Yachting December 2022

THE WEATHER FORECAST was less than optimal: 30-knot winds, steady rain, potential coastal flooding and seas running 8 to 11 feet in the ocean. The remnants of Hurricane Ian were en route to the Northeast, and I was getting ready for a 4 a.m. wake-up call and a one-day, 320-mile round-trip drive to check out the Galeon Yachts 375 GTO. ¶ Bob Burke, Galeon’s brand manager, had texted me the day before. He said the boat was ready, and he assured me we would have protected water to see its performance side with twin 600 hp Mercury Verados. Given that Mother Nature was doing what she does, he also offered to move the test to Florida at a later date. I suggested that we see what the day brings, and…

1,200 NUMBER OF SLIPS 180' LARGEST SPACE AVAILABLE HEADING SOUTH FOR THE WINTER is a longtime tradition in boating, especially on the U.S. East Coast. And today, more than ever, there are quite a few high-quality marinas available as stopping points along the way. Yachtsmen who want to make the transit a journey unto itself have all kinds of opportunities to rest and explore for a day, a week or even longer. ¶ One popular stop for boaters who start their southbound journey in New England is the Channel Club Marina in Monmouth Beach, New Jersey. Suntex, which has marinas in 14 states, acquired Channel Club Marina this past September. Its floating-dock system is newer, having been installed in 2013, with power pedestals that include cable, water and electric hookups.…

30'2" LENGTH OVERALL 10'2" MAXIMUM BEAM THE IGUANA SPORT combines the best attributes of Iguana Yachts’ existing Iguana range into a high-performance, amphibious-landing center-console that accommodates 12 people. The boat carries Iguana Yachts’ landing-gear system, which functions like retractable tank treads to facilitate beach landings on terrain ranging from soft sand and mud to rock-encrusted shores. The Iguana Sport also can negotiate beach landings in seas up to 4 feet. The Iguana Sport can handle up to 700 hp, delivered via dual optional Mercury 350 hp outboards. The standard configuration is a single 300 hp outboard. The hull carries hard chines that run from its plumb bow to its transom, and its undercarriage has dual strakes on either side of its centerline. • Whom It’s For: Boaters seeking 48-knot top…

WING FOILING CATCH SOME AIR MAKE ROOM IN THE LAZARETTE next to the kayaks, dinghies and sea scooters. Wing-foiling gear is starting to show up aboard some superyachts as interest in the sport grows. ¶ All kinds of combinations of boards and sails are available. For beginners, experts recommend starting with a product along the lines of the Starboard Wingboard 4-in-1, which is designed to help keep riders upwind—and can be used as a traditional paddleboard too. Pair it with the FreeWing GO wing, also for learning the basics, with easy-grip handles and construction meant to work in light wind. ¶ The next level up in gear is the Starboard Wingboard Foil, which can be used by all skill levels, paired with the FreeWing Air, which has a modular system…

54'5" LENGTH OVERALL 16'3" MAXIMUM BEAM SOMETHING EXCITING is coming from Pardo Yachts: a new yacht introducing a new range. ¶ The Pardo GT52 is the first boat in the GT range, which the Italian builder says is positioned between its Endurance and Walkaround ranges. The GT52 joins a lineup of five other boats, ranging from 36 feet to 75 feet length overall, across all ranges. Pardo introduced the GT52 in April in St-Tropez, French Riviera. We’re eagerly awaiting information about a U.S. debut date. ¶ The GT52 can come with a galley-up or galley-down layout. In both, guests can enjoy meals and socialize at a portside sofa that has a wooden table. The cockpit, accessed through a centerline door, has more get-together real estate: Here, there’s a forward-facing, C-shaped sofa…

WHEN IT COMES to making memories and celebrating good times, it’s tough to think of any-place better than the Florida Keys. These islands are known for kicking back and relaxing all year round—and during the winter holidays, they take the fun to a Frosty-worthy level. ¶ No, there’s no snow here; typical temperatures during December are in the mid- to high 70s. But that doesn’t stop merry-makers from Key Largo all the way down to Key West from getting their Santa on. The island attitude blends with the holiday spirit like a finely mixed cocktail of joy. ¶ Arguably, the event that best epitomizes this spirit within the boating community is the annual Schooner Wharf Lighted Boat Parade on Key West. This will mark the 31st year of the event,…