A real "Dream" boat

"Dream", a Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 has left Charleston and headed to its new home! We love a "Dream" come true.

The first mate is a real cutie!

For more information and video on the Swift Trawler 44 click HERE

Beneteau Oceanis 35 Wins Midsize Boat of the Year by Cruising World

The Beneteau Oceanis 35 — a sister ship to the company’s Oceanis 38, introduced last year — a boat with an unusual but incredibly well-imagined and executed interior plan from Nauta Design. It was so well done, actually, that it earned the boat top honors as the best Midsize Cruiser for 2015.

“This is a very interesting boat,” said Murphy. “The interior, I think, is great. The floor plan in the main saloon is completely open with no forward bulkhead, which is very unusual, but it works. They offer the boat in three stages, so you can buy it as a daysailer with no galley whatsoever, and then up through two more levels, as a weekender or a full-on cruiser. We were on so many other boats this year, many of them in the mid-40-foot range and larger, and my notes over and over again say the Oceanis 35 compares favorably with them.

“There are just so many little things that add up,” he continued. “For instance, on this 35-footer, there’s a separate head with a completely separate shower room. The aft cabin is a wonderful space. Those are always a challenge, to get that space to actually work under the complex curves of the cockpit sole, but they nailed it. In the main cabin, there are windows in the hull, which you see on more and more boats. I liked sitting down there when we were sailing, with the light coming in, watching the shoreline and the water pass by. I reviewed a 58-footer recently with the same features, and the view on the Oceanis 35 was exactly the same. I think that’s quite a nice thing.”

“The target market, I think, is the millennial generation, the kids who played with Transformer toys,” said Schrader. “They’ll have a number of different things to do with the interior here; it’s really very clever. The Lewmar steering package was very smooth, and the mechanical installations were good. The cockpit was huge, thanks to a wide, wide transom. It’s a lot of boat in 35 feet. They also offer a seven-year hull and structural warranty, three years on equipment, and all the warranty work goes directly through Beneteau.”

That final point sealed Schrader’s vote, and ultimately, those of his fellow judges too.

“I like a company that stands behind what it makes,” he said.

Check out more information and video about the Oceanis 35 HERE

See You At The Show! Ft. Lauderdale kicks off this week!

Beneteau America and St. Barts Yachts are looking forward to seeing you at the Ft Lauderdale International Boat Show, Oct 30th to Nov 4th.

Come visit our booth dock F-G and discover the following models on display:

• NEW ! Monte Carlo 4     BoatTest review
• Monte Carlo 5                BoatTest review
    
• Gran Turismo 49 HT      BoatTest review
• Gran Turismo 38           BoatTest review
• Gran Turismo 35           BoatTest review
  
  
• Swift Trawler 50           BoatTest review
• Swift Trawler 44           BoatTest review
• Swift Trawler 34           BoatTest review

Brokers in Attendance:

Chuck Laughlin Chuck.Laughlin@St-Barts.com

Mike Lecholop Mike.Lecholop@St-Barts.com

Barbara Burke  Barbara.Burke@St-Barts.com 

Annapolis Powerboat Show 2014

 Tyler Gainey (from the Oriental office) and Chuck (Charleston office) modeling in front of the stunning Monte Carlo 5

 The Monte Carlo 5

 Chuck and Laurent (of Beneteau) ringing the bell for a signed contract. A happy new owner will be receiving his Swift Trawler 44 by the end of this year.

It was a great show! We met some wonderful clients and sold several of them new boats!

Great Loop Seminar comes to Charleston

Saturday, November 8, 2014 10am-4pm at the Hilton Garden Inn Charleston Riverfront

"Many of us have a Great Loop cruise on our bucket list. But few actually move beyond just dreaming of the Loop, to investigating whether and how to make it a reality. America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association is pleased to introduce this new one-day seminar designed to help answer the questions most people have about the Great Loop.

• How much time and money will it take?
• What kind of a boat do I need?
• How can I leave my home/kids/grandkids for an extended period of time?
• Will my spouse and I still like each other after spending so much time together?
• Is it safe?
• Will I see interesting things, or just cruise along at a turtle's pace for a whole year of my life?
• I like my lifestyle. Can my life on the water replicate what I have at home?
• We've never handled a large boat before. Why start now?
• How will I know what to do in an emergency when we're all alone on our boat?

If these are questions you (or your spouse) have pondered, this seminar is for you. "

-America's Great Loop Cruising Association Website

To register or call 877-GR8-LOOP (877)478-5667

 Greenline 33 Hybrid

Swift Trawler 44

After the seminar come on down to St. Barts Yachts Dock (T-Dock at the Charleston City Marina) to view some nice Great Loop Cruising options from 4pm-6pm.

Beneteau Boutique

Cannes Beach Bag

Beneteau Glassware

Casual Cap

The Beneteau Boutique just added some new items. Check it out here! Christmas is just around the corner! If you are really looking to show someone you love them check out the Gran Turismo 38!

Mike Lecholop joins St. Barts Yachts Sales Team

Recognize this familiar face?

We are pleased to have Mike Lecholop back in the boat business with us! Mike has boating in the blood and following his brief retirement from Groupe Beneteau, realized he missed the yachting industry. We look forward to having him on board our sales team.

Mike Lecholop is a 1971 graduate of The Citadel in Charleston, SC with a BS in Political Science and his professional background spans 38 years of sales and service experience in the marine industry. 

Mike retired from Beneteau USA Inc. in 2012 as Vice President of sales where he led overall sales management for the North American division of the world’s largest boat manufacturer, Groupe Beneteau of St. Gilles Croix-de-Vie, France.

Over his 26 years with Beneteau, Mike rose through the ranks from regional sales manager to director of sales and in 1992 was appointed Vice President of sales.  Mike and his sales team led Beneteau to the # 1 market share position in the sailboat industry by developing a strong dealer network supported by clear goals and a sound common sense management style. Having written the Beneteau Platinum dealer program Mike understands that service before, during and after the sale provides an exceptional customer experience.

Previous to this Mike was a regional sales manager for Lear Siegler Marine, manufacturer of the Cal Boats, Ranger Yachts, O’Day Sailboats and Prindle catamaran brands.  Mike has also served on the board of directors of the National Sailing Industry Association and Sail America.

Mike understands the sales and service process and is eager to put his experience to work for you. Contact Mike at Mike.Lecholop@St-Barts.com or at (843)577-7377.

Oceanis 38 reviewed by Sailing Magazine

"There was a time when only the largest production boats were customizable. But why should only owners of big boats get what they really want in an affordable production boat? Beneteau recognized owners’ desires to have the boat they want, without much compromise, regardless of its size, and in doing so have managed to create a 38-foot boat that sails and feels like a much bigger boat.

Beneteau’s Oceanis 38 comes in three versions depending on what its owners plan to do with it. Daysailer, weekender or cruiser layouts dictate the basic interior design, while the deck layout remains consistent."- South Coast Yacht Sales

 Our friends at South Coast Yachts had the opportunity to test sail the boat with Sailing Magazine.

Read the whole article by Sailing Magazine by clicking the link below.

Boat Test of Oceanis 38 by Sailing Magazine in .pdf

 Oceanis 38 for more information

Right of Way?

From Sailing Anarchy

The whale definitely has right of way! 

"If the sun, tropical racing, posh digs, and sexy aussie girls wasn’t enough to get you jonesin’ to sail Hammo Island Race Week, the wildlife might.  Incredible right-place-right-timing for the yacht Synergy as well as the Hammo TV crew that caught it; check the whale breach video here."

-Sailing Anarchy

Fun on the water!

Last week the Beaufort Water Festival was in full swing.

 One of our boat owners sent us these pics to show us what we were missing!

They enjoyed the days aboard their boat, "Tio" .

They were having such a grand time, they didn't even mind when storms popped up as they are prone to do this time of year!

How are you using your Beneteau these days? 

MC5

A new boattest video was just released on the MC5 and was shared via the Beneteau newsletter Horizons. The yacht was tested on lake Michigan by Captain Steve.

Isn't she dreamy?  

Monte Carlo 5

Isn't that a gorgeous fly bridge?
Chuck is heading out for additional training on Monte Carlo Yachts and we can't wait to tell you what he learned!

Oceanis 35 to make debut at Annapolis Boat Show this year!

Beneteau’s New Oceanis 35 Expands the Customizable Cruiser Concept
ANNAPOLIS, Md., July 24 2014 –
 Beneteau America announces the U.S. premiere of the all-new Oceanis 35 at the upcoming Annapolis Sailboat Show, October 9-13 2014.

The Oceanis 35 is being introduced on the heels of the world-acclaimed Oceanis 38, which made its debut
last fall and was awarded European Yacht of the Year 2014 along with Best Boat 2014 in the U.S. by the
publishers of SAIL magazine. The Oceanis 35 is designed to offer the same elegance and level of
customization as the Oceanis 38, but in a sailboat under 35 feet.

“The success of the Oceanis 38 prompted our product development team to revisit the concept of
customization over time to a smaller model that would fulfill the sailing dreams of a broader audience,”
commented Chris Doscher, sailboat sales manager for Beneteau America. “The new Oceanis 35 represents
an incredible accomplishment, in terms of space optimization, comfort and sailing performance,” added
Doscher. “It has already grabbed the attention of our dealers who first saw the boat during the Global
Dealer Meeting earlier this month. We’re hopeful the Oceanis 35 will become a new reference as a
versatile and highly capable cruiser.”

Taking up the appealing idea of a ‘three-in-one’ cruising boat, the Oceanis 35 is a cruiser that can be
adapted to her owner’s sailing lifestyle with three starting configurations from which to choose: Daysailer,
Weekender or Cruiser. The ability to further customize the boat over the years by adding or removing
certain components of the boat is carried over from the 38: examples include stowage, seating, bulkhead
and galley equipment. In a conscious effort to fit the owner’s preference, the new Oceanis 35 is available
with an optional lifting keel. The arch and swim platform are also optional with all three versions.
Beneteau has revamped inclusions in the base model of each configuration to provide sailors even more
features as ‘standard.’

• The daysailer offers more stowage in the saloon, an opening chart table and compatible mooring
pack.
• The weekender features integrated aft cabins as standard with wooden hanging lockers, but also
stowage in the saloon and a water heater. This configuration retains the essential packs such as fitted
galley, electricity and mooring pack.
• The cruiser offers even more choices of configurations.

Created in 1986, the Oceanis range continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs of all sailors.
ARCHITECT / DESIGNERS
Naval Architect: Finot - Conq
Interior design & Deck: Nauta Design
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Length overall (Daysailer) 9,99 m 32’9’’
Length overall (Weekender & Cruiser) 10,45 m 34’3’’
Hull length 9,97 m 32’9’’
L.W.L. 9,70 m 31’10’’
Hull Beam 3,70 m 12’2’’
Light displacement (Day Sailer - GTE) 5 207 kg 11,476 lbs
Light displacement (Cruiser - GTE) 5 533 kg 12,195 lbs
Deep (shallow) draft 1,85 m (1,45 m) 6’1’’ (4’9’’)
Deep (shallow) ballast weight 1 559 kg (1 825 kg) 3,436 lbs (4,022 lbs)
Air draft 15,45 m 50’8’’
Lifting keel version draft 1,15 m / 2,30 m 3’9’’ / 7’7’’
Lifting keel version ballast weight 1 995 kg 4,397 lbs
Freshwater capacity (standard) 130 L 34 US Gal
Freshwater capacity (optional) 200 L 53 US Gal
Fuel tank capacity 130 L 34 US Gal
Engine power (standard) 20 HP 20 HP
Engine power (optional) 30 HP 30 HP
STANDARD SAIL LAYOUT AND AREA
Mainsail (classic) 27,50 m² 297 sq/ft
Genoa (102 %) 26,72 m² 288 sq/ft
Asymmetrical spinnaker 83,45 m² 898 sq/ft
Code 0 50,9 m² 548 sq/ft
Self-tacking jib 25,5 m² 274 sq/ft
I 12,45 m 40’10’’ / J 4,29 m 14’1’’ / P 12,20 m 40’ / E 3,90 m 12’10’’
CE CERTIFICATION (PROVISIONAL)
Category A - 8 people
Category B - 9 people
Category C - 10 people
To learn more, visit http://www.beneteauusa.com/Sailboats/Oceanis/Oceanis-35
For high resolution images, please visit our Media Site: http://www.beneteaupress.com/photos/oceanis/35/
Beneteau is known worldwide for its sleek design, quality construction and innovation in the manufacturing
of seaworthy sailing and power yachts. The Beneteau story began 130 years ago when Benjamin Bénéteau
started building fishing trawlers in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, France. Today, the company continues to thrive under the leadership of Benjamin Bénéteau’s granddaughter, Madame Annette Bénéteau-Roux. Beneteau has manufacturing facilities in France, Brazil and the United States.
###

Oceanis 35

Our friends at South Coast Yacht Sales put together this great walk through of the new Oceanis 35 that will be making her debut at the Annapolis Sailboat Show this October. We will be there and hope you will join us.

New Oceanis 35

Click here for the video tour:
http://youtu.be/xhj5_OgzV8w

Photos from the International Dealer Meeting

Chuck and Lisa Laughlin attend the Beneteau dinner celebrating 130 years of Beneteau

Sneak peek of the Monte Carlo 5 coming out of the La Begaudiere factory

 Chuck discussing Beneteau power models with Nereus Dastur of Denison Yacht Sales

 Sneak Peak of the Monte Carlo 4 after sea trials

 First look at the Beneteau 60 hull #1

Rare glimpse into the La Begaudiere factory interior, the mold of the MC 5

Good looking group of Beneteau men!

Front row: Barrett Canfield, Bob Denison, Justin Joyner, Chuck Laughlin

Back Row: Laurent Fabre, Don Finkle, Eddie Russell

Oceanis 38: making waves

The Oceanis 38 Boattest Video was featured in this month's Beneteau Horizons. This video demonstrates the many possibilities the options on the Oceanis 38 can be arranged to create your dream boat.

Our Oceanis 38 is expected to be here by the end of August. If you have any questions please feel free to reach any of our knowledgeable brokers in Charleston, Jacksonville or Oriental.

The Oceanis 38 

 Interior shot from boattest.

Zoomed out view of open floor plan

Gray hulled Oceanis 38

sMiles Beneteau 423

2003 Oceanis 423 "sMiles" listed by Ron Stoddard (Ron.Stoddard@St-Barts.com) 

"sMiles" is a 3 stateroom model with a master stateroom forward that has a centerline Island type berth, 7'7" in length, with separate reading Lights . The forward stateroom also features an in suite head and shower with stall doors. Plenty of storage is available in storage cabinets and hanging lockers.

*Not for sale in US waters*

Sail Mac Now!

Check out the Sail Mac Now webpage and follow along as one our clients, Ari, and his crew of men and  kids prepare to sail the BYC Mackinac Race aboard, "Christina with a Sea II", a Beneteau 49 that was launched at our docks in Charleston in 2010. Racing starts July 12, 2014 and we look forward to following their progress.

We are already so proud of this team, and all that they are doing to get young sailors started early!

Above is a great news clip of the team!

Tyler Gainey joins St. Barts Yachts

Tyler Gainey will be joining our Oriental office this summer. He is currently training with the Sales and Service team at the Charleston location.

Welcome Tyler!

Tyler is the newest broker to join the St. Bart’s team. A recent graduate from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, he received a degree in Finance and came to St. Bart’s shortly after. Tyler is a native of Swansboro, NC where he grew up sailing and boating throughout coastal North Carolina. Before coming to St. Bart’s Tyler worked on the Neuse River/ Pamlico Sound as a Sailing Instructor for Camp Don Lee. During his time as an instructor he earned his United States Sailing Instructor License and used that knowledge to train students extensively on a range of sailboats and powerboats. Tyler has led dozens of overnight sailing expeditions up and down the inner and outer banks of North Carolina and is familiar with many of the states favored cruising destinations. Whether you are looking for a large live-aboard or racing-inspired daysailer, Tyler’s knowledge of the area and passion for sailing make him an asset to have on your team. Contact Tyler at 910-548-0749 or by email at Tyler.Gainey@St-Barts.com

Sense 46 Currently In Jacksonville, Fl

 The Beneteau Sense 46 featured above has recently been relocated to the Jacksonville area, in preparation for the Southeastern US Boat Show April 11-13, 2014.

*Our version is a white hull and has two cabins, two baths.

*The spacious interior allows for a lot of natural light, as well as air flow.

Call Carey English or Barbara Burke to schedule your private showing before the show starts!

(904)264-9100