BENETEAU USA INC. TRANSFORMS FACTORY INTO "JUST IN TIME LEAN MANUFACTURING"

Marion, SC, October 19, 2009: With a huge investment in a new CNC machinery driven woodshop and a complete overhaul of its production areas, Beneteau USA Inc. is in the process of revamping its 250,000 square foot facility into the most modern big sailboat factory in America. Contractors, advisors from parent company Groupe Beneteau, and South Carolinian team members are scurrying to change the 25 year old factory from the past style of eight independent production lines into a new, single line, continuous flow production facility comprising 20 operation positions. The outcome of this new way of building will allow shortened lead times, less work in process and greater flexibility in model mix. The Marion plant will be the only American sailboat plant able to build anything from 30 footers up to 50 footers, all in the same quick-flow process.

“This is an amazing feat for our team, as it truly was an internal initiative that came from the leadership of our Vice President of Manufacturing, Gerard Martineau, working with the full spectrum of production from managers to those on the floor. They have developed a system that is unique in our end of the industry and will eliminate wasted time while improving quality and flexibility,” said Wayne Burdick, President of Beneteau USA. “When the plant reconfiguration work is complete and we are able to turn on the new, lean, mean, production machine, no one else in the US will be able to make cruising sailboats with as much efficiency and flexibility of product mix. This should give Beneteau a strategic advantage to quickly provide the best value in exactly the model our customer wishes to buy.”

“I am proud of all the work by our people in Marion to prepare for this mode of manufacturing. We all went to school together to learn about lean manufacturing, work flow and value stream mapping, and the result proves that this great team of boat builders is equal to any in the world when it comes to new ways of thinking and doing. Great work by this very motivated group will launch us into a new era of excellent quality at the best price and the quickest delivery, continuing Marion’s claim of being the largest producer of sailing yachts on this continent,” stated Mr. Martineau. “In the month of November current production will temporarily cease, so that the remains of the existing independent lines can be moved into the new continuous flow platforms which are already in place. I can’t wait to see the results when we start humming in early December!”

Beneteau USA, the American division of the world’s largest sailboat manufacturer, builds hundreds of 31 to 50 foot production sailboats in Marion, SC and imports sailing and power yachts up to 58 feet in length from its parent company in France.

ROLEX Big Boat Series

Here is shot of some competitors from the Beneteau 36.7 fleet from last week-end.
Passage Yachts chartered a boat to bring the local fleet up to 6 boats for a One Design Start. We also made sure all the crew was easy to recognize in their bright, red shirts from Passage!
The racing in the Beneteau fleet was tight, but ultimately Pat Patterson's 'Summer and Smoke' emerged a winner.

http://marina42.net/cgi-bin/p/m42p-broker.cgi?d=passage-yachts-inc&id=283

Rolex Big Boat Series SF gearing up...

News from the 2009 Rolex Big Boat Series and Rolex US-IRC National Championship event:

September 2, 2009

With one week until the start of the 2009 Rolex Big Boat Series, St. Francis Yacht Club (StFYC) Race Office is busy coordinating the many logistical details that accompany running one of the world’s most-loved regattas. Racing this year is scheduled for September 10-13, and includes racing in seven one-design classes – 1D35, Beneteau 36.7, Express 37, J/105, J/120, Melges 32 and, for the first time, the Cal 40 class, as well as divisions for IRC-rated entries. At the conclusion of the four-day regatta, specially engraved Rolex timepieces will be awarded to the St. Francis Yacht Club’s six Perpetual Trophy winners and to the overall IRC winner as the Rolex US-IRC National Champion. Although the Rolex Big Boat Series will be celebrating its 45th anniversary this year, another occurrence will take center stage, the StFYC’s tribute to the late Tom Blackaller. Full article here.

*note Passage Yachts mention in the Beneteau 36.7 fleet section.... we are proud to help the fleet get their own start by chartering a boat.

Brave sailor goes around England....

Beneteau 393 video on SF Bay - summer fun!

Just another summer day on San Francisco Bay! Thanks to our customers the Kerr's on their Beneteau 393 Jabulani for the video!

New Beneteau 40 - offshore delivery

Thanks to Passage Broker Torben Bentsen,

Here is a little clip from 5 miles west of the Golden Gate Bridge with a brand new Beneteau 40 last week.

Windspeed in the low 20’s, and pretty good seas.

IT WAS FUN!!

Beneteau 36.7 photos - our newest boat arrives

Galley - yes, a bit cluttered at the moment.

Starboard Settee - note the Blond Oak Alpi wood finish... very nice!

Nav Station

I like the black mast - very sexy!

Nice Bruce Farr designed bow...

Clean engine instrument cluster

Autopilot controls on the molded steering pedestal

Tridata and wind instrument over companionway

Molded steering pedestal and large wheel

A nice looking boat!


Look for 6 of these fast fun racer/cruisers to be going head to head at the Rolex Big Boat Regatta coming up next month!

Sailing small boats on San Francisco Bay

Hedley arrives in Western Samoa

An update from our fearless Australian client who is singlehanding his way home aboard the small, older used Beneteau he purchased from us.....

These are some emails received by his broker
Klaus Kutz:

8/1/09

Hi Klaus,

Hope you recieved my last email in reply to yours of July 28th.

Lots of hard work on Mirage III in the last so many days with Hedley having all sorts of problems with the wind and trying to get to Tahiti. He has sent me the following message to pass to you.

" After leaving Hilo was able to make some Easting but S of 4 Deg N became very uncomfortable trying to just maintain Long against 20/25 KT wind and 2KT current. Vicinity Malden Is gave up and headed for Apia. Arrive about 7 August.

Best Hedley "

Needless to say I will join him there, not as delightful as Tahiti I'm sure....maybe next time!!

Hope all goes well for you'

Cheers

Donna

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

8/2/09

Hi Klaus,

Another quick message for you from Hedley......." Wind dropping and progress slowed, lightening ship by increasing beer intake, Cheers and Best Hedley."

Cheers

Donna

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

8/12/09

Hello Klaus,

Somewhere along the line I have obviously offended the wind gods. The wind was out of sorts between San Francisco and Hilo but once I left Hilo the wind became positively venomous. I had hoped to make a lot of easting out of Hilo to enable me to have a good run past the Marquesas to
Tahiti.

However, it was not to be - the wind was mainly from the E and once through the doldrums it was mainly from the SE. The effect was I made very little easting ex Hilo and once south of the equator, made none at all. It became obvious fairly early I was not going to make Tahiti however, I persevered for some days hoping for a change. Eventually, the pounding beat me and I gave up and headed for Apia in Western Samoa, where there is proper marina and which is where I am now with Donna.

The leg from Hilo took 25 days mainly because, for nearly a week, I was virtually becalmed in the SE "variables". The trip was uneventful, except for the breakages in the headsail furling line, caused by the furling line chafing against the sharp edges of the Harken drum. It is a poor piece of design, and I hope they have modified the feed - it is a simple job. As it was, when the line broke, it was during difficult conditions, and it was no help having the headsail extend itself fully.

The other incident concerned some whales a few days out of Apia I was horrified/delighted/horrified to see this whale following me about 100 feet behind the boat alternatively diving and surfacing . I thought he may be about to attack the boat but he left me alone and he and his mate eventually went off in another direction.

I expect to be in Apia for about 10 days or so, and then will press on to Noumea and Brisbane. I should be home by end September. I will be in touch again when I have some more news.

Regards to all in the office.
Cheers,
Hedley

Island Packet SP Cruiser

If you can find a copy, check out the upcoming September issue of Soundings Magazine...

Here is a tease of an article they will be running:

The motorsailer: power and sail

For long-distance cruising, a good motorsailer is hard to beat. It’s roomier and less vulnerable to weather than a pure sailboat and has more range than a powerboat. Its

typically shallower draft gives it more versatility. And the time spent under sail

reduces fuel costs and extends range.

If you can't wait for the article, email me and I will send you an early release:)

Discover Boating video contest finalist

The winning entry was a little too powerboat only for me... I like this one!

Here is a link to all the finalists... you can decide which one you like too!

Our own Jim Tull featured in sailing article...

Our own Jim Tull is proudly featured in this great article in the Marin IJ.

Here is a short excerpt:

LEAPING OFF THE BACK of their sailboat first thing in the morning is the kind of wake up call that the Tull family revels in - even in the toasty muddy waters of the Sacramento River Delta. As soon as school is out for the summer, Jim and Meredith Tull of Tiburon grab 13-year-old twins Emily and Jane and pack up the family sailboat, a Beneteau Oceanis 321 known as Bella Luna. They fill the ice chest, tie the dinghies and rafts astern and leave the slip at the Corinthian Yacht Club to head east up San Pablo Bay, through the Carquinas Strait and into the thousand-plus miles of navigable Delta waterways....

by - Michelle Slade, Marin IJ

Marin resident Michelle Slade is a sailing journalist. Contact her results, upcoming competitions and story ideas at www.sladecommunications.com.

Island Packet Estero video review

Lattitudes and Attitudes are doing some great boat review videos! Here is another one of the new Island Packet Estero! This is our boat from the last boat show.... she is still available if you haven't found that perfect cruising boat for your big trip this fall!
Click the photo for the review.

Tartan 4400 video review

Just found this great video review for the Tartan 4400. Thought I would share it as I have a gorgeous, well priced, 2005 model for sale on the brokerage market!
Click on the photo for the video!

Beneteau USA wins NMMA CSI award!

BENETEAU USA RECEIVES CSI AWARD

MARION, SC: The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has announced that Beneteau USA is a recipient of the 2009 Marine Industry CSI Awards. This award marks the third consecutive year that Beneteau USA has secured this honor. NMMA launched its CSI program in 2001 to provide boat and engine manufacturers with an independently-measured, cost-effective means of improving customer satisfaction in the boating industry.

Award recipients will be acknowledged during the 2009 International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), taking place October 12-14 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

The Marine Industry CSI Awards program honors participating manufacturers that actively measure customer satisfaction and pursue continuous improvement to better serve the customer. Award recipients achieved and maintained an independently-measured standard of excellence of 90 percent or higher in customer satisfaction over the past year, based on information provided by customers purchasing a new boat or engine during the period between April 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009. Participating manufacturers are required to survey all new boat buyers during this period.

“As we work to strengthen our industry, customer satisfaction and retention will always be our foundation for growth,” said NMMA president Thom Dammrich. “This year’s Marine Industry CSI Award recipients are at the forefront of our industry’s growth potential and are helping ensure the experience of purchasing and owning a boat add value to the overall enjoyment of the boating lifestyle.”

“Consistently surveying our customers to measure their satisfaction levels has been a strategic commitment of ours for years. The objective of participating in the NMMA program has always been to use this valuable information to drive ourselves towards even higher levels of quality while exceeding the expectations of the owners of the beautiful floating dreams our Beneteau team in Marion creates.” said Wayne Burdick, President. "We are so proud to learn that Beneteau USA is the only sailboat manufacturer in the world to receive the NMMA 2009 Marine Industry CSI Award."

Beneteau USA, the American division of the world’s largest sailboat manufacturer, builds hundreds of 31-49 foot production sailboats in Marion, SC and imports sailing and power yachts up to 57 feet in length from its parent company in France.

Beneteau First 36.7 Cruise-out this weekend!

Just a quick reminder about the event coming up this weekend:

36.7 First Cruise--out to Richmond Yacht Club.

Crew/skippers/family and friends should show up in the turning basin at RYC no later than 3:00 for the 1st Annual R.U.M. Regatta that starts around 4. Dinner will be at the club right after the regatta with a slide presentation of the fleet and a short clip from last years Rolex Big Boat Series. Spankers to follow on Ay Caliente....if you've had one you know what I'm talking about!

Once again this is a great opportunity for interested parties to come out and meet the fleet, sail a fun regatta and have a great BBQ at RYC!!! Bring your family and friends...there should be plenty of room on the boats for a ride.

All guests are welcome to the BBQ post race. We'll have hamburgers or chicken breasts for $10 a person....the bar will be open for those of you who have a drinking problem (or in my case a rum problem).


Skippers: Please have you or someone from your program bring a side dish for the dinner...ie. your favorite dessert or salad etc. If everyone brings a little something that would be helpful...I estimate about 45-50 people showing up...FUN!

Please see the attached PDF for all the event details and NOR/SI's.

Cheers and happy sailing!!!

Aaron Kennedy
SF Fleet Captain
www.sf367.org

Classic Car Show, Open House, and New Boats -

This Saturday the 18th of July at the Marin Yacht Club in San Rafael.... Passage Yachts will be there with two new Beneteau's and an Island Packet... should be a nice day in the sun! 11-5pm, Saturday. Check the MYC web site for details.

Update on Hedley our Australian cruising client....

Passage Yachts broker, Klaus Kutz, of the Alameda Office has sent in an update from his wayward client, Hedley Thomas. As you may recall, Hedley set out from San Francisco back on June 9th, on his way to Australia via Hawaii. His boat is a 1985 Beneteau Idylle 11.7 (a 35 footer) that he bought used from Klaus...

Part one is now complete as he made it to Hilo on the Big Island.

Here is Klaus' note and Hedley's email:

Jim, this is my latest communications with Hedley. He arrived in Hilo, Hawaii on Saturday, July 4 in the afternoon, after twentyfour and half days at sea. He arrived in good shape and spirits. No major problems ( the only items to repair was a restitching of the UV protection on his jib). He had enough fuel to run his engine every day for at least three hours to recharge his battery banks. He used the electronic auto pilot almost all the time and had his refrigeration on all the time assuring cold beers for the whole trip. He is planning on leaving either today or tomorrow for Riaitea, French Polynesia. That is a distance of approximately 2400 nautical miles from Hilo, Hawaii. Hedley is hoping to make better time and arrive in less days than he used to get to Hilo from the mainland.
Thanks,
Klaus


-----------------


Hi Klaus,

Have been in Hilo for just over a week now and plan on leaving tomorrow
or Wednesday - weather permitting.

The leg from Alameda was pretty uneventful except for about 2 nights
when the wind blew quite strongly. There were about 3 -4 days when the
wind was contrary and did not blow at all or, blew from the wrong
direction. I am hoping for better luck on the leg to Tahiti.

I drove around the island yesterday and and would not recommend Kona as
a place to go. It is a small artificial harbour packed with sport
fishing boats and nowhere to moor for visitors. I understand that if
you want to be lifted out with the Travelift, you need to book a time
and be there at that time. About 40 miles north there is another
harbour which offers much better shelter but has no facilities at all.
Nevertheless, if I have to come back to a harbour on the west side it is
to Kaui I will go.

A & B Fleet Services in Hawaii have been most helpful with some minor
items that needed attention and are presently helping out another
yachtsman who was towed into Hilo in a Valiant 40 suffering fuel and
transmission problems. He was going to go to Kona but I have suggested
he go to Honolulu instead.

I figure I will go to Riaitea in French Polynesia rather than Papeete.
I have been speaking to a guy who is pretty experienced in these waters
and he said theft was a big problem in Papeete whether you were on the
boat or not. Apart from that there is a proper marina at Riatea and I
know Donna will like that rather than mooring stern to.

Will away now Klaus. May I suggest you keep in touch with Donna as she
will know where I am. If at all possible I will email from Fr Polynesia.

Cheers and best,

Hedley

creepy squid in So-Cal.....

bear with the advertisement....

nice boat.....

Nice scenes from the water off of Sausalito this afternoon... the joys of being a Yacht Broker!!

(click the photo for a bigger view... nice helicopter too!)

Beneteau Swift Trawler 52

Yes... we do powerboats too. I have been getting several inquiries lately for Beneteau's flagship motoryacht, the Swift Trawler 52. Here is a link to more info on this beautiful yacht! There is a video, specs, plan drawings, and more photos:

Beneteau Swift Trawler 52

Yowza.....

Saw this on Sailing Anarchy and had to share....

Invest in America sales ends

The Beneteau Invest in America sale ends today.... bummer....

Island Packet Love....

Googling around the web today I have been finding some fun stuff for the blog....
Here is an excerpt from a great article that really captures the love that Island Packet owners have for their boats:

....More than the boat itself, Island Packet as a company has redefined excellence in customer relationships. They start with a strong dealer network comprised of highly qualified sales and commissioning staffs. But what sets them apart, in my opinion, is their staff at the factory. I’ll start with an example from the top – Bob Johnson. We were talking with Bob at the 2001 Annapolis Boat Show when another Island Packet owner asked Bob if he’d seen the email regarding his question of sailing the cutter rig. The owner was interested in some of the finer details of the cutter rig (when to fly the staysail, etc.). Bob’s answer reconfirmed my faith in the company. He said he received the email just before the show and it was on his desk. He promised a full response and explanation as soon as he returned to the office. No shuffling to other members of the staff. Bob Johnson, the top man, was taking the time to answer sailing questions from the owners – and in detail.... The full article can be found at sailcharbonneau.com.

Adventure With A Cruising Spinnaker on an Island Packet

A good advice article.....

In the late 1980's, a friend bought a new Island Packet 31. He was not an experienced sailor, but had the sense to get some training and keep experienced hands aboard while he was learning about cruising on a sailboat. The boat was in Miami, and he decided he wanted to take a cruise to the Bahamas. My brother, another friend, and I bravely volunteered to go along.... full article at TropicalBoating.com

Island Packet Owner's web site

Did you know that Island Packet Yachts has its own yacht owner's web site? This community site is for all owners of Island Packets from the 26 to the 485... go check it out if you are an owner too - click here.

San Francisco Beneteau 36.7 Fleet get together

Fleet Cruise-in to RYC on July 18th. Skippers/Crew/Family and anyone interested in the fleet are invited.

For more info you're welcome to call fleet captain, Aaron Kennedy at 510.882.1296 click here for schedule and details.

Our own Jim Tull mentioned in Doo Dah article....

We will miss you Jim.... but have fun anyway!!! And... don't end up like this guy....

SF Gate article

Australian buys small brokerage Beneteau to sail home in....

From Klaus Kutz - Passage Yachts, Alameda

I sold a 1985 Beneteau Idylle 11.5 to an Australian gentleman "Hedley Thomas" late in March, 2009. Hedley was looking for an affordable, but stoud and well maintained boat in the mid thirty foot size range, that could be sailed by him singlehanded across the Pacific home to his native Brisbane in Australia.
After scouring the local brokerage market, he decided that our 1985 37' Beneteau Idylle 11.5 offered the best his money could buy. The deal was consummated after a test sail and a thorough engine and hull survey. Hedley, then proceeded to replace the old batteries with a new upgraded battery system and a thorough upgrade of some of the wiring. Installation of a new refrigeration system, linear auto pilot, knot meter, wind point and wind speed instrumentation followed. He also thoroughly surveyed and upgraded his running and standing rigging. All of this took time and cut into his expectation to leave by the end of May. The day of his departure finally came early on June 9, 2009. Hedley received a send off in Alameda at the Encinal Yacht Club at 7:30 am Tuesday, June 9. Klaus Kutz his broker from Passage Yachts in Alameda and Klaus' wife Jennifer followed Hedley out to the Golden Gate Bridge on their boat "Pacific Flyer" and waved Hedley and his proud Mirage III fair well as he passed under the Gate at exactly 9:15 am in a light breeze, starting ebb and grey skies.
Klaus received a text message from Hedley after he had completed his first seven day's at sea, which reported slow progress because of light and contrary winds. A most recent message marked Hedley's second full week at sea with encouraging news of strong and steady winds from the right direction and the skipper reporting great progress with only 800 NM more to go to reach his interim destination of Ala Wai Harbor on Ohuau, Hawaii.
We will keep you posted about Mirage III's progress as we get reports from its intrepid skipper, Hedley Thomas.

Summer Sailstice at Treasure Island today!!

Drop by to have a beer, see friends, view boats, go for a sailboat ride, and listen to great music! It's a sunny day and should be a lot of fun!

Schedule

Passage will be there with the new Island Packet Estero and the Beneteau 34....

Beneteau 57 delivery

Do you have some offshore experience? This would be fun....

LinkedIn Groups

Group: Yachting Industry Networking Group Subject: Delivery Crew Panama to Valparaiso Chile via Galapagos, Beneteau 57. About 3000 miles sail into the winter of the Southern Hemishere!!! Delivery Crew Panama to Valparaiso Chile via Galapagos, Beneteau 57. About 3000 miles sail into the winter of the Southern Hemishere!!! Beneteau 57 Experiance required: Yachtmaster offshore and experiance at sea. Flights and onboard costs covered. Please send CV for further information. Colin A.Metcalfe _____________________________________ NonStopYacht S.L. Super and Megayacht suppliers colin@nonstopyacht.com www.nonstopyacht.com Almirall Churruca 9 08003 Barcelona T +34 932 240 490 M +34 637 755 133 F +34 932 240 493 Posted By Colin A. Metcalfe

New Beneteau 58???

OCEANIS 58

This summer, BENETEAU will be launching a truly exceptional new yacht: the Oceanis 58 will be the largest ever offered in this range.

BENETEAU is adding this fabulous new model to its range in response to increasing worldwide demand for larger yachts.

A large yacht that will be the flagship of the Oceanis range
Bruno Belmont, Sailing Development Manager at Beneteau, tells us about his vision for this new addition to the range:
“The Oceanis 58 will combine everything that is best about BENETEAU to create a boat that is safe, powerful, comfortable and easy to handle… all in a design with real personality. It will be the perfect complement to the Oceanis range of ultra-contemporary yachts from 31 to 54 feet, and will set the pattern for the future of Beneteau cruising! It will deliver a new interpretation of comfort and luxury under sail!”.

While waiting to show you our infinitely beautiful Océanis 58 at this year's autumn boat show, we will be delighted to share a preview of our special marketing for this magnificent yacht with you, as soon as the information becomes available.

We would therefore be obliged if you would take a few minutes of your time to fill in this contact form.

Beneteau Yachts... in business since 1884

1 /1884: Benjamin Bénéteau, founder of the company, launched his first sailing trawler.

2/ 1964: Bénéteau looked towards yachting and introduced polyester into boat building.

3/ 1965: A new boat design, the 'fishing/excursion motorboat', with the Galions, Piranha, Forban, and Baroudeurs.

4/ 1973: Creation of the Evasion 32, designed by André Bénéteau.

5/ 1977: Creation of one of the most famous Bénéteau yachts, the First 30, designed by André Mauric. The First 30 was voted boat of the year at the Paris Boat Show in 1978. This yacht marked the entry of Bénéteau in the world of yacht racing. Skippered by Michel Malinovski, she finished third in the overall ranking in the Course de l'Aurore (later to become the Figaro). This racing success was accompanied by a large commercial success; more than a thousand boats sold.

7/ 1981: The First Evolution landed the title of world half-ton champion at the 'Half Ton Cup'

8/ 1982: BENETEAU launched the Idylle range; cruising yachts that were both fast and comfortable.

9/ 1984: Centenary year and introduction of BENETEAU securities on the unlisted securities market of the Paris Bourse.

10/ 1985: The BENETEAU yacht “Phoenix” won the Admiral's Cup, World Championship of Offshore Racing.

11/ 1986: 10 years after the First 30, BENETEAU launched a new generation of yachts, at the Paris Boat Show. These were the OCEANIS cruising yachts, based on the concept of “the pleasure of better living conditions at sea”.

12/ 1986: BENETEAU inaugurated the Marion factory in South Carolina.

13/ 1987: BENETEAU combined audacity and experience by launching the FIRST 35 S 5: the project was entrusted to Jean Berret, the French designer and to the interior designer Philippe Starck. From the moment it was launched, it was acclaimed by the sailing industry and elected “boat of the year”.

14/ 1989: BENETEAU added a reference to beauty with the new large racing yacht: First 45 F 5. This is an outstanding model, co-designed by two legendary talents, Pininfarina and Bruce Farr.

15/ 1989: The FIRST CLASS FIGARO Solo was retained as the one-design for the Figaro Single-Handed Race.


16/ 1991: The First 53F5 became the RORC champion in 1991 and obtained the envied title of “CHS Yacht of the Year”, which it received again in 1993. In 1992 it was the turn of the First 45F5 to obtain this honorary title, which, for three years consecutively, was awarded to BENETEAU.

17/ 1993: Bénéteau was selected by the RORC to build the Mumm 36, Admiral's Cup one-design in 1995 and 1997.

18/ 2001: The Océanis 473 was voted boat of the year in the United States. The brand is now present in 33 countries.

19/ 2003: The First 36.7 became the IMS World Champion. That same year, the FIGARO BENETEAU 2 was retained as the one-design for the Figaro Class.

20/ 2005: The yachting market started to expand and open to new yachters. BENETEAU broadened its ranges by launching the Cyclades, yachts based on a 'holidays and freedom' concept.

21/ 2006: BENETEAU launched a new generation of Océanis co-designed by Berret Racoupeau and Nauta design, the large Italian design office. Four models from 40 to 50 foot were launched in a year!

22/ 2006-2007: BENETEAU launched a yacht whose unashamed beauty was immediately recognized by professionals: The First 50, designed by Philippe Briand, was voted boat of the year in Italy and “Best Boat” by the American Sail Magazine. This same year 2007, BENETEAU received the highly envied title of “Yard of the Year” from the European Press during the Düsseldorf boat show, rewarding BENETEAU for its creativity and its capacity to innovate, both in the design of its models and in the quality of its construction methods.

16 and sailing around the world solo.....

From her website:

Jessica's Mission

22,000 nautical miles, 7-8 months, one young woman alone, facing all that the sea and the weather can throw at her. This is the challenge that Jessica will overcome.

Why?, a whim?, perhaps an adolescent dream?…No, the same quiet determination and commitment that has seen Jessica achieve and maintain a solid academic level through distance education while building her sailing knowledge and experience will see her reach this goal. In her quest, to reach what is considered the absolute pinnacle of sailing Jessica will pit herself against mother nature and all she can deliver including the notorius Southern Ocean as well as the physical and pyschological demands of eight months alone at sea. In doing so, Jessica wants to show that even the most gentle among us can achieve great things and with determination and the support of those around us can live our dreams. Jessica hopes that her journey can inspire others to take that first step and be all they want to be.

When Australian Jesse Martin set the current record in 1999, he celebrated his 18th birthday during the journey. Jessica plans to set off shortly after her 16th birthday in 2009, returning before she turns 17, taking more than a year off Jesse’s record.

(World Speed Sailing Record Council, WSSR)
www.sailspeedrecords.com

Beneteau Yacht Club

For members only... check it out by clicking the logo above....

Raymarine Mobile Showroom will be in town.... at a West Marine Near You!

Fully-loaded with all of Raymarine’s award-winning technologies these boat shows-on-wheels are making stops in cities near you!

Raymarine-3 and Raymarine-4 are 32-foot-long showroom trailers equipped with a comprehensive array of Raymarine’s products.

A-Series products, C-Series and E-Series Multifunction displays, along with Raymarine’s HD digital fishfinders, radars, autopilots, wireless remote technology, and more are all available to see, touch and try.

The vehicles also feature High Definition satellite TV, an indoor helm, and are entirely self-contained with their own on board air conditioning and power supplies.

Coming to Bay Area West Marine and other independant Electronics stores from June 12- June 22. Click HERE for the schedule.

Marin County Surfrider event this Friday....

I was just forwarded this invite from a friend... looks like a great event!

Hi all,

Surfrider Foundation is an awesome not for profit to support, especially if like most of you – people I know – love the ocean. I volunteer for the Marin chapter, and we have our annual summer party this Friday evening, June 5, to celebrate World Ocean Day on June 8. Flyer attached – pass this email and flyer along to anyone else you know who may enjoy this event.

It’s an informal affair, we do have a great guest speaker, Steve Hawks, who will begin his presentation about 6:30-45pm. Wipeout Bar & Grill serves the best margaritas in Marin (with the exception of a few households I am familiar with), great food and is a perfect place to bring kids. Wipeout Bar & Grill is a great supporter of Surfrider and usually donates based on the success of the evening, so come along and buy a drink or two and know you’re supporting a great cause. Locally Surfrider ensures we have clean beaches in Marin, and is involved with the Rise Against Plastics Campaign, as well as water quality and other water issues pertinent to Marin – learn more at www.surfrider.org/marin.

I’ve also been working with kids at the Neil Cummins School to build a giant plastic wave, so come check it out – could have been your kid who helped me build it!

Cheers,
Michelle
415.215.1521

Testing of the Hawkes Ocean Technologies Submarine here in Richmond!

Hawkes Ocean Technologies (H.O.T) - Images by Ed Broberg

Warranty and customer service....

I know it isn't nice to talk about "problems" with new boats. Let's be clear, boats are made by people and therefore are never 100% perfect. What really matters is how the company selling the boats stands behind them. Here is an example of why I like selling quality boats backed by reputable builders!



This photo is of a couple of really great Beneteau Techs who were just flown in from the wood factory in France to fix a small issue with the finish on this bulkhead for a customer of ours. By the way - it is important to note that this is a 2005 boat being repaired for a 2nd owner - pretty unheard of!!

At Passage Yachts, we are lucky to have support and help from the builders we represent. Beneteau and Island Packet are two of these that really shine. Outside proof of this is that these two manufacturers were the only two US sailboat builders who won the NMMA 2008 CSI Award. Here is the press release....


NMMA Announces 2008 CSI Award Recipients
Seventy-three boatbuilders, engine manufacturers receive awards

CHICAGO, July 14, 2008 - - The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) today announced recipients of the annual 2008 Marine Industry CSI Awards. A total of 73 boat and engine manufacturers were recognized for excellence in customer satisfaction, as part of NMMA’s Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) program.
Award recipients will be formally acknowledged during the annual Industry Awards Breakfast at the 2008 International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), taking place October 6-8 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
The Marine Industry CSI Awards program honors participating companies actively measuring customer satisfaction to pursue continuous improvement. Award recipients achieved and maintained an independently-measured standard of excellence of 90 percent or higher in customer satisfaction over the past year, based on information provided by consumers purchasing a new boat or engine during the period between April 1, 2007 and March 31, 2008. Participating manufacturers must survey all new boat buyers during this period. For this reporting period, more than 66,000 consumer responses were collected. “It is a pleasure to recognize the recipients of this year’s Marine Industry CSI Awards,” says NMMA president Thom Dammrich. “These seventy-three companies have made a solid, long-term commitment to continuously improve quality and customer satisfaction—steps that are sure to pay dividends not only for award recipients, but for our entire industry.”

Beneteau updates

Beneteau USA just put out their May newsletter. Click for Horizons.

And, they just launched their stylish new web site here.

The biggest news though, is the

"Invest in America Sale"

Beneteau USA celebrates its continued success as the #1 sailboat brand in America* with the BEST DEALS of all time on the full line of beautiful Beneteaus. NEVER has such an opportunity for maximized value and enjoyment been offered. Now, more than ever, you need the fun and satisfaction that a new Beneteau would bring to your boating life. And for a very limited time you can SAVE an unprecedented amount of thousands and thousands of dollars upon the best boats afloat.

National Inventory

Reduction Sale

June 5, 6, 7

To make room for ramping up production at our Marion, SC award winning factory, US and Canadian dealers are cooperating to share stock and make their best offers NOW ON EVERY BENETEAU MODEL. THE INCENTIVES ARE HUGE AND THEY WILL NOT LAST.

So contact us today and find out just how sweet of a deal you could launch this boating season on one of the most desirable boats of all time.

Sales are picking up...

Hopefully this is a sign of things to come!

We have just had a nice little run of boats selling in the last 3 months!

2 New Beneteau 40's
Beneteau 473
Cape Dory 36
Beneteau 323
Tartan 4100
Jeanneau 39DS
Sabre 386
Beneteau Idylle 11.5
Halberg Rassey 35
Ericson 30+
Gulfstar 50
Beneteau 370

What does this mean??

We can help you sell your boat. We are currently looking for quality listings...
If you are not using your boat as much as you would like, could use a little cash back in your pocket, or just want to make room for other passions - let us know and we can help!

San Francisco Beneteau 36.7 Fleet info

The SF Beneteau 36.7 fleet is off to a good start for the 2009 season... Aaron Kennedy the fleet captain is hard at work promoting the fun group of passionate owners. He just forwarded the new fleet web site - check it out HERE.

Yes, we do brokerage boats.... here is a small little possibility....

Let's see... 9,500,000 Euro = $12,600,000.... perhaps, given the economy, a nice discount could be given for a quick cash sale? The boat is located in the heart of the Mediterranean.... what a perfect place to start that world cruise!


Can be singlehanded.... nice feature....


Is the salon too small?

I do like the modern feel of the galley....

If this isn't quite in your budget this year... let me know as I have some beautiful Beneteaus in stock!

Island Packet Estero - SF Bay Photo Shoot

Just following the Strictly Sail show the new Island Packet Estero was sailed around the bay for a fun photo shoot. Here are some of the pics... Enjoy!