July 24, 2017

First-time owner “couldn’t find anything wrong with it”

Jack Yeager loved sailing and loved the design of Beneteau’s clean, sleek sailboats. But he never expected to be the first North American owner of Beneteau’s newest and biggest addition to its fleet: the Oceanis Yacht 62, built for him in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, France.

Yeager’s love affair with Beneteau boats started in Marina del Rey, California when he joined SailTime, a membership company that lets new skippers share the use of a sailboat for a monthly fee. Naos Yachts ran the local program, putting Yeager into a Beneteau 45 after completing an American Sailing Association (ASA) sailing class.

Todd Hess, president of SailTime, says the program provides access for customers who want boats but aren’t ready to buy yet. “Our records show that one in five members will buy within three years, so it’s a great way for new sailors to try out boats,” Hess says.

Charles-Etienne Devanneaux, owner of Naos Yachts, says it was obvious that Yeager was a serious buyer. “Jack went to every boat show in the U.S. I suggested he look at the Oceanis 55 but he wanted to see the 60. Then I got the idea to take him to France to see the brand-new Oceanis Yacht 62 and that was when he fell in love.”

Shortly after arriving in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, Yeager climbed into what he couldn’t believe was actually hull number one.

“I’m a trained architect,” Yeager says, “so I was really attracted to the clean, modern design of the Oceanis 62. Plus, it resolved several design gaps I’d seen in other sailboats: it has built-in stowage for the dinghy so you’re not dragging it behind you or using up precious real estate on deck. And, it has a hardtop dodger and Bimini to protect against bad weather. Frankly, I couldn’t find anything wrong with it, so I knew she was the one.”

The Oceanis Yacht 62, which retails for about $1.4 million, debuted at the Annapolis, Maryland boat show in 2016. Features include three state rooms, three heads, a 13-foot galley, upgraded leather upholstery and bountiful natural light in the main salon that beams through six windows on each side.

For more information, visit http://www.beneteau.com/us/oceanis-yacht/oceanis-yacht-62.

About SailTime

Now celebrating its 16th anniversary, SailTime has more than 29 bases in North America and five bases in Australia. SailTime members share the use of a professionally managed boat through the use of a unique and proprietary online scheduling system. A monthly membership fee covers the slip fees, maintenance, insurance and operating costs. These memberships offer an attractive alternative to boat ownership. SailTime also offers a generous Owner Member Program where the owner receives a monthly income, as well as the benefits of membership and complete professional management of their boat.

SailTime also has a significant network of sailing schools, via bases that are certified American Sailing Association (ASA) and Royal Yachting Association (RYA) affiliates. The instruction provided at these locations has been a key component in providing a pathway for members to achieve their goals and dreams for the sport of sailing.