Gulf Coast Yacht Group-New, Pre-owned, Brokerage Yacht Sales and Service Center - Blog

Join Us at the Yachts Miami Beach Show

Thu, 28 Jan 2016 08:32:19 -0600

Join Us at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show!

Mon, 19 Oct 2015 15:04:13 -0500

The New 2015 GT54 is Available NOW!

Fri, 18 Sep 2015 13:53:42 -0500

The Next Big Thing

Wed, 27 May 2015 13:57:36 -0500

In 2014, expect the unexpected as Hatteras reveals “The Next Big Thing” this fall at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show.

What is The Next Big Thing? Well, it’s the new GT70- the latest edition to the Hatteras GT Series.

The GT70 will have the iconic exterior design, classic interior styling, rugged durability, and the construction pedigree that has made Hatteras Yachts the industry standard for over 50 years. We asked Product Design Engineer, David Brown, to share the latest news on the GT70 progress and what is expected in the coming weeks.

The excitement continues around the introduction of the new GT70. The hull will start the infusion process the first week of February. All three super structure plug parts have arrived and the preparatory stages have begun to build the mold. Hull one will be delivered with the open flybridge arrangement with all the GT attributes of styling and performance. The GT70 will be tournament ready with a 2,000 gallon fuel capacity, beam of 21’4” and 5’ draft. The new interior styling continues and the joinery work will begin mid February.

Don’t wait till the fall debut. Take the year long journey with Hatteras Yachts as we reveal progress videos, images, interviews, and more throughout 2014! Follow us on Facebook, and continue to look for updates on our new website.

The "Hatterascal" Fishing Team is Back in the Winners' Circle!

Wed, 27 May 2015 13:58:58 -0500

The Hatterascal Fishing Team wins big during the Mobile Big Game Fishing Club’s 35th Annual Memorial Day Fishing Tournament!

Angler Drew Harvey, along with Capt. Jeff Donahue at the helm and Capt. Doug Covin working the cockpit, landed a 519 lb. blue marlin to capture first place in that species’ category. After three days and two nights of fishing offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, the Hatterascal came screaming to the docks late Sunday evening with the prize-winning fish aboard. A large crowd cheered on the crew as they hoisted their trophy winner to the scales.

The Hatterascal will make its next appearance at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic, June 3-10 in Biloxi Mississippi. View the complete Hatterascal schedule at HatterasYachts.com.

New Hatteras CABO Yacht Center

Wed, 27 May 2015 13:59:27 -0500

New Hatteras Cabo Yacht Center Designed to Support Dealers for Each Brand

Hatteras Yachts and CABO Yachts are pleased to announce the creation of the new “Hatteras CABO Yacht Center" in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., to better support the dealer network of each brand. Hatteras will display factory inventory at the yacht center to offer its dealers the widest possible line-up of motor yachts and convertibles for customer presentations and sea trials.

The Hatteras CABO Yacht Center will be established at Billfish Marina, the current home of the CABO Support Center. CABO will continue to support its dealers from this location with delivery preparations and final commissioning activities, when necessary. The yacht center is also convenient to partners that support both brands, such as High Seas Technologies and Pipewelders Marine. In addition to the current office space, a new Hatteras display area, to supplement dealer showrooms, will be added adjacent to the marina.

“The Hatteras CABO Yacht Center is designed specifically to further support the selling efforts of our dealer network,” states John Ward, senior vice president for global sales and marketing for Hatteras and CABO. “This is a great opportunity for Hatteras and our dealer network to work together even closer to make the Hatteras experience come alive for our customers. We will have a convenient location where dealers can bring their customers to see everything from convertibles to motor yachts – all in one location,” states Ward. “Until now, the only time that this was possible was during the Miami and Ft. Lauderdale boat shows. Now, we will be able to show our craftsmanship and design excellence all year long.”

“Although I have only recently come aboard these fantastic brands, it was immediately obvious to me that our dealer network is comprised of some of the finest professionals in the business,” says Dave O’Connell, president of Hatteras and CABO. “We will work to make sure that the new Hatteras CABO Yacht Center will be a valuable resource to them as they continue to represent these premium brands in their respective markets.”

Hatteras and CABO will also use the yacht center to host events and conduct training sessions with dealers on new models, features, construction processes and technologies. Plans and designs for the center have been approved, and construction and renovation work will begin shortly. The Hatteras CABO Yacht Center is scheduled to open in early September, and will host a VIP event in the fall in support of dealer efforts around the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show.

The Hatterascal is Back!

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:04:47 -0500

Hatteras Yachts is pleased to announce the re-launch of its Hatterascal factory demonstration boat program in April. The new Hatterascal is a Hatteras GT63, the largest platform in the vaunted GT Series. Equipped with twin CAT C-32 ACERTS @ 1900hp, she will have a top speed of 42 knots at full load, and a range of more than 400 nm. She will be christened during a ceremony at Hatteras Yachts home in New Bern, NC, then travel to the Caribbean for her tournament debut on leg one of the Bahamas Billfish Championship.

The Hatterascal will have Capt. Jeff Donahue at the helm during competition. A tournament veteran and former private captain, he is also Hatteras Yachts’ regional sales manager for North America. “We are very excited to see the Hatterascal program back on the water this season, and have scheduled tournaments from the Bahamas to the Gulf of Mexico and back up the East Coast to maximize our exposure on the tournament circuit,” says Donahue. “We will also be hosting numerous events with Hatteras Dealers to support their efforts and to show off the craftsmanship, performance and luxury found aboard a Hatteras.”

The tournament schedule for the 2012 campaign is as follows:

Bahamas Billfish Championship – Leg 1
Guana Cay – April 24-28

35th Annual Memorial Day Tournament
Orange Beach, Alabama – May 25-28

Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic
Sandestin, Florida – June 20-24

Charleston Angler MegaDock Billfishing Tournament
Charleston, South Carolina – July 11-14

White Marlin Open
Ocean City, Maryland – August 6-10

29th Annual Pirates Cove Billfish Tournament
Manteo, North Carolina – August 14-17

21st Annual Mid-Atlantic $500,000
Cape May, New Jersey – August 19-24

The launch of this season’s Hatterascal marks the renewal of a long-standing Hatteras tradition. Hatteras launched its first factory demonstrator early in its history. First christened the Hatteracal, a combination of “Hatteras” and “Rascal,” in the mid-1960’s; she represented Hatteras at fishing tournaments, boat shows, owners’ rendezvous and special events for more than 40 years.

“Hatteras Yachts has enjoyed a reputation for superior design, strength, and sea keeping since the launch of our first boat in 1960,” states John Ward, executive vice-president for global sales and marketing at Hatteras Yachts. “With the introduction of the GT Series last year, we have been able to add ‘performance’ to our list of superlatives. Each boat in the series is capable of at least a 40-knot top end when fully loaded. It is important that folks have an opportunity to see that type of speed first hand, and we feel that the Hatterascal is the perfect ambassador for the brand in the sportfishing community.”

The Hatterascal will not head out into the field alone. For the 2012 season, she will carry with her a dozen sponsors. Their partnership is invaluable.

Our 2012 Hatterascal Fishing Team members include:

PipeWelders
High Seas Technologies
Gregory Poole Power Systems
ZF Marine
Alexseal
P&R Canvas
C-Worthy Corp.
Glendinning
BlueWater Supply
Release Marine
Bait Masters
Sea Recovery

More Than just Boats at the Wharf This Past Weekend!

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:18:56 -0500

Hopefully you had a chance to visit us at the 2012 Gulf Coast Yacht & Boat Super Show at the Wharf in Orange Beach. If not, let me just say that it was an excellent show and we would like to thank everyone who stopped by to visit our display. There were lots of fun things to do for the whole family: Rides for the kids, shopping and demonstrations for the adults. We had several yachts of various sizes on exhibit, including our brand new Hatteras GT54, which definitely drew a lot of attention! We were fortunate that the weather turned out quite nice for the event, despite a few showers the first afternoon, which kept our boat cleaners busy drying cockpits and cushions.

It’s shaping up to be a busy spring, and we are looking forward to our next event with great enthusiasm! We hope you can join us on May 11th for the Gulf Coast Yacht Group Summer Open House and Service Department Grand Opening. This event will take place at Barber Marina, located in Elberta, Alabama. Come by land or by sea to take part in a grand celebration and enjoy lots of savory fare as well as tour our new facility. Remember to mark the date on your calendar and check back with us here or on Facebook for further details. See you there!

2012 Miami Boat Show

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:43:50 -0500

Each year we are delighted that so many of our friends and clients make the trip to Miami to experience firsthand the newest models and hear the latest product announcements from our manufacturers. This year was no exception!

We could not have asked for a better atmosphere to start this year’s show, than by having “three of own” recognized for their outstanding sales efforts. First, Hatteras Yachts, in acknowledgment of his dedication and service, presented our Sales Manager, Tim Jones, with two awards, Distinguished Sales Achievement and the prestigious Passion & Pride Award. In addition, Hatteras Yachts also bestowed upon Gulf Coast Yacht Group the Silver Achievement Award. Greg LaRossa and Travis Holzburn were both honored by CABO Yachts with Sales Achievement awards. Then it was time for the gates to open.

As you know, we are very excited about the new Hatteras GT series and were thrilled to show off the latest model in this new line of luxury sportfishing yachts, the Hatteras GT63 Enclosed Bridge. With her optional circular interior staircase and top speed of 40 knots, to say she received jaw dropping reactions would be an understatement. This beautiful new addition to the GT line will definitely be in demand! On top of that, Hatteras Yachts unveiled plans for its most arduous undertaking, the Hatteras 95 Motoryacht. We anxiously await the launch of this spectacular luxury yacht.

If you were at the show you no doubt caught the debut of the CABO 40HTX. This newest member of the HTX series exemplifies the re-design of a true favorite. The new integrated hardtop and luxurious interior appeal to a group of people who, in the past, may never have considered owning a CABO. New features, better visibility, and traditional CABO reliability are all are part of the new 40HTX.

You may also have noticed a few changes at the Hatteras/CABO display this year. The display was opened up to allow for better visibility and to give our guests easy access to our spectacular line-up of yachts. This inviting new “feel” allows guests to leisurely peruse the display and encourages boarding of our distinctive models.

Now back home, we are preparing for our upcoming shows along the Gulf Coast. The first show is at Bay Point Marina on March 16th -18th in Panama City Beach, Florida. We will display the Hatteras GT54 as well as a few of our brokerage yachts. The second show in the works is the annual Gulf Coast Yacht & Boat Super Show at The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama, March 30th to April 1st. This show bills itself as the largest boat show on the Gulf Coast. We plan to have a great selection of our yachts on display. Keep up with the latest information on these shows by visiting our Facebook page or our recently re-designed webpage, soon to be released! We would love to hear your thoughts about our “new look” to our site, so please drop us a line or a Facebook post and let us know what you think.

NEW Hatteras GT Series

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 11:20:17 -0600

Hatteras Yachts is proud to introduce the Hatteras GT Series; comprised of three models, the new GT54, the redesigned GT60, and the new GT63. This exciting family of tournament-class convertibles is designed for serious anglers and comes to market with best-in-class performance, unforgettable styling, and a construction pedigree that has made Hatteras Yachts the gold standard for more than 50 years.

“This series represents our best efforts to date to provide the finest products possible to the greatest customers in the world. These boats are faster, stronger, and more luxurious than ever,” states Jim Meyer, president of Hatteras Yachts.

The Hatteras GT Series is about unsurpassed performance and beauty. With a pair of 1,900-bhp Caterpillar C32A’s, both the GT60 and GT63 offer a top-end speed of 41 knots and a 36-knot cruise. Similarly, the GT54 boasts a 41-knot top-end speed, and a 37-knot cruise when equipped with 1,600-bhp Caterpillar C32A’s. Achieving these speeds while preserving the legendary ride, these convertibles represent the next generation in hull design. All models provide a range of at least 400 nm at cruise.

At heart, the new Hatteras GT Series is a showcase of style that harkens back to the grand years of sportfishing and family cruising. The GT Series’ models feature a striking bow flare, a well proportioned, long foredeck and sleek deckhouse, as well as tumblehome aft – an artful element not often found in today’s convertibles. These sleek lines can also be further enhanced with teak accents which are more typically found on custom builds. “We’ve updated the look of the Carolina-style boat,” says Karl Kemppainen, vice president of sales and marketing at Hatteras. “To do so, we have taken styling cues from the classics to create a forward-thinking design. The distinctive look of this series is so timeless, we believe boat lovers will be admiring the lines for years to come.”

Equipped to meet the high standards of the most competitive anglers, the cockpit in each model is designed for improved fishing as well as increased relaxation. The mezzanine seat is designed for comfort, thanks to ergonomically designed backrests, armrests, and cushions. The cockpit features a dedicated tackle center, in-deck fish boxes, a recirculating live well at the transom, and a mounting plate for a fighting chair in the sole. Stowage is also improved, with more compartments and space for gaffs, boat hooks, and rods. “All of these improvements are the result of research clinics with our customers, and their captains and mates,” says Kemppainen. “Teak is available for the coaming boards and cockpit sole for those who want to play up the GT Series’ distinctive design.”

In keeping with Hatteras style, the accommodations found on these boats feature practical layouts and ultra luxurious woodwork and amenities. There are distinct design themes to choose from and a variety of standard layouts. Of course, Hatteras continues to offer unlimited custom posibilities as well. Underneath these dashing good looks, the Hatteras commitment to quality construction continues with a no-compromise build philosophy. Each model in the GT Series is made in the Hatteras tradition with robust electrical and mechanical systems, and solid fiberglass bottomed hulls that are resin-infused for increased strength and stiffness, and lighter weight.

Miami Boat Show Wrap-up

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:21:19 -0600

This year’s Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show proved to be an exciting one for all of us at Gulf Coast Yacht Group with announcements and new releases across the board from our manufacturers. We say thanks to all our friends and clients who joined us in Miami, and were on hand to witness these historic unveilings.

Among the sights to see was the debut of the newly redesigned Hatteras 60 Motor Yacht that offers a truly innovative layout and construction, adding square footage to the galley and salon to make it the largest 60-footer on the water. Albemarle launched their new generation of boats with their stunning 360XF with Volvo IPS drives for top-notch fuel efficiency and even faster cruising speeds as well as their new and improved 410XF that defines spaciousness with extra storage, counter and cabinet space in addition to electrical and mechanical upgrades throughout that are bound to please.

The unveiling didn’t stop there as Cabo announced their new 44 Hardtop Express set to be released this fall. This sleek vessel might just be the most exciting release from Cabo to date with a spectacular design and an appealing price tag that is sure to turn heads.

Besides these manufacturer releases, Gulf Coast Yacht Group had an announcement as well. We have proudly joined with The Billfish Foundation (TBF) in a Corporate Conservation Partnership to help in preserving the marine resources upon which our community, clients and friends rely. The goal of this partnership is not only to work together to further conservation, but also to help to build a strong economic base for the recreational fishing community throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Together with TBF, we will be sponsoring a TBF-GCH Top Release Award for TBF members who release the most blue and white marlin in the Gulf of Mexico during the competition year. We will also present two Youth Angler Awards for those under the age of 18. Please feel free to contact us for more information on these exciting competitions. We look forward to many great things from our partnership with TBF and we’ll definitely keep you informed on all the great things that this relationship brings.

Lastly, we hope that you’ll be at our next event, the Gulf Coast Boat Super Show at The Wharf in Orange Beach, AL from March 5-7. The festivities start at 10 a.m. on Friday featuring boats from 8 to 80 feet including cruisers, runabouts, performance boats and more. This event will also host the world’s largest floating fishing stage with some of the best anglers offering techniques and giving advice on fishing all species, both inshore and off. There will also be an electronic surfboard for a surfing contest with a cash prize, vendors offering everything from generators to water toys as well as fishing seminars and some of the best bargains in the area. It’s fun for the whole family so come out and rub elbows with other boating enthusiasts from your community. We do hope to see you there!

For more information on new manufacturer releases, The Billfish Foundation, upcoming events and tournaments or how you can get into a new yacht today give us a call or drop by one of our offices. And, as always, you can visit us online at www.gulfcoasthatteras.com.

GCH & TBF Partnership

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:48:18 -0600

Sportfishing is a pastime that is steeped in tradition. From early pioneers of the sport to the fresh faced sons and daughters of today’s anglers, the time spent on the open waters in pursuit of a Blue Marlin or a prized Sailfish cultivates a love of the sea and a great respect for these magnificent fish.

As with any precious resource, billfish require protection from over fishing or the sport and its long standing traditions could be in jeopardy. In an effort to preserve sportfishing for generations to come, TBF is proud to have entered a Conservation Partnership with Gulf Coast Yacht Group.

Headquartered in Orange Beach, AL Gulf Coast Yacht Group is an authorized dealer of the Hatteras, Cabo, and Albemarle brands. Their network of offices, brokers and service team spans the Gulf Coast from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle. Under the leadership of owners Eric Jung and Rod Windley, Gulf Coast Yacht Group specializes in the sale of new and pre-owned boats and have a highly decorated sales and service team who take pride in their commitment to the environment.

TBF is excited about our new partnership because GCH is committed to conserving the marine resources upon which its customer base relies and upon which everyone draws great benefit and inspiration in the quality of everyday life. “By linking the recreational offshore fishing community in the Gulf of Mexico together to support billfish conservation, and other migratory species, we believe that we can cultivate strong fishing ethics, sportsmanship and safe boating practices that benefits the entire boating and sports fishing industry” remarked TBF President, Ellen Peel. “Built on this foundation, we believe our partnership with GCH will create a strong economic base for the recreational fishing community throughout the Gulf of Mexico.”

To raise awareness of our goals, our organizations will share resources at boat shows and tournaments along the Gulf of Mexico to strengthen our presence before the bill fishing community. In addition TBF & GCH will jointly sponsor a Gulf of Mexico Top Release Award for the captain, angler, mate and female angler, who are TBF members and who release the most billfish, excluding swordfish, in the Gulf of Mexico during a competition year. Two youth awards will also be presented to anglers under age 18, who release the most billfish of any species, except for swordfish. “We believe that our sponsorship of these Release Awards will communicate and reinforce the importance of our mission of conserving these vital marine resources” stated Eric Jung, CEO of Gulf Coast Yacht Group. “GCH will help grow TBF memberships among its customer base, and in return, TBF will work with GCH’s customers to provide them the most current and informed news on great fishing and boating opportunities that our conservation efforts are helping to preserve” Jung added.

At TBF, we are excited about the future. By partnering with GCH to protect our wonderful natural resources and raising the profile of ethical sports fishing practices throughout the industry we hope to grow interest in our conservation efforts and keep the tradition of sports fishing alive for generation to come.

To learn more about the conservation efforts of The Billfish Foundation and how you can get involved visit www.BillfishFoundation.org. For more information on the products and services offered by Gulf Coast Yacht Group call 866.369.2220 or visit www.gulfcoasthatteras.com.

Miami Hosts Boat Shows in February

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 11:27:32 -0600

It’s a boat lover’s dream in Miami this February! The 69th Annual Miami International Boat Show is fast approaching and is set to be bigger than ever. With over 100,000 people expected to attend and more than 2,000 exhibitors from around the world, the MIBS has grown a great deal since its humble beginnings in 1941 when 50 exhibitors gathered under a single tent. This year’s MIBS will host a number of events including the popular Big Game Room featuring seminars from some of the biggest names in sport fishing, a chance to rub elbows with marine legend Dr. Guy Harvey, countless displays of everything from powerboats, megayachts, sport fishers and sailboats to a dazzling array of electronic and marine accessories to match any need, and some of the best deals and discounts to be ready for the boating season.

Going on at the same time is the Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show located on Collins Avenue. This free event is 1.2 million square feet of top-notch vessels ranging from 30- to 160-feet displayed along the mile-long strip of the Indian Creek Waterway.

Our very own Gulf Coast Yacht Group team will be on-hand as we continue the year-long celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Hatteras Yachts. Join us as at this year’s display showcases some of our hottest models including the sleek and stylish Hatteras 60 Convertible, the all new contemporary design Hatteras 72 Motoryacht and, the angler’s paradise, the Cabo 36 Express to name a few. We look forward to bringing you on board to show them off!

These events promise five days full of live entertainment, tall tales, food and fun for the whole family beginning with the premier of both events on Thursday, February 11th at 10 a.m. and going through Monday night, February 15th in Miami Beach.

Find more information about the Miami International Boat Show www.miamiboatshow.com or the Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show at www.showmanagement.com.

Join GCH on Facebook and Twitter

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 11:28:51 -0600

It’s still full speed ahead for Gulf Coast Yacht Group! As you know, last year, we unveiled our new website with even more powerful global search capabilities, a wonderfully streamlined user interface and a simple and elegant design, all to make it easier for you to browse our expansive fleet of new and pre-owned vessels. We’ve been very pleased with the positive feedback that we’ve received on our new image, and now we’re determined to do even more.

For 2010, GCH has created a Facebook page and started a Twitter stream to keep our community up to date on what’s happening in our neighborhood and around the world. Getting into these social medias is just another way for us to show you that we have your best interests at heart, and that we aim to always be on the cutting edge.

We’re excited about the opportunities that these services allow for sharing our love of the water with our clients and friends. With GCH, you can keep on top of what’s happening in the boating industry from tournaments to festivities to upcoming events as well as videos, industry news, marine forecasts and fishing reports. As we continue to build our presence on and off the water, we hope to become your ultimate resource for boating and fishing information. Getting into Facebook and Twitter is just another way for us to show you that we are committed to providing the very best service that you can find.

If you’re not on Facebook or Twitter yet, then we encourage you to join us. These are great ways to stay in touch with your family, friends and like-minded people from around the globe. As we move forward into this new century, we know that it’s not a time to cling to the past or to sit idle on the shoreline. We must all join together to build stronger communities and to connect across borders. We invite you to join in the adventure!

Become a fan of our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. We’ll see you on the dock and surfing the web. Let’s make waves!

50th Hatteras Anniversary & Ft Lauderdale Boat Show

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:44:34 -0600

Good things might come to those who wait, but, if the 50th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show that ran from Oct. 29-Nov. 2 is any indication, the time for waiting is over. More than 100,000 people from around the globe gathered in the “Yachting Capital of the World” of Fort Lauderdale, Florida to see over 1,500 vessels ranging from kayaks to sport fishers to the queen of the show, a 214-foot megayacht.

“Tremendous manufacturer and dealer incentives energized the event making it a perfect opportunity for owners and hopeful enthusiasts to capitalize on what is clearly a strong buyer’s market” reported Gulf Coast Yacht Group CEO, Eric Jung. “We were especially glad to see so many familiar faces from our own area turn out for this spectacular event. Thank you for your support!”

The event marked the official kick-off of Hatteras Yachts 50th Anniversary. During this 50th Anniversary year, Hatteras will be hosting a series of VIP events that will bring together generations of owners as well as numerous new and vintage models. The namesake of our company is still going strong and shows no signs of stopping after five decades and Hatteras Yachts heralded their desire to stay on top of the competition with a newly designed contemporary interior for their Hatteras 72 Motor Yacht. For us at GCH, this unveiling was an especially exciting occasion as our dealership had worked hand in hand with Hatteras on the design and creation of the 72 Motor Yacht’s new interior style. We hope that you liked it!

Cabo Yachts also made an appearance at the event with its all-star line-up of sport fishing models including the 36 Express, 38 Flybridge, 40 Express, 40 Flybridge and 52 Flybridge. A Cabo flying across the water is truly a sight to see, but equally as impressive was the view from the dock of the stunning 38 Express with its perfectly balanced profile and striking Fighting Lady Yellow hull. For those of you who didn’t make it to the show, there are still attractive incentives and opportunities to get into a new Cabo.

Our team at GCH is also eager to keep in the fray of activity in our industry. As you know, last year, we launched our newly designed website and we are very happy at the positive response that we’ve received so far. Now, we’re looking forward to offering even more to our clients in the coming year. Phase II of our website is coming soon and it will feature an even higher quality of functionality with several more useful options to help you to find your perfect boat or perfect buyer.

We haven’t been resting on the other side of things either. We’ve continued to expand our service capabilities by investing in additional top-of-the-line equipment as well as in the hiring of additional boat loving expert technicians. Plus, our new office in Port St. Joe is up and running and making a splash!

Come by one of our offices or give us a call and keep up with what’s happening in your boating community. We’ll see you on the dock!

68 Hatteras "Gulf Rascal" Again in Top Spot

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:42:30 -0600

It seems that success does indeed breed success! The 68-foot Hatteras Gulf Rascal, with the skill of anglers Rick and Lee Steiner, Captain Billy Borer and mates Glenn Helton and Chris Marshall, snagged another win in the 46th Annual July Open Billfish Tournament (JOBT) in the Virgin Islands. The Gulf Rascal recently won the 4th Annual Fishing Event Classic in Saint Marten in May.

The JOBT is the longest running angling contest in its region and this year drew 19 boats from St. Thomas, St. Croix, Puerto Rico and the U.S. for this exciting competition. The first day of the tournament fell on Independence Day and the father and son team aboard Gulf Rascal celebrated by landing a blue marlin each in this all-release tournament. Day two of the tournament gave the Gulf Rascal team three more marlin, making them the leader for two days running. The third day was a slow one for Gulf Rascal, but, despite their not having a bite, they still managed to come out on top and seize the Top Boat Award. In all, this year’s JOBT caught and released 34 blue marlin and one white marlin in the course of the event.

This year’s event was dedicated to longtime participant Ralph Christiansen, the legendary angler from Puerto Rico, who passed away in February. Proceeds from the event were donated to the Boys & Girls Club of the Virgins Islands. For more information on this event visit www.vigfc.com or come by Gulf Coast Yacht Group to see how you can start your own winning streak!

60 Hatteras sets record at Emerald Coast Classic

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 12:22:12 -0500

The 7th Annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic (ECBC) saw 67 boats depart from Baytowne Marina for the highest paying tournament on the Gulf Coast with nearly $1.3 million in prizes awarded. The competition was fierce for this event that took place at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort from June 16th-21st and the bite was on with 37 billfish released overall.

For us at Gulf Coast Yacht Group, it was a tremendous victory to see angler Chip Temple land his first blue marlin, after an 8-hour struggle aboard the 60 Hatteras Jasper Time with Captain Tommy Braden at the helm. Not only was this Chip’s first blue, he also managed to set a new tournament record of 714.7 pounds for his 124-inch marlin. For Captain Braden, it was a sweet return to the weigh scale from last year when he logged the third place marlin in the tournament. Among the other top winners was the 60 Hatteras First Choice with Captain Mike Roberto who took first and third place tuna with a 171.1-pound and 154.7-pound yellowfin. A Work Of Art, based out of Orange Beach, AL, took first place tag & release with 2 blue marlin and 1 white marlin, while the 60 Hatteras Life is Good came in second with 2 blue marlin released.

The ECBC does more than bring together owners and anglers, it also shares its successes with the community. This year, more than 5,000 pounds of fish from the tournament were donated to the Harvest House food bank while financial contributions were made to The Billfish Foundation, which works for the conservation and maintenance of the billfish, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast.

We want to congratulate all the tournaments winners. GCH is proud to be a part of this tournament and we look forward to seeing even more competitors on the water next year. For more information on this fantastic event visit www.fishecbc.com.

GC Hatteras Demo wins Fishing Event Classic

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:49:31 -0600

The end of last month saw the 4th Annual Fishing Event Classic in the beautiful area of Saint Martin from May 27th to May 31st. This exciting event has continued to grow over the years and this year it brought eight teams together to vie for cash prizes and a shot to compete in the acclaimed IGFA World Offshore Championship in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The competition was fierce on the water with professional crews and top-of-the-line vessels that were nose-to-nose throughout the event.

For our team here at Gulf Coast Yacht Group, the event was especially exciting as our own demo boat—the 68-foot Hatteras Gulf Rascal —captained by Billy Borer with owner Rod Windley and anglers Doug Caddell and Philip Napier took the grand prize of the tournament. Despite slow fishing, poor water quality and lightning strikes, Rod managed to hook at 400-pound blue marlin while Philip brought in a 350-pound blue marlin himself. Congratulations to the ‘Gulf Rascal’ team and to all of the competitors who battled it out on Marlin Boulevard!

Also, to our community of friends and clients, don’t forget, next year it could be you! Next year’s event will take place in Saint Martin between May 27th and June 6th-2010. For more information on this spectacular competition, visit www.the-fishing-event.com and you can also keep up-to-date on the happenings in sportsfishing around the world with Gulf Coast Yacht Group. We’ll see you on the dock!

Celebrating Hatteras Owners

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:50:25 -0600

At GCH, we believe that business and pleasure can go hand in hand. We think that we proved our point this past Saturday on May 16th during our Hatteras Owners Forum Rendezvous at The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama. Fifteen boats from along the coast cruised in to the Marina at The Wharf , and over 90 guests were treated to a shrimp boil prepared by our very own service staff. We would like to thank everyone involved for making this year’s get together such a wonderful success.

New Office in Port St. Joe

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 12:12:37 -0500

Gulf Coast Yacht Group Opens New Sales Office in Port St. Joe, Florida

Thanks to the loyal support of our clients and friends, Gulf Coast Yacht Group is stronger than ever despite the challenges that are facing our nation as a whole. In response to the support that we have received in this first quarter, we thought, what better way to celebrate our good fortune than by sharing it with our community. We would not be where we are today without you! To continue to provide the best service in the industry, we have opened a new office in the beautiful boating haven of Port St. Joe, Florida. We are thrilled to be a part of this area and look forward to offering this community the quality service and experience that every boat lover deserves. In the course of serving as a new yacht dealer for Hatteras and Albemarle and providing full yacht brokerage services, our new location will afford all of the same insights, expert advice and friendly professionalism that our clients have come to expect from Gulf Coast Yacht Group.

Gulf Coast Yacht Group would also like to announce the joining of two veterans to our team. Chris and Deborah McFarland bring more than 50 years of experience to the table and to the neighborhood of Port St. Joe. They have both dedicated their lives to the ocean and, more importantly, to sharing this love with others. Chris and Deborah are certainly not newcomers to the community, having previously lived in Mexico Beach for over 13 years and raised their family there. They are excited to be returning to the area and are looking forward to renewing old friendships and making new ones in the years to come! We at Gulf Coast Yacht Group are sure they will be a wonderful addition to our team. Come by and visit them at our new location just down the street from the marina at 260 Marina Drive in Port St. Joe. As always we look forward to seeing you on the dock!

Give Chris and Deborah a call at (850) 229-5900 or send them a message at cmcfarland@gulfcoasthatteras.com or deborahm@gulfcoasthatteras.com. We also invite you to visit us online at www.gulfcoasthatteras.com where your new boat is only a click away.

50th Anniversary Edition Hatteras 68 debuts in Miami

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:52:43 -0600

You Came, We Delivered with the 50th Anniversary Edition Hatteras 68 Convertible

We hope that you made it to the 68th Annual Miami International Boat Show, which took place February 12-16 in beautiful Miami Beach. The show boasted nearly 100,000 visitors and had over 2,800 boats on display. The highlight of the event was the christening of the 50th Special Anniversary Edition hull of the H"atteras 68 Convertible"://gulfcoasthatteras.com/vessels/893187133-hatteras-68-convertible. The newly-christened Hatteras 68 is the prize of loyal four-time Hatteras owners and it was their captain of 17 years that worked hand-in-hand with the Hatteras engineering team to create the anniversary edition. Another jewel of the boat show was the Hatteras 72 Motoryacht which continues to receive overwhelming interest.

All in all, the event illustrates that the boating industry is not only alive and well, but also moving forward at full-throttle. As we move out of winter and into spring, there seems no better time to get out of the house and onto the water. We encourage you to visit one of Gulf Coast Yacht Group’ four locations or contact one of our experienced brokers to learn about the exciting incentives and opportunities we are currently offering. The new year has gotten off to a fantastic start and we look forward to continuing to grow in our community and in developing our relationships with our clients as the year continues. Gulf Coast Yacht Group would also like to thank its cherished clients for their appreciative comments on our new website.

We welcome you to check back here for information on upcoming events in the world of boating. Great things are happening at Gulf Coast Yacht Group and we look forward to sharing our mutual successes. There are more than flowers to look forward to in the springtime. See you on the docks!

New Website Launched!

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 12:08:31 -0500

We’ve made a resolution for the new year at Gulf Coast Yacht Group and that resolution is to continue to be the best that we can possibly be. We aim to continue to provide the best service in the industry to our clients in the coming year and to be your premier yacht sales and brokerage firm. The past year has been a busy one, but the fruits of our labors are ready to be unveiled. Our newly designed website is one of many exciting things happening at Gulf Coast Yacht Group and we hope that you enjoy the new decor.

We believe that our new online image is an example of our determination to be on the cutting-edge of our industry. Our global searching capabilities are more efficient and dependable than ever before and it’s never been easier for you to find the yacht that suits your needs. We hope that you’ll find our new website to be a hub of information concerning upcoming events and happenings as well as a wealth of links to valuable insights into the boating industry. With the input of our staff, our clients as well as talented writers and designers, we are confident that our website exemplifies the professionalism and innovation of our company.

We at Gulf Coast Yacht Group hope that you like the new look and that you will return often to our online community to keep informed of upcoming events at Gulf Coast Yacht Group and across the nation, as well as manufacturer releases and incentives that could make for the deal of a lifetime. We look forward to hearing from you or, even better, seeing you on the docks. Welcome to the new year and welcome to the new Gulf Coast Yacht Group website!

Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 12:17:30 -0500

Here at Gulf Coast Yacht Group, we’re excited about the new year and we invite you to kick it off with us at the upcoming Miami International Boat Show and the Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show on Collins Avenue in Miami Beach from February 12-16. These multi-million dollar extravaganzas will feature over 500 of the world’s best new and pre-owned yachts and megayachts—more than a three-quarters of a billion dollars worth—in the heart of the always sunny and chic Miami Beach.

For those of you who missed the Fort Lauderdale show last year, this is your chance to catch up and see what’s ahead for the industry. Among the sights to see at the Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show on Collins Avenue will be the dashing Hatteras 72 motor yacht with an integrated hardtop and two dazzlers from Cabo, the new state-of-the-art sportfisher, the 52 Flybridge, and, what Motor Boat magazine called a “tight, serious fishing machine,” the 36 Express. Keep your eyes out for these among the sportfishers, express cruisers, family cruisers and trawlers that will range from 30- to 160-feet with some cruising upward in price to $30 million. You may just find yourself face to face with the boat of your dreams.

Gulf Coast Yacht Group will also be on hand at the Miami International Boat Show where you can view masterpieces from manufacturers Albemarle and Grand Banks. From Grand Banks, the new 41 Heritage EU-featuring the joystick-controlled Zeus propulsion system from Cummins—is sure to be a feast for the eyes as well the elegant 65 Aleutian RP, the sleek 47 Heritage CL and the popular 45 Eastbay SX. These beautiful vessels can all be seen at the Sea Isle Marina and Yachting Center location and we encourage you to take advantage of this tremendous opportunity to surround yourself with beauty and luxury.

Gulf Coast Yacht Group will have brokers available to answer all of your questions at our displays and we look forward to seeing you there! Keep in mind, however, that these shows are more than an opportunity to witness a gathering of the world’s finest yachts, they are also a chance to take in the sun, share stories and rub elbows with others who have salt in their veins. There will be venues offering live music, food and fun for the entire family. The festivities begin every day at 10 a.m. and go until sundown. Don’t miss out! For more information, directions, lists of boats and parking information for the Yacht & Brokerage Show go to www.showmanagement.com. For details on the Miami International Boat Show please visit www.miamiboatshow.com.