yacht closer llc

YachtCloser is the yacht brokerage industry's leading web-based contract management solution.  YachtCloser provides a simple, seamless connection between buyers, sellers, brokers and yacht services through a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use application engine.  YachtCloser provides the most accessible and robust transaction and administrative tools available.

Phone: (954) 361-1322

© 2024 YachtCloser  |  All Rights Reserved.  |   Do Not Sell My Personal Information

Home Request a Demo Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use

Stay connected:

The Industry’s Leading Web-based Contract Management Solution

Contracts and Documents

YachtCloser provides a simple and turnkey approach to managing all the forms and contracts needed to operate your boat and yacht sales business. YachtCloser comes pre-loaded with over 100 different forms and contracts ready for you to start selling boats. We’ve also partnered with the top broker associations in the country, allowing member-only access to their proprietary forms.

Electronic Signatures

Registration Services

Request a YachtCloser Demo

BoatWiki.com

The Free Boating Encyclopedia

Definitions    Guidelines    Resources Forms    Databases    Blogs    Profiles

About    Link    Translate    Contact

— WikiLinks —

YachtCloser Website

Advertisement

The nation's premier boat history report with a full compliment of title search resources. Includes eight maritime databases all rolled into one convenient interface. A must-have service for any prospective buyer, marine lender, or maritime professional.

Owner Background Search

Criminal Records Assets - Properties Personal Details

Know your seller!

Sponsored by

YachtCloser Profile

Website   WikiLinks   WikiShare

BoatWiki - Profiles

BoatWiki needs your help in maintaining our vital community resource. Please WikiShare any comments, suggestions, or corrections regarding this profile.

Introduction

Jan 25, 2024  - YachtCloser identifies itself as an online contract management and vessel documentation service for yacht brokers, buyers and sellers. The following profile contains information about its organization, products, services and mission. You will also find some additional qualifications with links to important aspects of its offerings.

YachtCloser is the yacht brokerage industry’s leading web-based contract management solution. YachtCloser provides a simple, seamless connection between buyers, sellers, brokers and yacht services through a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use application engine. YachtCloser provides the most accessible and robust transaction and administrative tools available – managing more than $10 Billion in active boat and yacht contracts nationwide.

Organization

YachtCloser is a trademark of Dominion Marine Media.

YachtCloser provides online contract management and vessel documentation services in conjunction with yacht broker, buyer and seller transactions.

The conceptual services offered by YachtCloser are fairly new to the marine industry. Team BoatWiki has found mixed reviews from buyers regarding their responsiveness. We encourage our readers to WikiShare any further information or experiences regarding this profile.

Credits and References

Jan 25, 2023 - Page initiated.

Float Your BoatWiki

Learn about the role you can play in supporting the internet's most reliable source of free boating information.

Stay informed about urgent matters of boater fraud and the latest changes in  boat registration or safety regulations.

A Division of Maritime Partners, LLC State of Washington  USA © Copyright 1998 - 2024 All rights reserved.

About    Link    Translate    Terms    Privacy    Contact

everythingaboutboats.org

Everything about boats – the ultimate reference resource for boaters.

YachtCloser

PATH: HOME ,  GLOSSARY ,  WEBSITE INDEX , WEBSITE CONTENTS » ∨ ∧ BOAT MARKETING » ∧  DO-IT-YOURSELF »  DIY Boat Sales , DIY Boat Inspections , DIY Schools & Classes » ∧ MEDIA w/Creator Directory  » Product Documentation , Books , Magazines , Videos , Websites »

PAGE CONTENTS: ( click ⇒ to go to each section on this page ) ⇒ Vendor's Profile, Contact Information,+. ⇒ ^ Offerings: Products, Services, + . ⇒ ^ ^ Media Offerings: Product Documentation, Books, Magazines, Videos, Websites, +. ⇒ ^ Related Resources: EAB Topics w/Directories , Vendors, Products: Media: Books, Websites, + . ⇒ Visit EAB's FEATURED ARTICLES Home Page to preview the vast scope of our website . ⇒ This Month's Top 20 Most Popular Articles on our EAB  website . ⇒ Layout of the EverythingAboutBoats.org Website's Pages: Page Types, Contents, Topics, + . ⇒ What our nonprofit Anchors Aweigh Academy and its EAB website have accomplished . ⇒ Members must SIGN IN to gain access to Members Only areas of this website . ⇒ Become an Academy Member and gain access to additional pages and programs ! ⇒ Comments: Submit To ⇒ Comments♣EverythingAboutBoats.org (Replace "♣" with "@").

YachtCloser provides a simple, seamless connection between buyers, sellers, brokers and yacht services through a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use application engine. YachtCloser provides the most accessible and robust transaction and administrative tools available – managing more than $10 billion in active boat and yacht contracts nationwide.

Contracts and Documents YachtCloser provides a simple and turnkey approach to managing all the forms and contracts needed to operate your boat and yacht sales business. YachtCloser comes pre-loaded with over 100 different forms and contracts ready for you to start selling boats. We’ve also partnered with the top broker associations in the country, allowing member-only access to their proprietary forms.

Electronic Signatures YachtCloser’s proprietary electronic signature platform was designed with this industry in mind. Whether you’re representing the buyer and seller or you’re involved in a co-brokerage deal, YachtCloser allows all parties to quickly and securely electronically sign your documents with ease.

Registration Services YachtCloser Registration (YCR) specializes in providing Coast Guard Documentation, State Title, and Foreign registration services for boat and yacht buyers.

Financing YachtCloser Financial (YCF) provides specialized financial services for boat and yacht buyers. Whether your customer is purchasing a new boat, used boat, classic boat, or project boat, we’ll find the best loan program to meet their needs. With exceptional service and integrated solutions, we make the approval, deal coordination and closing process easy!

YachtCloser is a subsidiary of Trident Funding which is a subsidiary of Boats Group, LLC. (see Boats Group, LLC. subsidiaries below).

From www.yachtcloser.com . From BoatsGroup.com/Contact .

Boats Group. LLC. and its various subsidiaries (see below) are the world’s leading online boating marketplaces, connecting the largest global audience of boaters, especially boat buyers with top sellers and manufacturers. For nearly three decades, Boats Group has helped its industry partners sell more boats faster and provided unmatched support with a comprehensive suite of online business solutions, including proprietary web-based contract management tools, and premier digital marketing strategies and services. Boats Group is owned by Permira Funds , and is based in Miami, Florida, United States with co-headquarters in Fareham, England, and additional offices in Padova, Italy and Barcelona, Spain. In April 2023, Patrick Kolek became CEO.

From YachtWorld . From BoatsGroup .

From BoatsGroup.com

Vendor's Contact Information

YachtCloser Division of Boats Group, LLC. 1221 Bricket Ave – 23rd Floor Miami, FL 33131, USA

Telephones: Main Phone: 954-361-1322 YachtCloser Support: 954-361-2624 YachtCloser Sales: 954-361-1396 Finance Services: 954-361-6022 YachtCloser Documentation & Registration Services: 954-361-2411

Website: www.yachtcloser.com ^ Contact Form: www.yachtcloser.com/contact-us

From BoatsGroup.com/Contact . From YachtCloser.com/Contact .

Please do not try to contact any of the vendors on this website via our EverythingAboutBoats.org Phone, Email or Comment Systems. Your message will NOT be forwarded to the vendor. Contact vendors directly (if still active).

Vendor's Offerings

Boat rental & yacht charter, vendor's media offerings with links to eab's media overview and co- creator profile pages (bold media links lead to eab on-site pages & links that are not bold lead off-site).

Media with BOLD Resource Codes in the RC column are part of our Academy eLibrary! Academy Members can view the entire Media by clicking on its Media Title Link to go to our EAB Overview Page and then scrolling down to the “Academy eLibrary” section for its link. Resource Codes are explained in the Table Key under Related Resources below.

⇒ Media Directory Under Development  ⇐

If any Media or Creators should be added to this list, please submit their info/links via email To: Editor♣EverythingAboutBoats.org (Replace "♣" with "@")

Related Resources: Topic Pages w/Directories , Vendors, Products: Media: Books, Websites, etc. Categorized by Topic & Hierarchy w/Links (Sitemap) .

TABLE KEY: Resource Types are identified by the following Resource Codes (RC). T = Topic Page. TD = Topic Page w/Directory V = Vendor Page. VO = Vendor's Offerings. VW = Vendor's Website. MV = Media Vendor/Creator. MS = Media Source. P = Product Page. PD = Product Documentation. B = Book. BB = Book - Biography. BE = Book Excerpt. BF = Book - Fiction. M = Magazine. MI = Magazine Issue. MA = Magazine Article. Vid = Video. W = Website. WA = Website Article. WV = Website Video (incl. YouTube). F = Forum. FP = Forum Post. S = Social Media. SP = Social Media Post. NOTES: Resource Codes are arranged above by resource directory hierarchy. Resource Codes are displayed in the Right Column labeled "RC".  ⇒  ⇒  ⇒  ⇒  ⇒  ⇒  ⇒  ⇒  ⇒ ⇓ Resource Codes which are BOLD indicate Media is available from our Academy eLibrary.⇒ ⇓ ^ To view Media, Click on the Media Title to go to our webpage for that media and then: ^ ^ Scroll down to the Academy eLibrary section for media viewing instructions. Resource Media (Books, Magazines, Videos, etc.) Titles are displayed in a smaller font. Resource Titles below are arranged by hierarchy using "^" to show subordination. Resource Links which are BOLD lead to EverythingAboutBoats.com ON-SITE pages. Resource Links which are NOT BOLD lead OFF-SITE. We is not responsible  for their content. If a link fails or we should add a resource to this listing, please submit info via email to: ^ Editor♣EverythingAboutBoats.org (Replace "♣" with "@")

If any Related Resources should be added to this list, please submit info/links via email To: Editor♣EverythingAboutBoats.org (Replace "♣" with "@")

NOT AN ACADEMY MEMBER? CLICK HERE to discover how you can become a Member and gain FULL access to thousands of expanded pages and dozens of excellent programs including our eLibrary!

CLICK HERE to view ALL the books , magazines , videos , etc. in our Academy eLibrary. Media are also listed by category on the Topic Pages found on the Right Sidebar ⇒ CLICK HERE to donate any books, magazines, manuals, or videos, etc. to our Library.

EVERYTHING ON THIS PAGE OK? If there is anything on this webpage that needs fixing, please let us know via email To: Editor♣EverythingAboutBoats.org (Replace "♣" with "@")

Visit our FEATURED ARTICLES Home Page to see examples of our website's comprehensive contents!

Thanks to our amazing contributors for the steady flow of articles, and to our dedicated all-volunteer staff who sort, polish and format them, everyday we get a little bit closer to our goal of Everything About Boats. If you would like to submit an article, See Submitting Articles .

—  TOP 20 MOST POPULAR ARTICLES  —

Detroit Diesel 8.2 Liter “Fuel Pincher” V8 Engine Cummins V-555 & VT-555 “Triple-Nickel” V8 Diesel Engine Lehman 120 (6D380) Diesel Engine (Ford 2704C & 2715E) Ford Industrial Power Products Diesel Engines How to Identify Ford Diesel Engines Ford 2715E Diesel Engine Lehman Mfg. Co. Perkins Engines Universal Atomic 4 Sears Boat Motors: Motorgo, Waterwitch, Elgin, etc. Chrysler & Force Outboards Eska Outboard Motors Allison Transmission ZF Friedrichshafen AG Marine Surveyors by Country American Marine Ltd (Grand Banks) Boat Inspection (Types of Marine Surveys) Boat Builders: (A∼Z) (w/Vessel Types, Locale & Years Active) USCG NVIC 07-95 Guidance on Inspection, Repair and Maintenance of Wooden Hulls American Boat and Yacht Counsel (ABYC)

Layout of the EverythingAboutBoats.org Website's Pages

— Types of Webpages — This website consists almost entirely of 3 types of webpages as follows:

• EXAMPLE : – WEBSITE CONTENTS w/Links to MAIN TOPIC & Subtopic Pages:
• EXAMPLE : 02 – BOAT BUILDING, OUTFITTING, REFITTING & REPAIR:
• EXAMPLE : 02.06 – Boat Equipment:
• EXAMPLE : 02.06.08 – Propulsion Machinery:
• EXAMPLE : 02.06.08.01 – Engines w/Directory of Vendors .
• EXAMPLE : 02.06.08.01 –  ^  Ford Industrial Power Products Diesel Engines.
• EXAMPLE : 02.06.08.01 –  ^   ^  Ford 2715E Diesel Engine.
• EXAMPLE : 02.06.08.01 –  ^   ^  Ford OpManual - 2710 Range Diesel Engines.
• EXAMPLE : 02.06.08.01 –  ^   ^  Ford Service Manual - 2700 & 2710 Range Diesel Engines.

Clickable Links that lead to other webpages appear in Blue Text and usually open in a new window. Links in the Right Sidebar and most directories open in the current window, not a new window. Note in the examples above that these pages form a natural hierarchy. The unnumbered "^" pages are listed alphabetically in most tables. Media Titles in tables are distinguished by their smaller font size. Media ( Books , Magazines , Videos , Articles ,+) are treated as Products. Vendors' Product Documentation ( pDoc ) are considered Media . Destinations & Media Creators are treated as Vendors. All Website Pages are optimized for viewing on full-width disktop computer monitors, but can be viewed on phones.

— Contents of Webpages — Website Pages typically contain the following Sections:

• EXAMPLE : PATH: HOME ,  WEBSITE INDEX , WEBSITE CONTENTS » ∨ ∧ BOAT BUILDING & REPAIR  »  Boat Equipment  »  Propulsion » Engines » ∨∨ ∧∧  Ford , Ebro , American Diesel , AmMarine , Barr , Beta , Bomac , Bowman , Couach , Lees , Lehman , Mermaid , Parsons , Renault ,  Sabre , Thornycroft , Wortham Blake  » ∧ DO-IT-YOURSELF  » DIY Boat Building & Repair » DIY Schools & Classes » ∧ MEDIA w/Creator Directory  » Documentation , Books ,  Magazines ,  Videos ,  Websites »
• ( The "»" right pointing Guillemet  symbol shows the chain through the page links. )
• ( The "," comma between page links in the chain indicates pages are not subordinate, but are instead at the same level. See engine brands in the example above. )
• ( The "∨", "∨∨", "∨∨∨",+ symbols indicate that the path line continues with whatever follows the "∧", "∧∧", "∧∧∧",+ symbols respectively. "∧" Precedes each MAIN TOPIC Page. )
• PAGE CONTENTS ( Table of Contents with links to each main section on the page ).
• ( Many Topic Pages contain Directories of Vendors with Links ).
• ( Most Directory Listings are Alphabetical and/or by Locale ).
• ( Manufacturers, Resellers, Refitters, Yards, Surveyors, Clubs, Schools, Authors ,+ ).
• ( Boating & Travel Destinations are treated as Vendors on their own Vendor Pages ).
• ( Media created by a vendor is often treated as a Product on its own Product Page ).
• ( Boating & Travel Events are often treated as Products on their own Product Pages ).
• RELATED RESOURCES (Topics, Vendors, Products, Media:   Books, Websites ,+ with Links ).
• The Anchors Aweigh Academy's EverythingAboutBoats.org Header.
• A link to our Featured Articles EAB Home Page.
• Top 20 Most Popular Articles. ( The section that appears right above ⇑ this section ) .
• Layout of the EverythingAboutBoats.org Website's Pages. ( This very section ⇐ ) .
• Topics of Webpages. ( The very next section below ⇓ ) .
• What we have accomplished so far.
• Members must Sign-In to gain full access to Expanded Pages & Programs.
• Sign-Up ( if not already a member ).
• Public Comments (about the website & about this page) .
• RIGHT SIDEBAR ( Website Contents menu with links to Main Topic & Subtopic pages ). ( On some smart phones, the Right Sidebar may appear at the bottom of the webpage )

— Topics of Webpages — Website Pages are categorized under the following 16 MAIN TOPICS:

The MAIN TOPICS follow a natural progression from conception of the vessel thru its building, marketing, survey, financing, insuring, transport, moorage, use and upkeep. The MAIN TOPICS (all Caps) below are followed by their Main Subtopics with Links.

00 – HOME: CONTENTS ,  ABOUT EAB : Contact EAB , Abbreviations & Symbols , FAQ , GLOSSARY , ADs ,+ . 01 –  ABOUT BOATS w/Museum Directory : Early History , Recent History , Modern Vessel Types ,+ . 02 –  BOAT BUILDING, OUTFITTING, REFITTING & REPAIR: Materials , Equipment , Builders ,+ . 03 –  BOAT MARKETING: Boat Shows , Dealers & Brokers , Importing & Exporting , Auctions & Sales ,+ . 04 –  BOAT INSPECTION: Types of Marine Surveys , Marine Surveyors , Schools , DIY Inspections ,+ . 05 –  BOAT TITLES & VESSEL REGISTRY: Boat Title & Registration , Vessel Registry , Title Co's ,+ . 06 –  BOAT FINANCING: Conventional ( Banks , Credit Unions ,+), Unconventional (Creative) ,+ . 07 –  BOAT INSURANCE: Maritime & Recreational: Coverage, Carriers, Agents,+. , Claim Processing ,+ . 08 –  BOAT TRANSPORT: By Sea ( Piggyback , Delivery Skippers & Crews , & Towing ), Over-Land ,+ . 09 –  BOAT HAULING & LAUNCHING: Drydocks, Ways, Lifts, Cranes & Hoists , Launch Ramps ,+ . 10 –  BOAT MOORAGE & STORAGE: Builders , Anchorages , Marinas , Yards, Racks & Stacks ,+ . 11 –  BOATING ORGANIZATIONS: Yacht Clubs & Sailing Clubs , Paddling Clubs , Boat Owners ,+ . 12 –  BOATING & TRAVEL: Events , Destinations , Boat Rentals & Charters , Cruises , Voyages ,+ . 13 –  BOATING & MARITIME EDUCATION: Recreational Seamanship , Ship's Master & Crew ,+ . 14 – MARINE LAWS & REGULATIONS : International & National Laws ‚ Lawyers ‚  Investigators ‚+ . 15 –  DO-IT-YOURSELF: DIY Boat Building & Repair , DIY Boat Sales , DIY Boat Surveys , DIY Classes ,+ . 16 –  MEDIA  w/Creator Directory + Academy eLibrary : pDocs , Books , Magazines , Videos , Websites ,+ .

The above MAIN TOPICS and a more detailed listing of Subtopics can be found on the Website Contents page and on the Right Sidebar .

What we have accomplished so far . Anchors Aweigh Academy and its EverythingAboutBoats.org website.

• Published over 50,000 website pages about boats and boating, bringing us closer to reaching  our goal of becoming "The ultimate reference resource about boats and ships for everyone from the beginning recreational boater to the seasoned professional mariner!"
• Published over 300 website main topic webpages, many with full articles on the topic. See our Website Contents or the Right Sidebar for the listing of the main topic pages.
• Published over 9,000 marine vendor webpages, all with their contact information, most with a description of their products and services, many with product documentation, specifications and independent reviews. (incl.: Boat designers, boat building tools, material and equipment manufacturers and suppliers, boat builders and dealers, yacht brokers, marine surveyors, boat insurers, boat transporters, skippers and crews, boatyards and marinas, yacht clubs, boat rentals and yacht charters, boating, seamanship and maritime schools, marine law attorneys and expert witnesses, boat refitters and repairers, book authors, magazine publishers, video producers, and website creators)
• Acquired over 120,000 pages of product documentation including Catalogs, Brochures, SpecSheets, Pictures, Serial Number Guides, Installation Manuals, OpManuals, Parts Catalogs, Parts Bulletins, Shop Manuals, Wiring Diagrams, Service Bulletins, and Recalls. And have made all viewable to Academy Members through our EAB website eLibrary .
• Acquired over 1,200 books and magazine back issues in our academy library and so far have made over 700 viewable to Academy Members through our EAB website eLibrary .
• Published over 500 DIY How-To articles about boat design, construction, inspection, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair. We are working hard to do more.

We are currently formatting and polishing the Anchors Aweigh Academy online and hands-on courses. Our Marine Surveying  course has proven to be excellent for both the beginner and the seasoned surveyor, and especially helpful to the Do-It-Yourselfer.

Current Academy Members must SIGN IN to gain FULL access to this website including expanded pages and valuable Academy programs like our Academy eLibrary and our Ask-An-Expert Program! If your membership has expired, CLICK HERE to Renew .

IF YOU ARE NOT YET AN ANCHORS AWEIGH ACADEMY MEMBER, CLICK HERE to discover how you can become a Member and gain FULL access to thousands of expanded pages and articles, and dozens of excellent programs WITH JUST A SMALL DONATION!

Comments for Public Viewing

Submit any comments for public viewing via email To: Comments♣EverthingAboutBoats.org ( Replace "♣" with "@" ) Please remember to put this webpage's title in the subject line of your email. All comments are moderated before they appear on this page. See Comment Rules .

General Comments About the Website

FROM Donald:  " This is an awesome website. I found the information that I needed right away from one of the over 20,000 free articles that you provide as a public service. I'm surprised that so much if this site is free. But I still signed up so I could access the thousands of expanded pages, interesting articles, and dozens of valuable programs! The member's library of books, magazines and videos that I can view online is really terrific! I understand that you and your staff are all unpaid volunteers. Please keep up the good work. And I commend you for your plans to add another 10,000 free informative articles over the next year. I'm thrilled to support you in this endeavor with my small membership donation. Thanks again for all your hard work. "

FROM Huey:  " I agree with my Uncle, I too have found the articles to be very enlightening. They say that it will take about 100,000 articles to cover the full scope that they have envisioned for the website. They have over 20,000 articles so far and that's doing pretty well, but it could take several years to get the rest. I also noticed that many of the Main Topic Pages and some of the article pages are still in the rough draft stage. I guess that they will fill in as they can get volunteers to work on them. But what I can't figure out is why anyone would spend the time writing informative in depth articles just to give away free to this website for publication? What's in it for them? "

FROM Dewey:  " Well Huey, to me It looks like most of the articles on this website are written by very informed people, like boating instructors, boat designers, boat builders, riggers, electricians, fitters, marine repair technicians and marine surveyors. Writing such articles helps establish them as knowledgeable professionals. After all, this website was originally created by a school for marine technicians and marine surveyors. The website is growing in content every day. They even had to move to a bigger, more powerful server because the website's traffic has been growing exponentially. "

FROM Louie:  " I agree with everyone above. This site is quickly becoming the ultimate reference resource about every aspect of boats and ships for everyone from the beginning recreational boater to the seasoned professional mariner. I use the topic pages on the right sidebar to browse around the website. It's like a Junior Woodchucks' Guidebook for Boaters. Their Members' Library of over 300 popular and obscure books and over 200 magazine back issues that can be viewed online is fabulous. The Academy's magazine is especially informative. On top of that, there is the "Ask-An-Expert program for members where you can get an expert's answer to any of your boat questions. And a whole years membership is only $25. What a deal! I really love being part of this "Everything About Boats" community and help provide thousands of helpful articles free to the public. I think that I'll sit down right now and write an article about my experiences boating with my uncle. "

FROM Scrooge: " You rave about this website like it was the best thing since sliced bread. Well, I think it stinks. Sure, it has a lot of good information for boaters, and they're adding more every day, but it will probably never be finished. Furthermore, I don't even own a boat. And I wouldn't have a boat even if someone gave me one. Boats are a waste of money and time and energy and money! They're just a hole in the water you pour money into. If you gave me a boat, I'd sell it quicker then you could say Baggywrinkle. Then I'd lock up the cash with all my other money so I could keep my eye on it and count it every day. Bah humbug. "

FROM Daisy:  " I'm just so glad that Donald got the boat so we and the boys could enjoy boating — together. And of course all of the girls, April, May, and June, love to be on the water too, especially when that is where the boys are. Oh poor Scrooge, boating is more fun then you could possibly imagine. "

FROM Scrooge: " After seeing how much fun you all have on the water together, I regret that I didn't have that much fun when I was young. I've had a change of heart, and I'm giving each of you a Lifetime Academy Membership . "

FROM Editor:  " For those of you that have stayed with us this far, many thanks, and we hope that you found this little narrative informative. Your faithful support inspires us to keep working on this phenomenal website. We know that we have a lot more to do. Ultimately, we hope that we can help you enjoy the wonder filled world of boating as much as we do. We are all waiting to see what you have to say about this webpage article. Submit any comments via email To: Comments♣EverythingAboutBoats.org (Replace "♣" with "@"). Be sure to include this page's title in the subject line. Also, your corrections, updates, additions and suggestions are welcomed. Please submit them via email To: Editor♣EverythingAboutBoats.org (Replace "♣" with "@"). It has been truly amazing to see what we have been able to accomplished when we've worked together. Thanks to all those that have donated their valuable time and energy, and a special THANK YOU to all that have supported this cause with their membership donations. "

Comments About This Particular Page

FROM ΞNameΞ: “ Be_the_next_to_comment_about_this_page. ” {230316}

YachtCloser Coast Guard Documentation Service

Request coast guard documentation service at the click of a button.

YachtCloser offers Documentation Services!  We can streamline and simplify Coast Guard Documentation for you and your clients.  Just click the Registration Services logo on any of our Referrals pages and leave the rest to us.  No more printing, scanning, and passing information back and forth with third parties at closing time.  We’ll work directly with you and your clients, complete all necessary Coast Guard Documentation services, and update your YachtCloser account with any finalized paperwork.  Just that simple!!

Key Benefits

• Documents are prepared quickly and accurately since information flows directly from YachtCloser
• Agents keeps you informed by adding notes directly to your deal in YachtCloser
• Agents have access to your documents in YachtCloser so you’re not bothered with multiple requests
• Completed Closing Packet is automatically uploaded to your deal in YachtCloser
• Simple and convenient for you and your customer

Services Performed

• Lien searches: Abstract Title / State Title / UCC
• Lien Release / Satisfaction of Mortgage / Lien Recording
• Transfer of ownership: Bill(s) of Sale, Warranty of Title, etc.
• File Applications with Coast Guard
• State Registration services
• Temporary Certificate / Running Letter for Buyer
• Completed Closing Packet submitted to Buyer
• Upload completed documents to brokers account in YachtCloser

How to Request Service

Click Here for more information on how to request services

Leave the rest to us...we'll work with Buyers / Sellers directly to make sure your deal closes on time.

YachtCloser Registration

1221 Brickell Ave Ste 2300

Miami, FL 33131

Phone:  954-361-2411

Email:   [email protected]

Testimonials

Joe Laundrie - Denison Yacht Sales

"YachtCloser Documentation has made selling boats even more enjoyable for both buyer and seller. The YachtCloser agent handling the documentation was quick to answer questions and handled the closing from A to Z. I had three closing line up in the same week and not a beat was missed. Each deal was unique and had multiple aspects including payoffs, traveling sellers/buyers that needed custom overnighted packages and extremely tight timelines. Closing three separate yachts in three separate states all in the same week was seamless and enjoyable. They provided me and my clients with an extremely professional and positive experience."

Brenda Muller - Aqua Blue Yacht Sales

"Aqua Blue Yacht Sales recently decided to utilize Yacht Closer's document preparation service. We were extremely satisfied with their service! Within 30 minutes of "clicking a button" in the program, a professional Yacht Closer team member reached out to us confirming receipt, clarified specifics of the transaction and within the hour of our request they had contacted all parties to the closing transaction. Their response time is fantastic! They explained everything precisely. They were very professional with all communication to our clients and included us in all communication. The Buyer,Seller & Broker all had a positive closing experience. After the closing they promptly uploaded all the executed documents into our inventory. Once you try Yacht Closer Document Service we are confident you will continue to use them for all your closings."

• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Beautiful boat - Flotilla Radisson Royal

• Europe    
• Russia    
• Central Russia    
• Moscow    
• Moscow - Things to Do    
• Flotilla Radisson Royal

This was a surprise for me by my partner and daughter. Getting onto the boat was very orderly, and... read more

We did a lunch cruise, boarding at 1230hrs and returning to the dock promptly at... read more

Beautiful boat

Very impressed with the quality of this boat. The spec is top of the line and we'll maintained. The toilets are fresh & clean. The route on the river through Moscow takes in many of the iconic sites of Moscow and is a great introduction. The food was nice. Wide selection. Service was pleasant. Get the iPod with audio for some interesting commentary. I recommend the 2 1/2 hour trip.

Dear GrantHay, thank you for the feedback about your cruise on the yacht "Radisson Royal". Flotilla “Radisson Royal” has 10 perfectly equipped yachts designed for year-round entertaining excursion cruises on the Moscow River with restaurant service aboard. Our company organizes cruises 365 days a year. On our 2,5-3 hours cruise passengers will enjoy the most remarkable sights of Moscow: Kremlin, Novodevichy Convent, monument to Peter I, St. Basil's Cathedral, University and other symbolic monuments. We will be glad to see you again on Board our yachts! Best regards, Olga Tkacheva, brand-Manager.

We had it today. Nice views and a fun way to see the city. We also had some pasta and drinks, which were ok. Service was very nice. Shame we didn't know that the tour from Gorky Park is just half way - lasts about 1.5 hour. If we knew we would start at Ukraina hotel.

Dear Paweł S, thank you for the feedback about your cruise on the yacht "Radisson Royal". Flotilla “Radisson Royal” has 10 perfectly equipped yachts designed for year-round entertaining excursion cruises on the Moscow River with restaurant service aboard. Our company organizes cruises 365 days a year. The standard return route from Gorky Park Pier to Hotel Ukraina Pier lasts two and a half hours with the pivot closer to the business center "Moscow-city" to the Kotelnicheskaya embankment without any stops. On weekends the departure time is at four p.m. and eight p.m. The boarding starts thirty minutes before the departure.

When I got on Radisson's cruise boats, I thought that it's a normal, boring river cruise, but 10 minutes later I found out I was totally wrong. What a beautiful view of the historical buildings of Moscow!!!! The statue that hung in the middle of Moskva River is amasing. Service is acceptable and waiters/waitresses are freindly and the food is in good quality.

Hello, dear Milad1987! Thank you for the feedback about your cruise on the yacht "Radisson Royal". Flotilla “Radisson Royal” has 10 perfectly equipped yachts designed for year-round entertaining excursion cruises on the Moscow River with restaurant service aboard. Our company organizes cruises 365 days a year. Come on our thematic cruises and food festivals, you will discover still a lot. Let you offer a First class, respectable interiors, the attention of the stewards, privacy and comfort. And Royal-class – for anyone who knows how to relax, every Thursday, Friday and Saturday – live music. We will be glad to see you again on Board our yachts! Best regards, Olga Tkacheva, brand-Manager.

Went with business group on dinner cruise, with guide. Really enjoyed the views after dark - seeing Red Square/The Kremlin from this vantage was great. And being on the top deck to view with no obstructions was worth the cold wind ! Kind of hard to eat and see the views at the same time, but the food was nothing special so we focused on the views. Service fine but not notable. Guide might as well have been a pre-recorded piece as there was no attempt to engage us - and it was hard to tell what building or view she was referring to as she just sort of looked in the direction of the item and spoke with monotone voice. Go for the views, not the food or service.

Hello, dear lbes! Thank you for the feedback about your cruise on the yacht "Radisson Royal". Unfortunately, due to the nature of the rolling stock, the menu is presented on the yacht, may not be as diverse and exquisite in the filing, copyright in stationary restaurants. Flotilla “Radisson Royal” has 10 perfectly equipped yachts designed for year-round entertaining excursion cruises on the Moscow River with restaurant service aboard. Our company organizes cruises 365 days a year. Come on our thematic cruises and food festivals, you will discover still a lot. We will be glad to see you again on Board our yachts! Best regards, Olga Tkacheva, brand-Manager.

Great boat ride - see all the sights. The food is way better than you expect on a riverboat. This is a great 3 hour ride through Moscow with too many sights and views to name individually - take your camera!

Hello, dear TimT1947! Thank you for your feedback about Flotilla Radisson Royal. It’s very important for us to know the opinion of each guest. Our company organizes cruises 365 days a year. Ice class of yachts allows not stop navigation in winter: they move on the ice so smoothly and quietly that only the changing landscapes of Moscow historical centre can remind you that you are in the cruise. We will be glad to see you again on Board our yachts! Best regards, Olga Tkacheva, brand-Manager.

It would be great to arrive before departure time inorder to enjoy your dinner. And spend the rest of the trip enjoying the scenic views. Our waiter was a gentleman. He spoke broken English. But he made great effort to explain some of the important buildings as we passed by. He made sure that our little girl was treated like a princess. If we travel back to Moscow we will have a day trip and an evening trip. We selected the Royal class.

Hello, Ameena S! Thank you for your feedback about your cruise on the yacht "Radisson Royal" . Flotilla “Radisson Royal” has 10 perfectly equipped yachts designed for year-round entertaining excursion cruises on the Moscow River with restaurant service aboard. Our main goal is to provide high quality services that will allow you to fully enjoy your trip and come back to us again. Come on our thematic cruises and food festivals, you will discover still a lot.A professional animation team specialized in children's entertainment attend our young guests at all daily cruises of Flotilla "Radisson Royal". Departure at 13:00 and 15:00 on Saturdays and Sundays. Under their leadership the younger generation will be able to conquer the water expanses of the Moscow River, without disturbing the other passengers. We will be glad to see you again on Board our yachts! Best regards, Olga Tkacheva, brand-Manager.

• Work & Careers
• Life & Arts

Become an FT subscriber

Try unlimited access Only $1 for 4 weeks

Then $75 per month. Complete digital access to quality FT journalism on any device. Cancel anytime during your trial.

• Global news & analysis
• Expert opinion
• Special features
• FirstFT newsletter
• Videos & Podcasts
• Android & iOS app
• FT Edit app
• 10 gift articles per month

Explore more offers.

Standard digital.

• FT Digital Edition

Premium Digital

Print + premium digital, ft professional, weekend print + standard digital, weekend print + premium digital.

Essential digital access to quality FT journalism on any device. Pay a year upfront and save 20%.

• Global news & analysis
• Exclusive FT analysis
• FT App on Android & iOS
• FirstFT: the day's biggest stories
• 20+ curated newsletters
• Follow topics & set alerts with myFT
• FT Videos & Podcasts
• 20 monthly gift articles to share
• Lex: FT's flagship investment column
• 15+ Premium newsletters by leading experts
• FT Digital Edition: our digitised print edition
• Weekday Print Edition
• Videos & Podcasts
• Premium newsletters
• 10 additional gift articles per month
• FT Weekend Print delivery
• Everything in Standard Digital
• Everything in Premium Digital

Complete digital access to quality FT journalism with expert analysis from industry leaders. Pay a year upfront and save 20%.

• 10 monthly gift articles to share
• Everything in Print
• Make and share highlights
• FT Workspace
• Markets data widget
• Subscription Manager
• Workflow integrations
• Occasional readers go free
• Volume discount

Terms & Conditions apply

Explore our full range of subscriptions.

Why the ft.

See why over a million readers pay to read the Financial Times.

International Edition

Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping condemn US, pledge closer ties as Russia advances in Ukraine

BEIJING − Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned what they cast as increasingly aggressive U.S. behavior on Thursday and pledged to deepen their already close defense and military ties.

In a clear snub to Washington after Secretary of State Antony Blinken flew into China last month to try to persuade Beijing to scale back its relationship with Moscow, Xi signaled Beijing and Moscow saw eye to eye on a range of important issues, including on Ukraine , and would resist Western pressure to downgrade their ties.

"The China-Russia relationship today is hard-earned, and the two sides need to cherish and nurture it," Xi told Putin. "China is willing to ... jointly achieve the development and rejuvenation of our respective countries, and work together to uphold fairness and justice in the world."

More: Biden sets huge new tariffs on electric vehicles, chips and other goods from China

A joint statement by the two countries decried alleged U.S. efforts to violate the strategic nuclear balance, the threat allegedly posed to Russia and China by U.S. missile defense systems, and American plans for high precision non-nuclear weapons.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

Putin, on his first overseas trip since starting a new presidential term , described Moscow and Beijing's co-operation as one of the main stabilizing factors in the international arena. "Together we are defending the principles of justice and a democratic world order reflecting multipolar realities and based on international law," Putin told Xi.

The Russian's visit comes weeks after Blinken flew to China to raise concerns about what he said was China's support for Russia's military and a day after he said Washington would continue slapping sanctions on Chinese companies helping Russia's defense sector.

More: White House: Russian President Vladimir Putin's election to fifth term was 'preordained'

An authoritarian message to Joe Biden

By picking China for his first foreign trip since being sworn-in this month for a six-year term that will keep him in power until at least 2030, Putin is sending a message to the world about his priorities and the strength of his personal ties with Xi.

The joint statement was described as deepening the strategic relationship and spoke specifically of how joint cooperation in the defense sectors between the two nations improved regional and global security and of plans to step up military ties.

More: Georgia defies EU and 'returns to past' with Russia-style law that sparked mass protests

It also condemned initiatives to seize assets and property of foreign states, a clear reference to Western moves to seize the profits from frozen Russian assets or the assets themselves to help Ukraine.

Xi said both sides agreed that a political settlement to the Ukraine crisis was the "right direction" and the joint statement said both countries were opposed to a drawn out conflict in Ukraine and its possible transition to an uncontrollable phase.

More: Biden and Xi agree to curb fentanyl production, resume military talks at San Francisco summit

Putin, who arrived on Thursday for a two-day visit that will include talks on Ukraine, Asia, energy and trade, said he was grateful to China for trying to solve the Ukraine crisis, adding that he would brief Xi on the situation there, where Russian forces are advancing on several fronts.

Describing his initial talks with Xi as "warm and comradely", he outlined sectors where the two countries were strengthening ties, from nuclear and energy co-operation to food supplies and Chinese car manufacturing in Russia.

Informal chats between the leaders and senior officials of both sides to be held over tea and dinner later on Thursday are expected to be key to the two-day trip.

Putin's newly appointed defense minister, Andrei Belousov , as well as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu and Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov will also attend, along with Russia's most powerful CEOs.

Hardening competition between the West and Russia-China

Putin, 71, and Xi, 70, will participate in a gala celebration marking 75 years since the Soviet Union first recognized the People's Republic of China.

The U.S. casts China as its biggest competitor and Russia as its biggest nation-state threat, while President Joe Biden says this century will be defined by an existential contest between democracies and autocracies.

Putin and Xi share a broad world view, which casts the West as decadent and declining, just as China challenges U.S. supremacy in everything from quantum computing and synthetic biology to espionage and hard military power.

Putin will also visit the northeastern city of Harbin, which has historic ties to Russia. A mall devoted to Russian-made goods from about 80 Russian manufacturers opened on Thursday, the China Daily said.

Key Republican calls for ‘generational’ increase in defense spending to counter US adversaries

WASHINGTON (AP) — The top-ranking Republican on a Senate committee that oversees the military is calling for a “generational investment” in America’s defense, saying aggressive and significant spending increases are necessary to deter coordinated threats from U.S. adversaries like Russia, Iran and China.

Sen. Roger Wicker, a Mississippi Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, told The Associated Press that he will seek an additional $55 billion in defense spending over the limits that were forged in the deal to suspend the nation’s debt limit a year ago. Wicker explained his position in global terms, saying there has “never been such a level of cooperation and coordination among an axis of aggressors” that aims to challenge U.S. dominance.

The plan lays down a significant marker for Senate Republicans as they enter into a new round of budget fights with Democrats in the heat of a closely fought election year. The White House has proposed $850 billion in defense spending, adhering to the debt limit deal by proposing a 1% increase from the previous year. That plan is unlikely to keep pace with inflation and would seek to reduce the military’s costs by retiring older ships and aircraft.

Wicker acknowledged it would be “a hill to climb” to convince Congress to break from the spending caps at a time of deep political upheaval. Washington is still grappling with divisions over support for Ukraine, the aftershocks of two long wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and a presidential election between two presumptive candidates — Biden and Republican Donald Trump — who espouse vastly different visions of America’s role abroad.

But Wicker said the nation has no choice. “We would be very foolish on a national survival basis to adhere to that when it comes to national defense,” he said.

While GOP defense hawks have long advocated for robust defense spending, Wicker's plan goes a step further, calling for a broad shift in the U.S. defense posture that would amount to a reshuffling of national priorities. Under his proposal, the military would eventually consume 5% of America's gross domestic product — or total economic output.

Advertisement

Defense spending when measured as a portion of GDP is currently about 3% and has been declining since the height of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. It has not reached above 5% since the early 1990s.

Back in the 1980s and early 1990s, Wicker said, “nobody took a chance against the United States because we were powerful enough to keep the peace. We are simply not anywhere near that right now.”

“I think that the fact that we’re in a new Cold War is self-evident,” he said.

Wicker's full plan is laid out in a paper he has been working on for the last year. In it, he makes the case for crafting a new generation of weaponry, pointing to Russia's moves to expand its territory in Europe and China's attempts to show increasing dominance in parts of the Pacific.

Closer ties between China and Russia were underscored earlier this month by a visit between leaders Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. The two-day visit — Putin’s first trip abroad after being inaugurated to a fifth term in office — reflected a growing partnership between the two nations, an alliance grounded in support for authoritarian regimes and dominance in their respective regions.

China has given diplomatic support to Moscow after its invasion of Ukraine and emerged as a top export market for Russian oil and gas, helping fill the Kremlin’s war coffers for the ongoing offensive.

Wicker said the high-level meeting between Putin and Xi “ought to be a wake up call.”

He said in his proposal that the U.S. faces “the most dangerous threat environment since World War II” and urges a national war footing appropriate for a long, drawn-out conflict with a major world power. For Wicker, that encompasses everything from addressing deferred maintenance on U.S. military facilities that don't have the right voltage on power outlets to preparing for nuclear weaponry in space.

Still, the spending increases are likely to be viewed skeptically by lawmakers wary of growing the defense budget, which already dominates annual discretionary funding. The legislation to suspend the nation's debt limit passed Congress with strong bipartisan support and aimed to limit federal budget growth to 1% for the next six years, although the spending caps were only mandatory through this year's budget.

The House Armed Services Committee earlier this month approved with near-unanimous support an $884 billion proposal for the annual defense authorization bill, keeping within the spending caps but shifting funding towards specific military programs. Yet Senate Democrats are likely to resist further spending cuts to other government programs.

The Senate Armed Services Committee is set to craft the annual military authorization bill next month, but the chairman, Democratic Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, has not publicly released the spending amount that he will propose. Wicker said that he had been in contact with Reed, as well as top Democratic appropriators, about the plan, but their level of support was not clear.

At the same time, defense hawks like Wicker are navigating the shifting politics of defense spending in their own party under Trump’s “America First” brand of foreign policy. Earlier this year, a $95 billion package of foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan faced heavy resistance from a large portion of congressional Republicans, even though much of the funds would be spent buying equipment and ammunition from U.S.-based defense manufacturers.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, however, has been vocal about countering those within his party who want to push the U.S. towards a more isolationist stance. And Wicker said there was “an opportunity” to win broad support for redoubling U.S. efforts in the Pacific because congressional Republicans are still supportive of countering China.

As he works to convince Congress to rethink defense spending, Wicker said he was modeling his effort on the push that former Sen. John McCain, an Arizona Republican, made in 2017 as he tried to dramatically increase defense spending. That effort was mostly unsuccessful.

But Wicker expressed confidence that this time can be different.

With China’s military strength dramatically growing and Russia launching the largest land invasion in Europe since World War II, the difference between 2017 and now is “the reality on the ground,” he said.

Dr. LODER Yacht City

View prices for your travel dates

Finding an ideal luxury hotel in Moscow does not have to be difficult. Welcome to Dr. LODER Yacht City, a nice option for travellers like you.

For those interested in checking out popular landmarks while visiting Moscow, Dr. LODER Yacht City is located a short distance from Rabindranath Tagore Statue (1.3 mi) and Protection of the Holy Virgin Temple (1.4 mi).

As your “home away from home,” the hotel rooms offer a flat screen TV, a refrigerator, and a minibar, and getting online is easy, with free wifi available.

Guests have access to 24 hour front desk, 24 hour check-in, and a rooftop terrace while staying at Dr. LODER Yacht City. In addition, Dr. LODER Yacht City offers a pool and breakfast, which will help make your Moscow trip additionally gratifying. And, as an added convenience, there is free parking available to guests.

If you are looking for a good Thai restaurant, you may want to check out Niyama or Yamkee while staying at Dr. LODER Yacht City.

There is no shortage of things to do in the area: explore popular ancient ruins such as Kitai-Gorod Wall.

Dr. LODER Yacht City looks forward to welcoming you on your visit to Moscow.

• Excellent 0
• Very Good 0
• English ( 0 )

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

DR. LODER YACHT CITY (Moscow) - Hotel Reviews & Photos - Tripadvisor

"Is autocracy actually compelling?": Jordan Klepper examines why we're falling for Russian misinfo

The "daily show" host asks whether americans are naive or drawn to strongmen, and what that would mean to the world, by melanie mcfarland.

Jordan Klepper ’s field pieces for  “ The Daily Show ” have taken him to places most progressives prefer to avoid. Trump rallies, mostly. “I’m this big, lanky, white guy. And I think people feel more comfortable and confiding some of these things to this person who they see, perhaps, as closer to an ally,” the correspondent told Salon in a recent interview conducted over Zoom.

That ease in his presence has netted Klepper a wealth of material for “Jordan Klepper Fingers The Pulse,” his regular journeys into the dark heart of the partisan divide . But some excursions produce broader examinations. 

"The Daily Show Presents: Jordan Klepper Fingers The Pulse: Moscow Tools ,"  his latest special, is a nimble dive into how effectively Russian propaganda has insinuated itself into our political discourse. Klepper's objective is stone-cold serious as always, even as he places a comedic spin on a topic that should scare all of us.

Similar to  his 2022 special on the far-right’s obsession with Hungary , “Moscow Tools” grew out of Klepper noticing the changing MAGA-world conversation around Russia.  When the same lies were used in Congress to slow down financial assistance to Ukraine, he realized this was a gateway to examining American gullibility.

“That's what I essentially cover,” Klepper said. “And I think there are these big questions there of like, why are we so gosh darn gullible? How much of it is us being a pawn to misinformation, and how much of this is revealing what we actually want? Are we just stooges? Or are there people in the MAGA movement who want these more autocratic desires, and these powerful players who limit LGBTQ rights and the power of the press? They’re kind of big questions and frankly, I think they’re scarier questions.”

“Moscow Tools” has the distinction of showing Klepper in conversation with two unlikely allies in this fight to maintain Western democracy. One is Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas , whom Klepper visits in her home country to discuss what the stakes are should Donald Trump return to the Oval Office and do as he’s promised, withdrawing from NATO.

The other, former Trump administration National Security Advisor  John Bolton , sounded the alarm concerning his former boss’ threat to American democracy from a well-apportioned wine cellar. 

Spending a decade with “The Daily Show” has given Klepper a reputation for tangling up his subjects in their own webs of illogic, including among some of the conservatives who agree to speak to him on camera. Bolton is not immune to this, although perhaps he recognizes Klepper is on his side of this urgent debate. It probably also has something to do with Klepper’s ethos of, in his words, listening with curiosity.

That principle takes him to other places in “Moscow Tools” that are just as unexpected as his interview locations with former and present world leaders and, as he explained in our conversation, represents a truer interpretation of what patriotism means.

The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.

First of all, watching you talk to John Bolton in a wine cellar made me think to myself, “Oh, that's the nicest doomsday bunker I've ever seen.” Did you ever think that you would be in a situation where, to say nothing of the wine cellar-slash-bunker, you would be consulting him as a voice of wisdom?

Not at all. No. And I brought that up in the interview, although, it's not in the special but . . . The fact that I'm sitting down with the prime minister of Estonia and John Bolton, both people who are afraid about Russian propaganda and how it's affecting the GOP, to me is more just reflective of the weirdness of the time we're in. I can't say I had "wine cellar with John Bolton" on my bucket list, but you know, 2024 has a weird way of making strange bedfellows.

Your segment where you spent time with the Estonian militia is also enlightening, especially when the person you’re speaking to tells you he’s preparing to be a choir director while he’s armed and wearing fatigues and assorted camouflage. What was that moment like for you, and what are you hoping that the image of that moment will convey?

Yeah. As a Michigan boy, I always feel most at home hanging out with militia. So even when I go abroad, I'm keeping an eye out for them. These specials happened fairly organically, and so when we notice something in the field, we want to explore it more. 

This one provides some interesting opportunities for us to sit down with experts and try to use them to walk through Russian propaganda and show it in the field. And then when we started to hear the stories around Estonia — and more so, hearing stories in America, where there was just such a lack of actual information about what it meant to be threatened by Russia, and what it meant to be living underneath an oppressive Russian regime, we thought it was an opportunity for us to go there and talk to people.

So much gets lost in translation and social media and TikTok that when we decided we wanted to talk to the Estonian prime minister, we said we wanted to talk to real people as well. And the story comes up about the Estonian Defence League. 

Quite frankly, it's shocking to me to see people come together and fight a common enemy. This is what we were told about World War II, that there were these unifying moments where there was a larger enemy. When the enemy is at the gates, people put aside their differences, and they come together to battle for the common good. 

"I can't say I had 'wine cellar with John Bolton' on my bucket list, but you know, 2024 has a weird way of making strange bedfellows."

And I feel like America has faced some threats, COVID being the most recent worldwide threat, and we haven't seen this unifying moment where people come together. In fact, when I go out on the road and I talk to people, the biggest enemy that they see is usually their neighbor. It's not a foreign adversary. It's somebody on the left, it's somebody who's been too “woke,” somebody who wants to have a trans athlete in a middle school competition. That is their largest fear and threat. 

And so hearing the story about the Estonian Defence League, these are people who are coming together because they actually are afraid for their families. They actually can look across the border and see a threat. They have a recent history of living under that oppressive, autocratic regime. 

We need to talk to these people. We need to dispel some of these rumors and these images and lies that Tucker Carlson pushes on the MAGA faithful about like, this autocratic regime is beautiful. “Look at the subway, look at the baguettes!” No, look at the people in Estonia who have lived underneath this oppressive regime who are training — who are teachers, who are going to be choir conductors – who are putting their time aside because they are afraid. And they're not talking about partisan politics. They're talking about protecting democracy and freedom. 

To me, that was so inspiring and an opportunity for us to just get their story told. It's something that I felt was lost in this weird partisan American environment we're in. And it's surreal that it happens on a place like Comedy Central. But I think it's more important than ever to talk to people who are actually affected by this and show that there are people who have more at stake than the . . . culture wars that we have back at home.

It's also a powerful image when you think about when we see images of militias in the news. A lot of that is in the context of Jan. 6, right? There's all this whole idea of people kind of playing Weekend Warrior as if it's a concept that they want to execute in real life without truly understanding the consequences.

I was there on Jan. 6 —  working, to be clear. To be clear! And you're right, there's a lot of weekend warriors dressed in fatigues who train for one big issue and that issue was apparently to overthrow their own government.  They were angry at, again, their neighbors.

I did a special, “ Jordan Klepper Solves Guns ,” where I spent a weekend with the Georgia state militia training in the woods. And there's a lot of straw men they’re training to fight. Their heads are swimming with misinformation and these faux narratives of heroism. So getting to see in Estonia, all of that stripped away . . . they're not doing it for glory, or for clicks, or Instagram likes or to get away from their kids on the weekends. They're doing it because they want to protect their kids 365. 

It is a wake-up call when people have more on the line than you do, when people aren't getting caught up in what feels like fake arguments over the internet about stuff that actually isn't affecting people's lives, and it is just being used to have some sort of outrage competition. When you go into the woods, and you see people training for the things that actually could affect their family members, it really is a wake-up call. 

For me, it was also a reminder that patriotism could be defined in perhaps a more earnest and true way than what I've been privy to these last few years.

We need your help to stay independent

I want to return to the idea of looking at this through the lens of comedy. I think that when Tucker Carlson went to Russia , afterward there was a lot of breaking down of all of the fallacies he perpetuated and Putin's reaction of basically calling him a soft target. There was a tendency, I think, to laugh at it. 

But I also think there's a tendency on the part of what I would call the mainstream media, and however you’d characterize Chris Cuomo , to understand what it was that he was thinking. The theory is that doing so will help us to understand the MAGA tribe, those people who are locked in this specific kind of information silo. And I'm wondering whether you think this might affect that audience, either positively or negatively.

I find comedy is a very effective tool to frame issues in a way that perhaps a general population might not approach. . . . The “Fingers the Pulse” pieces are a little bit unique in that we do look for humor, we look for hypocrisy. But I also find them to be revelatory, because more often than not, what I get to do that most journalists don't get to do is, I get to come in with a biased perspective. I get to ask follow-up questions, I get to say yes to their ideas to hopefully have them reveal more in the field than they normally would to somebody else, so that I can understand them a little bit more. 

"It's easy enough to sort of look at what's happening with Russia misinformation, and just look at the useful idiots . . . But the scarier question is the other side of it: Is autocracy actually compelling to many Americans?"

Like when we spoke to [journalist] Julia Ioffe, who walked us through what the Kremlin's talking points were, as far as how they wanted to get these narratives into American mainstream culture, how can I have that conversation, and then use my comedic skills and my fieldwork, to actually show the effects of Russian propaganda in conversation with the actual propaganda?  

And so for me, that was a really exciting part of using comedy as a way to ignite an audience interest, and to show a contradiction and hypocrisy, but hopefully also to evolve what we've been doing and use that as proof of the Kremlin’s success. And so I'm hoping that we're showing somewhat of a coherent narrative as to how that propaganda can find its way into the middle of Pennsylvania.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter , Crash Course.

Now, the effect that has on an audience is a much bigger conversation, I think. I don't know if it's getting inside the bubble of the people out there in MAGA world. I think we are in these silos in a way where I don't know if they're ingesting this comedy in any kind of a way and, more often than not, their knives are out. Because if it seems critical, then they won't engage whatsoever. But I think we approach it more so not as a way of converting people, but hopefully as a way of articulating some of the chaos and, frankly, manipulation that we see day in and day out. 

It's easy enough to look at what's happening with Russia misinformation, and just look at the useful idiots – and there are plenty of them in America, and that's part of what Putin wants. But the scarier question is the other side of it: Is autocracy actually compelling to many Americans? And do we pretend like democracy is this thing that will just always exist when frankly, there are folks who may desire something completely different? 

And maybe that is because of Russia's manipulation or outside manipulation. Maybe it's because of naïveté. Or maybe it's because that is a desire — a strongman, a conservative nation with a white leader might be something that people are actually pining for. Again: big, scary ideas, but hopefully, we can use whatever tools we have to kind of start to ask those questions because I think they are really percolating right now.

What you said about the difference between Estonia versus here is important, because in most cases when Americans are talking about their neighbor, they're talking about the concept of them. I don't think they're talking about anyone they actually know and fear.

I think that's 100% true. People are so angry about their neighbor, and they talk about bringing guns to their neighbor. The way in which people talk about the person on the other side of the aisle is so scary. And Jan. 6 was a goddamn s**tshow. The rhetoric got so high and there were a lot of bad actors there who had one goal in mind. And there are a lot of other people who had been talking about overthrowing the government and being so angry at their neighbor and then got caught up in something that was way beyond what they had expected. 

So I do think it's dangerous to have these conceptual talks about our anger and our fears, and where we want to seek vengeance. You look at this Trump campaign, it's all about vengeance. 

People are often like, “You went to Estonia?” Yes, we went to Estonia. There are other stories being told, where people are facing real consequences. Like, let's hear these out before we get lost in the world of concept.

"The Daily Show Presents: Jordan Klepper Fingers The Pulse: Moscow Tools" is streaming on Paramount+, the "Daily Show" YouTube channel, CC.com and video on demand.

about this topic

• A "Daily Show" return for the Olds
• Satire in the age of Alex Jones
• Dulcé Sloan: NY more racist than South

Melanie McFarland is Salon's award-winning senior culture critic. Follow her on Twitter: @McTelevision

Related Topics ------------------------------------------

Related articles.