The Superyacht Time has been deliberately sunk to become an artificial reef.
In Florida the St. Lucie County’s artificial reef program has partnered with the Marine Cleanup Initiative (MCI). They did so to deliberately sink the 39 metre motor yacht Time.
Constructed in aluminium
In 1987 Time was one of the first superyachts ever to constructed in aluminium. As such she has historical significance.
Designed by Tom Fexas, Time was built by Palmer Johnson and powered by twin Detroit Diesels. At the time of her delivery, she had a top speed is 31 knots. And a cruising range of 3500.0 nm at 14.0 knots. She carried 5 crew to look after 6 guests in 3 staterooms.
MCI acquired Time in August 2022 working in coordination with the MCAC Artificial Reef Fund (MCAC).
Causeway Cove Marina donated their fees for mooring the vessel for 10 months while she was being cleaned and prepared by McCulley Marine Services.
This in-kind donation saves MCI more than $20,000 while Time was being cleaned of all potential pollutants.
In time, Time will become the A. A. Hendry Reef. The name pays tribute to the 19th century patriarch of the Hendry family. They are one of the pioneering families of St. Lucie, Martin and Hendry counties.
Mr. Gary Hendry and the Hendry family paid a donation to MCI in order to fund the project. This was the fifth deployment that MCI has been involved with since 2021.
Historic vessel
McCulley Marine Services were in charge of the sinking of this historic vessel. They oversaw her settling on the county’s permitted Fort Pierce Sportfishing Club artificial reef site in 50 metres of water.
She arrived at the deployment area (27°26’12.0″N / 80°01’08.0″W) and began to sink as scuttling commenced.
The People’s Reef Project
“So, this deployment is another part of The People’s Reef Project and shows what can happen when everyone comes together to conserve and protect the marine environment,” said St. Lucie County Coastal Resources Coordinator Jim Oppenborn.
The aluminium bar taken from Time served quite a few drinks when it was on board the yacht. Now it will be donated to the Causeway Cove Marina. This will be a lasting legacy of the Hendry family and Causeway Cove Marina’s dedication to improve the environment.