News – Page 164 – Boating Yachting Sailing

Ponte Vedra Inn & Club

Wanna Get Away?

Along a wide stretch of beach just south of Jacksonville, Florida, is a place to cast away and clear your soul.

By Steve Davis, Southern Boating January 2020

The last time I was in the BVI, I tucked deep behind a reef around the point from Marina Cay and Scrub Island to have a quiet, safe anchorage without the bustle of the charter fleets moored in front of the restaurants and bars on the islands. We were the only ones there because it’s a spot few realize is navigable.

The reef broke the swell and provided that soothing, repetitive sound of breaking waves as the boat gently swayed with its rhythm. It’s a soothing, somewhat secure feeling, but as a captain, there’s always a little bit of caution knowing that as peaceful as it is, something could still happen that raises the hair on your skin and requires immediate action.

What if you could take away that uneasy feeling and sit on the deck staring out over an open sea or have the wave’s rhythmic pulse lull you to sleep…without any rock and roll? A visit to Ponte Vedra Beach Resorts does just that.

When It’s Time

All of us need to have a moment when it’s time to put the world on hold and calm ourselves from within. Ponte Vedra Beach Resorts welcomes you to a retreat that allows you to reach that nirvana by doing nothing at all or letting your mind and body release its energy through a plethora of activities, relaxing at the spa, and savoring world-class cuisine.

There are two beach locations just a quick golf cart ride apart and only a 40-minute drive from Jacksonville International Airport, an easy trip for those up north with their boats wrapped and on the hard. If you’re making the passage up or down the Intracoastal Waterway and need some time off the boat to, you know, play golf or tennis, have a spa day, let someone else do the cooking, or take a long walk, St. Augustine Municipal Marina is a 45-minute drive and Palm Cove Marina is only 15 minutes away, both with transient docking and services.

Room with a View

There’s something to be said when just about all of the rooms have “oceanfront” in the description. It’s easy to understand why that soothing, “behind the reef” comfort is felt; each room has a patio or balcony that opens to the ocean. Only the Historic Inn has rooms off the beach, but each has resort, lagoon, or ocean views. The Inn opened in 1928 and showcases the grandeur of that era. Guests have the convenience of shopping and dining within steps of the elevator, and the beach is just across the street. The Inn’s Island View room overlooks the Ocean Golf Course’s 9th hole island green.

Lodge Ocean Suite — Beachfront accommodations

In addition, the resort offers 33 well-appointed, oversized suites that feature sophisticated interior design and furnishings in a variety of layouts. From the Presidential Suite to the oceanfront rooms, you’ll have the sea at your steps with the comfort of a stationary deck.

So Much to Do

Whether you stay at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club or The Lodge & Club, there are plenty of activities to keep you moving, if you so desire.

With numerous umbrellas and chaises lining the sand, laying out and doing nothing is a popular option, but even so, the wide stretch of beach goes for more than 25 miles without a break, one way, and for some, it’s hard look down the infinite beachfront and not get up for a leisurely walk. Besides, there are really nice shells to collect. If jogging is one of your disciplines, then it’s impossible not to get up and go. Playing in the water is exercise when boogie boards, surfboards, and kayaks are available, not to mention beach games, and it’s just as much fun to take one of the beach cruiser bikes for a ride.

Family & Lap Pool — Relax in the family pool or get some exercise in the lap pool.

It’s easy to spend all day on the beach, but with four pools at The Inn & Club and the two at The Lodge & Club, you certainly don’t have to. Each have adult-only pools and fitness/lap pools as well as areas for families, not to mention spots to grab lunch and drinks.

Speaking of fitness, both locations have fitness centers with more than 40 exercise stations that include treadmills, elliptical trainers, Stairmasters, bicycles, rowing machines, free weights, and more. There are a multitude of exercise classes as well as the best of all: steam room, sauna, and Jacuzzi tub. Personal trainers are also available.

Every morning, the resort provides each room with a newsletter that lists the day’s activities, including kids’ programs, events, fitness classes, a chef’s corner of daily delights, tide information, and descriptions of all the dining and lounge venues, shopping options, and recreation options along with times and what they offer.

The Court and the Course

Besides the beach, the pools, and the fitness centers, there’s two other games that will get your heart rate up: tennis and golf. Sure, you’ll need to walk the course to get your steps in, but being outside in the fresh air with that special “cut grass” aroma surrounded by palm trees, a cool sea breeze, and a park-like setting, golf is intended to ease the mind…assuming you don’t let wayward shots interrupt your mental calm. Don’t let the good walk spoil.

Ponte Vedra Beach Resorts has two 18-hole courses: the Lagoon Course (located on-site) and the Ocean Course (including the infamous 9th hole island green). The Lagoon Course winds through pine trees, palms, and oaks that provide narrow fairways and tight greens. The lagoons create a beautiful setting, but are in play on 11 of the 18 holes. Keep your shots straight. The Ocean Course was designed in 1928 and selected to host the Ryder Cup in 1939, but the event was canceled due to World War II. It shows the quality of the course design and has served as a site for U.S. Open qualifying rounds. It is currently going through an $8 million renovation with completion set for this fall. The course plays tough with 99 strategically placed bunkers, elevated greens, and dramatic undulations throughout the fairways, all to help provide a relaxing game, right? A complete pro shop, lessons, clinics, repair shop, practice areas, rental clubs (and shoes, in case you left them on the boat), and the 19th hole lounge and restaurant will keep your game sharp and celebrate a day better than being in an office.

If tennis is your game, the Racquet Club is an official ATP World Tour tennis club. Tomãs Gonzalez is the director of tennis and makes sure enthusiasts receive a full complement of training, instruction, and activities to make your time on the court fun. A fully stocked pro shop has all the gear you need.

There are 15 Har Tru clay courts with eight lit for night play, private teaching courts, and a full staff of USPTA and USPTR teaching professionals. The Club is known for its intense summer tennis camp, and since tennis is definitely a sport that gets your heart pumping, there’s a steam room, sauna, and Jacuzzi waiting in the locker room, or you could walk next door to The Spa.

The Spa Treatment

If you’ve never been to a spa before, you’re in for a treat at The Spa at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club—a 30,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility that combines opulence with grandeur. High ceilings, statue fountains, a gourmet café, and gift shop set the mood for more pampering than you’ll need in one day, meaning you may have to go back. A therapeutic massage melts the stress away, and the steam room, sauna, and hot tub will defrost any up-north cold and rejuvenate your well-being. A new cryotherapy center promotes natural healing and wellness, albeit using cold temperatures. Add a facial or scrub, a purifying wrap, or treat yourself to a manicure, pedicure, or a new hairstyle. It’s all there to make you feel relaxed and refreshed.

On the Menu

Throughout the day, you have to keep your body nourished, and not just with water. Start your day at the Inn’s Gourmet Shop that offers an assortment of pastry and Starbucks coffee or just stop by for homemade ice cream later, since the Inn Dining Room serves a full breakfast menu.

If you’re at the beach, the Surf Deck Grille offers a variety of signature cocktails along with Florida coastal cuisine, which includes fish dishes, locally sourced vegetables and greens, and specialty pizzas, burgers, and sandwiches. The Beach Side Snack Bar also serves burgers, salads, cold-pressed juices, and more. Over at The Lodge & Club, the Barefoot Bistro is a poolside food truck with salads, sandwiches, a kids’ menu, and frozen treats.

The Golf Club Dining Room overlooks the Lagoon golf course and has an awesome menu with signature sandwiches, soups, and salads for lunch, and steaks, local seafood, and specialties for dinner on the deck along the lagoon or inside with expansive windows to gaze at the course setting.

As the sun sets, freshen up and head to the Seahorse Grille for an oceanfront, “upscale-but-casual dining and cocktail experience.” If you arrange it ahead of time, the Chef’s Table is in the kitchen with room for four to watch the chefs in action up close and personal as you’re treated to a 10-course tasting menu.

The Spa at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club’s gourmet cafe and lounging area

The tasting menu is a new twist to the Ponte Vedra Beach Resorts’ culinary lineup and may see its way as a regular in the dining rooms. It’s an innovative way to sample the chef’s culinary style with portions that are just the right size. Chef Erik Osol produced a menu for a Health and Wellness weekend that started with Seminole Pumpkin Salad and was followed by Foie Torchon and Persimmon, Steak Tartare and Chicharron, Scallop and Finger lime, Miso Seabass and Chive sauce, New York strip steak with mushrooms and cured egg yolk, and ended with Bitterweet Truffle Mousse. Each course was paired with a wine chosen by Resort Sommelier Matheson Cory that made every bite a delight to the palate.

On the Menu

Born to Run: Marlow Prowler 375 Havana

Born to Run

The Marlow Prowler 375 Havana handles the need for speed with remarkable style and performance.

By Tom Serio, Southern Boating February 2020

Let’s begin with a bit of history to better understand the premise of the yacht at hand. Back in 1919, the U.S. government enacted the National Prohibition Act to carry out the intent of the 18th Amendment, passing the “great social and economic experiment” of the time, so said, President Herbert Hoover. Prohibition, which took effect in 1920, was a period in U.S. history that banned the manufacture, transportation, and sale of intoxicating liquors. Although supported by the temperance movement, prohibition was difficult to enforce, and illegal production and sale by bootleggers flourished. This also spurred the growth of illegal drinking establishments called “speakeasies” and led to a rise in overall violence and crime.

Also, on the rise were the Florida “rumrunners,” nefarious boaters who smuggled in hooch, mainly from the islands. Whiskey and rum were the favorite elixirs that came from the Bahamas, Caribbean, and notably, Cuba.

All types of vessels were used, from schooners and freighters to motorboats and yachts. The key was to not get caught but also to outrun the law. Based on the needs to create a fast boat that can handle skinny water with exceptional seakeeping ability (especially when loaded down), David Marlow designed the current day Prowler 375 Havana, but not for rum-running purposes.

As one entry into the Prowler line (introduced in 2005, the Prowler line also includes the Open, Express Cruiser, and Classic models), the Havana has an allure of bygone days and a spirited excitement when behind the wheel.

Don’t think that Marlow skimped on the smaller brethren when compared to his larger yachts. The same quality building process, fine woods, materials, and overall Marlow craftsmanship are incorporated into each Prowler.

Additionally, Marlow went beyond the center console style of original rumrunners with the Havana and added fine accommodations in the lower cabin that include a galley and private head, and copious amounts of room on deck for cruising or fishing along with an enhanced helm station. It’s also a perfect yacht to sit at anchor and enjoy a cool rum punch at sunset.

Built for Anything

For the rumrunners of yesteryear, their crafts had to be ready for any sea condition in order to deliver the abolished gold. Marlow designed the Havana the same way. The hull is a beefy, ocean-going machine with generous bow flare, lifting strakes, sharp entry, and modified-V hull to maintain speed into head seas or over the chop.

With a downeaster sheer line and high freeboard, forward-sweeping lower aft, the Havana exemplifies the needs of yore with the elegance of current. Accentuating the flag-blue hull are gold trim and boot stripe.

Just Like the Big Boys

It’s evident throughout the Havana that Marlow has carefully, yet creatively, carried the virtues of the big yachts to this smaller platform. A large, fiberglass hardtop and three-sided fiberglass window frame are integrated into the house structure and supported by a tubular frame that is securely bolted to the structure in multiple spots to create a solid enclosure. The forward windshield is a single pane, tempered glass with an overhead wiper. Frame supports run laterally across the underside of the hardtop and provide handholds all around. Hang bimini curtains to the side and aft and this machine is an all-weather operation. Even with a slight bow rise when getting up to speed, forward visibility remains good thanks to the high helm seats.

Lower Luxury

With some deft styling, Marlow blends the cabin design into the hull so it’s not obtrusive to the profile which maintains the intended charm of this model. Through a portside door is the lower cabin, and it’s more than just a place to use the head or change outfits. Forward is a large V-berth which helps make the Havana more of a weekender than just a picnic or day boat. Midship are two large opposing settees, thickly padded and suitable for sitting or lounging. A drop-in teak table creates a dining area for four or six people.

Fixed windows along the side and forward allow for ambient lighting as does the forward egress hatch. Teak wood is used throughout the interior for walls, shelves, and trim, and the teak and holly flooring is the same as used in larger Marlow yachts. A flat-screen TV is mounted to the wall, while air conditioning keeps the environment nice and cool.

You won’t feel claustrophobic here as there’s excellent standing room with just over six feet in clearance.

Meal prep is easy thanks to the galley station. A two-burner Kenyon cooktop with potholders is next to a deep stainless steel sink. Above is a Sharp convection microwave oven for a quick reheat and below is a U-Line under counter fridge/freezer unit. A Bluewater desalinator can produce up to 450 gallons of freshwater daily.

Next to the galley is a full-height breaker control panel behind a glass door with all the switches, gauges, and monitors needed to operate the 375 Havana. It’s a plethora of controls, but I would expect nothing less from Marlow, and it’s at eye level, so there’s no getting down on hands and knees or ducking into a closet to set a breaker.

An aft private head features a Dometic toilet, Grohe shower and sink faucets, vanity with granite counter, and a curtain and recessed drain under teak grating for showering.

The Speed Needs

As the need for speed was paramount for the criminal runners to avoid capture, Marlow was thinking of speed when designing the Havana, but for “legal” reasons, like to get to the cruising destinations or fishing grounds.

Speed it has. There are triple 300-hp Yamaha outboards bolted to the transom. Yup, that’s 900 horsepower, and it goes!

Performing our sea trial in the calm waters of the Manatee River near the Marlow Yachts facility in Palmetto, Florida, it’s easy to see that getting to the fish (or rum) fast and back to the dock can make all the difference. Cruising at 21.5 knots (3,500 rpm) yields a burn of 25 gph and a range of 255 nautical miles (25 percent fuel reserve). If on the chase or being chased, the 375 Havana opens up wide to 39.7 knots (6,100 rpm) for 153 nautical miles. Either way, a good cut of speed and range when necessary.

At the Console

The helm console of the Havana is oversized, as it should be, because there’s a lot going on here. Our test boat was fitted with twin 16-inch Garmin multifunction displays connected to a Garmin xHD2 4-foot open array radar, two ICOM VHF radios, Garmin AIS, FLIR thermal camera, battery and tank analog gauges, Lenco trim tab controller, Yamaha engine monitor, bank of rocker switches, and more.

Complementing the console are twin pedestal-mounted Stidd helm seats and drop-down footrests. For improved forward visibility, a standing platform rises from the deck, kind of like having a built-in crate to stand on.

The hinged floor panel at the console reveals the Seakeeper SK3 stabilization gyro and 5kW Northern Lights diesel generator that also has a 40-gallon diesel tank. It’s not uncommon to find a diesel generator on a gas boat powered by outboards. It’s a safety thing.

All Hands on Deck

With a boat like the 375 Havana, the fun will be outdoors. Besides a nice cut of speed, there are several relaxing spots to lounge as well as the ability to utilize the Havana as a fishing platform.

Moving fore to aft is effortless as there’s full walkaround decking (with a few steps to the bow seating). A comfortable sunpad lounger with side grabrails is in front of the helm or sit forward on the bow pads that flank a hi-lo fiberglass table. Picture yourself relaxing at anchor, reading a good book while taking in the sun.

Back in the cockpit, behind the helm seats, is a fiberglass molded console that contains an enclosed sink and undercounter storage for fenders or lines. Tucked on either side are fold-down padded seats, perfect for the crew to watch the trolling lines. Under the seats are compartments for tackle drawers and gear, and there’s plenty of cockpit space to add in a few lounge chairs for cruising time.

To hide your rum or the catch of the day, there are two in-deck fishboxes with drains and handles so they can lift out easily. Rod holders and Rupp Top Gun outriggers trick out this machine.

A center hatch offers access to machinery space which includes a watermaker unit, pumps, piping, and more. A livewell in the transom can convert to a freezer for keeping food or bait chilled.

Doing double duty is the flush-mounted transom door that allows for easy boarding access from the dock, access to the water, and to land fish quickly.

Marlow’s craftsmanship and style along with a logical layout make the Havana a clean, comfortable, and solid center console.

On the starboard aft gunwale is an integrated fold-down boarding ladder. When deployed, swimmers can board from the built-in ladder and walk-through gunwale.

Generous combing rings the cockpit, and under-gunwale storage is available on the port side.

From the smart styling to the exceptional craftmanship to the attention to details, there is no mistaking the Prowler 375 Havana is all Marlow. Take her for a ride and become your own runner.

Specifications:
LOA: 37’ 6”
Beam: 11’ 8”
Draft: 2’ 3”
Displacement: 17,000 lbs.
Fuel/Water: 395/40 gals.
Power: 3x Yamaha F300 4-stroke V6 @ 300-hp
Cruise/Max Speed: 21.5/39.7 knots (as tested)
Range: 255 nm @ 21.5 knots (as tested)
Price: $749,000 as tested
Contact: Marlow Yachts
(941) 729-3370
marlowyachts.com

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