The new megayacht service yard that Derecktor Shipyards will create in Fort Pierce, Florida is still some time away. While local government officials and Derecktor originally anticipated a formal contract by now, a few questions still need answering.
According to media reports, the St. Lucie County administrator, Howard Tipton, sent a letter this week explaining the situation to the County Commission. Derecktor won megayacht refit rights in Fort Pierce in November of last year, from that commission. The commission, in turn, instructed Tipton to sign a contract within three months. In his letter, he mentions “considerable progress,” but outlines a few outstanding issues. For example, insurance is one of them. So, too, is the submerged-land lease with the state. The latter is especially crucial to Derecktor, to fulfill the desire to install a mobile hoist for taking yachts out of the water.
Overall, the questions involve “a number of other complex issues that you would expect to see in a multi-decade lease agreement,” Tipton writes. He adds, “It is better to get it right than get it fast.” Subsequently to sending the letter, Tipton tells TCPalm.com that the timetable should not be too long, perhaps a few weeks.
Even with the delay, a few terms are already set. Derecktor’s lease for the megayacht service yard site is among them. It’s for 30 years, with an option for three additional 15-year renewals. In addition, the two parties agreed to Derecktor establishing a training program with a local college, Indian River State College. Furthermore, Derecktor will relocate its corporate headquarters from Dania Beach to Fort Pierce within three years of starting operations there.
Tipton also says that the two parties want to finalize their negotiations as quickly as possible. County commissioners tell TCPalm.com that they understand the delay. “Even if it takes a couple more days or weeks, it is important to get it done right,” says Sean Mitchell. “We don’t want any mistakes with this.”
Derecktor is keeping clients apprised of proceedings, too. On its website, the following message appears:
We are working steadily with St. Lucie County to reach a mutually beneficial agreement for the operation of the new Megayacht service yard at the Port of Fort Pierce. Simultaneously, we are planning site improvements and engaging in the pre-permitting process. We hope to announce the signing of a lease shortly and get this exciting project in full swing.
We look forward to this next exciting chapter in the Derecktor story. Stay tuned!
Derecktor Shipyards derecktor.com
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