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If you are heading to the United States with a yacht across the Atlantic, one of the best places to anchor at is Fort Lauderdale in Florida. With a whopping 3,000 hours of sunshine each year, a fantastic selection of classy bars and fine boutiques – it is an ideal destination for the discerning sailor. You may even spot a celebrity or two. American billionaire automotive dealer Jim Moran’s elegant yacht the Gallant Lady is often seen docked at Fort Lauderdale, not to mention Johnny Depp’s yacht, the Vajoliroja which practically lives there.
Stay in a posh hotel
This is one place where you can be assured to get the best treatment should you decide to leave your ‘sea legs’ behind and stay on land for a couple of days. Most of the hotels in this North Atlantic destination overlook the vast ocean, so you don’t have to be too far away from the water, while enjoying a bit of luxury. After the arduous task of crossing the Atlantic on water, why not indulge yourself in one of the hotel spas, where you can enjoy an array of massages and treatments.
Tips for a successful arrival
Although navigating the Port Everglades channel is reasonably straightforward, it helps to smooth your sailing if you know what to expect in some of the more tricky areas. When you enter the channel at there is a large basin for turning before you get to your first drawbridge, where you can request an opening on channel 9. Be careful of the currents when you arrive at the 17th St. Causeway Bridge, it can be particularly strong while the tide is going out. Another tricky aspect of Fort Lauderdale is anchoring – you are only allowed to anchor for 24 hours within city limits. So be sure to make the most of your stay, before you have to move on to the next area.