As every Floridian knows, “The Sunshine State” comes with its perks. Every year, South Florida receives about 3,000 hours of sunlight. This means boating galore for those who appreciate sailing the open seas. The City of Fort Lauderdale which contains over 300 miles of inland waterways houses around 50,000 yachts, giving the city the apt name “The Yachting Capital of the World”. At Aspire Yacht Sales, we’ve perfected the art of yacht sales in Fort Lauderdale and know firsthand the demand our yachts have.
The entire city lives for boating and direct their lives around the sport. The boating industry in Fort Lauderdale alone employs over 130,000 people. Because of its easy access to the Caribbean and tropical weather, the city is great for any aspiring boat owner or boat collector. If you’re a fan of cruises, Fort Lauderdale houses two of the largest cruise ships and an international boat show, the largest in the world.
Fishermen, tourists, and boaters alike all gravitate towards the city from international waters regularly. Because the Gulf Stream exists close to the shore, it’s a great area for fishing and the nearby coral reefs that scuba divers flock to. Fort Lauderdale is perfect for yachting and boating and fishing. Everyone has something to do in these waters.
The Yachting Capital of the World contains offices for nearly every boat and yacht manufacturer the globe has to offer and charter companies exist here too. About 50 miles off the coast in the Bahamas rivals Lauderdale’s fishing and boating capabilities, so there’s another location to head to if you’re interested in exploring.
According to Boatsetter Explorer, Fort Lauderdale is the mecca of South Florida for marine enthusiasts. While the palm trees, sunny beaches, and warm weather are enticing enough, the yachting, boating, and fishing offerings of the city are incomparable. As Florida’s 10th largest city, it’s pretty special and unique to visit here and soak in the incredible adventures that await.
The Seven Facts You Need to Know About Fort Lauderdale
- Fort Lauderdale sees more than 300 miles of inland waterways passing through them.
- Fort Lauderdale houses over 50,000 boats and yachts.
- Superyachts love Fort Lauderdale. More than 2,000 superyachts go through its waterways yearly.
- There’s money to be made here in south Florida. It’s a multi-billion-dollar marine industry.
- Have you heard of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show? The largest in the globe?
- Scope out the rare species of aquatic life in these parts.
- Warm-water wrecks live here. The highest amount in the Western Hemisphere, actually.
1. Around 300 Miles of Inland Waterways Pass Through It.
There are several canals that make up the waterways including the Intracoastal Waterway and the New River. Just within the city exist around 165 inland waterways. Fort Lauderdale is nicknamed the Venice of America for good reason.
2. Around 50,000 Boats and Yachts Live Here.
When it comes to superyachts and small runabouts, every size of boat lives here. The sheer amount of boats are larger than most populations of people in America. Fort Lauderdale consistently stands on top with its numbers as the yachting capital of the world.
3. The City Witnesses 2,000 Superyachts Passing Through Its Waterways Every Year.
If you don’t already know, a superyacht is a privately owned yacht that’s around 80 feet or bigger. So many superyachts stop by to visit on their way to the awesome conditions of the Caribbean during winter time, and summer in these areas as well. At the end of the season, they return and stop by. Fort Lauderdale contains several marinas that accommodate the superyachts so docking them is easy.
4. A Multi-Billion-Dollar Marine Industry That Keeps Growing.
When it comes to marinas and shipyards, as the yachting capital of the world it holds up with the sheer amount of marine industry that it gets. The businesses can range from retailers to yacht brokers, service companies, gear manufacturers, and companies like Aspire Yacht Sales. Together, the industry garners over 9 billion dollars in Broward County. As the second-largest economic sector in Greater Fort Lauderdale, tourism takes the number one slot, it’s a pretty powerful industry and doesn’t show plans of slowing down.
5. The World’s Largest In-Water Boat Show Lives Here.
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show comes here annually and is coming up on its 64th anniversary this year. It’s an incredible staple of the community and holds its title as the largest one in the world. Over 1300 boats, yachts, and superyachts are docked within 7 miles. Over 100,000 people visit all over from around 50 countries.
6. Rare Fishing, Anyone?
If you’re a fan of fresh and saltwater fishing, anglers will enjoy it here. Fort Lauderdale has over 200 freshwater species including snapper, grouper, and mahi-mahi.
7. Divers Love It Here.
Divers can enjoy the largest collection of warm-water wrecks in the Western Hemisphere. If a diver is interested specifically in alternative sea life and exploration, this area is perfect for it. It’s the yachting capital sure, but the dive capital title comes in second.
The Takeaway
Yacht sales in Florida are at an all-time high and Aspire Yacht Sales is here to see that growth continue and evolve over time. Everywhere people are sailing around in their super yachts and there are so many neighboring islands and countries to visit from Fort Lauderdale. Here in Fort Lauderdale, you’ll enjoy great weather all year round, incredible sailing conditions, fun culture, great options for retail, restaurants, and hotels, and did we mention the scenery is the best? No wonder it’s the yachting capital of the world! If you’re looking for yachts for sale in Florida, Aspire Yacht Sales is the place to start. Contact us to find a yacht that fits your needs.
