Business News – by Ty Mellott
New Owners At Club Nautique
Forty-plus years ago, Don and Judy Durant saw an opportunity to set up a better boat chartering business, and Club Nautique was born. Since then, it has set the national standard for boating clubs: an award-winning school with the most comprehensive variety of courses and the most modern and diverse charter fleet, including powerboats!
In January, the Durants turned the club’s helm over to Stephanie LaChance. Stephanie grew up on the water in Virginia Beach. After several stops around the U.S., she, her husband Jason, and their young son, decided to settle in the Bay Area. “I feel at home here,” she said, which is understandable since we are almost the same latitude as her hometown, but the ocean is facing backward.
“Club Nautique came through COVID really well,” said Stephanie. “We added over a dozen new boats to the charter fleet over the past 18 months. Our Jeanneau dealership had a great year. I don’t know of any school with the depth and variety of US Sailing/Powerboating certified instruction that we have.”
Club members can take advantage of its wide variety of courses, from novice skills to offshore voyaging. Once certified, they have access to the newest and largest charter fleet on the Bay and can join the club’s many flotillas. Some members are boat owners, and just want to build their expertise and confidence.
Stephanie added, “We’re going to build on the club’s legacy of turning out safe, confident and highly skilled boaters. It’s a win-win. If our members don’t feel confident, they’re not going to charter.”
A former corporate loyalty program executive, Stephanie is as excited about the Club as the Nautique. “I love the club aspect of the business and the community of people Don and Judy have brought together as members. I look forward to making membership even more rewarding,” she said.
Meanwhile, Don and Judy are tacking east to set off on America’s Great Loop. In a nice touch of symmetry, they’ll be cruising by Virginia Beach.
Bay & Delta Yachtsman gives a warm welcome to Stephanie and the continued success of Club Nautique, as well as heartfelt wishes to longtime friends Don and Judy Durant in their new adventures. For more information on Club Nautique, you can call 510-257-4224 for lessons, membership or Jeanneau boats for sale.
Sail America And The California Yacht Brokers Association
Announce New Agreement For Pacific Sail & Power Boat Show
Good news regarding the largest in-water boat show in Northern California as Sail America and the California Yacht Brokers Association (CYBA) announce they have entered into a licensing agreement for the Pacific Sail & Power Boat Show. Under the agreement, CYBA assumes management of the show. Ownership of the show will also transfer to CYBA over the period of the agreement. Starting immediately, Sail America will begin the orderly transfer of duties and responsibilities for show management to CYBA.
“Our organizations’ mutual interests are to ensure that the Pacific Sail & Power Boat Show is able to continue with the full support of the boating industry. This agreement transitions the management and delivery of the show to CYBA, which has a deep understanding of the boating market in Northern California and a successful record of bringing together the recreational boating industry in the region,” said CYBA Executive Director Don Abbott. “Our management team and board are excited to re-imagine what the Pacific Sail & Power Boat Show can be, and how we can deliver a truly memorable event for the industry and the consumer.”
Under this agreement, Sail America members will continue to enjoy a member discount on in-water and upland exhibitor space, and Sail America will be named as a sponsor. “Sail America is delighted to be working with the team at CYBA. It ensures that the show will continue, that the sailing industry in that region is supported and provides opportunity for Sail America to focus on other programs that best serve its members,” said Josie Tucci, Sail America’s newly named president. “Our goal has always been to deliver a successful, sail-focused show that attracts regional and national attention in Northern California. We believe our new relationship with CYBA will help us to achieve that goal.”
Given the ongoing COVID restrictions in California, the CYBA did not plan for a show this year. However, the CYBA will announce additional details on dates and location of the next show very soon. Meanwhile, questions about the show can be directed to CYBA.
ABOUT CYBA
The CYBA was formed in 1975. California was the first state to require brokers and sales personnel to be licensed and bonded. CYBA efforts exceed what is required by law and offer further protection and services to the consumer. Proud examples include our Code of Ethics that is recognized nationwide as the cornerstone and standard for professional conduct, our Arbitration Process to settle disputes between consumers and brokers, and our educational materials such as our “Buying A Used Boat” page. The CYBA has over 300 members, and is well recognized nationally.
ABOUT SAIL AMERICA
Sail America is the trade association for the U.S. sailing industry, and plays a vital role for all companies involved in providing sailing-related products and services. Established in 1990 by members of the U.S. sailing industry, Sail America’s members represent all segments of the sailing market. With a professional staff, a dedicated board of directors and a team of volunteers and supporters, Sail America works hard to promote the health and growth of sailing.
Marine Pros
Bay & Delta Yachtsman is very happy to help introduce and give a warm welcome to the newest marine related business in NorCal with the introduction of Marine Pros.
Marine Pros was formulated by partners Nick Cloward, Pat Carson and Leslie McBride. Each have separate but complimentary recreational yacht and commercial marine service industry businesses. These visionaries recognized the need for specialized marine electronic and electrical servicers and installers in the San Joaquin /Sacramento Delta and greater Bay Area region.
Their credentials and certifications in the marine and electrical/electronic industries provide a unique combination of skill sets, expertise, education, licensing and reputation to service any needs the yacht and recreational boater might present.
Located in the boat yard of Delta Marine Yacht Center at 1302 Fremont Street in Stockton, Marine Pros is providing the necessary backup resources of a full-service first-class yard. They offer sales, service and installation of a range of electronic and electrical systems that span the range of new bow or stern thrusters, power inverters to complete navigation systems. Their current and growing list as authorized equipment dealers and service includes Raymarine, Navico (Simrad, B&G, Lowrance), Garmin and Victron Energy.
To schedule an appointment with Marine Pros you can call 707-718-8707 or just stop by in person and check out the new establishment.
