AYS wants to congratulate newlyweds Don “Rock” and Diane Rockwell who were married on their new 2008 Hunter 36. Don and Diane purchased “Simple Pleasures” last fall at the Boston In-Water Boat Show and took delivery in May on Lake Champlain in Vermont. The wedding ceremony took place in the cockpit of their new boat under sunny skies. They spent the rest of the weekend cruising the Lake and commented, “The boat is great; Diane and I love it!” Congratulations again, and happy sailing to the happy couple.

Rock adn Diane on their Hunter 36

Sail Magazine reviewed the newly launched Hunter 50CC in its March issue. This boat has already won a Best Boat award for Excellence in Accomodations from Sail, but this review looks at the whole boat. In addition to commenting again on the large forward cabin, a “livingroom-like feel” in the salon, and the enormous aft stateroom with lounge and entertainment system, the review praises the on-deck comfort of the “admiral’s seat” and table aft of the cockpit as well as ample storage and easy sailing ability.

Built on the same hull as the successful Hunter 49, this boat is a solid offshore voyager. A Hunter 49 recently completed a mostly-solo circumnavigation by Mike Harker. The Hunter 50CC improves the living quarters over the already-comfortable 49, and could also function as a great in-water condo for vacationers or live-aboards.

For more information on this new model in New England, please contact Jack at Advantage Yacht Sales.

Check out our new Spousal Conversion Kit, in partnership with Discover Boating! If you are trying to convert your spouse, partner, first mate, or friend into a boating enthusiast, check out this innovative new tool. See effective videos you can share, follow the “7 days to boat ownership” plan, and read tips from other boating families. This tool is your second best opportunity to get your spouse onboard with buying a boat. Ofcourse, your best chance is to get them out boating!

<a href=”http://www.sailtime.com>SailTime Group LLC</a>, the world leader in fractional boating and sailing partner with Hunter Marine, announced that their year-end 2008 figures show that more people are moving toward fractional boating as an alternative to boat ownership. According to Wayne Diviney, CEO and President of SailTime Group, “… SailTime has seen steady increases in membership and boats being brought into the program as boating enthusiasts seek innovative and affordable ways to keep their boating dreams alive during uncertain economic times.”

SailTime added 21 new boats to its fleets across the country through its owner-member program. Owner-members are paid a fee that helps defray the cost of their monthly mortgage payment. SailTime founder George Bonelli notes: “The owner virtually eliminates their expenses and the members get access to a new luxury sailboat in their local waters for a fraction of the cost of owning or chartering a boat.”

<a href=”http://www.sailtime.com/boston”>SailTime Boston</a>, one of the oldest and largest bases in the country, added two new Hunter sailboats to their fleet in 2008. Memberships start at under $6000 per year.

Advantage Yacht Sales is very pleased to announce that we have received a 2008 Gold Level Customer Service Award from Hunter Marine. This award recognizes the incredible customer service provided by the AYS team in the sales, delivery, and servicing of Hunter sailboats.

2008 Hunter Marine Gold Service Award for Advantage Yacht Sales

Jack Wasson, co-founder of Advantage Yacht Sales, comments, “Winning a service award was one of our clear goals for 2008 because we understand how important it is to both provide great service and build meaningful relationships with our customers.” Of particular note is that AYS won this award in just its first year of business!

“We are thrilled to win this award as it demonstrates that we have made a commitment to quality in everything we do,” said Douglyss Giuliana, co-founder of Advantage Yacht Sales.

AYS is proud to share this award with all of the members of our great team — Tom, Diane, Al, and Dave.

Yet another Hunter sailboat owner, this time a Hunter 460, sings the praises of his Hunter sailboat after 1/3 of the way through his circumnavigation. Brett and Naomi filed this comment last week from their boat in Australia: Abusing our boat.

Before I left California I listened to many people warn me about taking my Hunter offshore… Well after a year of cruising full time I am here to tell you, they don’t know what they are talking about.

You can see their progress and follow their trip at http://www.fearlessmdr.com/.

Sail Magazine just announced its Boat of the Year award winners, and of course a Hunter Marine sailboat again graced the winner’s list. Hunter’s new 50CC (center cockpit) won the award for Best Accommodations.

From the Sail Magazine write-up:

Without doubt, the cruising-boat interior that inspired the most comment from showgoers this past fall was that of the newly introduced Hunter 50. We overheard several people proclaiming it “decadent”; several others termed it “amazing.”

Hunter 50CC Interior - Courtesy of Sail Magazine

Mike Harker in his Hunter 49 “Wanderlust 3″ dominated the cruising class and bested all but 5 of the racing class in the 2008 Caribbean 1500! His time of 8 days and 1 hour meant that he arrived ahead of such RACE boats as a Beneteau 57, MacGregor 65, Jeanneau 57, Tayana 58, and Hinkley 51.

At one point, they were beating to windward in 8-12 foot seas under triple-reefed main. Mike comments, “Most of the sailors in this event were impressed with the new Hunter 49  as being very blue water capable.”

Congrats, Mike!

Here is a recent article from Sail World that explains that right now is actually a fantastic time to buy a yacht. As the article states, “New or used: it’s a perfect opportunity to strike while the iron’s hot.” More used boats are coming to market, creating a buyer’s market. And both dealers and manufacturers are getting very aggressive on new boat pricing. Hunter Marine is offering discounts of $17,000-$60,000 on a new keelboat. And Colgate is offering a 10% discount on the base boat, options, and shipping. These are incredible deals.

To make a deal of your own, contact Jack at 978-463-3663 or email boats -at- advantageyachtsales.com

Hunter Marine’s new 50CC (Center Cockpit) was recently profiled in OceanLines. The Hunter 50CC is built on the HUnter 49 hull, with a sleek center cockpit deck and an interior that will serve liveaboards and blue water cruisers very well. OceanLines has some nice photos of the 50CC, and we can provide complete information and photos on the boat. Also see Hunter’s 50CC page.

Hunter 50CC