Triton survey: We ask about summer plans

It’s always tricky asking this question at a boat show, when it’s never sure what the day will bring. Yet we do it every show in the hopes that the results will reveal something about yacht movements, usage and maybe even trends.

 

Very few crew told us they were unsure. Unsure of the future, yes, but they noted that they would be staying in South Florida until something happened with the vessel.

 

We were surprised at the number of yachts that were staying in Florida and cruising the Bahamas by choice, however, not simply because they were awaiting a sale. And there were even a few boats heading to the Caribbean; about as many as were heading to the Med.

 

The largest group, though, was heading to New England this summer. We use that term lightly to include New York all the way to Maine.

 

I asked everyone who said they were heading there if they would venture just a little farther and visit Nova Scotia, but none were. When I asked why not, they didn’t really know. They just always only go as far as Maine. I wonder why that is.

 

Wherever you are headed, fair winds. And if you are staying put, you are welcome at all our Triton events, the first (and often third) Wednesdays of every month from 6-8 p.m.; only the location changes. Join us April 3 with Dockwise Yacht Transport around the fountain beside Bimini Boatyard on 17th Street. Visit www.the-triton.com for more details.

 

 

Mate Josh Kay
M/Y Arianna
164-foot Delta
“We’re staying around here, going to the Bahamas, maybe do some off-season charters in the Caribbean.”

Mate/Eng. Sebastien Lafaille
M/Y Star Sapphire
117-foot Bilgin
“Hopefully, we’ll be sold, but if not, we’ll likely head to the Caribbean. We tend to go against the grain and travel in the off-season. It’s easier to get dockage and there aren’t so many people everywhere. We had the best time in Spain that way.”

Capt. Tom Gray
M/Y Miss Lisa
92-foot Citadel
“Typically we go to New England for the summer. I’d be surprised if we didn’t. But as you know, there are no guarantees.”