What Downturn?
So many people are asking me lately “how’s business”….it seems to be the catch cry of 2009. Their look of amazement when I advise that we’re doing well puzzles them all. Why?.. well in the tough times, people who were looking at making a larger commitment of purchase suddenly shy away from the huge costs of ownership and see our YachtShare product as a superior solution… Great news!

Surely also there is an element of stress relief to go sailing or fishing when everything around you is looking dire!

Fishing Fizz Boat
With the above in mind, we are still lacking membership in our 31ft Wavecrusher launch (Makin Waves) and the 7.20mtr Flying Fish. I cannot understand why Makin Waves is never completely full with members.
It’s the easiest launch to drive, the most economical and totally reliable and comfortable.
If you’re after a fishing or diving platform.. it doesn’t come cheaper than Flying Fish ( 7.20mtr Southern Sports)
If you’re keen on these…come and twist our arm!

Anyone have a 40ft + Yacht or want to buy one – cheap!
WE DESPERATELY NEED A 40FT YACHT. Our Beneteau 40 is being withdrawn from YachtShare and we need to replace it.
If you are interested in purchasing a new 40fter, there is a brand new Jeanneau 42i for sale at bargain basement pricing that would work well in our fleet… or perhaps you already own a 40fter that is costing money and sitting around.
When placing a boat with YachtShare, you can enjoy 80+ days per year usage, income that will cover expenses and interest on any loans, plus the added tax deductibility and depreciation benefits enjoyed by commercial operators.
Call Laurie today on 0800 366 828 to discuss!

2009 Boat show
Many of our clients asked why we didn’t attend the Boat show the year and how come so many others in the boating industry didn’t attend either. I guess it’s just a matter of being overly prudent with our expenditure during these trying times, but mainly due to the lack of enthusiasm from the team to work the long hard 5 days. Hey .. most of our business comes from word of mouth referral anyway… isn’t that the best marketing possible!

Bavaria Yachts?
With the demise of the local agency last year, we’re pleased to see it reborn again under the Busfield Marine Brokers wing at Westhaven.

Pacific Pearl
Wow she looks so good inside, but many of you have experienced the issues of the old engines!!... New Engine quotes are underway (larger, smoother, more grunt) and we’re looking to install within the next couple of months.

Jerry / Rob / Steve
Well done to Jerry Rob and Steve who have taken up this years opportunity to sail the Greek Islands and the Turkish coast. As you know Laurie spent months sailing this area and you’re in for a treat. If anyone wishes to take this opportunity from Mid Sept onwards..please call!

Vesper Marine
Many of you will see that we have sub leased some of our oversized office to a company called Vesper marine. This exciting startup company has developed a world leading AIS system and is selling it worldwide through some of the largest marine distributors in Europe and the US. AIS if you don’t know, is the marine collision warning system that is in use by most of the worlds commercial ships and many of the worlds pleasure craft. See www.vespermarine.com for information.

Passing over the sea trials
We have engaged Boatcourses (next door to our office) to undertake all of the training side of the YachtShare operation. This has the added benefit that we can concentrate on sales and maintenance, but also allows for a 3rd party assessment of our clientele, an issue that has been embraced by our safety auditors.
If any of you are looking to undertake any Costguard Courses…. Have a look at www.boatcourses.com for a full list of training dates

Difficulties this year
We’ve had a stressful start to the year with some incredible maintenance issues compounding to keep us fully engaged earlier in the year.
To this extent, our clients can really help out by keeping focused on their responsibilities of cleaning, refueling, advising us of breakage/maintenance and generally taking it easy out there…. ARGHH.. and don’t forget to empty the holding tanks… the summer weather has smelt things up a bit on many of the boats!