of America, the town of Cape Coral fits that title much better due to its many canals. Situated on a grid so perfect it's almost like a work of architectural art, this canaled city is gorgeous both from the ground and from above.

Some of the best public beaches in this area are Yacht Club Public Beach, Four Freedoms Beach, and Yacht Club Community Park. Top attractions in this area include Florida's most famous craft distillery, Wicked Dolphin Distillery , which is known for its coconut rum, Sirenia Vista Park, and Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve.

Cocoa Beach

Surfing, local businesses, and the john f. kennedy space center make cocoa beach the perfect small-town alternative to fort lauderdale.

Even though Cocoa Beach is much further north than Fort Lauderdale, this quaint town has so much charm to offer tourists.

Famous for its long history of surfers, the beach at Cocoa Beach is a great place to visit for those interested in watersports like surfing, snorkeling, and swimming. The town's beach also has an excellent pier, too! Best of all, beach visitors will be able to see rockets being fired up into the atmosphere from the John F. Kennedy Space Center.

This town near Orlando not only has excellent beach access but also has great local businesses from which to shop. Some of the best attractions in sunny Cocoa Beach include Lori Wilson Park, the Florida Surf Museum, and the John F. Kennedy Space Center.

Offers tourists access to a beach boardwalk, an undeveloped coastal beach, and an amazing arboretum and wildlife sanctuary

This city, situated between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, has the urban charm of both cities in a smaller, more easily accessible area. This city is famous for its Beach Boardwalk , which has bars, small shops, and a beautiful beachfront lined with palms. For those interested in a more rustic beach, Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is the perfect beach to see white sands and undeveloped coastline.

This area is known not only for its stunning beachfront but also for its rich culture. One of the best places to go here is Flamingo Gardens . This botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary lets tourists explore their arboretum filled with native trees, its flower gardens, its aviaries, and its titular flamingo pond. It even has a parrot aviary!

Another great attraction is Oleta River State Park . At Florida's largest urban park, tourists will be able to paddle, bike, snorkel, swim, and fish.

Offers tourists something Fort Lauderdale does not have: an incredible aquarium

On Florida's West Coast lies the city of Clearwater. This city just outside Tampa offers tourists and retirees Florida's iconic white sand beaches, great state parks, and waterfront piers.

Some of Clearwater's best beaches include Sand Key Park and Clearwater Beach. At Clearwater Beach is the city's famous pier, Pier 60 , which is a great location for nightlife.

For tourists with kids and retirees with grandchildren, there's no better place to go in Clearwater than the Clearwater Marine Aquarium . This aquarium has interactive experiences that kids and adults of all ages will love, including meeting rescue dolphins, tortoise feeding, and exploring the many aquatic exhibits full of rescued marine creatures.

A great park in this area is Moccasin Lake Nature Park . Here, tourists will be able to walk through peaceful paths, see birds of prey, and see the park's stunning oak forest.

7 Beaches In Naples Perfect For Any Florida Traveler

St. petersburg, offers tourists high-class cultural activities that aren't found in fort lauderdale, like the salvador dalí museum and the mahaffey theater.

The city of St. Petersburg is heralded as Florida's "Sunshine City" and is known for its fine arts, fishing, and golf clubs. Located on Florida's Gulf Coast, St. Petersburg offers tourists the fine culture that Fort Lauderdale is not often associated with.

Some of St. Petersburg's most famous attractions include the Salvador Dalí Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Mahaffey Theater.

Tourists who are interested in the natural world should go to Fort De Soto Park . This beachfront park has trails, a historical museum, and fishing piers. Some of the best beaches in St. Petersburg include Pass-A-Grille Beach and St. Pete Beach.

Another great activity for tourists here is to visit St. Petersburg's Sunken Gardens . Here, tourists will see waterfalls, tropical birds, and tropical plants that are decades old.

Pass-A-Grille Beach is less well-known, making it a great alternative to St. Pete Beach .

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Riviera to Unveil 6800 Sport Yacht at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

• By Sam White
• August 22, 2024

Australian yacht builder Riviera will introduce its latest model to the North American yachting audience during the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The 6800 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition will be part of Riviera’s 11-model showcase.

Following three years of development, the Riviera design group—in collaboration with superyacht designer Luca Vallebona—have created this series’ flagship. It features well-defined areas for guest enjoyment, from the foredeck to the protected aft deck and salon. The stern has an electro-hydraulic, articulating swim platform that morphs into steps which can be lowered below the water or raised above to match the level of dock or quay, with aft wing doors on either side as well. Snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding and fishing enthusiasts will find stowage for watersports gear in the tender garage, and there’s also a tender cradle and electric winch system.

The aft deck is the entertaining and dining center, with an extended hardtop providing all-weather protection. A guest lounge extends across the width of the transom; forward to port is an L-shaped lounge dining area with folding teak table. This area also has an entertainer’s galley with a grill and hotplate, exhaust fan, two drawer fridges, an ice maker, stainless-steel sink with a mixer and solid-surface benchtop. An LED TV folds down from the hardtop.

The galley window lowers with the push of a button to connect the salon and aft deck. The U-shaped galley is outfitted with all the requisite meal-prep appliances and stowage for extended cruising. Forward of the galley to port is a U-shaped lounge with matching ottomans, along with a handcrafted solid-wood table that folds out from the lounge for dining inside. The salon also has a very practical starboard door for foredeck access to tend to mooring lines when short-handed cruising.

The 6800 Platinum Edition has  four staterooms and three heads belowdecks, plus a utility/crew cabin. The full-beam master has a walkaround king-size berth while the VIP forward has a queen berth. The portside guest stateroom has twin berths that slide together for a single berth  while the starboard guest stateroom adds two adult-sized single berths overlapping at 90 degrees. This can also be laid out as a media room to entertain young children. Finally, there are crew quarters which can also be used for laundry or utility as needed. 

Access to the full-height engine room is via a watertight door from the utility cabin aft of the master stateroom, or through a lift-up door on the transom. Standard power is twin 1,000 hp Volvo Penta D13 IPS 1350s.

Quick Specifications

• Length Overall: 72’9”
• Beam: 18’3”
• Draft: 5’5”
• Displacement: 81,791 lb.
• Fuel Capacity: 1,189 gal.
• Freshwater Capacity: 211 gal.
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From Paris to the Caribbean, use these travel ideas to plan your next trip

• Cindy Cockburn Tampa Bay Times

SeaDream Yacht Club – Caviar, Champagne and barbecue

All SeaDream Yacht Club voyages in the Caribbean include a signature Champagne & Caviar Splash beach party. Executive chef Elton Tabaj and his galley team transport the five-star kitchen from the yacht to the beach. Passengers are served a lavish beach barbecue, cooked to perfection. All guests don bathing suits and the captain joins in for an informal day playing Robinson Crusoe. In fact, be prepared to get soaking wet. You will arrive on the island via a Zodiac boat that shuttles passengers from the yacht directly to the white, sandy beach. I attended the beach party in White Bay on Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands during a recent cruise. What a great way to spend a winter afternoon! And the best part? Skip the high resort rates and book the intimate cruise with only 150 passengers.

Paris is always a good idea

The Olympics may be over, but we still can’t get enough of the French. A recent report from GlobalData announced that France is on track to become the most visited country by 2025, when 93.7 million international travelers are expected to visit there.

Delta Air Lines offers several options while traveling from Tampa to Paris. I usually stop in Atlanta to connect with Air France for a seamless experience. I recently discovered a “secret” and luxurious way to get to Europe. Friends rave about the 10-year-old French boutique airline called La Compagnie. The flights only depart from Newark Liberty International Airport, but it’s totally worth the trip to New Jersey. Once on board, the plane offers 76 seats that all turn into flatbeds. It’s a business-class airline experience to Paris, Milan or Nice. And the food is marvelous.

For the ultimate Parisian culinary experience, secure a table at Le Jules Verne. Located at the top of the Eiffel Tower, the views are spectacular from this world-famous restaurant. Watch the calendar and make sure to book 90 days in advance and be prepared to pay ahead as well (a $500 deposit is the norm for a table for two). When you factor in the advantage of skipping the long entry line and the overall once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of dining in the Eiffel Tower, the experience is well worth the cost. Perched at a height of 410 feet, you will even have your own private elevator to the restaurant. The dress code, an elegant outfit and no shorts or sportswear, is strictly enforced. Suit jackets are mandatory for men.

Closer to home, Travel + Leisure magazine recently named St. Petersburg the Best Food City in the U.S. We found a tiny slice of Paris in St. Petersburg. When you check in to the newly renovated Vinoy Resort, you’ll be invited on Friday and Saturday from 3-5 p.m. to meet the new executive pastry chef Armand Berger and sample complimentary Champagne and nibbles from Lottie, the new patisserie located in the hotel’s lobby.

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Tropic Ocean Airways salutes Jimmy Buffett Day

Tropic Ocean Airways is the largest commercial amphibious airline and is ready to entertain all Parrotheads. To celebrate Jimmy Buffett Day on Aug. 30, they are launching an epic package with Baker’s Cay Resort, a nature-inspired luxury resort on the Overseas Highway in Key Largo. Inspired by the legendary singer-songwriter, this unique trip offers a fun-filled adventure over Labor Day weekend and includes a one-way Tropic Ocean Airways seaplane adventure for two departing from Sheltair Terminal at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and landing at Baker’s Cay Resort. The three-night waterfront king guest room package is valid only from Aug. 30 through Sept. 2. It includes complimentary return shuttle service to Miami International Airport or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

The Resort at Longboat Key Club

Having more space is a priority for families. Nearly three in five guests say being able to fit all their family members in one place is a major deciding factor when booking a vacation. Some of the top trending destinations near the water for families this summer are Melbourne, Australia and Nassau, Bahamas.

We already live in paradise with a variety of resort options just a short drive away, no passport required. We talked to Diane Lopez, the director of resort operations at The Resort at Longboat Key Club near Sarasota, where the Gulf waters are beautiful, the beach cabanas are huge and the suites are grand. The two-bedroom suites overlook the pool and the Gulf of Mexico with a living room that includes a queen-sized sleeper sofa, a full kitchen, a washer and dryer and a private balcony. Don’t miss Latitudes restaurant for delicious menu options in the resort, offering both “land” (a 16-ounce rib-eye steak) and “sea” (spiny lobster curry) options with Ed Geyfman as executive chef. Great to find out a kids dinner menu is available. Grown-ups will love checking out the resort’s Tavern & Whiskey Bar with over 100 different types of whiskey.

Sports are key here on the Key. Briana François is the director of racquet sports, tennis and pickleball and reports that there are eight new pickleball courts at the resort. They have lessons almost daily. The resort store supports local women-owned vendors. Peaceful tip: Check out the many treatment rooms and new sound therapy beds in the spa. Naps encouraged!

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