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Fuel Price Surge Hits South Florida Yachting

By Kevin Maher

Fuel prices across South Florida marinas have climbed sharply this month, reflecting wider global trends tied to the escalating conflict between Iran and the United States. Data Triton acquired from a local marina shows marine diesel fuel (including taxes) rising from approximately $2.87 per gallon at the beginning of March to a peak of about $4.74. The increase of more than 65% occurred in just a few weeks, with REC-90 following a similar trend.

The driver behind this surge is instability in the Middle East, a region that supplies a significant portion of the world’s oil supply. Heightened tensions and military activity around key shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, have raised concerns about supply disruptions. Even the threat of restricted flow can quickly push global oil prices higher, translating into higher costs at the dock.

These changes have immediate operational implications for captains and crew. Higher fuel costs may lead owners and management companies to reconsider trip planning. Longrange itineraries could become less

frequent or require stricter budgeting. Day trips and shorter charters could become more common as a costcontrol measure.

Additionally, captains may feel increased pressure to optimize fuel efficiency. This could mean adjusting cruising speeds, refining route planning, or minimizing generator use when possible. From a charter perspective, rising fuel prices could influence pricing structures, with brokers and managers possibly needing to revisit Advanced Provisioning Allowance estimates to ensure clients are prepared for higher operating expenses.

Fuel price volatility is not new to the industry, but the speed of this increase is notable. Staying informed and adapting operational strategies can be key to managing costs. It’s important to note that because fuel markets are highly volatile, prices driven by geopolitical tensions can change quickly, sometimes just as fast as they rise. If conditions stabilize or supply concerns ease, fuel costs could decrease, making some operational adjustments temporary rather than long-term.

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B Who was the first person to single-handedly circumnavigate the world in the yacht Spray?

C True or False: The Japanese yachtsman Kenichi Horie was the first to cross the Pacific Ocean using solar power alone.

D What does the yachting term “above board” originally mean, and where does it come from?

E What was the name of the U.S. presidential yacht used from Herbert Hoover until it was sold by Jimmy Carter?

ANSWERS BELOW

1. Captain Joshua Slocum (1895–1898) 2. True 3. Honest or legitimate (from pirates hiding crew below decks; honest ships kept crew “above board”). 4. USS Sequoia

CREW SCENE ON THE DOCKS

Photos by Kevin Maher and Flavia Patino-Paul

Photos by Yatco and Lauren Beck

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