Why Choose Atlantic Cruising Yachts?

WHY CHOOSE ATLANTIC CRUISING YACHTS?

A message from Chris Bent, President, ACY…

Here’s a bit more about us—explaining… Why we’re #1 in sales in the world for Fountaine Pajot and #1 in North America for Jeanneau… and why we’re #1 with our clients.

It doesn’t cost, it pays to work with the best. Here’s what you can expect…

PRICING

Because of the volume of sales that we do, we get information early for special situations, cancelled orders and other unique opportunities to pass on special savings to you. (Take a look at our specials in effect right now: http://www.atlantic‐ cruising.com/specials/ )

Jeanneau’s North American import office is in Annapolis, just a few blocks away from our office. Virtually all boats slated for the U.S. market pass through Annapolis and stock boats are staged here—we simply have more to choose from.

Fountaine Pajot appoints us as their agent to commission and stage their boats that will be in U.S. boat shows, or simply are looking for a home with a U.S. buyer—because the U.S. and Atlantic Cruising Yachts represents one of their largest markets.

We offer a famous Guaranteed best price, best service program… http://www.atlantic- cruising.com/news/2013/10/18/guaranteed-best-price-best-service?rq=guarantee

SERVICE AND COMMISSIONING (GETTING YOUR BOAT READY FOR YOU)

Our Goal for you? Getting your boat right for your specific needs, with the right equipment integrated into a total package after you choose a specific model.

Because we commission more boats than anyone else and have a long standing tradition of choosing the best service providers for equipment beyond what the factories can offer, we custom tailor your boat just for you.

We have the best commissioning facilities and vendors in the world, located right here in Annapolis (more information follows). That’s why Jeanneau located their North American home office here, and why Fountaine Pajot relies on us to commission their stock boats here. Our commissioning and service manager is a full time, in‐house employee with over 25 years of experience with us. Ken Krasco is a marine engineer with extensive experience choosing, installing and servicing all major brands, including all popular brands of electronics. We will arrange a consultation with you. Ken and other experts will discuss putting your boat together uniquely fitted out just for you. When you visit us, or do a video conference, you will be able to see many, many boats and our photo library incorporating many different ideas—On site, we have stock boats, boats in commissioning, and boats in service in our charter fleet. More boats than you can see anywhere else‐‐ simply because of the volume of work that we do here, and because of our fleet of new and like new charter boats being available for your inspection and review.

Read more about what our clients say about commissioning here: "I have bought and sold four sailboats, as well as other power boats since the early 70's. Without a doubt, my experience dealing with you and the Atlantic Yacht staff including, Bobby Allen, Kris Vereen, Ken Krasco, and others far exceeded my expectations. Everyone went the extra mile to meet our needs and desires, as well as our schedule. It's been five months since we bought the Jeanneau and to this day, your team has continued to be there for us. This is truly exceptional service! In addition to supporting our purchase of the Jeanneau, you went out of your way to make the moving (from Virginia) and listing of our old boat effortless.

“I can honestly say this has been the best customer service i have ever had. Should the need ever arise, i would be happy to discuss my experience with others. You may feel free to give my contact information as a reference." Marc P.

SHARING OUR KNOWLEDGE WITH YOU.

We get input from many sources, and share that knowledge with you. 1. We attend local and European dealer meetings so we’re totally up to date on the latest changes, improvements and options offered. Charter dealers are not invited or offered this opportunity to get inside knowledge. 2. We attend worldwide boat shows, especially those major shows in the U.S. and in Europe and we often take our customers to these, or to visit the factories to become better informed. Sometimes to see their actual boat being built, or to see the process as part of their due diligence. Here’s a blog from a recent trip that proved both fun and educational. http://www.atlantic‐cruising.com/news/2014/12/15/fountaine‐pajot‐factory‐tour‐and‐paris‐ boat‐show‐december‐7‐12‐2014?rq=paris 3. We arrange ocean deliveries routinely—both from the factory to America, but also from our charter bases here to our various Caribbean bases. We interview the captains and note their comments and suggestions—and then incorporate their suggested improvements in our packages that we offer to you. 4. We do follow up servicing on 100’s of boats placed in our management program. This puts in a unique position to track how our installations do—in practical day to day operations. This feedback is extensive as these boats are used far more than a typical privately owned boat so, again, we can incorporate equipment that has proven its worth over time in actual service. 5. We get way more input than the typical dealer or charter dealer. We talk to owners, charterers, captains, base managers, manufacturers and other experts in the field about what works and what doesn’t—and share that information with you. LINK TO OUR INDEX OF ARTICLES AND TECHNICAL PAPERS: http://www.atlantic‐cruising.com/learninglinks/ What others say… “Eric Smith and all of the staff at Atlantic Cruising Yachts handled our recent sailboat purchase with the utmost professionalism and thoroughness. They made sure that the boat was a good fit for our needs, minimizing the chance for “buyer’s remorse.” They spent the time necessary to assure that our boat was outfitted with the quality options we were seeking, working only with reputable suppliers. Their outfitters were top notch walking us through the boat’s systems and readily available after the sale to answer any questions which we had. We feel confident that we did business with the right people and would highly recommend Atlantic Cruising Yachts...” — Mark & Susan

SERVICES TAILORED TO YOUR PARTICULAR NEEDS.

We offer a full range of services including:  Custom commissioning, incorporating an interview with our knowledgeable staff and in‐house project engineer.  Service and follow up service and warranty—with many service centers throughout the Atlantic Basin.  Financing for private boats as well as for boats set up as a business (A special hybrid situation where you are financing a boat and a business.  Chartering and Try‐before you buy.  Insurance. And finding dock space.  Setting up a boat as a business for tax advantages and income. Incorporating exit strategies and retirement planning  General information o Choosing a boat—technical considerations o Webinars and Seminars on Business Yacht Ownership o Custom quotes, fast. General quotes within an hour. Custom equipment choices within 24 hours. o Newsletters, and update information provided weekly.

CHARTERING AND TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

We offer a full range of activities for you which we’ve done for over 40 years. At our bases around the Atlantic basin (see map above) we offer:

 Charters with or without a captain as needed.  ASA cruising courses. The full suite, and we are a certified ASA base. Available in Annapolis, and most affiliate bases.  Provisioning, Toy rental, etc. Flotilla cruises. Owner rendezvous.

We generally offer a Try‐Before‐You‐Buy opportunity at most of our bases. Please contact us for more information. Your charter can be free. info@cruise‐annapolis.com 410

WHY WE CHOOSE ANNAPOLIS AS OUR BASE

I came to Annapolis from the Great Lakes as a manufacturers rep for a Canadian Boat builder. I arrived on the Eve of the Second Annual Annapolis boat show and that began a love affair with Annapolis that has lasted to this day.

IT STARTS AND ENDS WITH THE ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW.

Jerry Woods was the visionary who started the idea that boats shouldn’t be seen de‐rigged, in a coliseum, but rather in their natural environment in the water—fully rigged in their configuration ready for their intended purpose. And, further, he understood, that manufacturers needed a show place to display their new products, and the fall was the perfect time to create this perfect venue. Offering manufactures and boat buyers the excitement of the introduction of new models—often with their entire line on display, combined with special pricing which would attract new clients to buy in the fall for spring delivery. This would provide the impetus for keeping the factories humming over the winter. No more production interruptions, or laying off workers for a “slow” season. All of a sudden, there is no slow season, production is evened out and prices came down.

Manufacturers loved the concept and sailors flocked to the show. The Annapolis show became the model that others tried copying, but no one equaled.

A SAILING CAPITAL SPRANG UP… ANNAPOLIS, AMERICA’S CRUISING CAPITAL

As a result of the show, virtually every major manufacturer was represented by a dealer or importer in Annapolis. Most of these dealers, including ACY, became the #1 dealer for their products in North America. Support services followed. The best riggers, electronic experts, refrigeration specialists, boat carpenters, metal and plastic fabricators all located here. Jeanneau located it’s North American import office here. ACY became North America’s leading importer for Fountaine Pajot. Cruising magazines, and marine finance companies located here.

Because people came to Annapolis for the show, and after to shop for boats. They often wanted to “Try before they bought”. But, while here, they also discovered the Chesapeake Bay and wanted to try these new boats out, before and after they acquired them—in a sail friendly place… Here, out of Annapolis, where it’s easy. With pastoral shores to anchor in our creeks and coves (in fact, we have over 5,000 miles of navigatable shoreline), lively small and larger cities, and gentle conditions with a soft bottom. Annapolis, is the perfect place, centrally located, served by 3 major airports—here’s where you can explore the possibilities.

So, as a result of all of these optimal conditions, a robust charter industry grew up here. Since the 70’s we have had a premiere charter operation located right out of Annapolis harbor. We feature new and like‐new versions of virtually every model we represent. Here’s where you can Try before you buy, schedule a vacation, or take a full suite of ASA courses. Having this fleet of exceptional boats coupled with a parade of new boats being commissioned at our facilities and with our extensive stock boat display—all on Annapolis Harbor—not surprisingly, has contributed markedly to our becoming #1 in the world for Fountaine Pajot, and #1 in North America for Jeanneau.

Our success, has attracted some of the best, most knowledgeable people, in sales, service and fleet management. This makes us a great match for your getting maximum information and support before, during and after you own.

In short Annapolis became the spot to shop for a boat, with 1,000’s of new and used boats available to be seen within a 10 minute drive from Annapolis harbor, where we’re centered in the middle of the activity (Located on the Harbor, and on “Restaurant Row”—the 3 block area where you’ll find some of the best restaurants in MD). As a result of all of this love of boating, some of the best sailing pubs and fine restaurants are located here. Outstanding Bed and Breakfasts, as well as major hotels are located around the perimeter.

I don’t want to overstate boating’s role here. Annapolis is also Maryland’s State capital, the home of the Naval Academy and St. John’s college, and home to several famous Yacht Clubs, including the historic Annapolis Yacht Club ANNAPOLIS IS ALSO IN THE CENTER OF ONE OF THE FINEST CRUISING GROUNDS ON THE CHESAPEAKE BAY.

No matter where you will eventually end up, you will enjoy and absorb the atmosphere of Annapolis when you visit. Whether you’re test sailing your new boat before or after purchase, or have it here in our extraordinary charter fleet—you will enjoy some of the finest sailing in the country.

There are over 5,000 miles of navigatble shoreline to explore. Fishing villages and small historic towns. Waterside restaurants. Pastoral shores you can snuggle up to while you watch thoroughbred horses saunter down the grassy shores to the waterfront as you enjoy a sundowner in your cockpit.

Join us. Come for a visit. But be careful, many of our customers have come just to visit and fallen in love with the area. They ended up re‐locating here. Whether Annapolis becomes your new home, or just gets added to your “must places’ to visit regularly, we’re right in the heart of Annapolis and are in a perfect position to welcome you here.

WHY BUY A USED BOAT FROM US…

Exactly because of all of the robust activity in and around Annapolis, Annapolis is the perfect place to shop for a used boat. All major dealers are located within 10 minutes of our office. We can show you trades as a result of this frenetic activity. People bring their used boats to Annapolis to sell, because we’re a year‐round show room for used boats—with gentle winters and inviting spring and fall seasons—and, as I said, virtually any service you require is located here—this is a great place to get your new boat ready. (As I write this in January, we have just finished two used boat surveys and a sea‐trial. We’re always open for business.)

ACY is in the thick of it with an important difference. We have some of the most professional, knowledgeable sales and support people in our stable and we are truly in the middle of it all—perfectly located with the right experience to introduce you to your next boat.

BUYING OR SELLING,

…talk to us and see results quickly. If you need to travel, we can make all of the arrangements on our end for you to get your shopping done, while enjoying Annapolis at the same time. Drive down, or fly (We have 3 major airports, and 2 private airports nearby). This is where people come to see everything in one place, and to get follow up service. Call us and let’s get together…

BUSINESS YACHT OWNERSHIP—OUR STORY…

Here’s the story of our beginnings, by Eric Smith Founder of the Business Yacht Ownership program.

“I was very fortunate. Early on, after I started my boat business in the 70’s, I had the amazing good fortune of meeting a customer who asked a simple question. John Wise, an Attorney, from D.C. asked a question that forever changed my life. He simply asked, “ Can you manage my boat for me in charter so I can cover it’s costs when I’m not using it?”

You see, John found out that he didn’t have as much time as he thought to use his boat after he got it in the spring. So he proposed this idea to me. I had a lot of requests from people that wanted to charter in Annapolis, so I said, “Let’s give it a try.” It worked out really well, and from time to time that first year, John told me about various tax advantages that he was enjoying.

By Fall, just before the Annapolis boat show, I asked John to join me for lunch and explain the tax advantages he kept talking about. This was the beginning of my education about setting a boat up as a business. Since then, I have talked to 100’s of tax advisers and 1000’s of clients. I have helped over 700 people successfully set their boat up as a business where tax advantages and income covered their costs—I’m a conduit, I simply share other’s stories and research. Because of the way I backed into this program, it’s a totally different approach. We weren’t trying to fill a charter base. Instead, we were simply offering our clients another service. An alternative to conventional ownership… We were already offering other services from financing to commissioning—so this was a logical extension for servicing our customers.

With this program, we could help our clients set up a business where they are an active participant with two streams of income—chartering activity, and acting as a Sales Associate, doing demos, and earning commissions for helping sell boats, charters and ASA courses.

You see, because of the enormous tax advantages, your boat does not need to be chartered so much in order to break even or to cover a majority of your boats cost. In fact, for many owners, as few as 7 weeks of charter will cover 100% of their expenses, including their loan costs. Because our management company is not trying to fund a huge advertising and promotion budget, and because of the way we started, we have a different goal all together.

1. To offer owners a means of reducing their costs of ownership, while using tax advantages and income to build equity.

2. On our side, to use a fleet of new and like new boats to recruit new owners who try‐before‐they buy, or simply get introduced to the cruising life‐style in a first class way.

With our Business Yacht Ownership program you can qualify for active tax advantages. As a result, your boat doesn’t need to be chartered as much to break even and it is chartered to better qualified people. Both you and we have the same goal‐‐we want your boat maintained impeccably.

Owner’s look into this because:  They want to reduce the cash flow of ownership.  They want total flexibility—they can use their boat as much as they want, keep it where‐ever they want and move it seasonally among bases, and they can equip it like a private owner’s boat—not like a charter boat set up for the way the charter company wants it.  They want to build equity and/or pay it off early. For some, it’s a part of their retirement plan and they have a plan (we help develop) to pay it off in 5 years or so.)  They can use huge tax advantages to offset income from their ordinary business, or in some cases a huge gain (taxable event) in the year they acquire the boat. (First year’s tax advantages range from 10% to $500,000, or even up to a million or more! Varies from year to year—call us for more.)  They want a boat that is maintained like a private owned boat, and that retains it’s resale value.  They want the unblemished facts about tax advantages, and they want access to bullet proof ideas to avoid an IRS audit.

Do these goals appeal to you? Find out more. 1. View our short, 3 minute introductory video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDWltjqAb_0&feature=youtu.be 2. Join us for an informative, free, one hour webinar generally offered weekly on Thursday evenings, or Saturday afternoons. http://www.atlantic‐cruising.com/webinar What others say: “I am very pleased with the Business Yacht Ownership Program. At first, I was very skeptical since it sounded “too good to be true.” So, I engaged my accountant to fully review this program and was very pleased to find that it was based on sound accounting principles. I have used this program and am pleased to say that my tax refund in my first year has allowed me to pay for 2.6 years of financing and operating costs. This has allowed me to purchase my yacht years earlier than I expected. Also, by combining this program with using the yacht in chartering, I am generating enough income to make double my monthly finance payments and thus will own the yacht free and clear when I am ready to exit the charter fleet. I am very pleased by this program and would recommend it to all that it makes sense for.”

— A. J., Centreville, VA

“Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived.” – Dalai Lama

“If you’re not taking action to move towards your goals, you’re moving further away from them.” Eric Smith ACY

ACY—312 Third St., Annapolis. On the harbor adjacent to Restaurant Row. info@atlantic‐cruising.com 410‐263‐2311 www.atlantic‐cruising.com