top dog yacht naples florida

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This Yacht is not for Charter*

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TOP DOG yacht NOT for charter*

39.62m  /  130' | westport yachts | 2015.

Owner & Guests

Cabin Configuration

• Previous Yacht

Special Features:

• Impressive 2,500nm range
• ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) ✠A1, Commercial Yachting Service, ✠AMS classification
• Interior design from Westport Yachts
• Sleeps 10 overnight

The 39.62m/130' motor yacht 'Top Dog' was built by Westport Yachts in the United States at their Westport, WA shipyard. Her interior is styled by American designer design house Westport Yachts and she was delivered to her owner in October 2015. This luxury vessel's exterior design is the work of Gregory Marshall.

Guest Accommodation

Top Dog has been designed to comfortably accommodate up to 10 guests in 5 suites. She is also capable of carrying up to 7 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience.

Range & Performance

Built with a GRP hull and GRP superstructure, with teak decks, she benefits from a semi-displacement hull to provide exceptional seakeeping and impressive speeds. Powered by twin diesel MTU (12V 4000 M90) 12-cylinder 2,735hp engines running at 2050rpm, she comfortably cruises at 20 knots, reaches a maximum speed of 24 knots with a range of up to 2,500 nautical miles from her 9,530 gallon fuel tanks at 10 knots. Her water tanks store around 1,780 Gallons of fresh water. She was built to ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) ✠A1, Commercial Yachting Service, ✠AMS classification society rules, and is MCA Compliant.

*Charter Top Dog Motor Yacht

Motor yacht Top Dog is currently not believed to be available for private Charter. To view similar yachts for charter , or contact your Yacht Charter Broker for information about renting a luxury charter yacht.

Top Dog Yacht Owner, Captain or marketing company

'Yacht Charter Fleet' is a free information service, if your yacht is available for charter please contact us with details and photos and we will update our records.

Top Dog Photos

NOTE to U.S. Customs & Border Protection

Specification

M/Y Top Dog

SIMILAR LUXURY YACHTS FOR CHARTER

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TOP DOG is a 39.62 m Motor Yacht, built in the United States of America by Westport and delivered in 2015. She is one of 42 130 models.

Her top speed is 24.0 kn, her cruising speed is 20.0 kn, and she boasts a maximum cruising range of 3000.0 nm at 12.0 kn, with power coming from two MTU diesel engines. She can accommodate up to 10 guests in 5 staterooms, with 7 crew members waiting on their every need. She has a gross tonnage of 333.0 GT and a 7.9 m beam.

She was designed by Taylor Olson (41 other superyachts designed) and Westport (88 other superyachts designed).

The naval architecture was developed by William Garden , who has architected 79 other superyachts in the BOAT Pro database, and the interior of the yacht was designed by Westport , who has 111 other superyacht interiors designed in the BOAT Pro database - she is built with a Teak deck, a GRP hull, and GRP superstructure.

TOP DOG is in the top 30% by LOA in the world. She is one of 1138 motor yachts in the 35-40m size range, and, compared to similarly sized motor yachts, her cruising speed is 1.67 kn above the average, her top speed 2.11 kn above the average, and her volume 66.1 GT above the average.

TOP DOG is currently sailing under the Cayman Islands flag, the 2nd most popular flag state for superyachts with a total of 1376 yachts registered. She has recently entered the superyacht marina Valentine's Resort & Marina, in Bahamas. For more information regarding TOP DOG's movements, find out more about BOAT Pro AIS .

Specifications

• Name: TOP DOG
• Previous Names: SATISFACTION
• Yacht Type: Motor Yacht
• Yacht Subtype: Semi-displacement
• Builder: Westport
• Naval Architect: William Garden
• Exterior Designer: Taylor Olson , Westport
• Interior Designer: Westport

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THE MEGA MANSIONS OF NAPLES

First, I want to warn you that these “winter getaway” homes are super luxurious and it is easy to imagine yourself sitting by the pool with an attentive butler at your disposal. I couldn’t pick just one that I would buy if I had the money to do so. It certainly makes you wonder what kind of massive architectural structures these billionaires and millionaires live in full time.

We picked a day to explore Naples and decided on a sightseeing cruise through the beautiful Naples Bay and Gordon Pass waterways, followed by a city trolley tour. These activities are not affiliated with each other, but we were able to jump off the boat and walk a couple of blocks to hop on the two hour trolley tour. We started at Tin City, which you can see on the map below.

Once we pushed off from the dock, we navigated Gordon Pass, wound our way through some canals, and briefly drove out in the Gulf of Mexico. Surprisingly, we had a brief encounter with two dolphins on our way back to Tin City.

Tin City’s tin roofed buildings were the hub of economic development and transportation in the 1920’s, which was made possible by the construction of the Seaboard Airline Railroad. Now it is home to over thirty unique boutiques, two waterfront restaurants and a variety of water and boating adventures.

Several exclusive yacht clubs are conveniently located on Naples Bay. There is a $40,000 application fee and 2-4 year waiting list for one of them. I can safely say that we will never become a member.

With a high concentration of millionaires and billionaires living nearby, I am sure that there will always be a waiting list. The mega boats caught our attention, but wait until you see the massive estates that lined both sides of Naples Bay.

We initially drove by Aqualane Shores, a 350 homesite luxury community on deep canals that was started in 1950. The homes have been torn down and replaced with sprawling mansions priced from $2.3 million to $10 million.

The next development, Port Royal, was developed by John Glen Sample who died in 1973. His vision was to build the finest place in the World to live. Between 1938 and 1950, Sample acquired two square miles of mangroves and swamp land for $13,700.

In the early 1950’s, heavy equipment was brought in to help begin dredging and filling the marshlands to develop numerous man-made peninsulas into residential lots overlooking the waterways, coves and Naples Bay. The first lots were sold for amounts ranging from $7500 to $12,000 each.

Today, the properties sell at the low end for $5 million on canals and up to $60 million for beachfront estates. Since most of these are winter vacation homes, they are only used a few weeks out of the year. I was bummed that we didn’t see a single person lounging by their pool.

Initially, Sample personally interviewed and accepted every potential buyer for each piece of land in the community until his death in 1971. If the buyer was not up to the standards of dress, conversation, or other factor, he would reject their bid to purchase the land.

It was rumored that Sample did not welcome celebrity owners into his community, but after his death, Tom Selleck was allowed to build a home at the end of a peninsula. His original home remains as one of the smaller and older properties that we saw, but it recently sold and will be torn down I’m sure.

Unfortunately, Tom never moved in because he assumed the entrance would be gated, but it never was. I have to admit that his house has very little curb appeal. They should have called HGTV!

I  can’t remember every owner of the specific estates that the captain pointed out, but I kept track of names and/or companies. Some big names were executives from the likes of S C Johnson, Best Buy, the founder of Play Dough, the founder of a mutual fund company once owned by Aetna, Goldman Sachs, Lehman Brothers, Revlon, and Portillo (of Chicago Hot Dog fame).

I wonder if these owners get irritated at the tour boats and private boats cruising up and down the canals. There certainly is not much privacy by the swimming pools that are right on the water.

I took so many pictures and here are a few more…..

Some of the founders of Naples and the surrounding Collier county had built homes in the area. Not too many original homes exist today.

One family owns the two homes above and property on the adjacent island. It was recently put on the market and will go for $100 – $150 million. However, the sales record will not be disclosed to the public.

The trolley tour took us all over town. A highlight during the tour was one of the nation’s most exclusive addresses, 5th Avenue South, which is near Old Naples and is home to upscale fashion and jewelry, spas, one-of-a-kind gifts, artwork, home décor, fine dining, and entertainment.

What a great way to spend a day! I highly recommend both activities if you like admiring fancy expensive things that you can’t afford. Or maybe you can….either way it’s fun to look.

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Motor Yacht

Top Dog is a semi-custom motor yacht launched in 2014 by Westport.

Since 1964 Westport has taken a long-term view of the future, and invested heavily in people, design, naval architecture, infrastructure, engineering and proven technologies to secure its position at the forefront of the superyacht industry.

Top Dog measures 34.14 metres in length, with a max draft of 1.68 feet and a beam of 7.24 feet.

Top Dog has a GRP hull with a GRP superstructure.

Top Dog also features naval architecture by Jack Sarin.

Top Dog is a semi-custom Westport 112 model.

Performance and Capabilities

Top Dog has a top speed of 25.00 knots and a cruising speed of 22.00 knots. She is powered by 2 d2842le410 diesel engines.

Top Dog has a fuel capacity of 20,820 litres, and a water capacity of 3,785 litres.

Accommodation

Top Dog accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 cabins.

Other Specifications

Top Dog flies the flag of the USA.

• Yacht Builder Westport View profile
• Naval Architect Jack Sarin No profile available
• Exterior Designer Westport View profile
• Interior Designer Westport View profile

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Nature + Recreation / Like A Local

Naples’ Exclusive Yachts Makes the Most of Seaworthy Adventures

The membership-based club makes it easy to tick off the one must-do in the area: hit the water..

Different membership levels get you annual YachtPoints, which you can redeem for specific boats and experiences. For something like a sunset sail, you can book this quickly online. For a more extensive trip, like the Maldives, a dedicated concierge is on hand to help curate the itinerary (and is available 24/7 while you’re on the boat). From Naples, you could go over to Tarpon Point, anchor in the Gulf and play with all the (provided) watersports toys, or cruise off to the Florida Keys for three days on a 76-foot Sunseeker yacht, with a crew of three, catering, insurance, taxes and tips all included.

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Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to Florida!

14 Best Boat Tours In Naples Florida (Sunset, Catamaran, Dolphin, and more!)

March 18, 2021 //  by  Florida Trippers

The best Naples boat tours are waiting for you! If you’re looking for a new way to take to the water, you’ve come to the right place.

Florida’s West Coast beaches are undoubtedly beautiful, but swimming off the shoreline and sunbathing can get boring. If you’ve ever wondered what’s beyond the shoreline, then these Naples boat tours are for you. This is truly one of the best things to do in Naples!

It doesn’t matter your disposition, there’s a boat tour from Naples for everyone! If you want to relax and take in the scenery, no problem. Or if you want a workout and want to kayak through the Ten Thousand Islands or the Everglades, there’s a tour for you!

There are even options for Spring Breakers too! Say goodbye to getting stuck on sandbars or worrying about DUIs. Naples boat tours have an option for you that takes away all the worry and hassle so you can be safe!

So no matter if you’re a tourist, a local, a vacationer, a fisherman, or somebody who just wants more of the great out doors? There’s a boat tour from Naples just for you. We even have a list of the best Everglades tours from Naples if you want an airboat ride. Discover what Southwest Florida has to offer you!

14 Best Boat Tours In Naples Florida (Sunset, Airboat, Dolphin, and more!)

Ten thousand islands boat tour.

For half a day, board a boat and explore one of Florida’s top natural attractions. This tour is one of the most fun Naples boat tours, exploring the Ten Thousand Island!

You’ll depart from Marco Island , about fifteen minutes south of Naples, with 12 other people to ensure an intimate experience. Then you’ll head to a small barrier island only accessible by boat on tour lasting about 3 hours.

The captain will point out sea life, highlight interesting sites, and discuss local history and ecology. While on the island, you’ll be able to swim, go snorkeling , and look for rare seashells!

Book Now : Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour

Western Everglades Adventure Tour

One of the best Naples boat trips is to explore the ecosystem that is the Everglades . This tour will take you from Naples into the marshes and swamps of this natural wonder.

While you ride, you’ll be looking for native Florida wildlife like birds and turtles. You’ll even see alligators , of which there are more here than anywhere else in the world!

There’s even an interactive reptile show at the end of the day! You’ll spend a half-day on the water with your naturalist guide who will teach you about the ecosystem while you spot herons, egrets, and snakes!

Book Now : Western Everglades Adventure Tour

Cape Romano Boat Tour

For a quaint morning and afternoon on the water, enjoy one of the best Naples boat tours of Cape Romano! With a guide, you’ll explore one of the prettiest areas of the Ten Thousand Islands.

You’ll depart at 9 AM from Caxambas Park Marina at the south end of Marco Island, only 15 minutes away from Naples. The tour only hosts 10 people, so you’re in for an intimate experience.

You’ll learn about the region’s marine life and see the ecosystem of mangroves of the Ten Thousand Islands. Afterward, you’ll stop on one of the islands to go shelling ! Make sure to look out for the Florida Domes !

Book Now : Cape Romano Boat Tour

Ten Thousand Islands Catamaran Tour

On this Naples boat tour hosted by Backwater Adventure , you’ll be in the captain’s seat! As you go through the Ten Thousand Islands, you’ll be operating your own catamaran!

On the morning of your tour, you’ll meet at the Little Bar Restaurant. You’ll be provided with all the required US Coast Guard equipment and bottled water. Complimentary pictures will even be shared with you via Dropbox!

Choose from a 2.5-hour or 5-hour tour, and you will operate your own 2 person catamaran through the waterways of the Ten Thousand Islands. Led by a guide on a separate catamaran, you’ll be able to see the marine life at a closeness not available on other boat tours from Naples!

Book Now : Backwater Adventure

Naples Bay and the Gulf Eco-Boat Tour

Of all the Naples boat tours, this may be the most luxurious. You’ll privately be led on a 3-hour sightseeing/eco-tour to discover Naples’s vibrant ecosystem.

Either departing at 9 PM or 1 PM, you’ll spend 3 hours on a 22-inch motorboat with comfortable seating for all guests! Shade will be provided by a T-Top plus an additional bimini on very hot days.

As you head head north through Naples Bay, you’ll see dolphins, manatees, and a variety of birds including blue herons, roseate spoonbills, ospreys, and egrets!

You’ll be provided with complimentary bottled waters and sodas as well as a cooler with ice for your personal snacks and drinks. You can bring your own alcohol onboard and be provided with cups and a corkscrew! Don’t forget a Bluetooth radio to stream music of your choice!

Book Now : Naples Bay and the Gulf Eco-Boat Tour

Naples Sightseeing Boat Tour

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of life on one of the best Naples boat tours. This cruise will help you discover the top sights that Naples has to offer!

You’ll board a small motorboat where you’ll be able to purchase alcoholic beverages and small snacks. Make sure to bring your camera to take unobstructed pictures of the city.

After stopping at Tin City, a shopping and dining destination, you’ll cruise to the Gordon River Greenway. Along this stretch of water, you’ll see historic buildings and the homes of millionaires in Port Royal, some even owned by celebrity snowbirds!

Book Now : Naples Sightseeing Boat Tour

Dolphin, Birding and Shelling Tour

On one of the best Naples boat tours, you’ll be introduced to birding! You’ll also have the opportunity to see dolphins and then go shelling for rare shells on the Ten Thousand Islands.

These tours are never “canned,” meaning the course changes daily to find the most beautiful Florida wildlife as it migrates. You’ll learn about these species in detail and their ecosystems from an experienced naturalist guide!

You’ll be able to see many different species depending on the season. Expect to encounter manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, bald eagles, ospreys, herons, egrets, pelicans, and roseate spoonbills. You’ll also see many species of fish and shore birds.

Make sure to bring your own water and snacks to last 2 hours. Wear a sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and shoes you don’t mind getting wet. You also won’t regret bringing a camera and a pair of binoculars!

Book Now: Dolphin, Birding, and Shelling Tour

Sunset Catamaran Sailing Excursion

How many Naples boat tours allow you to sail on a catamaran named “Cool Beans?” Cool Beans Cruises will be the perfect way to see Southwest, Florida to make lasting memories.

Choose between a 2.45-hour day-sail or a 2.5-hour champagne sunset cruise! With up to 20 passengers, you’ll depart from Naples and pass by the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Wildlife Reserve.

During the day-sail, you’ll stop by Keywaydin Island for shelling and swimming. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, birds, and manatees ! Bring a camera to capture a photo!

On the sunset sail, you’ll have a complimentary champagne toast right as the sun sets on the water. On both cruises, you’ll be able to drink complimentary soda, water, beer, and white wine.

Book Now : Cool Beans Cruises

Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Eco Tour

Kayaking in Florida is always beautiful, but you can experience the best of one of the most fun Naples boat tours! Here , you’ll paddle a kayak through the mangroves of the Everglades.

You’ll discover the exotic beauty of the Everglades’ mangroves forest with the expertise of an experienced guide and naturalist. You’ll spend three hours winding through sleepy creeks and mangrove canopies.

Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced paddler, you’ll learn kayaking techniques from your guide. You’ll also get a larger-than-life view of alligators, herons, ducks, and loads of fish species! Don’t forget the bug spray!

Book Now : Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Eco Tour

Marco Island Dolphin-Watching Tour

Hosted by Florida Adventures and Rentals, this is one of the most relaxing of the Naples boat tours. Traveling through the Ten Thousand Islands, you’ll be looking for dolphins.

With your captain-guide, Captain Steve , you’ll explore the Ten Thousand Islands after departing from Marco Island at 11:30 AM. You’ll only be with 10 other travelers, so it’s an intimate experience.

You’ll be able to see dolphins right up close to the boat! Captain Steve will educate you about the natural environment and the area’s ecosystem. Also be on the lookout for native birds as well as fish in the maze of mangroves.

Book Now : Marco Island Dolphin-Watching Tour

Ten Thousand Island Jet Ski Eco-Tour

When you need to beat the heat, one of the regular Naples boat tours just won’t cut it. To get the best views on the water and from the water, consider the Ten Thousand Island Jet Ski tour !

Take a break from the beach and fly through the waters of the Ten Thousand Islands on a jet ski. From the Naples marina, your guide will point out dolphins and sea creatures often missed by untrained eyes.

Because you’re on a jet ski, you’ll be able to travel to secluded locations on the 30+ mile route that are inaccessible to boats and kayaks. With a small group size, you’ll be able to travel to the Florida Domes as well!

Keep in mind to drive a jet ski, you will have to obtain a Boaters Safety Certificate. You also must be 16 years old to operate the machine. If you were born before January 1, 1988, you do not need any certificate at all!

Book Now : Ten Thousand Island Jet Ski Eco-Tour

Naples Deep Sea Fishing Tour

Anglers, rejoice! Sometimes the pier just doesn’t cut it. Instead of chartering your own boat and going it alone, take one of the best Naples boat tours to go deep-sea fishing !

Departing from the Cocohatchee River Park Marina, you won’t even need your own fishing license on this chartered boat. You’ll drop anchor about 10 miles or 16 kilometers offshore before you cast your lines.

Choose between a 4-, 6-, or 8-hour tour. After you depart at 7 AM, your captain will offer instruction and casting lessons to those who need it. Equipment will be provided. Depending on the season, you might find cobia, mackerel, snapper, and grouper!

Book Now : Naples Deep Sea Fishing Tour

Captain Party Hard Boat Tour

If you’re looking for a fun and different Spring Break destination , consider taking the most fun of the Naples boat tours out there: The Captain Party Hard Boat Tour !

Captain Party Hard will provide you a safe and worry-free boat tour. Departing from Marco Island, you’ll sail around Keywaydin Island and the Ten Thousand Island with multiple opportunities to spy on dolphins.

You’ll be surrounded by great music and a party atmosphere on a 27′ Hurricane Deck Boat. For four hours, you won’t have to worry about DUIs or getting stuck on sandbars.

You’ll be provided with beach chairs, games, beverages, and snacks. Dance with locals on the beaches, too! All you need is a bathing suit and a towel! Captain Brent Wilson provides the rest.

Book Now : Captain Party Hard Boat Tour

Guided Kayak Tour

If sitting on a boat sounds unappealing, then enjoy the water on one of the most adventurous Naples boat tours! With small groups of 6 maximum guests, you’ll be on an intimate kayaking adventure !

Small groups create the best opportunity to quietly kayak so everyone can see as much wildlife as possible. Your naturalist guide will provide information about the incredible flora and fauna of Southwest Florida.

Departing from the Cocohatchee River Park Marina in Naples, your guide will provide you with your equipment: kayak, paddle, life vest, and even a dry bag for your electronics. Bring your own water, sunblock, and bug spray.

After departure, you’ll head to Barefoot Beach Preserve. Through the mangroves, you’ll have the opportunity to see dolphins, manatees, birds, and more! Then you’ll stop by Barefoot Beach to stretch your legs and go shelling and swim!

Book Now : Guided Kayak Tour

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BROKERAGE // YACHT MANAGEMENT

Based out of beautiful Naples, FL, Yacht Partners provides a comprehensive concierge experience for clients in search of excellence on the water. Whether looking for a luxurious motor yacht to cruise the Med or the perfect sport fisher to win tournaments, Yacht Partners works with you to secure the vessel for your vision. 

Yacht Partners offers brokerage, select listings, and concierge services for the discerning client. Contact us today and tour the realm of possibilities.

Yacht Brokerage & Charter:   At Yacht Partners we do not simply pull listings and present them to clients for consideration.  After client preferences and requirements are carefully discussed and identified, specific yachts are vetted for presentation and consideration.  In most instances, a Yacht Partners professional will personally visit and inspect a selected yacht prior to client introduction.   Any yacht presented to a Yacht Partners client will have been investigated by us to determine ownership, operational, and refit/repair history.  This preserves valuable personal time and effort for our clients and ensures that time allocated to yacht acquisition is utilized with maximum return.

Yacht Asset Acquisition and Divestiture:   Yacht operation involves the regular acquisition and divestiture of valuable component assets.  From tenders and water sports equipment to fine wine and exquisite art, Yacht Partners has the capability, references, and  resources to ensure that these transactions and transfers are safe, secure, and value-protected.

Industry Intelligence and Reconnaissance:   Yacht Partners has discreet and credible personnel resources embedded within virtually every aspect of the industry.  From new-build to refit and repair we know the technical people on the ground and in the know.  Worried about crew integrity and yacht security?  We can find the truth and the answer.  Concerned about the financial integrity of a particular shipyard or other transaction?  We can vett the process and the product to ensure that value is obtained and cronyism and backroom payouts are extinguished.  Every owner at some point has a question that they are uncomfortable presenting to the Captain.  Call Yacht Partners for a discreet and privileged consultation and service proposal.

Yacht Management and Service:   Yacht Partners can assist any Owner with a bespoke and complete yacht management program.  Through our network of worldwide resources, complete yacht management is available on a global basis.

Logistics and Coordination:   Yacht Partners can assist with all aspects of voyage planning and support ranging from bunkering and provisioning to crew exchange and support.

Yacht partners is comprised of yacht industry veterans with vast experience and contacts in all aspects of the maritime and superyacht industries and operations.

Yacht partners was established to provide discreet and confidential yacht services independent of industry noise and conflicts.  Unique to yacht partners clients, Every transaction is protected by the attorney-client privilege from inception of discussions.

In addition to purchase and sale, Yacht partners provides discreet investigative and due diligence services for yacht owners in the areas of operational reconnaissance, repair & refit, and vessel operations and logistics.  With deep resources comprised of industry experts respected worldwide yacht partners clients are assured true and accurate perspectives and results.

Whether it be yacht asset acquisition/divestiture, transactional due diligence, or specific issue reconnaissance a yacht partners client can expect the absolute epitome of service.

MEET THE CREW

Andrew h. bate.

30+ year maritime attorney based in South Florida and with practice throughout the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe.  Andy provides legal oversight and participates in every Yacht Partners engagement thereby enabling all Yacht Partners clients to enjoy the confidentiality and privilege protections of the attorney-client privilege.

Capt. Harrison J. Bate

A U.S. Coast Guard licensed 200GRT/500GT Master, Capt. Harrison is a yacht broker and technical advisor at Yacht Partners.  Experienced in virtually every aspect of yacht acquisition, ownership, and operations, Harrison provides a wide-spectrum of benefit to his clients.

Capt. John Richy

A U.S. Coast Guard licensed 100 Ton Master, In addition to brokerage services, John has experience in vessel operations throughout Southwest Florida, the Keys and Long Island Sound. 

CONTACT  US

Harrison J. Bate

[email protected]

239.398.6222

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Basic Information

Naples Yacht Rental

Anchor rides | naples boat rental, naples yacht rental, and private yacht charters, why is naples, florida a fantastic location to rent a boat or charter a yacht.

Naples is the ideal location to charter a yacht or boat due to the year-round mild weather, the turquoise ocean, and miles of white powder Florida shoreline.

Fortunately, using anchorrides.com has made going on the water easier and more pleasant than ever before!

You can easily browse a sizable selection of boats and yachts for rent in Naples, Florida, thanks to Anchor Rides! You can narrow your boat or yacht rental search by price, the number of passengers and other factors as well as by date.

The majority of Naples Yacht Rentals are available for full or half-day rentals, and some can even be rented for overnight or several days. You can choose the ideal duration for your journey.

You can choose from a wide range of boat rentals thanks to our enormous collection of boats and yachts. Despite the fact that we do provide captainless Naples boat rentals for a more affordable boating experience, the majority of our yacht rentals include a licensed captain and crew (included in the price).

Renting a boat or yacht is less stressful when there is a licensed captain on board, allowing you to spend more time having fun. The local Captains can advise you on where to go and what to do for a flawlessly planned day because they are local experts on the Naples, Florida area.

You're covered by the Anchor Rides crew!

For those of you who want even more out of your Naples yacht charter experience, we also provide a fantastic selection of upgrades and extracurricular activities! Jet ski rentals, water activities, open bar and food service, and organizing special events are some of our most popular requests.

We can make everything you can imagine happen. To begin organizing your ideal Naples Yacht Rental experience right away, get in touch with a member of the Anchor Rides team.

How to Take Advantage of Naples Yacht Charters, Boat Rentals, and Anchor Rides

The process of renting a yacht from Anchor Rides is meant to be simple and stress-free. You can spend more time on the water and less time worrying about the specifics of your vacation thanks to our straightforward booking process. Here are a few quick steps to help you secure your Naples Yacht Charter. 

Search regionally:

Use our built-in Google Maps search engine to look up places close to where you are or where you want to go. We'll generate a list of available rental boats and yachts in your area when you enter your city or zip code.

Choose a date for departure.

Make sure to search by date so that we only show you yachts that will be available on your desired day. 

Select a Boat:

We have a selection of more than 600 boats. When the "Featured" icon appears in the thumbnail, it denotes a well-liked and regarded rental choice.

Requesting and verifying availability:

Once you have narrowed your search to a few affordable possibilities, send an online availability request. The boat owner will decide whether to accept or reject your charter based on their most recent schedule and availability.

Request a rental:

Once you've chosen a boat, simply use our simple web platform to pay a modest deposit to reserve your reservation. Your rental or lease will include a return of the security deposit.

Choose your crew and captain:

Each boat has its own roster of available captains. You can pick the Captain you wish to be in charge of the boat.

Get started:

Anchor Rides does all the labor-intensive tasks so you can relax and take it all in. To start your day of boating pleasure in Naples, simply meet your captain at a prearranged spot. Remember to bring your swimsuit!

What Perks and Advantages Come With Renting a Yacht or Chartering a Yacht From Anchor Rides?

No hidden fees or transparent pricing:.

There are so many businesses that charge you extra money at the port. In order to alleviate your concerns about unanticipated costs, Anchor provides all-inclusive pricing on our website.

Professional and courteous crew:

Our Naples Captains have not only completed rigorous training programs and obtained US Coast Guard certifications, but they have also been personally chosen by the owner and you based on their friendliness, customer service skills, and general capacity to deliver an outstanding yachting experience.

Convenience:

Since Anchor has direct connections to yacht and boat owners, we don't publish any vessels that have been sold through various intermediaries. You may get direct pricing and availability from Naples boat owners when you use Anchor's Yacht Rentals.

Make Your Yachting Experience Your Own:

You can design a unique Naples yachting experience when you rent a yacht from Anchor Rides. Our friendly staff will assist you in organizing extra activities or services for your trip. 

Call a live Charter Expert now!

A caring team is crucial because renting a yacht is a significant commitment. The foundation of Anchor Rides is delivering the finest possible customer service. Our team at Anchor Rides is at your side from beginning to end, ensuring that your Naples yacht rental experience is simple and enjoyable.

Naples Yacht Rental for Special Events

Looking to rent a yacht for a special event? Check out some of our most popular requests below:

• Bachelor and bachelorette partys 
• Celebrate birthdays
• Family gatherings
• Graduation party on a yacht!
• Birthdays aboard a yacht!

How Much Does a Yacht Rental in Naples Cost?

In Naples, a charter typically costs $2,200. Yacht rentals can range in price from $500 for a half-day to $15,000 to $20,000 for a full day. Everything depends on the boat's size and the year.

The cost to rent a yacht varies in Naples. The size of the yacht, the date you are renting it, and the length of time you want to rent it all must be taken into account when determining how much it will cost to rent a yacht in Naples. Budgeting is also important for any extra features or services you might want to include, such as caterers, jet skis, a DJ, or even a masseuse.

The average cost of a half-day boat hire in Naples is $500, whereas the average cost of a half-day yacht rental in Naples starts at over $1500. Per half-day, the average cost is $2200.00.

Choosing a boat, choosing your dates, and then examining the all-in price is the easiest method to find out how much your Naples boat rental will cost you.

With clear pricing offered by Anchor Rides, you can plan your journey knowing precisely how much it will cost. Visit our Naples Yacht Charters right away!

Yacht, IMO 9685360

• VesselFinder
• Miscellaneous

The current position of TOP DOG is at North West Atlantic Ocean reported 13 hours ago by AIS. The vessel is en route to HARBCR ISLAND , and expected to arrive there on Sep 1, 18:00 . The vessel TOP DOG (IMO 9685360, MMSI 319089200) is a Yacht built in 2015 (9 years old) and currently sailing under the flag of Cayman Islands .

Position & Voyage Data

Map position & weather, recent port calls, vessel particulars.

TOP DOG current position and history of port calls are received by AIS. Technical specifications, tonnages and management details are derived from VesselFinder database. The data is for informational purposes only and VesselFinder is not responsible for the accuracy and reliability of TOP DOG data.

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Blue is a tranquil presence and is known to impact the mind positively. where calmness is present, so too is the color blue. blue inspires us to live in the present and bid farewell to our stress., plan your escape, talk with one of our charter consultants today and plan your escape with unlimited possibilities., live blue explore, forging a friendship with the color blue will do you good. you can confide in this all-knowing hue. there’s no question that blue doesn’t hold the answer to. blue takes nothing, but it gives everything. its selflessness makes it an excellent adviser. blue is symbolism for an incredible journey. .

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Rate starting at $350 per hour

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Recommended SWFL Destinations

Latest News

May 2015 dick portillo reflects on sale of eponymous restaurant chain.

Chicago, Illinois, May 22, 2015  — Visit a Portillo's restaurant at lunchtime and you'll see a steady stream of customers ordering Italian Beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs, french fries and chocolate cake shakes. Recent patrons might have caught a glimpse of Dick Portillo placing his own less decadent order: a single hard boiled egg. There was a reason for his restraint. The founder of the eponymous chain had a big dinner celebration later that night and he didn't want to be too full. 

That discipline and methodical planning shows up in other facets of Portillo's life, including how he picked a private equity firm to take over his self-made empire. As his business hit 51 years in April 2014, he said he was proud of what he had accomplished. But to take Portillo's to the next level, he knew he needed outside financing. "I was very leery of who I talked to," said Portillo, 75. "I wanted to see who would baby this more, and keep the culture."

A self-proclaimed "systems junkie," Portillo put the chain's 38 locations up for sale last year. He quickly had two dozen suitors trying to get their hands on the popular chain. Berkshire Partners was the winning bidder even though, Portillo said, its offer was lower than some others. He said he dismissed a higher offer because it included plans to quickly take Portillo's public; he worried the firm would make hasty changes to try and grow too quickly. 

One of the things he liked about Berkshire was that it wasn't a restaurant operator looking to replace Portillo's tried-and-true methods with its own restaurant operating systems. A Berkshire official echoed those ideals."We don't have any desire to change the formula at all," said Mike Miles, who is now executive chairman of the Portillo's chain. "The last thing you'd want to do is mess with that formula and mess with that business." Miles said Portillo now is helping him interview prospective CEOs for the chain.

Portillo said his restaurant's large menu and various processes, which include preparing nearly everything but the french fries at massive commissaries, differs from chains such as Chipotle Mexican Grill, which has a more limited menu and list of ingredients. "It is complex, it's very complex. It's also extremely successful."

The history buff — he has retraced the sailing path of Christopher Columbus, among other adventures — compares the success of Portillo's business model to building a moat outside a medieval castle to block enemies. "My moat is the complexity of the business and it helps keep the competition away," Portillo said. 

Portillo's revenue per store is unheard of in fast-food or fast-casual restaurants. An average McDonald's in the United States, for example, brings in nearly $2.5 million in annual revenue. The average newer Portillo's brings in $7 to $8 million. A higher-volume location in Downers Grove sells around $2 million of salads a year, one of many statistics Portillo rattles off. Portillo sees his restaurants as more of a special destination than other fast casual chains. The wide variety means families linger, even with no kids' menus or toys. The company has shipped its food to every state for in-home celebrations.

Neither Portillo nor Miles would discuss the financial terms of last summer's acquisition nor the chain's profitability. But Miles, an advisory director at Berkshire Partners with years of restaurant and retail expertise, was quick to say that Portillo's "single unit economics are better than anything I've ever seen." Selling the chain has at times been difficult for Portillo, though he said he still believes it was the right decision at the right time. "I have some regrets occasionally, it's not all of the time. It was a big emotional thing for me," Portillo said of selling his business. His journey started 52 years ago, when he scraped together $1,100 to set up a hot dog stand in a 6- by 12-foot trailer with no running water. 

Through his new company R&S Growth Management, Portillo oversees real estate investments. Those investments include the land under most of Portillo's restaurants — he leases the space back to Berkshire Partners — along with other ventures such as shopping centers and apartments. Portillo said he aims to buy the land for future Portillo's locations where the space is for sale and would then lease the space to Berkshire Partners. He does not own the land for the upcoming Rockford and Homewood locations, the first new Portillo's set to open in nearly two years.

Portillo continues to have connections to his former staff and customers. On a recent weekday, he posed for photos with patrons at the Downers Grove location. His fans include Scott Winch, a landscaper who said he visits the restaurant daily and is partial to the jumbo char dog. "We miss ya boss, we miss ya," Winch, 47, told Portillo as they embraced. "You're the man." One worker brought Portillo a handful of flowers, while another quickly delivered his meal — that single egg — to his table. 

After coffee, a "good breakfast" such as oatmeal with sliced banana, and a berry, almond milk and protein smoothie, Portillo's typical lunch is fruit and fat-free cottage cheese. He tends to wake up between 4:30 and 5:30 a.m., work out each morning and eat healthy meals, albeit with some indulgence. After all, one of his investments is an 18 percent stake in the Oak Brook location of Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, where he planned to dine later that same night. More often, however, dinner is lighter. He said he eats at Chipotle a lot, and is a fan of its black beans and brown rice.

Portillo, a former Marine Corps member and marathon runner, said he was also ready to slow down and "enjoy life" a little bit." There was no balance in my life. It was pretty much all work until about 10 years ago. And I've started going to more funerals than weddings," Portillo said as his sat in his former Oak Brook office. "I would like to spend more time with my grandchildren and children, more time on my boat, and at the same time see the name all over the country, if possible. That could not happen if I would have remained in the position I was in."

Portillo has a new office in Oakbrook Terrace with a view of the Chicago skyline, roughly 2-1/2 miles from Portillo's headquarters. The new office serves as meeting place for Portillo, his chief administrative officer and the managing director of R&S. It's also a place to showcase everything from Han Dynasty swords to guns and machetes used by U.S. Marines. Photos of Portillo's family, his restaurants and his adventures adorn tables and walls throughout the space. There are also a few quotations that highlight Portillo's thinking and business strategy. Two sayings get prominent placement on both his new desk and in Oak Brook, where his former office has been transformed into a meeting area. The top silver plaque reads D.W.Y.S.Y.G.T.D. – short for "Do what you say you're going to do." Below it, another plaque reads, "When You Have Somebody By The Balls Don't Let Go To Get A Better Grip." 

In a hallway outside his Oakbrook Terrace office sits a sculpture titled Self Made Man. The piece, by Bobbie Carlyle, depicts a man carving himself out of stone. It was a Christmas gift from Portillo's wife, Sharon, whom he married in 1959. Portillo showcases his commitment to her outside each restaurant, with "Dick Loves Sharon" carved into the sidewalk cement, and hides the same message in the decor of new restaurants. 

He still spends time working on the Portillo's business as a consultant to Berkshire Partners, work that includes helping the firm interview potential CEOs for Portillo's. One of Portillo's sons, Michael, still works for the restaurant, training managers. Portillo plans to attend the grand opening events for the chain's Rockford location, which is set to open on June 9.

Portillo said the two toughest and most important things Berkshire needs to focus on are site selection — "so far I've been using my gut instincts" — and training. He recalls having to pull aside managers who were not treating workers properly, whether that was overhearing swearing in the kitchen or stopping by a drive-thru lane where an order taker outside on a sub-zero night was not relieved of the frigid duty quickly enough. Portillo said he made the manager gear up and stand outside for the same long 45 minutes.

Berkshire Partners is getting ready to open three locations in 2015, with plans for five in 2016. It's paying close attention to places with Chicago transplants, much as Portillo himself did by opening units in Arizona, for example. So fans on the west coast of Florida, along with those in parts of Wisconsin and Texas, will "probably see" Portillo's restaurants in the next five years, Miles said. "We're very conscious about not trying to go too quickly," said Miles, who said that for now there are no plans to franchise any locations or to take the company public.

Meanwhile, Portillo spends more of his days taking adventurous vacations, such as a one-month tour of Alaska and a trip through the Panama Canal, both on the 112-foot Westport yacht he got in May. "I'm looking for a bigger one," he says, laughing. Like his prior boats, the latest white yacht carries the name Top Dog. The license plate of his black SUV, meanwhile, reads DPTD, for Dick Portillo Top Dog. 

Portillo credited his passion for much of his success. "Sometimes it just gave me more energy to go further, to push." He has photos of the Francis Cabrini housing project on Mohawk Street where he spent part of his childhood on the wall of the new office, just a few feet from photos of one of his homes, a mansion in Oak Brook. "We want to keep Dick as involved as possible," said Miles, who said he meets with Portillo weekly when the septuagenarian is in town. "I don't think his passion for the business has waned at all."

Source: The Chicago Tribune Title:  Dick Portillo Reflects on Sale of Eponymous Restaurant Chain Date Published: May 22, 2015 Date Accessed: May 27, 2015

Company Details

• Oak Brook, Illinois portillos.com
• Year Invested 2014
• Industry Consumer
• Types Family Business, Leveraged Buyout

View Details

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Yachting in Naples, FL

Naples, located on Florida's southwest coast, is ideal for yachting enthusiasts with its serene waterways and beautiful coastline. Known for its upscale charm and pristine beaches, Naples offers a luxurious yachting experience. On the deck of your yacht, enjoy the meeting of azure waters and white sands, with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. Discover Naples' allure and the promise of an unforgettable maritime adventure.

35' Sunsation

65' Mikelson

55' Prestige

100' Broward

84' Lazzara

51' Schaefer

72' Galeon

73' Sunseeker Manhattan

76' Sunseeker

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Once you confirm your reservation, your broker will process your payment.

• If you are booking for a single day and your reservation is confirmed more than 7 days in advance, a deposit of either $1,000 USD or 50% of the total cost of the reservation (whichever is greater) is processed immediately in order to hold the yacht. Once your embarkation date is 7 days away, the remainder of the amount due is processed.
• If you are booking for a single day and your reservation is made 7 days or less in advance, the total price of your reservation is processed immediately.
• If you are booking for a multi-day charter and your reservation is confirmed more than 30 days in advance, a deposit of 50% of the cost of the yacht is processed immediately in order to hold the yacht. Once your embarkation date is 30 days away, the other 50% is collected for the price of the yacht, plus the APA, plus the taxes due.

Terms of refunds are dictated by the Charter Agreement. Generally, once a payment is collected, it is non-refundable. In certain circumstances, as dictated by the Charter Agreement, credits can be provided so you will be able to enjoy your yacht charter at a future date that is convenient for you.

Why is there a 3% credit card convenience charge?

Are my payment details saved on the app, what if your servers get hacked is my payment information really safe.

• North America

Are you looking for a yacht brokerage in Naples, Florida?

N&J’s Naples yacht brokerage offers a one-stop solution for all your boating needs. Located on 5th Avenue South, our team excels at yacht sales, charter, and management. N&J's highly experienced team of Naples boat brokers is dedicated to delivering excellence, providing sensational boating experiences in Southwest Florida and beyond. If you want to buy, sell, or charter a boat in Naples, contact our team today.

Why choose N&J's Naples yacht brokerage, Florida?

• Certified and bonded brokers in Naples and the rest of the United States
• Iconic southeast yachting center
• Home to some of the wealthiest cities in the UnitedStates
• Spectacular diving year-round and some of the best marine life in the Gulf of Mexico
• Doctors Pass and Gordon Pass are top off-shore fishing locations

Certified and bonded yacht brokers in Naples, Florida

N&J's team of experienced yacht brokers in Naples, Florida, are fully certified and bonded, providing complete peace of mind. Whether you wish to sell your boat, are seeking to acquire a superyacht, charter a boat, or desire turnkey management, trust the certified and bonded boat brokers at N&J.

A Full-service yacht brokerage in Florida

N&J's Naples yacht brokerage offers 360-degree superyacht services, including sales, charter, and management. Our team has an in-depth understanding of the yachting industry, harnessing the latest data insights and market intelligence, providing complete peace of mind and enabling you to enjoy your time at sea. We are dedicated to fulfilling your yachting desires and demands.

Yachts for sale in Naples, Florida

We have access to every yacht over 30 meters for sale in Naples and globally, including off-market boats and new yachts from the world's leading shipyards. Our team excels at connecting yachting enthusiasts with the right boat, providing trustworthy advice and guidance throughout the yacht acquisition process. Our team will listen to your needs and then handpick a selection of boats for you to view. Once you've decided on your ideal yacht, we will handle negotiations ensuring you secure the boat for a competitive price, and arrange sea trials and surveys, all while making sure your interests are protected at all times. Whether you are seeking a motor boat, sailing yacht, expedition vessel, sport fisher, or powerboat, trust the experts at N&J to find the yacht that is right for you.

Do I need a broker to buy a yacht in Florida?

While it is not mandatory to enlist a broker to help you buy a yacht, it is certainly highly recommended. An experienced yacht broker will provide expert advice and guidance and will have access to the world's finest yachts, including off-market vessels that are not publicly listed. If you are interested in buying a yacht, contact N&J and put our sales experts to the test.

Can I register a boat in Florida if I am not a resident?

All motorized vessels operating on Florida's public waterways must be titled and registered, including those owned by non-residents. Non-residents with vessels registered in another state may use their boats in Florida for no more than 90 days. For non-residents wishing to use their yacht for more than 90 days, it must be registered with The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

How much does it cost to charter a yacht in Naples, Florida?

Chartering a yacht in Naples ranges from US$30,000 to more than 2 million per week for the most luxurious superyachts. Additional fees on top of the base charter rate include for provisioning, mooring, fuel, and tips for the crew and captain. The N&J team can assist you with your search and connect you with any charter vessel worldwide. Whatever your boating needs, trust N&J's Naples team to support and guide you at every stage.

Where are the best charter hotspots in Florida?

Some of the best yachting hotspots in Florida include Naples, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and the Florida Keys. With perfect weather year-round, hundreds of sunny days, and sugar-white sandy beaches - the Sunshine State is an extraordinary place to explore on a charter yacht.

Naples Naples is a breathtaking city in Southwest Florida, right on the state's Gulf Coast, and is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, warm climate, and fantastic amenities. The city has a glitzy reputation thanks to its designer boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and art galleries. The nearby Everglades are also well worth a visit. Enjoy a private kayak tour or airboat trip and view the native wildlife, including reptiles and birds.

Miami Miami offers an exciting mix of adventure, vibrant culture, and fascinating destinations to suit everyone in the family. Head to Miami's iconic Ocean Drive on Miami Beach - known for its art deco architecture. Here you'll find vibrant bars and restaurants open until the early hours. For culture, explore the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens or the many art galleries.

The Florida Keys The Florida Keys - a coral cay archipelago off Florida's southern coast - are a stunning charter destination that feels a world away from other Florida yachting hot spots. The area is fantastic for diving. On Key Largo lies the huge shipwreck of the USS Spiegel Grove and the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which teems with marine life. The waters around the Keys are also excellent for fishing.

Fort Lauderdale Soak up Fort Lauderdale’s electric atmosphere. Considered the cultural hub of Florida, Fort Lauderdale boasts multiple galleries, museums, and local boutiques. Las Oslas is a must-visit destination with its many bars and restaurants. Not-to-be-missed for families is Butterfly World, where you can spot up to 50 species.

If you want to charter a yacht in Florida, contact N&J's Naples yacht brokerage.

When is a good time to charter a yacht in Naples?

Naples is ideal for yacht charters year-round; however, the best time to charter a yacht in Naples is during the winter, from November to April. This is considered the dry season when temperatures are normally in the 70s and 80s. The summer season runs from the beginning of May until the end of October. Rainfall is at its heaviest during these months and the temperature can often be humid.

Motor boats and sailing yachts for charter in Naples, Florida

N&J's Naples yacht brokerage has a superb selection of motor boats and sailing yachts for charter in Naples and globally. We have access to every charter yacht over 30 meters on the planet, including some of the world's most prestigious boats and sought-after yacht models built by pedigree European and US shipbuilders. N&J's fleet of crewed charter yachts boasts luxurious interiors, state-of-the-art cruising technology, and spectacular onboard amenities. Our charter brokers have a wealth of expertise. They will listen to your needs and handpick a selection of charter vessels. They will then curate an incredible charter itinerary based on your desired experiences. Whether you want to explore the crystal-clear waters of Naples, cruise the Florida coastline, or head further afield, our Naples yacht brokerage team is ready to help.

When is a good time to charter a yacht in Naples

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Top 5 things to do this weekend in Naples, Bonita: Earth Day, final Camerata of season

E arth Day is Monday, April 22, and Southwest Floridians really celebrate it every day, from watching our Gulf sunsets to participating in outdoor activities.

For those wondering, the first Earth Day in 1970 and is all about showing support for the environment.

What else is happening? Go to our events calendar . There's plenty of things to do, including plays, farmers markets and more.

And if there's an event you'd like to see featured in our weekly Top 5, please email it to [email protected]. Write up something short in the format you see in this week's Top 5 and, if possible, please send a photo as well.

5. Pink Floyd tribute band set to rock Hertz Arena

Brit Floyd ― a Pink Floyd tribute band ― rolls its Pulse Tour into Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, at 8 p.m. April 19. Tickets start at $54. hertzarena.com

4. Check out Fakefest Festival, featuring tribute bands

Fakefest Festival is a tribute to rock legends from 2-10:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20, with an outdoor concert featuring many great tribute bands including Hardwired (Metallica), Lovesong (The Cure), Razors Edge (AC/DC) and Still Alive (Pearl Jam). Festival is at Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S. First St., Immokalee. Admission and parking are free. 239-658-1313 or  moreinparadise.com

3. Hear final Camerata of Naples concert this season

Camerata of Naples' fourth and final concert of the season features Naples Philharmonic’s Concertmaster Zachary DePue as a featured soloist, performing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Spring and Summer . Tickets are $45. 4 p.m. April 21 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 500 Park Shore Drive, Naples. (239) 596-8404.

2. Enjoy Earth Day at The Conservancy, Roberts Ranch

The Conservancy is celebrating Earth Day at its Nature Center. The free, family friendly event is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 20. There will be food trucks, educational talks, animal encounters, activities, boat rides and more. Follow this link for more: conservancy.org/events/earth-day/ . There's also Earth Day at The Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch . Participate in an eco-friendly workshop of planting trees and discovering sustainable practices. Free. 9-11 a.m. April 20. 1215 Roberts Ave., Immokalee. colliermuseums.com

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1. Wonder Gardens hosting Earth Day Celebration

Enjoy Earth Day Celebration at the Wonder Gardens , featuring education stations, a scavenger hunt, yoga demonstrations, tarot readings, touch tables, yard games, arts and crafts, and photo opportunities on April 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. An Earth Day Market will offer a variety of local vendors. Events are free with paid Wonder Gardens admission ― $12 per adult, $10 per senior (ages 65-plus) and $7 per child (ages 3-12). Children younger than 3 are free. Face painting, animal meet and greets and terrarium building are also available for an additional fee. 27180 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. wondergardens.org or (239) 992-2591.

Dave Osborn is the regional features editor of the Naples Daily News and News-Press. Follow him on Instagram and Threads @lacrossewriter and on X (formerly Twitter) @NDN_dosborn .

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Top 5 things to do this weekend in Naples, Bonita: Earth Day, final Camerata of season

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Billionaire fights to dock his boat on water behind his house. His 164-foot boat, that is.

The love of the water, and a mega-yacht to enjoy it, is putting one resident at odds with village of north palm beach leaders..

For some people, the ultimate Florida lifestyle is a waterfront house , a private dock and a boat parked next to it. But what if that boat is a mega-yacht , and the mega-yacht stretches 164 feet?

That's the conundrum facing the Village of North Palm Beach.

This tiny community in northern Palm Beach County, with only 13,000 full-time residents, has an identity so tied to the water that a ship's steering wheel is the village's emblem.

But it's that love of the water that is putting one resident at odds with village leaders.

For the past several years, homeowner Michael Bozutto has been battling the village for the right to park his 164-foot Westport, dubbed Honey, behind a home he owns at 932 Shore Drive.

The house, built in 1961, is a one-story, ranch-style property with three bedrooms on a half-acre lot. Bozzuto paid $840,247 for the house in 2014, according to Palm Beach County property records.

Lawsuit rooted in dispute over where to dock mega-yacht

What makes this plain house special is its location. It's on a rare corner bordered on the north and east by navigable waters that provide access to the Atlantic Ocean via the Lake Worth Inlet. The east-facing dock is large enough to accommodate Bozzuto's motor yacht.

Since Bozutto bought Honey for an undisclosed sum a decade ago, he mostly has parked it at the Old Port Cove Marina, near Tiger Woods' 155-foot showy mega-yacht, ironically dubbed Privacy.

More recently, Bozzuto has wanted to park Honey alongside his Shore Drive house, one of four houses he owns in the village. While Bozzuto keeps some personal property at the Shore Drive house, he lives at a house he owns at Harbour Isles Court.

Village officials warned Bozzuto he can't park Honey at 932 Shore Drive because boats can only be parked on docks behind houses that are occupied by the homeowner.

But village rules do not define the word "occupied." For instance, the rules do not state that occupied means the house is a residence where the owner lives. Village rules also contain no restrictions on the size of boats that can be kept at private docks.

After years of pushing back against what he believes are fuzzy rules, Bozzuto in March filed a lawsuit against the village.

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He alleged the municipality is illegally depriving him of his property rights because nothing in the village code prevents him from mooring Honey at his house. He is asking a Palm Beach County Circuit Court judge to rule that he has a constitutional right to dock Honey there.

Gregory Coleman, Bozzuto's West Palm Beach attorney, said the village has plenty of waterfront homes with yachts parked behind them. But Coleman said the village is illegally blocking Bozzuto from docking Honey at his house because the village is bending to pressure from a handful of neighbors who think the boat is too big.

The selective enforcement is wrong, said Coleman, a former president of the Florida Bar.

"He's a very under-the-radar guy who doesn't cause anybody any problems," Coleman said of Bozzuto. "He pays his property taxes, and he wants to be left alone by the village of North Palm Beach. Unfortunately, they are singling Mike out."

Neither Leonard Rubin, the village's longtime attorney, nor Village Manager Chuck Huff responded to requests for comment.

Eric Stettin, a Fort Lauderdale-based attorney who is representing the village in the Bozzuto lawsuit, said he could not comment on pending litigation.

What good is a man's castle if he can't have a boat in his moat?

Coleman's lawsuit describes the conflict as a battle over property rights, but real estate and yachting experts say it's also a sign of the times.

As wealthy new residents pour into the county wanting all the perks of the Sunshine State, they want a boat to go along with their waterfront homes and golf club memberships. Some longtime residents fear Palm Beach County is turning into a playground for billionaires, to the detriment of everyday people who also want to live in sunshine and peace.

This conflict between Old Florida and new money is an ever-present tension, but even seasoned yacht brokers say they've never seen interest in luxury yachts quite as strong as it is now.

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"What we've seen in the marketplace right after COVID in the yachting industry, and especially the superyacht segment, is the most incredible growth ever seen in the history of yachting to date," said Shannon McCoy, a luxury yacht advisor and broker with Worth Avenue Yachts in Palm Beach.

"A lot of people are moving here with serious money," added Pascal Savoy, U.S. managing director of Camper & Nicholsons International yacht brokers in Fort Lauderdale.

While in the past Palm Beach County was not considered lively enough for some buyers, Savoy said the county's growing sophistication is putting it on the map in a way never seen before.

"It's a mini-Monaco for us," Savoy said.

Prices for mega-yachts can range from $18 million to $60 million, or many times that, for the largest and most decked-out mega-yachts, Savoy said.

While some yachts can be glitzy, a 164-foot Westport is considered a more low-profile boat, Savoy added.

Michael Bozzuto's interests: Houses, boats and philanthropy

Bozzuto is no newcomer to North Palm Beach. He's been a resident of the village for 20 years.

He is the billionaire owner of a family-owned supermarket wholesaler in Connecticut, and an investor and philanthropist who likes to collect houses and yachts, Coleman said.

In addition to the four North Palm Beach houses and several yachts he owns, Bozzuto in February paid a whopping $31.1 million for a house in the Town of Palm Beach Shores. The house, which has two docks, sits just north of the Palm Beach/Lake Worth Inlet.

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Coleman said there is plenty of room for other boaters to navigate the waterway when Honey is parked at the Shore Drive house in North Palm Beach. And while other people may not have as large a yacht, there are other sizeable yachts parked on docks behind other North Palm Beach homes, too, he added.

At a 2017 village council meeting, then-Mayor Darryl Aubrey commented on the issue, according to the complaint.

"When I didn't live here full time, I had a boat sitting in my dock, I was gone nine months of the year. I don't see how you can say that someone has to be in a residence year-round, seems to be some interpretation of occupant, there would be an enormous number of violations," Aubrey said.

Another member of the village council asked if the village had a definition now, the complaint said.

Rubin, the village attorney, replied: "No, we don't," according to the lawsuit.

Show me the money? Here it is: West Palm and Palm Beach rank in top 5 as cities with fastest growth in millionaires

Palm Beach County's waterways run deep, and they are popular

The yacht docking dispute is particularly timely, given the scarcity of dock space for boats of all sizes.

The most convenient place to park a boat is on the water behind a house, brokers say. But not every waterway or channel can accommodate the draft, or depth, of a mega-yacht.

However, the dock behind Bozzuto's Shore Drive house can.

Not only is the Westport not known for its deep hulls, but the waterway also is typical of northern Palm Beach County, which boasts deep water and easy access to the ocean via the Lake Worth Inlet, said Coleman, a lifelong boater.

"In Palm Beach County, they have deeper water, and it allows people to have larger yachts," Savoy agreed.

But not every waterway is deep enough for every boat.

McCoy said she specializes in helping advise potential yacht owners about the county's varied water depths before they buy a house, if they plan to dock their yacht behind it.

If yacht owners don't have a private dock, the other option is a marina. But marina space is hard to find, with many dock berths reserved for months in advance, McCoy said.

Despite the challenges of owning a boat and finding a place to dock it, yacht brokers say demand continues.

They see interest continuing from business executives moving here with their families as they relocate their companies to Palm Beach County. There's also a growing demand for yachts among female buyers, McCoy added.

They also see younger mega-yacht buyers, some even in their early 30s. This is in sharp contrast to the mostly older buyers in the past, Savoy said.

Palm Beach County may not be as go-go as Miami-Dade County when it comes to showy ships, but if interest continues, "it's coming," Savoy said. "You're going to attract bigger yachts."

Put another way: "No one needs a boat, but everyone needs a boat," McCoy said. "It's the ultimate lifestyle."

Alexandra Clough is a business writer and columnist at  The Palm Beach Post . You can reach her at  [email protected] . Twitter:  @acloughpbp .  Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

Florida has 1.3 million alligators and it's now mating season. Here's what you should know

Alligators.

Love 'em or hate 'em, they are part of life when it comes to living in Florida.

They can be found in all 67 of Florida's counties. The safest practice to follow when it comes to alligators is to give them plenty of space. That's a little more difficult when they make themselves at home, literally, in our homes and yards.

There have been stories about alligators taking a stroll through a Bonita Springs neighborhood, enjoying time on a golf course, hanging out on our porches , taking a dip in our pools and even popping in to see what's happening in one woman's kitchen.

Right now, it's alligator mating season so they may be even more visible than usual. Here's what you should know, including safety tips for you and your pets.

One important point about alligators: Never feed them.

Map: Where are alligators in Florida?

Alligators are one of two crocodilians native to Florida; the other being the American crocodile, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The University of Florida said the spectacled caiman also can be found in some parts of South Florida, "presumably from people releasing pets into the wild."

There are about 1.3 million alligators in Florida. They can be found in all 67 counties in Florida and are most active when temperatures are between 82 and 92 degrees.

Their range extends as far north as North Carolina and west into Texas and southeast Oklahoma.

Alligators can be found anywhere there is water, including lakes, ponds, rivers, marshes, swamps, and even man-made canals, according to the University of Florida.

Alligator mating season starts in April

Courtship between alligators begins in early April. Yes, love is in the air right now, and you might spot alligators on the move in their search for a mate.

Alligators are highly aggressive during this time, according to WorldClassWildlifeRemoval.com.

Mating happens in May or June, followed by the females building a nest and laying 32 to 46 eggs in late June or early July. Eggs generally hatch in late August or early September.

How often do alligators attack people in Florida?

Over the last 10 years, Florida has averaged eight unprovoked bites per year that are serious enough torequire professional medical treatment, according to the FWC.

"The likelihood of a Florida resident being seriously injured during an unprovoked alligator incident in Florida is roughly only one in 3.1 million.

"From 1948 to 2022, 453 unprovoked bite incidents have occurred in Florida; 26 of these bites resulted inhuman fatalities."

Alligator bites can result in serious infection. Victims should seek immediate medical attention ifbitten.

Alligator attack killed woman walking dog behind her home

In February 2023, a horrific attack involving an alligator happened in St. Lucie County on Florida's east coast.

An 85-year-old woman was walking her dog near a small lake behind the homes in the Spanish Lakes Fairways community near Fort Pierce.

An approximately 10-foot alligator came out of the water after the dog.

She was knocked over and the alligator pulled her into the water by her foot. She was pulled into deeper water and died as a result of the incident. The alligator was caught and euthanized.

It was witnessed by a neighbor who called 911 and tried to help.

What do alligators eat?

Alligators primarily hunt at dusk or during the night, waiting motionless for prey to come close.

Their prey selection seems to be determined primarily by size, UF said.

"An alligator's diet depends on what is available to it, which means it will eat just about anything including fish, frogs, birds, turtles, insects, snakes, small mammals, other alligators, white-tailed deer, wild hogs, and sometimes people's pets.

"Once the prey is caught, it is typically swallowed whole."

Alligators vs crocodiles: How do you tell the difference?

Alligators have a broad, rounded snout with no lower teeth visible when their jaw is closed. Adult alligators are primarily dark gray in color with a lighter color underside.

The American crocodile has a narrow snout, and the fourth tooth of the lower jaw protrudes when closed. American crocodiles are a brownish gray color, and are generally paler colored than alligators.

Safety tips: How to stay safe around alligators

Remember, alligators may always be present near any body of water in Florida, especially fresh or brackish water. Pay attention to your surroundings whenever you are near any body of water.

FWC offered this tips to stay safe:

• Closely supervise children when they are playing in or around water.
• Never swim outside of posted swimming areas.
• Don't wade in waters where large alligators are known or likely to occur. 
• Swim only during daylight hours. Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn.
• Do not allow pets to swim, exercise or drink in or near waters that may contain alligators or in designated swimming areas with humans. Dogs are more susceptible to being bitten than humans because dogs resemble the natural prey of alligators. The sound of dogs barking and playing may draw an alligator to the area.
• Never feed or entice alligators — it is dangerous and illegal. When fed, alligators overcome their natural wariness and associate people with food.
• Inform others that feeding alligators is illegal and creates problems for others who want to recreate in or near the water.
• Dispose of fish scraps in garbage cans at boat ramps and fish camps — do not throw them in the water.
• Observe and photograph alligators only from a safe distance.
• Leave alligators alone. State law prohibits killing, harassing or possessing alligators except under permit.
• Never remove an alligator from its natural habitat or accept one as a pet. It is illegal and dangerous to do so. Handling even small alligators can result in injury.

What can you do if an alligator bites you?

If an alligator bites you, the best thing to do is fight back, making as much noise and resisting as much as possible, the FWC said.

"Hitting or kicking the alligator or poking it in its eyes may cause it to release its grip. Whenalligators seize prey they cannot easily overpower, they will often let go and retreat."

Concerned about an alligator? Call alligator hotline

The FWC said residents concerned about an alligator should calls its toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).

Generally, an alligator is deemed a nuisance if it is at least 4 feet long and the caller believes it poses a threat to people, pets or property.

Smaller alligators can be deemed a nuisance if they are seen in swimming pools, garages, etc.

Once the hotline is contacted, the FWC will dispatch a contracted nuisance alligator trapper to resolve the situation.

Are alligators endangered?

The American alligator is federally protected by the Endangered Species Act as a threatened species because of their similarity of appearance to the American crocodile, according to the FWC.

The American crocodile is a threatened species.

Alligator myths

The University of Florida answered some common myths about alligators:

• This is a common misconception. First, it is rare for an alligator to pursue a human because humans are too large to be suitable prey. However, if an alligator does make an aggressive charge, run fast and straight away from the alligator. They usually do not run very far. But remember they are most likely to charge at you if you are near their nest.
• Alligators actually have very good eyesight. They are especially adapted to see and sense movement of potential prey animals. The position of their eyes almost on the side gives them a wide sight range. The only place they cannot see is right behind them.
• Alligators have sharp claws and powerful tails to help them push their bodies up. Young alligators are agile climbers and adults have been known to climb fences to get to water or escape captivity. Low fences, therefore, may not be sufficient protection for pets in areas where alligators are present. Fences should be more than 4.5 feet tall if you are attempting to keep alligators out of your yard.
• This is entirely untrue. Alligators make terrible pets. Although baby alligators may seem like a cool pet, it is illegal to possess or take an alligator without the proper licenses and permits from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Alligators are purely instinctual hunters and do not show affection.