The more superyachts that come to San Diego, the more economic vitality is generated for the region’s fast-growing marine industry. That’s the rallying cry of the San Diego Superyacht Association (SDSA), a new coalition of San Diego’s marine-related companies that serve the local large-yacht industry. The group’s mission is to promote San Diego as a world-class superyacht destination and provide a conduit to marine services and suppliers.
“We all agree that the time has come for all of us to work together to attract even more large yachts to San Diego,” said Paul Daubner, a San Diego-based yacht management specialist and the group’s elected president. “We can provide the vast array of products and services these boats require, which in turn stimulates the local marine economy. By joining forces, we can enhance San Diego’s position as one of the world’s leading yacht destinations.”
In recent years, San Diego has emerged as the West Coast’s premiere superyacht destination for several reasons:
- its year-round temperate climate, which is similar to that of the Mediterranean, home to many of the world’s largest and most luxurious yachts
- its West Coast location, which provides a triangular nexus connecting Mexico and Central America, the Pacific Northwest and the South Pacific
- the growing availability of world-class yacht repair facilities and numerous marine support firms located along the calm, protected waters of San Diego Bay
- the crew friendly environment and recreational amenities of San Diego and the surrounding areas
SDSA’s 16 founding members include representatives from yacht brokerages, yacht repair firms, marinas and other leading yacht-industry firms. The coalition is the first and only such association on the West Coast of the U.S.
Superyachts (also referred to as “megayachts”) are generally considered to be any yacht that exceeds 120 ft. in length. With such large vessels, whose value ranges from $10 million to $100 million and higher, it is commonplace that at least 10% of the vessel’s market value is required to keep it operating each year. Expenses go for such essentials as captain and crew, provisions and fuel.
For repairs, it’s not uncommon for such yachts to spend several million dollars on refits –the industry term for complete refurbishing of the vessel – along with engine re-powers, hull and topside paintwork and general maintenance.
According to industry figures, there are currently more than 7,000 superyachts around the world, with the largest concentrations of such vessels located in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. In addition, nearly 300 newly-built superyachts 120-ft or larger are launched each year world-wide.
“With all that San Diego has to offer, industry experts believe our region is in prime position for terrific growth,” said Daubner. “The potential here is enormous. San Diego Superyacht Association’s goal is to work together to successfully promote our assets – world-class tradespeople, companies and services – to the world’s top yacht captains, owners and yacht management firms.”
The San Diego Superyacht Association is a non-profit corporation. The following is a list of founding members:
• Paul Daubner, Fraser Yachts
• Neil Wilson, Driscoll Boat Works
• Deborah Pennell, Shelter Island Marina
• Terry Ruppert, Knight & Carver YachtCenter
• Mark Drewelow, C2C Inc.
• Ron Dehne, Hawthorn Power Systems
• Dean West, Honor Marine Electronics
• Peter Taliercio, Kona Kai Marina
• Fred Larsson, Marine Group Boat Works, LLC
• David Roscow, Northrop and Johnson
• Craig Stephens, Rocket Research
• Judy Donnelly, San Diego Marine Exchange
• Doug Sharp, Sharp Design
• Ernie Buck, Valley Power Systems, Inc.
• Cris Wenthur, Wenthur Law Group, LLP
• Pacific Superyacht Promotions/YachtFest San Diego
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