Holly is the editor of Dockwalk. She grew up racing sailboats in England before switching to the world of superyachts and moving across the pond to Fort Lauderdale.
The PYA and other yachting industry representatives met with Vice Admiral d’Escadre Christophe Lucas, the newly appointed Prefect Maritime (PREMAR) for the French Mediterranean, to address concerns about the 2024 yachting season.
One major issue discussed was congestion in the St. Tropez area, where captains have reported unsafe speeds by tenders and other vessels. This situation has led to safety hazards and disrupted the area’s maritime operations. In response, the PREMAR agreed to consider implementing additional speed limits and increasing maritime police patrols to enhance safety in this busy region.
Another subject of concern was the frequency of customs and immigration inspections on yachts. Captains expressed frustration over repeated boardings, particularly when guests are onboard, which can be both inconvenient and disruptive. To address this, creating a "cleared vessels" registry was proposed, which would streamline inspections and reduce unnecessary disruptions for compliant yachts.
The Nav & Co app, recommended by authorities for checking anchoring regulations, was also discussed. Users noted that the interface became cluttered with excessive information when zoomed in, complicating navigation. The PREMAR agreed to review and refine the app’s content to enhance its functionality and user experience.
Lastly, the meeting addressed the issue of anchoring regulations. Captains who were prosecuted for minor infringements last year, often acting in good faith, found the experience distressing. The PYA urged the PREMAR to adopt a more lenient approach for first-time offenders while imposing stricter penalties for repeat violations.
The meeting was held just two days after Christophe Lucas's appointment.