CRUISING USA
Debora Radtke takes a look at some of the varied cruising grounds on offer from southern Florida to the Great Lakes and the unique landscapes each has to offer the superyacht owner and guests
Fort Lauderdale has longed called itself the yachting capitol of the world. More than just American hubris, it is home to the largest boat show in the world and it may, indeed, deserve that title. Yachting is an integral part of the economy of South Florida. The fact that it kept growing and moving even during a pandemic is proof of that.
So why should a yacht decide to “discover” south Florida? It’s a great jumping off point to the Bahamas, it’s easy to get parts shipped in, and typical tax and duty is less than 10% for items that don’t qualify as ships spares. It has world class repair facilities. But South Florida is becoming more than just a pitstop between Caribbean and Med seasons.
Miami rivals any other city in the world with night life, restaurants, art galleries, and events. Art Basel at the beginning of December has dockage options sold out months you can cruise to Palm Beach and take in a Polo Match, or move further up the coast to Cape Canaveral for a Space X rocket launch