Brokers network at Bahia Mar Yachting Center

Seeing stunning yachts in person creates excitement, inspiring new journeys and itineraries, even for the most seasoned brokers. That’s the goal of the yacht hop organized by International Yacht Broker Association (IYBA), a broker’s open house at Bahia Mar Yachting Center in Fort Lauderdale. Held on the third Thursday of each month, the catered event brings yacht brokers and industry insiders together to view, inspect and discuss some of the best brokerage vessels available for sale on the luxury megayacht market.

Attendants enjoy drinks and gourmet hors d'oeuvres with chefs on board the featured yachts. Approximately 25 megayachts representing a combined price tag of approximately $92,339,000 and an average length of 86-feet made an appearance at the open house on September 20, where YachtingJournal.com boarded M/Y Essence of Cayman, the 85-foot, cold-molded mahogany classic series by Turkish builder Vicem.  

Offered by Merle Wood & Associates at $1,950,000, this 2006 motoryacht with an enclosed pilothouse features naval architecture and interior design by Jane Plachar and is flagged Cayman Islands.

With a composite hull and teak deck, Essence of Cayman cruises at 19 knots with a max speed of 25. Offering accommodations for six passengers and four crew, her interior layout provides three staterooms with two crew cabins. With the heart of a down-east style yacht or lobster boat with a sweeping sheer line, this Vicem with a narrow entry is well noted for comfort in a seaway.

“She is smooth and stable,” said Capt. Jeff Varga. “She has a lot of starboard height out of the water.”

Displaying interior spaciousness, the decor is traditional with classic Americana blues amid a sea of teak, mahogany and brass hardware. The master suite has a vanity seating area and full beam his and hers ensuites. With two large salons, exotic hardwood stands out on this yacht, wrapping Essence of Cayman’s guests in luxury and nautical flair.