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!

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.

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? 

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*

Saturday Sail on a 343

Making our way through Charleston Harbor on a gray Saturday morning.

 Blue skies showed up though! That is Ft. Sumter on the horizon.

 Nothing better than a Saturday Sail with friends! 

Owner, Bill King

We love pictures of our clients enjoying their boats. We were happy to receive this from one of our recent brokerage clients, who had the pleasure of working with Keith Farfone. Bill, we hope you have some great adventures with your boat!

"Thank you for a great experience with the purchase of my Beneteau Oceanis

343. I am thankful that you were able to help me see the risks, potential

logistical issues and transport costs with a boat I was interested in

Tortola. With patience, you found me the perfect sailboat for my interests

and needs. This transaction was smooth and extremely easy. From the survey

(with lunch provided) to closing, all items were handled efficiently and

professionally and a lot of fun along the way. Your team at St. Barts was

great to work with, including the service and maintenance group. Top notch.

All future purchases and sales will be with you. Thanks again!"

Bill King

Hilton Head, SC

Dates to Note

As the weather (hopefully) warms up, and we begin to thaw out, boating comes to mind. 

Below is a list of events that you might like to get on your spring calendar. 

Charleston Race Week April 10-13, 2014

*St. Barts Yachts will be providing a mark boat for a race course, and several of our staff and clients will be racing!

Southeast US Boat Show-April 11-13, 2014 at Jacksonville, FL

*Carey and Barbara will be there with a Sense 46 to show.

Oriental Boat Show April 11-13, 2014

*The Oceanis 37 Platinum Edition will be on display! Swing by and see Dave and Steve at the show which is in our backyard at the Oriental Harbor Village Center.

                                           

Charleston In Water Boat Show April 25-27, 2014

Four unique models will be on display at this show which is right down the street from our office.

Barracuda 9, GT 38, ST 44, Greenline 33 and Oceanis 41 will all be available for viewing.

Featured Listing: Beneteau 44 cc

This 2001 Beneteau 44cc is for sale and is currently at Bohicket Marina. 

 She has a very clean interior and is a two cabin, two bath model.

This bath boasts a bathtub! The boat has been lightly used (250 hours on the engine!)

To make an appointment, contact Keith Farfone

Keith.Farfone@St-Barts.com or call (843)577-7377

Holiday hours at St. Barts Yachts

Surprise! Santa's sleigh is pulled by seahorses! 

Our friends at Annapolis Yacht Sales really outdid themselves with their flotilla entry in the Chesapeake last week.

St. Barts Yachts, your Beneteau and Greenline dealer in the southeast, wants you to swing by our offices in  the next few weeks and take a look at our brand new inventory.  

Oceanis 41 *Charleston Office

Gran Turismo 38 *Charleston Office

Greenline 33 *Charleston Office

Swift Trawler 44 *Charleston Office

Barracuda 9 *Charleston Office

Oceanis 37 *Oriental

Our holiday hours:

We will be closed 

December 24, 2013 

December 25, 2013 

December 26, 2013

December 31, 2013 

 January 1, 2014

Greenline 33 and Swift Trawler 44 arrive

 It was a big delivery day yesterday! The Greenline 33 and the Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 arrived at the Port of Charleston.

Check out that sleek profile. Can't you see a big red bow on it? Perfect Christmas gift.

 The Greenline 33 was splashed first. 

 The Greenline 33 is a hybrid, and is the first of its kind to arrive at our office, since we became Greenline 33 dealers. To read more about this innovative technology click here to be directed to the Greenline site.

Here Chuck, Nick, and Mike watch as the boat is put in the water. Being the crane operator in this case, would make me very nervous!

 The Swift Trawler 44 was splashed next.

Here she is heading towards our dock at the Charleston City Marina. Picture yourself onboard for a Christmas cruise! It is almost 80 in Charleston today. Perfect boating weather.

Look how excited we all are to have the boats at our dock! The gang's all here! Chris is on the dock photographing the features of the boat and he caught Katie, Eddie and JM inspecting the boat!

The best part of delivery day is when everything has arrived and we can all explore the new product.Katie is already a big fan of the mirrored doorway. It will be excellent to do her hair when underway!

Call the Charleston office if you would like to make an appointment to see either boat! (843)577-7377

Beneteau and the ASA create a partnership

Beneteau America and the American Sailing Association (ASA) are entering in a new strategic partnership, as disclosed on October 11th, during a press event at the Annapolis boat show, the largest sailboat show in North America.

Laurent Fabre, President of Beneteau America, and Lenny Shabes, ASA’s founder and chairman of the board, have announced their joint collaboration on the design of a new ASA-exclusive sail training vessel. The new sailboat, ASA First Trainer, will be produced in Beneteau’s factory of Marion, South Carolina.

Beneteau America and ASA presented the initial drawings of the future ASA First Trainer to the press and the ASA affiliated schools and ASA certified instructors.

The R&D team at Beneteau created a product brief taking into account the specific requirements of ASA to meet the needs of their affiliates in terms of ergonomics, layout and safety. The Finot Conq & Associates design resembles that of the popular First 20, but with a deck and rig specifically designed to enhance the learning experience of the students. The new ASA First Trainer is expected to be revealed a year from now, at the 2014 Annapolis sailboat show.

“Over the past few months, we’ve been pleasantly surprised to see such flexibility and cooperation from the foremost sailboat builder,” noted Shabes of ASA. “Throughout the process, we have sought the feedback of a representative group of affiliated schools and instructors. Since they have influenced the initial design of the boat and continue to offer valuable input, we’re confident the new ASA First Trainer will be a great success.”

Charlie Nobles, Executive Director of ASA, further commented, “This new introduction is the perfect extension to our educational system, especially as it coincides with ASA’s 30th anniversary.”

“This project is particularly relevant and exciting to Beneteau; building small sailing vessels to invite more people to experience the thrill of sailing is exactly what our company’s success is built upon,” explained Laurent Fabre. “We feel very fortunate to partner with ASA to rejuvenate their associated schools’ fleets geared towards new sailors. We’re confident this new vessel will enhance their students’ and instructors’ time on the water. And it’s just the beginning!”

About the American Sailing Association

Driven by a clear need for uniform teaching standards and increased access to sailing activities, the American Sailing Association (ASA) has been the leader in U.S. sailing education for three decades. The association has grown to include an international network of more than 300 professionally accredited sailing schools. More than 400,000 students have learned to sail through ASA schools and clubs since 1983.