Laura Shaughnessy is the former managing editor at Dockwalk.
IGY Marinas announced on April 28 that Yacht Haven Grande-Miami became the first — and only — designated Marine Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) in Miami-Dade County.
As an FTZ, Yacht Haven Grande-Miami can now alleviate duty and taxes on imported yachts and foreign-flagged craft while they’re in the zone. Their FTZ status means that international superyacht sales brokers can show and sell their global yacht inventory to potential U.S. buyers on a specially designated FTZ slip at Yacht Haven.
“The atmosphere will be akin to a rolling mini-Miami yacht show and the marina is very excited about adding this new offering to its current upscale services,” said Gili Wojnowich.
In their press release, IGY reportedly expects to place ease and efficiency at the forefront, with the expectation to attract savvy yacht sales brokers and yacht owners who want to benefit from the program, which eliminates the upfront payment of import duties on new builds and foreign-registered yachts prior to offering them for sale.
There’s no maximum duration for a yacht to stay in the FTZ. The broker only needs to reserve with YHG-Miami and an agent will complete the paperwork to register the boat into the FTZ.
The Island Gardens-based superyacht marina (formerly known as Island Gardens Marina) will reportedly work closely with U.S. Customs and Borders Protection to comply with FTZ rules. Although the FTZ area has restricted access, the marina’s facilities and services will remain available to crew, owners, and contractors.
“This will be the closest thing to a global marketplace for superyacht sales; it’s the perfect one-stop sales zone,” IGY Regional Director Gili Wojnowich said in their press release. “The atmosphere will be akin to a rolling mini-Miami yacht show and the marina is very excited about adding this new offering to its current upscale services.”
Yacht Haven accommodates a range of yachts up to 550 feet (167 meters) and they offer 50 superyacht berths. Among their amenities is a captain and crew lounge and barbecue area, private VIP Marina Lounge (spanning 2,700 square feet), the popular on-site fine dining at The Deck at Island Gardens, and they are located close to downtown Miami, Brickell, and Miami Beach.
The marina is currently accepting FTZ reservations. You can reserve your slip today at Yacht Haven Grande Miami at Island Gardens. Contact YHGmiami@igymarinas.com for more information.