Before his overthrow by Islamic revolutionaries in the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the Shah was Iran’s all-powerful top leader. The Shah of Iran yacht he once owned is a rather impressive, large vessel with all sorts of luxurious amenities. It was manufactured during the mid-1950s by Blohm & Voss. However, the current whereabouts and condition of the Shah of Iran yacht remain in dispute.

Is this really it?

A Blohm & Voss yacht appears for sale on escapeartist.com for just under $700,000 dollars and is identified as the Shah of Iran’s former yacht. It is listed in good condition, with four diesel engines and a length of three-hundred feet. The vessel features a theatre, swimming pool, numerous lounges, and over one-hundred rooms. It is located in Austin, Texas. However, another site lists it for sale in California and estimates the value at twenty million dollars.

On the other hand, various blogs, forum messages, and Flickr photos identify an abandoned ship near the New Jersey turnpike as the Shah of Iran yacht. It rests not far from a defunct ferry boat which has been there for many years.   Search for marinas near the New Jersey Turnpike here.

Photos of it show a rusted vessel that does resemble the 1955 Blohm & Voss he owned. Some people claim that there was once a marina in the same location, or that a second owner had left the ship in this area after moving it from the Virgin Islands.

Which story is more likely true, and where is the yacht actually located? Considering that there appear to be no archived news reports on the Shah of Iran’s yacht being abandoned in New Jersey, it seems more likely that the ship either remains for sale or has already been sold. Another possibility is that the Shah of Iran owned multiple yachts but I failed to find reports credible reports to back up any theory… what do you know?

SOURCES:
1. EscapeArtist.com
2. YachtingBrokers.com
3. Dwarbi’s Roof
4. Flickr

Frequently Searched Marinas

As of this date, and based on research conducted by Marinefuel.com’s Search Engine Expert, the following have been designated as the top 50 Marinas in Marinefuel.com’s Database.   

This desgination is based on Google searches, and whether or not the marina carries fuel. It is also worth noting that preference was given to Florida based marinas, due to the fact that Florida is a ‘hub’ for boating and maritime activity.

Marinefuel.com supports all Marinas in the US & Caribbean.  The below list was compiled simply for the purpose of highlighting facilities which experience high search volume.

 

Take a tour for yourself: 
Click the links below to see why these marinas are frequently frequented!

harbor marina
cay marina
newport marina
harborside marina
waterfront marina
bayside marina
harbor island marina
cabrillo marina
bay harbor marina
bahia mar marina
bay point marina
snug harbor marina
largo resorts
hatteras marina
dockside marina
harborage marina
island cove marina
north point marina
chula vista marina
miami marina
loggerhead marina (miami)
clearwater marina
dale hollow marina
orange beach marina
shelter island marina
emeryville marina
harborside hotel and marina
sequoyah marina
sanibel marina
dinner key marina
atlantis marina
banana bay resort and marina
isle of palms marina
ft. lauderdale marina
holiday harbor marina
newport harbor hotel and marina
captains cove marina
hatteras harbor marina
marina bay quincy
burnt store marina
dolphin marina
charleston harbor resort and marina
wahweap marina
lighthouse marina
bullfrog marina
san diego marina
antelope point marina
brooklyn marina
san francisco marina
dana point marina
jefferson beach marina

The Floridian

Wayne Huizenga owned a massive aluminum-hulled yacht until recently; the “Floridian” is 69 meters long and features a helicopter landing pad. There is even a decompression chamber! According to a report in the Portland Press Herald, the “Floridian” visited Bar Harbor, Maine in 2006 to have its on-board helicopter serviced. Huizenga bought the Australian-made yacht from pro golfer Greg Norman in 2004.  The yacht was previously named the “Aussie Rules” and is now called the “Nomad” under yet another owner.

Wayne Huizenga: Incredible Businessman & Generous Philanthropist

Wayne Huizenga is a highly successful businessman who started (or greatly expanded) several major U.S. companies during the course of his career.   Mr. Huizenga’s path of success is paved with diversity, ingenuity and just plain good sense.

Huizenga began his life in Chicago. His mother and father were also born in Chicago, with ancestry of Dutch origin. He graduated from high school and enrolled in Michigan’s Calvin College.  In 1959, he joined the U.S. Army reserve. He married a year later and again in 1972. Huizenga became a business owner for the first time in 1960, starting him on a path that would lead from small business owner to  billionaire businessman.

Hometown of Wayne Huizenga

One of Huizenga’s first business moves was to purchase a small garbage collection business in Fort Lauderdale. The company later merged with a similar business in Chicago and became known as Waste Management. Through various acquisitions, Waste Management spread across the United States, and eventually worldwide. Wayne Huizenga left the company in 1984.  Waste Management continues to play a major role in waste disposal services and the company’s logo is a common sight throughout the U.S… Mr. Huizenga had created his first household name.

A few years later, Huizenga made an eighteen-million dollar investment in Blockbuster Inc., taking control of the company. It was a small chain at the time, but did have a superior electronic tracking system created by the original owner. Blockbuster rapidly established new video rental stores and began overseas operations by 1990, helped by the gradually lower cost of Video Cassette Recorders. By when the chain was sold to Viacom in 1994, Blockbuster had increased from eight to 3,700 stores.

Wayne Huizenga has run various other businesses, as well; these include Republic Industries (similar to Waste Management), the Extended Stay America hotel chain, and the nationwide AutoNation chain of car dealers. He started Extended Stay America in 1995 and expanded it to almost five-hundred hotels by 2004. AutoNation sold 5,000,000 automobiles in just nine years. Huizenga also owned the Florida Marlins baseball team during the mid- and late-1990s. Even though the Marlins made it to the World Series, Mr. Huizenga decided to sell the Team to John Henry (owner of Boston Red Sox).  His sports investments also include the Florida Panthers hockey team and Miami Dolphins football team. He largely exited the sports business scene in early 2009.

Huizenga has put a strong emphasis on philanthropy, giving over $100,000,000 dollars to charity. He donated $1 million to the Martin Memorial Foundation in Stuart, Florida in 2009. He also helped fund relief efforts after Hurricane Charley in 2004, donated $2 million to the Junior Financial Achievement Center in Coconut Creek, and has contributed to various educational institutions. His philanthropic efforts are mainly focused in the state of Florida.

In recognition of his achievements, the School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale was named after Huizenga. The story of Wayne Huizenga shows that skills and ability can translate well within a wide range of businesses… for decades, Mr. Huizenga has been setting a very positive example for entrepreneurs everywhere.  

SOURCES:
1. Encarta Encyclopedia 2005
2. The New Netherland Institute
3. MaineToday
4. Yacht Aussie Rules
5. Automotive Hall of Fame
6. The Chronicle of Philanthropy
7. Associated Press (via ESPN)
8. Florida Trend
9. Sun-Sentinel
10. Funding Universe

Greg Norman's Yacht (first) - Cakewalk

Greg Norman has achieved much success as a professional golfer. He has taken this success into the business world, and endeavored golf course design, real estate development, opened restaurants, and even learned to be a wine maker.  When Greg Norman decided to buy a yacht, his first purchase was the 200′ Feadship, Cakewalk. In 1999, Greg decided he wanted a yacht custom built to his own specifications, taking into account his love of diving and deep sea fishing.  Goodbye CakeWalk… hello Aussie Rules!

Greg Norman, Golf Pro

After doing extensive homework and developing his own set of specifications,  Greg selected Australian yacht builder OceanFast to construct his yacht. Although the company had never produced a yacht of this size, they had the technical support of Austral Ltd. (which owns Oceanfast) to lean on. Austral is the world leader in aluminum vessels, producing fast ferries and naval patrol boats.  He took possession of the yacht in 2003 at a reported cost of $70 million.

The Aussie Rules has an astounding range of over 8,000 nautical miles.  Greg’s (ex)wife, Laura (who has her own design business, N. I. Designs) worked with Sam Sorgiovanni to put together the yacht’s luxurious interior design. Greg Norman’s yacht was designed to be a floating home. Included are movie theater, library, observation lounge, and a crow’s nest with four chairs and a settee.

Specs for Greg Norman’s yacht Aussie Rules: 
Length:  228 ft.  |   Beam: 39 ft. 3 in.   |   Draft: 9 ft. 8 in.   |  Marine Fuel capacity: 59,439 gallons   |   Water capacity: 13,208 gallons   |   Engines: Dual 1,492-hp Caterpillar 3516B diesel inboards   |   Gensets: 3 x 227-kW Caterpillars

Greg Norman's Yacht - Aussie Rules

The additional equipment onboard Greg Norman’s yacht truly show his love of a life at sea. Greg Norman’s yacht holds dive gear for 30, and even a decompression chamber!  Aussie Rules’ onboard vessels make up their own mini-fleet, and include a 42 ft. custom sport fisherman named No Rules, 29 ft. SeaVee for diving and fishing, a 31-foot Novurania Equator, two 18 ft. Hewes flat boats and 4 personal water craft.  Goodness!

In a Power and Motoryacht article, Mr. Norman was interviewed and expressed the pride he feels for his design and accessory contributions of Aussie Rules.   This interview also made apparent who pleased he was that this awesome ship was constructed by an Australian builder.

After all of the effort Mr. Norman put into designing the yacht to his specifications, he sold it to Floridian billionaire Wayne Huizenga only year after taking posession.  Mr. Huizenga, who once also owned the Miami Dolphins and Florida Marlins,  renamed Aussie Rules as The Floridian.  Now, thanks to Mr. Huizega’s enhancements, a helicopter landing pad and expanded guest accommodations are in the luxurious mix.

Sources: Power and Motoryacht, strangevehicles.com , youtube, splashvision

Sunset Marina, Ocean City, MD

For over ten years, Sunset Marina has been helping boaters enjoy “the east coast’s number one family resort,” Ocean City, MD.  Located ¼ mile from the Ocean City inlet in a ‘surge-free 20-acre basin,’ the full-service Sunset Marina has 204 slips (80 with in-slip fueling access) and boatel dry stack boat storage for 400 boats of up to 30’ in length.

Sunset Marina offers a variety of boat amenities including gas and diesel; wireless internet; hook-ups for cable television, telephone, and 30-100 amp electrical; clean and well-maintained showers; laundry room; designated fish cleaning post; plenty of parking; and a heated pool.

Enjoy the views of Sunset Marina while you spend the afternoon relaxing at Sunset Grille & Teaser’s Bar offering three bars, two sitting and two dining areas.  Enjoy the house special Crab Cake Sandwich ($11.99) or sip a Chocolate Martini ($10) dockside.  Be sure to take advantage of Sunset Grille’s World Famous $4.99 lunch menu and ‘free dinner’ every Wednesday; Teaser’s Bar offers Happy Hour daily with $1 drinks from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Their well-stocked on-site store, Sunset Provisions, offers convenience items, an extensive selection of bait & tackle (including Shimano and Momoi), a complete selection of marine supplies, along with gifts and apparel items from Palegic and Costa Del Mar.

If you’d like to charter a skippered deep sea fishing boat, Sunset Marina has a selection of boats available for rental during the May to November fishing season.  Rates start at USD $750 plus fuel for a 5-hour (1/2 day) Bluefish charter onboard a 35’ Rampage to a 12-hour (full day) Marlin/Tuna charter onboard a 66’ Blackwell.  Ocean City offers a total of 13 public fishing piers for those wanting to stay a little closer to land.

With Ocean City as the ‘White Marlin Capital of the World,’ Sunset Marina is home to a number of annual fishing tournaments including the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen’s Association (MSSA) Tuna-Ment; Branch Kreppel Memorial Blue Marlin Tournament; Mid-Atlantic $500,000; Wahoo Rodeo & Flounder Roundup; and the MSSA Beach-N-Boat Tournament.  The nearby Gulf Stream waters help to reel in a variety of fish like yellow fin tuna, mako sharks, dolphin, bigeye, and sometimes even sailfish.

As a certified Maryland Clean Marina, Sunset Marina meets the pollution standards as outlined by the Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland Clean Marina Committee.  Sunset Marina adheres to ‘clean boating practices’ which include criteria for boat cleaning; maintenance; recycling; handling of sewage (including proper disposal and containment); and strict petroleum control regulations.

Home to the famous Ocean City boardwalk full of restaurants, boutiques, quaint shops, and gorgeous beaches, Ocean City has much to offer visitors of all ages.  Take a walking tour of historic downtown, tee off at any of the ten championship golf courses, or take a gamble on horse racing; with Sunset Marina as your jumping off point, the options are never-ending.

Flickr.com Photo Credit: Sources: Ocean City, Maryland by Rambling Traveler
Sunset Marina
Ocean City

marina anderson

In spite of her tremendously varied career, Marina Anderson also finds time for leisure activities including a fondness for jet skiing. She has mixed her love of the marine fuel powered water sport with her concern for animal welfare by participating in the jet ski competition of charity events. Here are a couple of events listed on her website:

American Oceans Celebrity Sports Invitational (jet ski competition)

Dream Foundation Celebrity Sports Invitational (jet ski competition)

Marina Anderson, Actress

Jet Ski / personal watercraft races and rallies are a good way for local charities to have some fun, attract people who are attracted to celebrities, promote a cause and raise money. Actress Eva Longoria Parker recently participated in the Miami jet ski Rally for Kids With Cancer. As one of 21 celebrities participating in the event, Ms. Longoria raised over $50,000 including $30,000 from an admirer who paid to take a jet ski ride with the actress.

So if you see an ad for a jet ski charity event in your area, go check it out. You never know who you might see there.

Source: Marina Anderson website

With its warm weather and plentiful bodies of water, South Florida boating is an attractive recreational activity year-around. Read on for more details about South Florida boating and desirable locations to visit…

The Everglades National Park is located in South Florida and offers numerous opportunities for boating or fishing. It even has a one-hundred mile canoe trail, where a wide variety of wildlife may be observed by boaters. Motorized boating is not permitted in many of the waters, but small motors are allowed in some areas (such as West Lake). The park also prohibits water skis, jet skis, and PWCs, so as to prevent them from disturbing wildlife.

The popular Intracoastal Waterway passes through many cities in southern and eastern FL.  This lengthy waterway offers a range of different scenery and many opportunities to dock, although it can become crowded in certain areas. (Click here to search for marinas along the Intercoastal!)  Another boating location of interest in South Florida is Markham Park in the city of Sunrise. The county park has several lakes, provides boat rentals, features a large campground, and is situated on West State Road 84.

There are also many marinas located in South Florida. You can use the MarineFuel.com E-Marina™ feature to search for a marina and read about the services, amenities, and fuel options it has to offer.

   SOURCES:
1. National Park Service, http://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/outdooractivities.htm
2. City of Sunrise, http://www.sunrisefl.gov/2park_markham.html
3. Fun and Sun.com, http://funandsun.com/1tocf/boating/intracoastal.html
4. Encarta Encyclopedia 2005

Top 5 Largest Yachts in the World Al Said

Ranking as number three in the Top 5 Yachts of the World is the 508’ (156m) mega yacht, Al Said.  It was built in 2006 by Lürssen Yachts of Bremen, Germany.  The reported cost to build is USD $109 million, and the yacht is currenlty owned by Qaboos bin Said Al Said, the Sultan of Oman.  A full amenities list  remains a mystery, but there are a few interesting details available to curious yacht enthusiast.

Known as Project Sunflower during construction, the Al Said super yacht caused a lot of speculation as it took shape in the German shipyard.  A collaboration between Lürssen and Jonathon Quinn Barnett Ltd of Seattle, WA, the massive vessel was said to be of typical Middle Eastern design with its triple mast and double funnel configuration; the ship was painted a light sand color which further ensued speculation as to the possible owner.  The rumours turned out to be true as the new spacious six-deck Al Said was to become the successor to the original  sandy colored 340’ Al Said yacht built in 1987.

Top 5 Largest Yachts in the World Al Said

The main hull of the Al Said was constructed of steel while the superstructure itself was made extensively of aluminum; this giga yacht (a yacht over 328’ or 100m) has a 79’ beam, a 17’ draught, and is powered by two MTU Aero engines of Germany.  Although the exact power output is not known (suggested to be 22,000 HP), the Al Said is capable of cruising at 14.5 knots with a maximum speed of 15.2 knots.  There are reportedly two tenders onboard the Al Said plus a helicopter landing pad that has been confirmed visually.

The interior of the Al Said was designed by famed naval architect Espen Øino of Norway and can accommodate 70 guests and a crew of 150.  It has been reported that one of the known features of the Al Said is the concert hall capable of hosting a 50-piece symphony orchestra.

Top 5 Largest Yachts in the World Al Said

Founded in 1875, Lürssen Yachts is responsible for the production of over 13,000 vessels, which inludes some of the most impressing and beautiful yachts the world has ever seen. 

As one of the Top 5 Largest Yachts in the World, the Al Said is moored in Mutrah, Oman; Oman is home to the annual 360-mile Dubai to Muscat Offshore Sailing Race held each January as well as the third event of the Extreme Sailing Series Asia to be held February 1-5, 2010.  Oman offers an array of popular tourist attractions including the spectacular Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, castles, museums, archaeological sites, and a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the tombs at Bat.

Sources:
Flickr.com Photo Credit: Al Said, the Royal Yacht by CWaterJohn
Flickr.com Photo Credit: Al Said, Sultan Qaboos Yacht by BilalMirza
Flickr.com Photo Credit: Ras Al Jinz beach by Rastapopaulose
Wikipedia
Lürssen Yachts
World’s Luxury Guide
CharterWorld.com
Luxury-Yacht.blogspot.com
Yacht-Racing.org
SuperYachtTimes
Extreme Sailing Series
WhatsOnWhen
Oman Tourism

There are numerous Holiday Harbor Marinas around the United States, and at least one in Canada.  The following is a little information about Holiday Harbor Marinas from around the country.

Holiday Harbor Marina, Wilmington, CA:  Transient Slips, water hookup, Electric (30A), showers, and public restroom facilities.  If you’ve visited this marina, please leave a review for others to see.

Holiday Harbor Marina: can you guess which one is shown in this picture?

Across the United States, Holiday Harbor Marina Perdido Key, near Pensacola, Florida provides boaters access to the gulf along the Florida Panhandle. This marina provides all of the services a local or visiting boater could need including wet and dry storage, repair services and a boating time share program.

Moving into middle America, the Holiday Harbor Marina of Huron, Ohio provides boating services and access to Lake Erie. The marina is on the Huron River, one-half mile from the lake. Facilities include a large amount of dock, store, public launch ramp and boat service. Winter boat storage is a given in this part of the country. Holiday Harbor Marina is an Ohio Clean Marina.

Holiday Harbor Marina of Waretown, New Jersey combines a yacht brokerage business with the marina. This marina does not have much of a website, so we will assume it is a local establishment for locals. The marina has 275 slips and on land storage. Waretown provides boaters access to Barnegat Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Holiday Harbor Marina on Lake Altoona is the closest marina to Atlanta, Georgia. The full service marina and resort also has cabins and camping facilities. Nearby Acworth, Georgia provides vacationers a wide range of activities. Lake Altoona is one of the most popular lakes in the southeast United States.

Holiday Harbour Marina of LaSalle, Ontario, Canada provides marina services to the Windsor, Canada/Detroit, Michigan area. The family oriented marina allows boating on the Detroit River, Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair. If you plan on boating to this particular Holiday Harbour Marina, the website has a very informative transient boater’s info page. Check it out.

A study of the different Holiday Harbor Marinas truly shows the diversity of recreational boating.