WATER PARTNERS
2/2/2009 2:17:09 PM by Scott Johnson
Southeast Florida ranks among the most popular spots in the world for people who love the boating lifestyle. It’s one of the best spots on the earth where passion for blue skies and blue water can be totally fulfilled. That’s why George Jousma president of yachtBlue chose to make this area his home. There is nothing Jousma likes more than to spend his days with people who share his passion for yachting and the sea.
Jousma is the president of yachtBlue, a new yacht sales and service business located at 1515 SE 17th Street in Ft. Lauderdale. For more than 25 years he has been involved in the recreational marine business with the past14 years as president of one of the area’s largest and most successful marine dealerships. He is a leader in the industry having served as president of the Florida Yacht Brokers Association.
This past year George established a new business named yachtBlue and partnered with two of the world’s most prestigious brands of premium quality yachts — Marquis and Sanlorenzo. “We take enormous pride in the strength of our company and have developed a commitment to successfully represent two of the highest quality yachts available. When you are presented the opportunity to develop a company and represent it with brands that share similar values it is an offer you can not pass up,” says Jousma.
YachtBlue will be a presenting dealer at the Marquis Yachts display at this year’s Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show. The Marquis exhibit is located in the 4900 block of Collins Ave. This year’s in-water exhibit will showcase six Marquis yachts including the new Marquis 500 Sport Bridge and a new Marquis 720 Motor Yacht.
The Marquis 500 Sport Bridge packages the genius of Italy’s renowned Nuvolari-Lenard Naval Architects together with the superior craftsmanship of Marquis, America’s premier yacht yard. The result is a prem
The unique profile of the Marquis 500 Sport Bridge makes a very distinctive impression. The yacht’s sweeping lines are the result of masterful application of Marquis’ innovate Three-dimensional fiberglass tooling technology. The 500 Sport Bridge’s superstructure, deck and hull are constructed from unified fiberglass components (rather than façades that are simply fastened to the structure for cosmetic purposes). Fiberglass technology and rigid construction specifications make this yacht not only great looking but incredibly strong as well. So strong that the Marquis 500 Sport Bridge is certified CE Class A – Ocean by the International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI). This is the highest rating for pleasure craft of this size and type.
The extra large transom platform is used to board the yacht while at dockside and is the area where people interact with the sea while at anchor. This is where people will dangle their toes in the water, climb aboard the PWC or board a launch for an excursion ashore. After dark, turn on the underwater transom lights and see the fish that frequently congregate within the glow of the light. The transom platform is the gateway to a world of life at sea. Access to the yacht’s cockpit is gained through port or starboard transom gates. And while the cockpit is roomy…you can expand this space another 18” by moving the transom further aft with just a push of a button. The brilliant design of this function creates additional space in the cockpit without reducing the size of the transom platform.
From the cockpit proceed up a few stairs and enter a fly bridge designed for relaxation, conversation and enjoying drinks and a snack. This is a special place to command the vessel. For those along for the ride there are numer
The transition from the cockpit to the cabin is easily gained through the tri-fold aft bulkhead doors. These doors open to create a single environment which includes the yacht’s cockpit, lower helm, salon and galley. Panoramic cabin windows provide a 360° view while they also let the sun illuminate the yacht’s interior. Claustrophobia is not a word that will ever be used on board the 500 Sport Bridge. Take note that the salon, galley and cockpit are all on the same floor level making the 500 Sport Bridge unique among all other brands of yachts. The yacht can be outfitted with an interior constructed from select cherry hardwood or highly figured zebrano imported from central Africa.
The 500 Sport Bridge’s three separate staterooms (providing accommodations for six) are located in the forward section of the vessel. All beds are outfitted with pillow top, inner spring mattresses just like at home. There are also two heads on board, each with its own stylish vessel sink, designer fixtures and stall shower.
The luckiest person on board is the one who gets to drive this performance yacht because it is equipped with three powerful Volvo diesel engines that utilize the innovative IPS drive system. The hull shape of the 500 Sport Bridge has been specifically designed and tested to maximize the performance of this triple IPS engine insta
Also featured in this year’s Marquis display will be a custom designed Marquis 720 with an interior styled by Italian decorator Valentina Zannier. Valentina Zannier is a partner and lead interior decorator at the Italian Naval Architectural Studio of Nuvolari-Lenard. The interior of this Marquis 720 Motor Yacht is fascinating and reflects Zannier’s contemporary European design influence. This is a Marquis – so the attention to detail and craftsmanship is outstanding. The salon sole is Brazilian cherry and serves as a beautiful backdrop for the handmade Italian leather furnishings from Calia Italia. Illumination throughout the yacht is provided by a combination of fixtures designed and made by Cantalupi of Viareggio, Italy.
Oak cabinetry is carried forward throughout the yacht’s spacious galley which is richly surrounded by intricately flecked and veined granite flooring and countertops. A dining table for six is situated adjacent to the galley and features an inlaid icon of the Nuvolari-Lenard marquee, a prestigious symbol recognized by experienced yachtsmen throughout the world. Below decks the opulence of the Zannier interior continues throughout the yacht’s four private staterooms.
The Master Stateroom is the owner’s private domain. Oak cabinets, drawers and hanging lockers are not only expertly crafted and beautifully finished but also designed to be highly functional for live aboard convenience. The Master Bath with marble floor and counter tops is an environment onto itself. The spacious stall shower is surrounded by an artistic pattern of ceramic and dark Emperador marble tiles from Spain.
The Marquis brand represents some of the strongest synergies found within today’s premium quality yacht industry. Design by Italy’s Nuvolari-Lenard, construction by Marquis’ American yard and now sold in SE Florida by yachtBlue.