OnBoard Magazine - Summer 2015

AH, BOAT SHOWS... a brisk sea breeze, impressive lineups of yachts and ground- breaking new designs—what a great atmosphere for meeting other boaters. It was in just such an idyllic setting that Bluewater’s Scott James met Bill and Joanna Kohut during the 2013 Annapolis Powerboat Show (OK, that sea breeze easily could have been an icy rain that weekend, but I digress). Eventually the strangers’ casual conversations led to some handshakes and an agreement to list their 40’ Hatteras motor yacht for sale. Upon the sale of the Kohut’s yacht, Honeymoon Suite in the Spring of 2014, James helped the couple look for a bigger vessel and ultimately their search wandered through south Florida. During their travels boat shopping, Bill and Joanna fell in love with the Florida Gulf Coast and bought a home on Marco Island - a small, thriving island community just off the coast of Naples. With their new home on land secured, the Kohuts were anxious as ever to find their new home on the water. With James’ help as their buying broker, Bill & Joanna found a 53’ Hatteras motor yacht and christened her Lady Joanna . Although James was there for the Kohut couple every step of the way from selling their former Hatteras to purchasing their new one, the three were never actually on the boat at the same time. James helped perform the survey and sea trial, but due to travel and schedule conflicts, he never happened to cross paths with the Kohuts during the sale process. However James had become more than just a broker to Bill & Joanna, and their social sensibilities made them determined to finally take a boat ride together. An opportunity presented itself in January of 2015 when the Kohuts invited Scott James and his wife Suzanne to their home in Marco before setting off on a trip aboard the Lady Joanna for Key West. During their stay in Key West, everyone enjoyed plenty of sight-seeing, bike rides, great food and some adventure, making for an all-around great trip. The two couples are already talking about a follow-up adventure aboard Lady Joanna to the Bahamas. Demonstrating many of Bluewater’s core values while working with the Kohuts, it would seem James deservedly parlayed that chance meeting in Maryland into a few cruises to the tropics! While there may be many aspects of a boat show that seem enjoyable for both the attendees and those working the show, nothing beats forging long term friendships through a shared love of boating and genuineness. BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS Bill & Joanna Kohut with Bluewater Yacht Sales’ Scott James MAKING AN EASY SALE Good morning Scott [James], I want to thank you for the great work you have done making this sale a quick and easy process. It happened a lot quicker than either Gail or I thought! It was a whirlwind for us. We actually thought that we would have had a couple of long weekend trips to Cape Charles and Smithfield Station before Lionhound was gone. John Cruisers 35 , Lionhound EXCEPTIONAL PROFESSIONALISM Dear Jan [Boone], Greg and I would like to applaud the professional manner in which Hank Sibley and Melissa Sheppard handled the recent sale and closing of our boat. Both demonstrated exceptional professionalism and attention to detail. Their responsiveness was vital in over coming some last minute issues with the cooperating Broker. Their efforts far exceed our expectations. You are fortunate to have such wonderful and dedicated employees representing Bluewater Yacht Sales. Hank Sibley is an outstanding salesman and Melissa Sheppard is an excellent documents agent with a great personality. Truly a job well done by BOTH! Please feel free to share our experience with other prospective sellers or buyers. We look forward to seeing you at the Summer Rendezvous. Sincerely, Susan And Greg McGee , Rare Tuna 46 BLUEWATER