Reality TV star captain Sandyyon submits proposals to Jacksonville to launch downtown luxury/dining boat service
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Sandy Yeon, the famous reality TV star yacht captain, is sailing towards an ambitious new venture, a luxury boat service in downtown Jacksonville. The captain of “Decks below Mediterranean” is looking to start the experience soon this June. She approaches the project with her love for water and her experience as a licensed yacht captain.
“Jacksonville is a cool city,” Captain Sandy told First Coast News, acknowledging that although it may not be France or southern Italy, it has its own appeal. A currently a Nocatee resident, she wants to share the beauty of the city with her visitors.
“I think more people should come to Jacks… that’s incredible,” she said.
A luxurious experience to float
Captain Sandy’s vision includes an open deck luxury boat designed for weddings, corporate events, casual river cruises and high-end dining experiences.
“I want to bring more people to Jax’s water,” she said.
The proposed boat service will cater to executives and hotel guests and will serve dinner cruises with local fine dining dishes. Captain Sandy will also introduce a celebrity chef connected to her TV show.
“We don’t want a floating restaurant because we don’t eat on a boat, unless it’s a super yacht,” she said.
Captain Sandy says he will buy his own boat and work through income details with the city.
Investing in Jacksonville’s waterfront
The plan is hoping to start with a modest 47-seat sailing and expand.
“Let’s start with a small boat… there’s no harm in it. I guarantee that we can fill that boat,” she said with confidence.
Captain Sandy and her business partners have retired from JSO Sgt. Boat Captain Rob Adams sees Jacksonville as an undeveloped yacht destination.
“You have this area… the dock is ready,” Adams said, referring to a location near the Charthouse.
Other marinas planned in the downtown area are still facing construction time.
The city’s luxury boat operation bid is scheduled for March 20th by 4pm, with a capacity of 175 passengers required for the specifications and a minimum of 24 public events per year. Captain Sandy and Captain Rob are supporting the idea of hosting public events and opening a boat to passengers who want to enjoy gorgeous food, ride in the river, and passengers who may see dolphins.
“We don’t use what makes Jacksonville, Jacksonville, or St. John’s River,” Captain Robb said. He says other cities like Savannah and Charleston will draw people to downtown restaurants and businesses via river boats and cruises.
The business team recognizes that the operation of the other two dinner boats has been occurring over the years. They believe that the development of the Jaguars Stadium area and other projects will now be the vision for this time.
Will the yacht be next?
Beyond the gorgeous cruise, Captain Sandy has a greater aspiration. Enjoy the luxurious yacht charter service to Jacksonville.
“Hey, I’m from the yacht world… we’re going to make magic happen,” she said.
The St. John’s River believes Jacksonville can be the best yacht hub, deep enough to accommodate large ships to the edge.
“In Miami, you can’t even pull the dock downtown.”
Captain Rob says Jacksonville is the highest position for executives and corporate leaders to move. The problem is that there is no yacht base in Jacksonville now, so you have to fly to Miami or West Palm for entertainment.
At the time of publishing this article, it is unclear whether other groups will step up and bid the city for downtown dining/luxury boating services.
