Nautical Ventures creates new sailboat division

US boat dealership Nautical Ventures Group (NVG) has launched a new sailboat division that includes the Excess Catamarans, Beneteau First Racing and Hobie Cat boats and kayaks brands, as well as Laser Performance sailboats, Beneteau Oceanis and Oceanis Yachts, and Tiwal inflatable sailboats.

“Market studies are forecasting a solid 22 per cent unit growth in sales of imported sailboats for 2023,” says CEO Roger Moore. “And of those, 20 per cent will be multihulls. So, with all the brands onboard, we have our bases covered.”

Nautical Ventures says the sailboat and catamaran division will be a separate entity from NVG’s powerboat side requiring its own sales staff.

“Our current sales staff doesn’t know the difference between a jib sheet and a bed sheet,” says Moore. “That’s why we will be employing hands-on sailors who are passionate about sailing, with sailboat sales experience, who can relate to, and service, our sailing clientele.”

He continues: “I’m amazed at the number of people volunteering to be a part of this board. It appears as though the sailboat market has been an underserved and a neglected sector. When given the proper attention, combined with the right marketing, I know we can add significantly to our top line next year just from sailboats and catamarans.”

Nautical Ventures Group first joined the Groupe Beneteau distribution network in Florida in 2018 for the newly imported product ranges of Antares and Flyers into the Americas.

“The addition of the sailboat business unit is a natural step in Nautical Ventures’ evolution for providing fun and adventure on the water,” says Don Smith, VP of Beneteau America.

Letters of intent are also being finalised with builders that offer models up to 150’, which will sit at the top of Nautical Ventures sailboat offerings. Plans are said to be in the works to showcase these models at the 2023 Strictly Sail Show during Miami International Boat Show (MIBS).

Moore says there is also a strong demand for entry-level and competition-level brands such as Laser, Hobie, and Tiwal, “Ask a sailor what their first sailboat was, and there is a high probability it’s one of these,” he says.

“We plan to partner with U.S. Sailing and the American Sailing Association and become
involved with their outreach to these groups.”

A statement announcing the formation of this division was made at the recent Annapolis Sail show. The planned launch date for this division, showcasing a new website and complete sales infrastructure, will coincide with the 2023 Miami International Boat Show (15-19 February 2023).