Yacht Clubs of the Americas
Comes to Historic Ft. George Island
WRITTEN BY VANESSA WELLS

Yacht Clubs of the Americas (YCOA) is dropping anchor on another luxurious marina development in Florida on historic Ft. George Island. Destined to become North Florida’s newest Millionaire’s Club, the 2.7-acre site nestled near the mouth of the St. Johns River will soon feature 150 Dry Rackominiums™ and 17 Wet Dockominiums™ attached to a yacht club with five-star concierge service. YCOA’s Ft. George Harbour, which is slated for completion by 2008, is expected to sell out quickly as Ft. George Island is known as a playground for the affluent, many of which own boats. Located 10 miles south of Amelia Island and 16 miles east of Jacksonville, the Harbour is nestled among the most abundant fishing waters on the East Coast. With waterfront property and boat storage in high-demand, YCOA offers welcomed relief to the more than 1 million registered boaters in Florida as well as potential investors. In 2005, Duval County ranked ninth for the largest number of registered boaters (34,000) in the state with only one dry-stack spot for every 17 registered vessels. YCOA ownership ensures permanent waterway access as well as membership in a community of active boaters. And, YCOA’s unique business model provides slip owners with the right to lease to the public, therefore public access to the marina will always be available. In addition to wholesale food, fuel and beverages, YCOA members enjoy a myriad of modern luxury amenities. With one call to the Ft. George Harbour dockmaster, owners can have their boat waiting dockside and stocked with the requested meals and drinks prepared specially by the resident chef. When members arrive, dockhands will unload their personal provisions as a valet parks the car. Upon return, a member’s boat engine will be thoroughly flushed before the vessel is safely stored under the supervision of a 24-hour security staff. A boat slip purchase also provides full membership to a country club lifestyle with access to a 5,000-square-foot clubhouse and restaurant, a martini and cigar lounge, indoor and outdoor cocktail bars and a tiki hut with barbecue. YCOA also has spa and fitness facilities along with a sparkling pool. Owners enjoy the convenience of a gourmet deli and coffee shop and an on-site bait shop. In addition, ownership entitles members to reciprocal privileges at any of YCOA’s affiliated locations including Destin, Sanibel, New Smyrna, Naples, Key West, Riviera, Tampa, Stuart and Grand Bahamas. As demand continues to outpace supply, ownership allows for building equity in a rapidly dwindling resource. According to state-certified general appraisers, wet and dry slips appreciated an average of 35 percent per year for the past eight years.* Based in Fort Myers, Florida, YCOA acquires and develops marina properties and converts them into private membership yacht clubs at which members can own slips and storage units for boats. YCOA’s vision is to preserve marinas for the boating community as well as boat dealers and manufacturers. For more information about YCOA, visit www.ycoa.com. *This is a historical account of the appreciation of wet and dry slips from 1997 to 2005 and shall not be construed as any guarantee that wet and dry slips will continue to appreciate.