I first met John at the Sail Pacific Boat show in 2013. He was showing a 54 foot Hylas. It was a beautiful boat, and certainly a boat and design I admired. At the time I had never owned a sailboat. I had completed a number of the US Sailing courses from OCSC in Berkeley, and I had chartered a sloop in the BVI’s. I was clearly a novice. Despite my obvious ignorance, John graciously showed Teresa my wife, and I about the Hylas. There was a line waiting to board with actual qualified buyers and knowledgeable sailors. John never the less was unhurried in his approach, explaining the boats attributes in a way Teresa and I could comprehend. He was patient, and extremely knowledgeable about the Hylas and sailing in general. Most of all he was kind, and made Teresa and I feel comfortable, and welcome.
Two years later, 2015, Teresa and I had decided it was time to think about buying a sailboat. We lived in Redding California. I decided to drive 3 hours to Alameda to check out a 36 foot Jeanneau (or there about). By coincidence the salesperson was John. He had two models side by side. The 2nd model was a Jeanneau 409. We we went through both with John exhibiting the same patients, and expertise as before. Trying to make up our minds, my wife came down to Alameda a couple of days latter by herself. Teresa at the time had limited sailing experience and training. John made her feel extremely comfortable and again made her feel like a valued customer. She fell in love with the 409 and we started the process of purchasing the yacht.
Never before purchasing a sailboat, I had no idea of the process. John counseled me on what to anticipate, and arranged excellent individuals to perform the various inspections. In fact during my time in Alameda we continued to use the mechanic that did the engine inspection, as well as the Rigger. They were both meticulous outstanding professionals. John orchestrated the entire process in a painless, efficient manner. Moverover, he and his office helped me get a slip at a fantastic marina.
Over the next several years John gave me invaluable information, and tutelage regarding everything from maintenance, to maneuvering, and even what to do in a crash! His contacts, and recommendations of available services have been spot on. Bottom line is his knowledge, expertise, demeanor, patience, humor, and most of all concern helped make purchasing and owning a sailboat an enjoyable experience. I consider him my friend.
John has exceptional knowledge and expertise which he applies to each situation in a personalized manner. As an extremely experienced sailor, his knowledge is not just text book but very real world. I feel fortunate to have John's guidance.
