The Triton is taking it to the beach this summer to network on the first Wednesday of August. Captains, crew and industry professionals are invited to get sand between their toes while enjoying a beverage, snacks and good company at the north end of Fort Lauderdale Beach Park on Aug. 6 from 6-8 p.m.

Come meet the staff from host IGY and test out some water toys from Adventure Sports. Until then learn more from IGY president Tom Mukamal.

Q. What is the history of IGY?

IGY was founded in 2005 by Andrew Farkas, CEO and owner of Island Capital Group. In its infancy, IGY worked on marina projects all over the world including in Dubai, Europe and the Caribbean. When the industry slowed, the company shifted to an operational focus in the Caribbean and Americas.

The new IGY focus has been one of destination management. Our properties have seen consistent growth and the company has set a new standard in what a luxury marina experience truly is, and accumulates over 8,000 unique customers annually to our shores.

Q. What's new this year?

IGY Marinas has 13 destinations in eight countries. Our most recent additions -- The Marinas at Resorts World Bimini and Blue Haven Marina in the Turks and Caicos -- have expanded the scope of our offerings, as both marinas are attached to world-class resort facilities. The same could be said about Red Frog Beach Marina in Bocas Del Toro, Panama, that sits within a rainforest resort and offers a more nature-oriented approach to activities and entertainment.

Q. You have marinas from New York to Panama. Which ones are best for megayachts?

All of our marinas have the capacity to accommodate megayachts, however Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas and the Yacht Club at Isle de Sol in Sint Maarten are purpose-built superyacht destinations. Rodney Bay Marina in St. Lucia has 32 docks for yachts up to 285 feet, and Red Frog Beach Marina has deep-water access up to 25 feet, while Marina Cabo San Lucas welcomes yachts up to 375 feet.

Q. What is the largest yacht IGY can dock?

At Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas, over 600 feet.

Q. Does your staff have yachting backgrounds?

Yes, absolutely. Our top-tier management at each destination has either been on the water or worked within the yachting industry for many years, if not their whole lives. Three of our general marina managers are CMMs (Certified Marina Managers), and others are currently in training.

On a local level, each marina staff member has extensive knowledge of each island or city, and can direct customers to almost anything, typically at a discounted rate. We invest heavily in training our teams on the intricacies and requirements of large yachts and crew such that all our marina teams understand they have a role in providing a quality experience for yachts and crew.

Q. What are the Anchor Pass and the Anchor Club programs?

The Anchor Pass is a discount dockage program for megayachts (over 80 feet) that travel the Caribbean and would like to do so with less hassle and paperwork. IGY is the only marina network with an international multi-destination docking product. It entitles the yacht to dock at eight of our marinas with priority reservations at a deeply discounted rate by paying the entire portion of dockage up front.

Participating marinas are Yacht  Haven Grande in St. Thomas, The Yacht Club at Isle De Sol and Simpson Bay Marina in St. Maarten, Rodney  Bay Marina in St, Lucia, Palmas del Mar Yacht Club in Puerto Rico, Red Frog Beach Marina in Panama, Marina Cabo San Lucas in Mexico and Blue Haven Marina in Turks and Caicos.

The free program offers points that can be redeemed for almost anything from vessel services, electronics or travel, and they can even choose to donate the points to charity.

The other side of the Anchor Club is for companies who aim to grow U.S. presence in the yachting industry, and who want to gain access to IGY’s customers.

Q. What's next for IGY?

We continue to seek destinations that fall within the standards of IGY and make sense within the route of our current network, however we are open to Europe and beyond. We have several partnerships in the works.

Q. Tell us about your crew events.

In high season, IGY marinas plan more than 90 events for captains and crew including golf outings, the Crew Olympics, private parties, charity marathons, the White Party (during the Yacht & Brokerage Show in Miami Beach), paddleboard races and outings, dockside barbecues, and more. We post the Crew Calendar on our Web site and it can also be found in our Global Directory available online or at the front desk of any marina.

Join us on Aug. 6 from 6-8 p.m. at the north end of Ft. Lauderdale's most southern park, Fort Lauderdale Beach Park at 1100 Seabreeze Blvd. (33316). From 17th St. and U.S. 1 head east across the bridge to the first public parking lot. No RSVP required, just bring business cards to share.

Click for more on Marine Industry Cares Foundation.