"Don't become emotionally attached to a boat until you own it", was the sage advice of Dick Bennett of Southwest Florida Yachts shortly after I engaged the services of their brokerage team in pursuit of the perfect yacht. My daughter, Deirdre, and I had just completed a one week live-a-board powerboat course through their affiliated school and we so thoroughly enjoyed the experience that I decided to take the next step and become a yacht owner. With very little boating experience behind me I soon came to appreciate the practical knowledge and endless patience that Dick possesses. He not only spent many hours on late night telephone calls to New York walking me through the process and telling me, with remarkable prescience, what I could expect; but even provided the champagne when it came time to christen "La Niña". In between there were a series of highs and lows which Dick handled with aplomb and good humor encouraging me to do the same. Having interviewed other brokers prior to settling on Southwest Florida Yachts and having spoken to other owners who have gone through this process, I have come to realize that Dick and the team at Southwest Florida are in a class by themselves.

Dan Callahan, New York
Carver 404, "La Niña"