Derecktor Florida is enjoying a very strong summer following on a productive first quarter. Summer is historically a slow season in Florida as customers cruise their vessels in other parts of the world to escape the heat and uncertain weather conditions that typically prevail. 2015 is proving to be different: a combination of long term projects carrying over from the first and second quarters, an uptick in the refit market, and a number of vessels choosing to stay in the USA have resulted in a full house for August and September.

Dorothea 3 (147' Cheoy Lee), Tranquillity (137' Amels), Minderella (188' Feadship), BG ex-Charade (153' Feadship) and Mirage (135' Heesen) are all undergoing major refit work.Amanti (171' Feadship) is hauled for the installation of zero-speed stabilizers and MITseaAH(150' Pendennis) is up for running gear and rudder repairs. Carson (150' Newcastle) is alongside for the completion of an in-water commissioning, and Libra III (157' Trinity),Cracker Bay (147' Hakvoort), Atomic (142' Sunrise) and Chevy Toy (142' Trinity) are under the shed undergoing a variety of projects. Legend (168' Schweers), Lazy Z (164' Oceanco) and Audacia (151' Feadship) both recently left the yard at the conclusion of lengthy refit periods. Vessels committed for the coming weeks include Polly (135' Alloy) for hull paint,Gallant Lady (168' Feadship) for under-water works, Sorcha (152' Northern) for mechanical maintenance and upgrades, and Northern Lights (132' Westship) for underwater maintenance.

Certainly our market is influenced by many conditions over which we have no control. However, a resurgence of confidence in the US economy and the thawing of US relations with Cuba make new cruising grounds enticing. Also the lower cost of fuel and renewed interest amongst European owners to have their yachts visit the US are encouraging factors that generate some optimism for the immediate future. As an industry we must continue to offer good value and quality services in order to capitalize on these opportunities.