All Aboard for . . . Yachts Miami Beach

by Jeanne-Marie Phillips

Whether you thrive on the salt air and freedom of the open seas or prefer to marvel at opulent oceangoing vessels dockside, Yachts Miami Beach has something for you. After all, who can say no to a bevy of big, beautiful boats flanked by magnificent mansions and blue water and sky as far as the eye can see? That’s just part of the magic of Yachts Miami Beach. The 29th annual in-water luxury yacht show took place in February along Collins Avenue, across from the legendary Fontainebleau and Eden Roc hotels.

Thousands of seafarers and landlubber alike from around the world flocked to Miami Beach to enjoy a spectacular display of yachts and marine products, including more than 500 new and brokerage yachts and a wide array of the latest seagoing technology and accessories – with a value reaching more than $1 billion. Add to that, floating cocktail lounges, VIP events, food, live musical entertainment, boating classes, lectures and more, and you have an event of the first magnitude that offers something for everyone . . . whatever floats your boat!

For the second year, more than 20 superyachts were showcased at Island Gardens Deep Harbour on Watson Island. This invitation-only show within a show, known as Superyacht Miami, featured some of the event’s largest yachts.

Canadian Electric Boats

The 100-percent electric Bruce 22 has a classic design reminiscent of the antique and classic launches of yesteryear. Speed, economy, quality, style, range, and minimal maintenance all come together on both the five-passenger and eight-passenger models. With an electric propulsion system supplied by UQM, the Bruce 22 has a Panasonic battery bank and a closed circuit, water-cooled, permanent magnet motor with digital controllers. With a maximum speed of 41 miles per hour and a runtime of up to 8-hours on a single charge, boaters can enjoy a full day on the water for approximately 50 cents a charge.

The company’s electric-powered Fantail 217 is silent, non-polluting, low maintenance, easy to handle, inexpensive to operate, and can accommodate up to ten guests. The Fantail 217 features a canopy roof that not only protects from the sun and rain, but can also be easily lowered to serve as a tonneau cover when the boat is stored or towed. Ample storage space is available under decks and seat benches. A recharge with a 110-volt outlet is all that is needed to enjoy up to 10 hours of safe boating.

Rand Boats

Denmark-based Rand Boats’ sustainably produced and hand-craftedRand Picnic Sport is a low-maintenance, easy-to-steer motorboat featuring an electric engine and a solar power option. The boat is perfectly outfitted for on-the-water leisure with seating for up to 10 people, plenty of storage space, an easily accessible bathing platform, and a built-in adjustable table that can be lowered to serve as a relaxing sundeck.

Foldable RIB

Designed in England, the F-RIB is a revolutionary, foldable rigid inflatable boat (RIB) that relies on electric power for an efficient propulsion system. Using smaller, lighter engines, F-RIBs are fast, economical, safe and easy to use. Easily assembled and inflated in less than five minutes, F-RIBs are compact and convenient to store.

Greenline Hybrid Yachts

Slovenia’s Greenline Hybrid Yachts feature a super-displacement hull, which enables the yachts to use less fuel, generate lower CO2 emissions, and produce less wake. Its hybrid (diesel/electric) propulsion system can collect, store and use electrical energy from the sun, from the shore pick-up or from the main engine-driven generator. Several Greenline vessels will be on display at Yachts Miami Beach.

Torqeedo Electric Motors

Torqeedo Electric Motors’ advanced electric propulsion systems come from the Starnberg region of Germany. Torqeedo drives include outboards from one to 80 horsepower (HP), inboards from 40 to 80 HP, pod drives from 5 to 20 HP, a saildrive with 40 HP, and hybrid drives for yachts up to 160 HP. Torqeedo motors have strong propulsive power at slow motor speeds, don’t need any idling throttle, and are extremely easy to maneuver thanks to their continuously adjustable forward/reverse movement. Quiet and easy to charge, Torqeedo drives have an exemplary carbon footprint.

GoCycle Electric Bikes

England’s GoCycle G3 is a light-weight, electric bicycle. A micro-sized electric motor powers the front wheel, while pedals power the rear. The GoCycle G3 has the wheelbase of a conventional bike, but it folds down to a compact size on a secure docking station, making it ideal for those wishing to travel with it on a boat or private plane, or simply store it behind their desk at work after their commute. It features predictive gear shifting, an automotive-inspired daytime running light, side- mounted quick-release wheels, a dashboard display, and a unique geometry to comfortably fit almost every rider.

The Perfect Ten: Magnificent Superyachts Line Collins Avenue

Is bigger really better?

The breathtaking 10 largest yachts on display on Collins Avenue certainly make the case. Show-goers had an opportunity to admire them dockside and on-deck.