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Residents of South Florida have long been yachting enthusiasts. With traveling a passion, it isn’t surprising that many yacht owners are interested in trans-Atlantic sailings from the Palm Beach area, and also from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean.
However, those Trans-Atlantic sailings can put a tremendous amount of wear and tear on a vessel that that is valued at $5 million dollars.
Enter the $65 million Yacht Express super transport. She’s making waves in the shipping industry as the first semi-submersible cargo vessel designed completely with transporting yachts in mind. Her current cargo is $150 million worth of yachts. Many of the yachts will be put to work in the Mediterranean Sea as charters for the winter season.
Clemens van der Werf, president of Dockwise Yacht Transport LLC, confirms that owners of a 150-foor yacht would spend approximately $250,000 to transport the yacht one way. Costs can vary based on the time of year. It’s a premium price, but owners don’t have to concern themselves with a trans-Atlantic crossing.
John C Walsey, owns the 121-foot Broward Marine yacht, Java. He told the Sun-Sentinel that so far he has paid to ship the Java five times and the cost is approximately $20,000- $25,000 more than sailing the ship on it’s own bottom. However, he states the amount of wear and tear saved is phenomenal..jpg)
In preparation to load cargo the Yacht Express takes water into its ballast tanks, which sinks the rear of the ship 12 feet below the water line. The luxury vessels are loaded into the interior deck and propped up with temporary supports. Next the ballast is expelled, and the Yacht Express starts to rise. Excess water spills from the back. Technicians then secure the ships by welding supports to the deck and securing the yachts to bollards with straps of nylon that are three inches thick.
Traditionally vessels were lifted out of the water by crane and hoisted onto conventional cargo ships. Owners and captains alike see the value in floating the yachts onto at semi-submersible ship as it produces less stress on the watercraft.
Dockwise Yacht Transport has added additional amenities in the event that an owner or captain would like to accompany their watercraft on the sailing. There is a small swimming pool, sunning area, lounge chairs, and an atrium bar that serves as a gathering area for those on board. Crew and passengers can also enjoy the workout facilities and the larger than usual mess hall or dining area.
van der Werf told the Sun-Sentinel, "It allows the crew to have a nice time on board when they cross the ocean."
The company plans to sail monthly from Port Everglades to various ports in the Mediterranean and anticipates transporting 400 yachts to and from the area this year alone.
The Palm Beach area is renowned for its beautiful waters and wonderful boating and yachting opportunities. With Dockwise Yacht Transport LLC, it’s easier then ever to expand your itineraries to include the Mediterranean, or have your yacht chartered for the season.
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Date: 2008-04-16 22:18:08