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Knowles creates luxurious interiors and is involved from initial boat specs to final outfitting. A typical design project can take up to two to three years. He spends much of his time jetting off to the Middle East to meet with clients.
For years, Knowles says, interior design fell into one of two categories: Light interior or dark; traditional or contemporary. “Today, with so many people entering the yachting arena, anything goes,” says Knowles. “Yachting has become the epitome of selfexpression. If a client wants his yacht to look like it’s out of Africa, so be it.”
Of his 10 projects, one has a contemporary, Polynesian theme, and another has Tuscan touches.
Knowles |
Some recent trends Knowles has noted:
» Lighting — LED lighting is becoming the No. 1 lighting option on yachts because of its long luminescence and low to zero heat. “We’re using luminescence where we couldn’t use it before, such as underwater, lighting the bottom of the boat, on the bow, even under marble floors and countertops.”
» Electric glass — This new type of glass is electrified and can go from transparent to opaque to a light silhouette with the flick of a switch.
» Lightweight stone — New technology allows for a slab of marble or granite to be cut into oneeighth- inch thick panels that can be bonded to a lightweight underlayer. The result is a durable, strong and lightweight option for countertops, walls and floors.
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Marina Relief — at a Price
 YCOA’s club at Sanibel Harbour |
Dwindling revenue, real estate development and escalating insurance rates have taken their toll on independent marinas in Florida. Meanwhile, an increasing number of boats has goosed demand for boat slips and boat storage. Seeing opportunity, Fort Myersbased Yacht Clubs of America is acquiring and developing marina properties throughout the state, turning them into private membership yacht clubs with no residential component. Investors basically buy a boat slip and a membership to a yacht clublike facility.
YCOA facilities are opening this spring and summer in Naples, Tampa, Key West and Jacksonville, and more are in the works. Each marina offers amenities, including waterfront cocktails, cigar and martini bars, restaurants, spas, fitness centers, swimming pools, saunas, gourmet delis and coffee lounges. Dock masters are available to fuel up boats and stock them with provisions. Dock hands wash down the boat, flush engines and store the boat. Owners are allowed to rent their slips when they’re not in use. Tenants get full access to all of the facility’s amenities. Social memberships are also available to non-boat owners.
“We are providing a higher level of service, a lifestyle component to make boating easy and fun,” says YCOA President and COO Jon Finstrom. “We want to take all the work out of it.”
Yacht Clubs of America
» Slip prices: Dry slips run from $100,000 to $200,000. Wet slips start at $4,000 per linear foot up to $10,000 per linear foot.
» Sale: The marina can only be sold if 80% of the owners/members agree.
» Membership: Members can use other YCOA clubs.
» Monthly fees: $200 to $400-plus depending on location and number of members.
» Storage: Boat storage facilities are compliant with Miami-Dade hurricane building codes. Boat barns are rated for 150-mph winds.
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Big Business
Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties consistently account for nearly half of Florida’s gross marine sales. The tri-county area continues to be a global leader in mega-yacht industry growth, including construction, maintenance and repair, charters and sales.
The worldwide fleet of mega-yachts (those in excess of 80 feet) has doubled since 1977, according to a study by Thomas J. Murray & Associates prepared for the Marine Industries Association of South Florida. In 2006 (the most recent year of statistics available), mega-yachts were responsible for 67% of gross revenue at south Florida boatyards.
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Room with a Yacht
Buy a unit at the Residences at Island Gardens on Watson Island in Miami, and get fractional ownership in a yacht.
The marina at the Flagstone Property Group development — condo units are built atop the Shangri-La Hotel — can accommodate yachts longer than 300 feet. The size of the residential unit purchased determines the amount of time the yacht is available to the owner. Construction is slated to begin this fall, with prices ranging from $215,000 to $765,000 for a one-eighth share.