The inaugural U.S. Superyacht Association’s Savannah Superyacht Experience, held April 29 – May 1, was a standout success and a proud milestone for the USSA community. Set in the historic and vibrant city of Savannah, Georgia, the sold-out event delivered exceptional programming, dynamic networking opportunities, and valuable educational experiences for around 80 attending members.
The event opened with a warm welcome dinner—an opportunity for members to reconnect and set the tone for the days ahead. The following morning began with a kickoff breakfast featuring remarks from the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) and the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Their presentations highlighted the city’s latest projects and growing relevance in the marine industry.
From there, members boarded trolleys for guided tours of three premier facilities:
Thunderbolt Marine
Attendees were welcomed by Ernie D’Alto, the president of Thunderbolt Marine and the USSA Mid-Atlantic representative, plus his knowledgeable and hospitable team. They took members, divided into small groups, on a thorough tour of the site. The size and capabilities of the paint shed in particular left a lasting impression. One memorable moment was a surprise reunion between a Thunderbolt team member and a long-time industry contact—previous colleagues who traveled the world together but had not connected in many years—underscoring the strong relationships that define this community.
IGY Savannah Harbor Marina
Located on Hutchinson Island and nearing completion, this impressive new facility is poised to welcome yachts of all sizes. It has 95 berths plus a long, continuous dock for up to 20 superyachts. The marina team, led by Gili Wojnowich, IGY Marinas’ vice president of operations and yacht services—and a proud Savannah native—shared insights into the development process and exciting plans for continued expansion, including an adjacent hotel, to support future demand.
Safe Harbor Savannah Yacht Center
The final tour stop offered members a firsthand look at the refit and service capabilities of this world-class facility, capable of handling yachts up to 450’. Guests also had the opportunity to engage with sponsoring tenants, including Engineered Yacht Solutions, Datum RMS, F/YACHTING and Pinmar, which opened its second U.S. facility on site.
The day concluded with a dinner reception where members recounted their favorite moments, discussed key takeaways, and continued conversations sparked during the tours. This relaxed setting allowed for deeper dialogue around business opportunities, collaborations, and shared goals—further reinforcing the strength and connectivity of our superyacht network.
Key Takeaways:
- Unparalleled access to three leading facilities at varying stages of growth and innovation.
- Insights into Savannah’s strategic development as a superyacht destination.
- Memorable connections—both new and rekindled—that continue to strengthen the USSA network.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our event sponsors whose generous support made this exceptional gathering possible:
- Safe Harbor Savannah Yacht Center
- IGY Marinas
- Thunderbolt Marine
- Engineered Yacht Solutions
- Verge Yacht Design
- United Island & Yacht
- Datum RMS
- Compass Logistics & Marine
- Total Marine Solutions
- YATCO
- The Triton
- F/Yachting
- CMC Marine
- Pinmar
- Yachting International Radio
Events like the Savannah Superyacht Experience empower our community, connecting industry professionals to share ideas, form collaborations, and collectively drive the superyacht industry forward.
Thank you once again for your participation in and support of the USSA. We encourage all members to stay engaged, participate actively, and watch for announcements of future events designed to deliver similar high-quality programming.