The summer to fall of 2012 in the Pacific Northwest was bursting at the seams with Superyachts. The Ballard Locks had more yachts going through them than ever before. Bringing the yacht from the Sea to the Lake is an excellent location for Superyacht moorage putting the boat to bed in the lake is a dream for Superyacht Captain’s and Owner’s.
The scuttle-butt for local Northwest Dockmaster news is, “I’ve already started to book boats for this summer, one of which from the America’s Cup the others coming back to the region. Things are looking good; boats are on the move again, yards are full, Delta is booked, Platypus is busy. Putting into perspective of what we are going to see we are already Qing up for this year and next year. Yacht Path is bringing boats up to the west coast. Owner’s and Captain’s have already started getting a lot of work done, local boats are spending money, we are on the up-take things are looking good for the Northwest,” says Gordy Ruh, Dockmaster at Nautical Landing; with premier Superyacht moorage and transient birthing in Seattle on Lake Union.
US Superyacht Association (USSA), Association manager, Kitty McGowan and USSA Chairmen, John Mann from Fort Lauderdale recently visited Seattle. “I’m proud to serve as a Chairman of the US Superyacht Association and will work hard to continue with our mission to promote the Superyacht industry and serve as its voice,” says Mann.
Recently Mann was asked about his trip to the Northwest and commented with; “Our Association manager, Kitty McGowan, and I had an informative, productive and enjoyable trip in the Seattle area. In just a few days we were able to visit with USSA member companies, address the Superyacht captains group and NW Boating Alliance, attend Seattle Boat Show and meet with officials from the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs & Boarder Protection, Corps of Engineers as well as the Port of Seattle. With each group we were struck by the enthusiasm everyone has for the Marine industry in the Northwest and its potential to attract more Super Yachts. The combination of a region that has unique cruising areas, world-famous seafood and hospitable people makes the area a “must-see” in USSA’s “Come Sea U.S.” marketing campaign. We expect that the America’s Cup event being held in San Francisco this summer will be the catalyst to have Superyachts also visit the scenic Northwest,” says Mann.
The USSA Launched in 2005, today it has grown to 22 states and 16 foreign countries, with over 250 members and seven growing regions across the country. USSA members are made up of a variety of members across the USA that represent thousands of jobs and immense economic impact to our local and national economy.
Superyachts in the Pacific Northwest are not always easy to spot, if you haven’t already; view charts of the Puget Sound, Canada and Southeast Alaska region’s, you will be amazed. As locals already know; we have thousands of honey holes, islands, channels, passages – some wide and some so narrow you will want to stuck your stomach-in just to squize by. Our gourgous lakes are where some Northwest Superyacht Owner’s prefer to bring their yacht to reast directly in front of the homestead to relax on their water front custom-built state of the art dock and vast property with thick tree-lined acreage. Every year we see yachts getting larger and larger. Some of the top Superyachts in the world today rang from m/y Northern Star a 75.40m (247‘4″ft) motor yacht, custom-built by Lurssen Yachts up to; m/y Eclipse 162.5 m (533 ft) constructed by Blohm + Voss.
A Superyacht pulling into its next Port will bring the designated location thousands to millions of US dollars in economic impact and growth for the region; the Pacific Northwest is growing as a united front in welcoming and encouraging Superyachts. While creating more jobs, services and enhanced Superyacht projects from the lower 48° in the Pacific Northwest up to Alaska. Our regions are well-known for outstanding and extreme hospitality. One the most frequent comments by Superyacht Captain’s and Crew is, “People up here are so nice, so helpful and truly genuine, people here are so laid back. They don’t make a fuss when things hay-wire.” With four dramatic and very different seasons locals in the Northwest have learned the value of, ‘stand by to stand by,’ coupled with ‘hurry up and wait’ and our favorite fact, ‘mother nature is in charge, not you!’
We look forward to seeing you in the Pacific Northwest in 2013!
