The yachting world was gearing up for an incredibly busy year in 2020, but then the coronavirus outbreak reached American shores. 1 States all over the country went on lockdown including Florida which declared a public health emergency in March.2 The island nations of the Caribbean took drastic measures to protect their citizens by closing their borders, leaving many yacht owners stuck in U.S. waters.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the lockdowns in the Caribbean are being extended farther into the season. The Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis originally issued a nationwide lockdown that would end on March 31, 2020.3 These emergency orders were extended to May 20th and then extended again to June 29, 2020.4 With all the popular paradises closed off to yacht owners, you may be wondering what to do with your yacht during COVID-19. Our diesel specialists offer some ideas!
Explore The Florida Keys
While Caribbean nations are still holding on to their strict travel restrictions, Florida will start to lift its executive stay-at-home orders in an effort to reopen its businesses on Monday, June 1st. So, instead of letting your yacht stay docked until the Bahamas opens up again, you can go on a local excursion to the Florida Keys. Boating during COVID-19 is still possible and tons of fun!
Go to Key Biscayne if you don’t want to go very far. Islamorada is also a good choice. And if you are feeling a bit adventurous, cruise all the way to Key West. The Florida Keys also has plenty of white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and beautiful reefs to enjoy. Be sure to follow social distancing rules if you go on land.
Complete Major Repairs
The COVID-19 pandemic has essentially put a pause on many yacht owners plans for the season. While it has forced the postponement of planned cruises and yacht charters, it has also presented a rare opportunity to have major repair work projects finally get completed. While yachting schedules that seemed to be never-ending made it impossible to go through everything on your yacht’s to-do list, now is your chance to get those major projects done.
At Marine Diesel Specialists, we specialize in maintaining, repairing, and rebuilding diesel engines on yachts. In addition to MAN engine maintenance and general services, our certified marine diesel mechanics in Fort Lauderdale and Punta Gorda can complete any major marine diesel engine rebuild or overhaul project your vessel needs. If you have been wanting to do a complete overhaul of your yacht’s engine and replace it with a newer model, our team can get the done! Just contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Call
- Fort Lauderdale: 954-467-9010
- Punta Gorda: 941-505-2400
- Fort Lauderdale: Marinediesel95@aol.com
- Punta Gorda: Gulfcoast05@aol.com
Sources
- Sawyer Click, NBC News – The yachting crowd was gearing up for a booming 2020 sailing season. Then the coronavirus happened.
- Aris Folley, The Hill – Florida governor declares public health emergency after state records first coronavirus cases
- Office of the Prime Minister – EMERGENCY POWERS (COVID 19)(NO. 1) ORDER, 2020
- Royston Jones Jr., Eyewitness News – Emergency orders extended to June 29
Our Marine Diesel Specialists offer a variety of products and services to provide marine diesel solutions in Fort Lauderdale and Punta Gorda. Our authorized MAN Engine dealers can offer expert maintenance, repair, and survey services, as well as complete engine, transmission, and generator overhauls. If you are seeking top-quality marine diesel solutions, products, or services, don’t wait to contact our Marine Diesel Specialists and Gulf Coast Diesel Service.