photo: Dockwise Yacht Transport
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL. - Dockwise Yacht Transport, a yacht carrier that specializes in the transport of luxury (mega) yachts, will make its first voyage to The Islands of The Bahamas this weekend with some 6-8 yachts that it will unload in Grand Bahama Island.According to the President of the Florida based organization, Clemens van der Werf, Dockwise will serve as a shuttle service, assisting people avoiding the harsh North American winter to enjoy the beautiful summer-like weather in The Bahamas and when the weather in North America changes, Dockwise will be available to transport them back. The boats will be coming from Newport, Rhode Island and Long Beach CA and are expected to arrive in Freeport, Grand Bahama, between November 7th and 8th. Most of the yachts will stay in The Bahamas through the Fall/Winter until the spring season.
Earl Miller, General Manager, Vertical Markets for The Islands of The Bahamas, boasted that the boats docking in The Bahamas will boost the Bahamian economy as they will generate revenue through their use of the Marinas – electricity, water, dockage fees, restaurants, hotels and everyday supplies. “In many cases, the owners will have family and friends joining them in The Bahamas periodically and therefore, we are glad that with the global recession proving a challenge to some of the most stable economies globally, The Bahamas’ aggressive efforts at finding means to diversify the way visitors arrive in our Islands, is truly paying off.”
The Bahamas will become one of only three destinations in the Caribbean that Dockwise currently transport yachts to – the other Islands are St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and Martinique.
Upon arrival in The Bahamas, the vessels being unloaded by Dockwise will be able to benefit from the assistance of Bradford Marine Bahamas, a local shipyard that has full services including haul-outs, mechanical, electrical, hydraulic as well as structural and coating. Bradford Marina and Dockwise have worked together in the past and Bradford is prepared to provide any assistance needed by the yacht owners.
Mr. Van Der Werf expressed excitement that Dockwise is finally being able to transport yachts to The Bahamas. He said that over the years his company has received requests for transport to The Islands of The Bahamas and they are glad to finally be able to fulfill the needs of the clients who want to bring their boats to The Bahamas but were unable to do so on their own.
Donna Blom, Regional Manager of Dockwise shared that talks about Dockwise transporting to The Bahamas started as much as ten years ago, but did not get serious until about two years-ago, when they began discussions with Richard Treco, Manager, Vertical Markets, Bahamas Tourist Office Plantation.
The Company said that the decision to transport the yachts to Grand Bahama Island in The Bahamas was due to its easy accessibility. Mr.van der Werf, elaborated that Freeport offers the water depth necessary for the docking, as well as a sheltered cove where there are no currents or high waves to damage the sides of the yachts.
Dockwise Yacht Transport has some four large vessels including semi submersible yacht carriers. The company transports vessels throughout the world including, Spain, Italy, France, Turkey, Mexico, Costa Rica, Australia and New Zealand.
