RYA Sea School Sailing Yacht Charter Marine Business For Sale

Business description

Expressions of interest are invited for this established, profitable and growing accredited training centre which was founded by its current owners in January 2007 turning their passion for sailing and the sea into a successful business venture. Located on the east coast of England, with little by way of like-for-like competition in the immediate region, the business incorporates a sailing, navigation and powerboat sea school together with a yacht charter operation.

The yacht charter operation provides day sail and extended bareboat or skippered charter in the UK and in the Med as well as opportunities to participate in yacht races and regattas. The sea school itself is a recognised provider of a wide range of practical and theory (including online) courses that assist students, whether novice or professional, to obtain recreational leisure and commercial grade qualifications.

Classroom (shore based) training takes place in a dedicated training facility situated within a marina complex. The recently refurbished and self contained accommodation compliments the onboard (practical) training side of the business. The premises are ideal for their commercial purposes encompassing an administration office / reception, two classrooms, a kitchen, a coffee room and restroom facilities / WC which together total approximately 900 square feet secured by way of commercial lease.

The business has access to modern and well equipped vessels including under management charter two CAT-2 coded sailing yachts, one wholly owned yacht and a powerboat chartered on an as required basis. The sale price includes a 37ft cruising yacht purchased new in 2007 which has a net asset value advised to be in the region of circa £65,000 including VAT.

As well as syllabus based training the business offers less formal on the water activities that attract a broad spectrum of clients via participation in corporate events, adventure days and sailing gift experiences. The business is the region’s number one provider of such activities which as well as sold direct to the public are also retailed through major chandlers and several national gift experience companies.

Having built a significant online presence the majority of training courses and products are now being sold entirely over the internet to both first time clients and to a loyal customer community. In excess of 40 different courses, activities and products are bookable 24 hrs per day via the on-line shop which is a technically advanced and user friendly ecommerce web site (some elements of the software subject to a license and fee) with real-time booking engine. This unique asset of the business offers a huge competitive advantage over many other sea school providers together with the ability for a new owner to easily continue to grow the client database and to further develop online sales.

The business presents an ideal acquisition opportunity for an enthusiastic and ambitious first time owner-manager but would also provide a compelling proposition for an existing marine business seeking to expand capacity via acquiring an established operator in the region. The vendors are seeking a speedy sale due to increasing demands on their time from other business interests and welcome proposals for a transfer of ownership with or without the existing vessels. Full support and training will be provided to ensure a smooth and successful transition of ownership, an early viewing is highly recommended.

Property information

Property:

Leasehold

Lease terms:

Current lease term expiry 28th February 2014

Leasehold rent:

£3000 + VAT per annum

Location:

Located on the east coast of England and situated within a marina complex.

Premises details:

The recently refurbished and self contained accommodation are ideal for their commercial purposes encompassing an administration office / reception, two classrooms, a kitchen, a coffee room and restroom facilities / WC which together total approximately 900 square feet secured by way of commercial lease.

Size in square feet:

Circa 900 sq ft

Other information

Expansion potential:

A new owner will easily be able to continue to grow the client database especially in regard to further developing online sales.

Competition / Market:

There is little by way of like-for-like competition in the immediate region.

Support & training:

Full support and training will be provided to ensure a smooth and successful transition of ownership.

Reasons for selling:

The vendors are seeking a speedy sale due to increasing demands on their time from other business interests

Trading hours:

The business operates all year round and keeps standard office hours, in addition due to the nature of the business the office phone diverts to the owners mobile phone to provide duty cover as required .

Financing available:

In the event that a buyer already has coded vessels then the vendors welcome offers for a transfer of business ownership excluding the existing fleet. As an additional option, if the business were to be purchased without the existing vessels then the vendors would be happy to consider a separate day charter agreeement for continued use of the yacht/s, for a limited handover period, whilst the vessel/s are sold.

Furniture / Fixtures value:

£70,000 (included in the asking price)

Related documents:

• 
• Information Memorandum - RYA Sea School & Yacht Ch