My first time on the water in Miami was a bit of a disaster. I was on assignment for Deco Drive to get the deets on a new jet ski company specializing in showcasing the Magic City from a bay/ocean point-of-view. The idea was pretty cool, but I didn't feel altogether comfortable being on the back of a jet ski, zipping around the city, for several reasons…
First off, I wasn't exactly a "water girl." I grew up in the desert; more specifically, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where I enjoyed hiking, cave exploring and horseback riding. The only body of water remotely worth spending time around was the Rio Grande River, which we affectionately nicknamed "The Rio Sandy."
It was beyond dry, parched and riddled with rattlesnakes, who were always looking for shade, water and someone to sink their teeth into. Let's just say, that kind of atmosphere did nothing for my swimming abilities and/or my love of the water. Making matters worse, as an aspiring television reporter, I reluctantly moved my way around the U.S., living in small, dusty country towns best known for their beef, not their beaches.
By the time I arrived in Miami, I had a healthy fear of the water and didn't understand why everyone basked/baked in the sun and boated their way around the bay, the Keys, even the Bahamas. I came to South Florida because it was a well-known television gateway. If you worked in Miami you were destined for a national TV show; better yet, you could even get picked up by the Network. A day at the beach wasn't exactly my intention. That is…
Until I found myself in a skimpy bathing suit, straddling the back of a jet ski, holding onto some guy I barely knew for dear life. Upon seeing my nervous disposition, he quickly scolded me: "Stop being such a scaredy-cat, relax and trust me." Yeah, famous last words. As we made our way into the water and the "ocean crotch rocket" started picking up speed, I quietly cursed my Deco Drive Assignments Editor and told my new pal: "Please don't go fast and remember, I'm not a good swimmer."
"That's what your life jacket is for, you idiot," he screamed over the ear-bending engine noise. With my camera man directly across from me (on another jet ski,) we took off into the abyss and I have to say, it was one of the most terrifying, frightening, horrendous experiences of my life. Over ten years later, it's still Deco fodder.
My driver/host/jet ski expert managed to drive so fast and so aggressively, it took my breath away and left me cringing, screaming and crying. My photographer, who urged along his driver to catch up with us, yelled across the water at the crazy lunatic carrying me to stop. He wouldn't. He then proceeded to take me out into the open water (which was not part of the planned tour or the story we agreed to report on.)
The ocean was so rough and the ride so bumpy, we were tossed about dozens upon dozens of times. When begging the driver to "PLEASE STOP" didn't work, I threatened to pull the story from airing and questioned his egregious and, quite honestly, reckless behavior. He didn't back down for a solid hour and frankly, I was surprised I survived it.
After the so-called tour, I was emotionally distraught for days and bruised for weeks; my chest, tailbone, thighs, ankles and feet were black and blue. My neck was out of sorts and I swore that I would NEVER EVER GO BACK IN THE WATER AGAIN and I didn't. At least, not for a really long time and work didn't press me on the issue either. Could you blame them?
My career path, which led me around the world, gave me very little time to center my life around the water and I would eventually heal from the incident and grow a healthy admiration for the ocean, but I did so -ALWAYS – from a distance. Eventually, though, Channel 7 requested my presence at their world famous "Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade” (the station is known for broadcasting the festive event during the holiday season.) With that being said…
I was asked to ride alongside Barry Gibb, who happened to be the celebrity Grand Marshall of the event that year, down a 12-mile stretch of the Fort Lauderdale New River and along the intracoastal (yes, on and in the water.) For years, I had missed out on the famous parade because I was a movie critic and the holidays were and are a very important time for movies.
Instead of spending my December days in South Florida, I spent the weeks leading up to Christmas traveling to New York, Los Angeles and London, interviewing celebrities about their holiday movies (those interviews would become stories and a big part of our Deco Drive content during Hanukkah, Christmas and New Years.)
For whatever reason, though, that year Barry wanted me on his boat interviewing him and chatting about the parade. Having a good relationship with celebrities (journalistically speaking) was something that had taken me years to build so, of course, I respected his request, immediately agreeing to the invitation. I mean, Barry and a big boat? How bad could it be?
When I showed up for the parade, I was first ushered to a small boat (that would carry me to the yacht.) As I stepped down into the vessel, I got this overwhelming surge of anxiety, causing bile to rise in my throat and immediately sour my stomach. It was then that I realized it was the first time I had been on the water since my petrifying jet ski debacle. I started hyperventilating as ladylike as possible.
My photographer, immediately sensing my trepidation, calmed me down and assured me that this would be an entirely different experience. If you've ever witnessed the boat parade, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Man, what a night! After boarding the yacht, I had the extraordinary privilege and pleasure of experiencing what I can only describe as an awe-inspiring celebration of the water and all the beautiful trappings that come along with it.
Thousands of people lined the banks of the river singing, cheering and wishing me (well, Barry) a beautiful holiday. The lights, the boats, the water, the decorated houses: it was utterly magical. Although it tapered what I now refer to as my "water curse," it didn't completely resolve it. That wouldn't happen until last week when I met and worked with the amazing people of "Hargrave Custom Yachts."
More specifically, a yacht broker by the name of Herman Pundt. Not only had Herman and my team been planning a yacht blog for months, I had been talking about it for years. Truth be told, though, it was only that – talk. I never thought in a million years, recreating the magic I felt that night at the boat parade would be possible, but thanks to Hargrave and one of its exquisite yachts, it happened and dare I say, it was even more special.
On a bright blue, crystal clear summer day, Herman and a Hargrave crew took my blog team down the Fort Lauderdale New River, alongside the inter-coastal and out into the open waters (almost the exact route of the parade.) This time, though, I could see, feel and enjoy everything. Even though there were no holiday lights, no pomp and circumstance, it was okay. It was just this incredible boat and the beauty of the water. Wow — I finally got it: the water thing. The boat thing. The South Florida lifestyle thing. It only took ten years (insert crying emoji here.)
It was absolutely indescribable and the pure joy of it easily washed away my remaining fears. That's when I cheekily came up with my blog title: "Fashion Overboard." I knew that no matter what happened that day, I was in good hands and I could concentrate on my job and the pure extravagant nature of the moment.
The yacht, which happened to be a 76 footer, was decked out with a top-of-the-line grill and a state-of-the-art entertainment center. That's not all. It boasted a large living room, full kitchen, three bedrooms and four bathrooms. What's more, there were endless places to lounge and feel completely relaxed and ridiculously pampered.
Sure, Hargrave unknowingly provided me with some much needed "get over your water issues" therapy, but it was the impression they left me with that was even more memorable. It's a company built on extreme class, effortless competency and a collective coolness that could only come with knowing your boats and your business so well, no one could ever doubt you to be anything but excellent.
Shireen Sandoval: What is the concept behind "Hargrave Custom Yachts?”
Herman Pundt: To offer the best experience and FUN that can be had on the water with a name that represents quality and integrity. We specialize in the production of 100% custom yachts and we are the number one custom yacht building company in our size range here in the US. As a builder, we offer services like re-sales, fractional ownership, chartering and other tailored programs to make sure our customers spend more time enjoying boating and less time with the details so they can take advantage of the one item none of us can buy…. more time!
SS: What is the most spectacular yacht your company has ever created?
HP: As a custom builder, each yacht has been so different and amazing. However, with that being said, three come to mind: our "125’ GiGi II" which is cruising in Maine & New England now, the "76’ Quiet Sun" that I took you out on for our photo shoot, but I would say for the Miami market the most South Beach type of yacht is the "Adventure US II." She was built with an authentic Art Deco style interior including many original pieces from that era and at 94’ we were able to accommodate a great area of use for their large three generation family.
SS: What are the benefits to a fab night on a yacht verses a night at a South Beach hotel in the penthouse, (of course?)
HP: South Beach is awesome (I lived there so I know the scene,) but the best part of South Florida is being on the water. Imagine showing up to Miami Beach Marina and heading out with family and friends. Then it becomes a matter of choice, really. Do you head into town to hit restaurants like "Prime 112" or "La Piaggia," or maybe hit a club? Or do you head out to "No Name Harbor" or the "Sand Bar" in Haulover for an uncluttered sunset and some great music? Maybe both! The fantastic part of staying on a yacht is that it offers you all the possibilities of the best things South Florida has to offer. Have you ever had your staff go catch your fish, lobster and stone crab right out of the water and have it served to you by your own personal chef while watching the sun set over Biscayne Bay? You just can't do that from any of the best condos in Miami and I know because I have been there.
SS: What does life on the water mean to you?
HP: That’s easy! It takes me back to my childhood and growing up on the waters from New England to the Florida Keys with family and friends. Being on a boat is the one place I can be with those that I want to spend quality time with and make memories to look back on for a lifetime and share with my clients the knowledge I have learned.
SS: Do you have any famous clients?
HP: Over the years, we have worked with many celebrities as well as having them take time to enjoy our yachts similar to what you saw on Social Media with Katy Perry. It’s been fun and with a range of celebs from Don King, Tim Allen, Ricky Martin to Jason Taylor we have had some interesting experiences and some great stories.
SS: What type of charters do you offer? And what are the most popular routes/destinations?
HP: We have yachts all over the world, but I would say the most popular for us in summers is the Hampton's, winters in the BVI or Florida and Bahamas. I really enjoy helping put together South Florida trips to show off what we have to offer like "Stiltsville," "No Name Harbor," secluded anchorages in the Keys, and of course "Little Palm Island." We tailor-fit the charter to your needs either for a few hours, a night, weekend, week and sometimes longer. We even have a "Try Before You Buy" option and fractional ownership programs to fit your needs.
SS: Tell me about the yacht we used for the blog photo shoot? It's the most fantastic boat I've ever been on!
HP: YES, it is a great yacht, and every inch of that boat was thought through to ensure that no matter if it was a crewed yacht or owner operator that the comfort level was to the highest standard as our larger yachts. Shelley, from Yacht Interiors by Shelly, spent countless hours to think of everything, including the special entertainment areas and detail to every piece of hand crafted wood and interior décor, that was made especially for that 2015 76’ Hargrave.
SS: What is the most popular style yacht?
HP: For us, our "101’ Raised Pilothouse" is our most popular that we've built to date. What’s cool is not one of them are the same so when you go to a marina you won't see three or four other Hargarves exactly like yours. Other than that, we are so custom that we even built a "99’ Hargrave" to match the Jersey number of Jason Taylor.
SS: When buying a yacht, what is the most important question to ask?
HP: Who's going to help me if something goes wrong? What happens when you're in some exotic location like St. Barth’s and only have a limited amount of time to use the boat and need help? If you bought your boat from us the answer is easy. Our amazing support team will be there to get you back to having FUN. I have even gone personally to a yacht to cook a traditional New England dinner for a customer because their personal chef was out sick with the flu.
SS: Fashionably speaking, what is the most stylish yacht?
HP: I have seen it all with Gucci interiors to hand crafted gold faucets and hand blown glass light fixtures. That is the cool thing about us! Each one is custom built just for you so like a custom home, all the parts and pieces are normally over the top. You can hand pick everything – the veneers, custom marbles and hand sewn fabrics all of our yachts are meant to make a bold statement about you and us as well.
SS: What's the big trend in yachts now?
HP: In a word, technology! Whatever they see on TV and in magazines is what they want on their boat. The latest in TV's, gaming equipment, wireless connectivity; you can even run your yacht with a hand held remote no bigger than a pack of cigarettes. And you can run everything on the yacht with your I Pad: the lights, the blinds, the TV's, the ships electronics, and even pick your menu for the day.
SS: What is the big IT item to have on your yacht these days?
HP: Of course, everyone wants hi speed internet and satellite TV, but there are so many cool inventions coming up like the new drone that is tied into your entertainment and electronics on the boat that you can send out to scope out the best beaches or spots to hang-out before you get there. We also have several clients using ROV submarines to create incredible memories.
SS: What is the most decadent item you've built into or put onto a yacht?
HP: We built one yacht for an owner who was paralyzed by a stroke at age 65. He loved boating and didn't want to give it up so we built a boat with an elevator system that he could operate independent of any assistance from crew to not only go to all three levels on his boat, but he could actually get off the boat and onto the dock by himself. He loved nothing better than to go up to the bar in his electric wheelchair and have a few drinks with his friends and then get back on his boat for a little nap before dinner! It cost a lot of money to design and build that elevator system, but it was worth every penny of the expense to that owner.
SS: If you could go any place in the world on a yacht (that you haven't been, but have always dreamed of going) where would it be and why?
HP: I have been lucky and seen so many wonderful places all over the world but exploring the South Pacific is most defiantly on my bucket list, but I could honestly have as much FUN at Fort Jefferson as long as I can stop at Little Palm for dinner.
Dinner — and then some — is what we had in mind for our yacht fashions and with the help of Dominique Boutique in Coral Gables, I was able to do more than just dress the part. The stylistic inspiration for the blog came from the 1987 romantic comedy, "Overboard," starring Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. In the movie, Goldie channeled decadence and sophistication with a touch of sexiness as a wealthy, but insanely quirky socialite. Hello, evening gowns.
We chose three to meander around the yacht in: a romantic purple/grey, a sunny orange/red and last but not least, a regal silver/white. The flowing materials and silicone painted detailing made each dress unusual, ultra-feminine and uber-boat friendly. Standing on the bow of a yacht, with your arms stretched-out (think the movie "Titanic,") with the wind blowing in your hair, wearing this kind of get-up is in a word, AWESOME.
What about when you're brunching, lunching or just lounging around? Dominique picked out the most amazing white linen and lace jumper with bare shoulders, an open back and a wide-brimmed hat to match. The great thing about her hats is you can pack, wrap, even wrinkle them and when you're finally ready to wear it, voila – it comes out looking pristine (and I don't even know how that is possible.)
As far as accessories, Dominique says: "it's all about enhancing and accenting your look." The main thing to remember: keep jewelry easy, effortless and enchanting. In other words, if your clothes are doing a lot of talking, let your jewels be an elegant whisper. Moreover, comfort on a yacht is key. So make sure whatever you're wearing doesn't just look fabulous, it feels that way, too.
In the meantime, finally being at peace with the water is a really good thing when you live in a city that's pretty much surrounded by it. I know that my next adventure may not be on a yacht per se, but I'm hoping whatever it is (maybe even on a jet ski,) I'm one step closer to being the Miami girl I've always wanted to be and that's why "Fashion Overboard" will always be one of my favorite things.
Website: hargravecustomyachts.com
Twitter: @hargraveyachts
Instagram: @hargraveyachts
FB: https: //www.facebook.com/hargravecustomyachts
Wardrobe provided by Dominique Boutique
www.dominiquecoralgables.com
Instagram: @DominiqueBoutique
Twitter: @Dominiqueok
FB: Dominique Boutique
Twitter: @ShireenSandoval
IG: @ShireenSandoval
ssandoval@wsvn.com
www.shireensandoval.com
Photographer: James Woodley
Twitter: @BritFloridian
IG: @BritFloridian
www.James-Woodley.com
Hair & Make-up: Odette Hernandez
Twitter: @Odettehernandz
IG: Odett_herndz
Styling/Co-Producer/Assist: Jackie Kay
blog ideas: Jackiekay211@yahoo.com
Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Maa8187@yahoo.com