OnBoard Magazine - Summer 2015

Editorial Director Jan Boone Executive Editor & Ad Coordinator Robin Anderson Managing Editor & Art Director Jason Pim Contributing & Online Editor Magnus Thiersmann Contributing Editors Deirdre Bell, John McDevitt Special Thanks Jud Black, Mark Connors, Chris Hall Sr., Chris Hall Jr., Earle Hall, Scott Harvey, Scott James, John McDevitt, Chuck Meyers, Randy Ramsey, Dan Reitz, John D Riggs, Hank Sibley and all of our participating customers and affiliates. ON THE COVER 2015 Viking 62C on location at the White Marlin Open, photo by Chuck Meyers We are proud to present you with this latest issue of the OnBoard magazine, which has been weaved together by the many great stories and support from our customers, friends, special events, service partners, affiliates and sponsors. The year 2014 was loaded with milestones for our organization and partners, with nearly a dozen new sales professionals and support staff joining the Bluewater family. While this growth coincides with the recovery and strengthening of the yacht market and our major new model boat brands, it has exceeded our expectations for continued improvement as we proceed through 2015 and beyond. With major new model announcements and splashes from Viking, Princess, Regulator, Sabre & Jarrett Bay plus our new dealer agreement with Jupiter Marine for coastal North Carolina, the strengthening of the marine industry is readily evident. Other great indicators of recovery and growth are attendance numbers at boat shows and registrations for fishing tournaments - both on the rise this past year. In fact, attendance numbers for the 2014 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show were up by 6% over 2013, and the crowd sizes and overall attendance were said to be their highest since 2006! Shows in the Mid-Atlantic saw good attendance numbers and even better activity - with most shows leaving our sales professionals with many leads and several contracts for new and pre-owned boats. Although we may be riding this wave of momentum, never do we become complacent or boastful, and we continue to stick strong to our values and heritage of a superior customer experience from the initial hand shake to beyond the closing or delivery of the boat. We continue to broaden and sharpen our marketing strategies throughout every medium possible, and our numbers on social media networks and through digital and email marketing have shown impressive increases and engagement, continuing to increase exposure for the Bluewater brands and our customers’ listings. Each year, we love to celebrate our continued strength and dominance in the Mid-Atlantic yacht market by slowing down and enjoying good times with our great customers during our annual Summer Cruise. Being held this year in St. Michaels, Maryland, the possibility for fun, food, entertainment and local heritage is nearly boundless. So, if you haven’t reserved your spot for the next annual Summer Cruise, we would urge to do so! We remain ever grateful for all of our friends, family, customers and affiliates throughout the Bluewater Network, and we cheerfully dedicate this magazine to all of you who have made Bluewater what it is today. We appreciate your continued support through our service partners, brands and special events - ensuring our continued strength along the Eastern seaboard. President, Bluewater Yacht Sales FROM THE HELM 2 BLUEWATER