OnBoard Magazine - Issue XVII - 2025 Season

GET TO KNOW BLUEWATER’S NEWEST TEAM MEMBERS Dan Bacot Annapolis, MD Dan has spent his entire life in the boating industry, since starting his career in 1976 and building a deep well of experience through owning and operating a marina, running his own brokerage, and managing boatyards and crews in Virginia. A longtime friend and collaborator of Bluewater Yacht Sales dating back to the mid-1980s, Dan was recently drawn to join the team full-time—citing their exceptional customer service, marketing, and inhouse support as key motivators. His expertise lies in Downeast and trawler-style boats, and he brings a lifelong passion for cruising and sailing, with he and his family having owned a wide range of cruising vessels and a history of racing sailboats on the Chesapeake Bay. Dan’s extensive industry background has shaped a highly service-oriented approach, making him a trusted guide for clients across all types of boating needs. Thomas Bennett Beaufort, NC Before joining Bluewater Yacht Sales, Thomas was most recently the Captain on Reel Development, an 84’ Jarrett Bay custom sportfish that has traveled extensively to fish the world’s greatest billfish destinations. Thomas explains he joined Bluewater to learn about other aspects of the boating world and to help people fulfill their boating dreams. Working on a variety of private and charter fishing boats since the age of fifteen, Thomas has been fishing professionally for over twenty years and offers in-depth experience and knowledge of both offshore and inshore boats—from massive Carolina-built boats down to small technical poling skiffs. Over the past year, Bluewater Yacht Sales has been fortunate to add a number of highly experienced sales and support staff to our ranks. Not only are these new team members highly qualified, but they are well-distributed throughout our office locations, adding depth in all four states we operate in. Join us in welcoming our newest Bluewater teammates! More modern fishing amenities were also a priority for the Neales. The boat is rigged with 24-volt outlets to support dredge reels in the cockpit and teaser reels up on the bridge, two factors the Neales are betting will improve their ability to raise fish and attract more bites. They wanted a boat that was tournament-ready, and now they’re poised to realize their goals this summer. This season, Loose Goose will be based at the Ocean City Fishing Center and plans to fish the White Marlin Open, and perhaps the OC Tuna Tournament, and the Mid-Atlantic as well. Jason notes their abilities and confidence are growing, especially with a network of captains and mates that Chase has helped connect themwith. “He’s opened a lot of doors for us—not just in buying the boat, but in introducing us to more people in the offshore fishing community.” These relationships will help them learn from the every-day watermen and take their billfishing skills to the next level. TRUST IN THE PROCESS Working with the Bluewater team and Chase Sutton was a top-notch experience for the Neales. “We are successful in business, but this was still a significant purchase that wasn’t to be taken lightly,” says Jason. “Chase understood that and looked out for our interests. He had the foresight to suggest some contingencies in the offer, while avoiding things that could have bogged down the process. For someone relatively young, he has a lot of knowledge and good instincts.” Jason also credits Bluewater’s Vera Sohovich for being instrumental in closing both transactions; for Jason’s center console and then Bruce’s sportfish. Looking ahead, the family hopes to head south with Loose Goose in the winter—to Florida and the Bahamas. Maybe they’ll even bring Jason’s center console to act as a tender andmaximize their time fishing, diving, and exploring with their full families. For the Neales, Loose Goose represents an exciting new chapter—no longer working for just the weekend—but the prospect of more serious angling and extended cruising adventures. The Bluewater team couldn’t be happier about helping them accomplish their objectives! “Everyone we dealt with at Bluewater was exceptional. It was a seamless process from start to finish.” 49 2025 SEASON

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