Long Established Day Sailing Charter Business For Sale

Business description

I have, for sale, a day sailing charter business located in Destin Florida. Destin was recently chosen by ABC TV as one of the top ten most beautiful places in America, and our location in Destin is the “hottest” spot in town. We are located in a prime position in HarborWalk Village, directly in front of the Emerald Grande Resort Hotel. The business was established in March 1997, now nearing the 16th year in business. We offer day sailing cruises that include snorkeling and dolphin sightings at $40 per passenger and sunset cruises at $35 per person.

Since the business was established we have carried over 70,000 passengers and produced revenues of nearly $3 million. We started from scratch in ‘97 (charging $25 per passenger) and since that first season the business has grown at around 30% per year. I wish to sell the business so that I can retire, I’m 65 this year, and have spent the past 15 years in the sun, it’s time for a change.

The boat is a 46' catamaran, designed by Kurt Hughes, with a Coast Guard certification to carry 45 passengers, the vessel was built in 1992, and is in excellent condition. Auxiliary power is by a pair of Yamaha outboard motors (20Hp each).

My crew, two captains, will probably be happy to stay with the boat if you need them, they have been with the boat for a number of years, and can answer any questions about the boat, the cruises, and the sailing grounds. I would also be willing to stay for a couple of months, if necessary, to smooth the transition to new ownership.


This business has been a joy to operate and has offered great vacation memories for tens of thousands of visitors, more than 50% return to sail with me each year, I know you will be asked “Where is Capt. Rex?“ for years to come.


Web sites to view;-

www.emeralddancer.com

www.emeraldgrande.com/aqua-activities.aspx

www.harborwalkvillagedestin.com

Property information

Real Estate:

Lease

Location:

We are located front and center on the marina of HarborWalk Village, the village houses 200,000 sq ft of retail stores, galleries, and eateries oriented toward the vacationing families. The complex also houses six major restaurants, and other aquatic activities, including fishing, wave runner rental, parasailing, dolphin cruising, snorkeling, and snuba cruises. It is a new complex, and is rapidly becoming the center point of vacationers activities in the area. The area draws more than 10 million visitors each season.

Premises details:

Dock space is leased from HarborWalk at $800 per month and this includes the use of a reservation kiosk in the main plaza.

Other information

Expansion potential:

In a typical year the boat only operates at about 50% of it's capacity, there is plenty of scope for expansion with a new marketing approach.

Competition / Market:

There are a couple of other sailing cruises in Destin, mostly catering to the "pirate ride" crowd and one other catamaran that only carries 6 passengers. We have chosen to reach the top end of the market. Guests in the Emerald Grande are paying $300 per night and up for their rooms.

Support & training:

I would be willing to help a new owner establish themselves for a couple of months. Licensed captains are available if the buyer is not licensed. Our existing crew would probably be happy to continue with the new owner.

Reasons for selling:

I am 64 years of age and looking forward to retirement, I have enjoyed operating this business for fifteen years and have lived well from it.

Trading hours:

Phones are answered 8:00-8:00, Cruises can sail from 8:30am-9:00pm, or more if you prefer.

Furniture / Fixtures value:

$300,000 (included in the asking price)

Inventory / Stock value:

$2,000 (included in the asking price)

Website:

www.bowditchsailing.com