There's been quite a bit of shakeup among the marine trade associations in South Florida and it presents a great opportunity to harness the passion of their new leaders to shape our future.

If we had a clean slate, what would South Florida want the megayacht industry to look like? Are we a yacht-building destination or do we just specialize in refits? Should we have storage sheds for 300 footers or just movable scaffolding for awesome paint jobs?

Individual companies have tried to breathe life some terrific ideas over the years, but it's hard alone. With a 20-year plan and the drive of some powerful associations all working together, we could really make a difference for the industry here in South Florida and around the globe.

Here are some small projects we can get started on right away: 

Dredging and a maintenance plan that will ensure it never gets this bad again

Sheds for 200-plus-foot yachts

Protection of the Dania Cut-off Canal from the plan to add a southern runway to Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport

Med-style dockage in Port Everglades

Protecting and growing the 50-year-old Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Consistent application of customs and immigration laws

Positive environment for business growth and a strong community for our families to grow up in

And some bigger projects that really take a village to pull off:

Dockage and haulout facility for the largest yachts, possibly in the port

Dockage along the Dania Cut-off Canal on a mile-long stretch of available property 

Long-term freshwater storage up the New River

I have asked megayacht captains recently what they would like to see in Ft. Lauderdale to make it an even more attractive yachting base. Surprisingly, it had little to do with their vessels.They want more sailing and water activities (match racing, anyone?), a butcher near downtown, fresh vegetables better than they can find at grocery stores. These seem like easy ideas to tackle.

Some of their other items, however, are harder to quantify. They want to be appreciated, and they want to call Ft. Lauderdale home. List that one under "bigger projects".

I love Ft. Lauderdale. I docked here as a crew member in the late 1980s and early '90s. When it was time to get off boats, I bought a home here, got married here, started a business here, am raising my daughter here. 

A solid mix of dreams and spontaneity will keep Ft. Lauderdale a yachting destination and a place that we can all be proud of for years to come. Let's get involved, use the new leadership and keep Ft. Lauderdale a home of preference for yacht captains, crew and the marine industry.