<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

Advantage Yacht Sales has just taken in trade a 1968 Allied Luders 33 “KAMA SUTRA” that we are now offering for sale. This is truly a one-of-a-kind, offshore-capable cruiser. This Allied Luders 33 has a brand new (2008) Yanmar 2GM20 18HP diesel engine that has only been in fresh water, with less than 50 hours! The Luders 33 features a sturdy construction with fantastic seaworthiness, a classic design, and ample interior volume. She is very worthy of offshore passagemaking, with her full lead keel and strong build, as well as coastal cruising. This highly sought-after vessel is listed at $22,900.

For more information on “KAMA SUTRA”, including photos and specs, please visit http://www.allied-luders.com or contact Jack at 978-463-3663 or boats@advantageyachtsales.com

Allied Luders 33

In short, YOU BET!

This recent NYTime.com article, Some Purchases May Still Be Worth the Price (free registration required, or read it here), tackles precisely this issue. The article focuses on a family that recently splurged on a 38-foot sailboat. Despite the economic downturn and needeing to save for their childrens’ college education, the family moved ahead with their purchase.

Instead, the Stefanskis came to realize, the boat was an investment in something much more valuable than money…  “When you look at life from that perspective, it’s about creating memories,” [Ron] said. “Because the good moments can be fleeting and they can be peppered with other experiences that you don’t want to be as memorable.”

Ron added, “Your job as a parent, a friend or life partner is to create memories with each other. That’s what we’re here for. And I think in that respect, the decision to purchase the boat was a good decision.”

So do consumers really feel this way? In our experience, yes. We sold three new sailboats at the recent Boston In-Water Boat Show. Manufacturers are offering very aggressive discounts these days. Just like real estate where  you want to buy at the bottom of the market, we are experiencing a bottom in boat prices. It IS a great time to get a boat and start making memories.  Let us know if we can help.

Advantage Yacht Sales is exhibiting at the Boston In-Water Boat Show this week, October 2-5. The show takes place at the World Trade Center and includes both indoor and in-water displays. AYS is showing the Hunter 36 and Hunter 49, as well as the Colgate 26. In addition, we have information on our membership program, SailTime Boston, and Black Rock Sailing School. With all of these options, we have a solution to get you on the water. We hope to see you there!