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Hi
Darrell-- Just a short note to let you know that we had a great sail on Ecco
Bella, our IP350, in the 2006 Baja
HaHa She is a remarkable boat and
handled everything that the Pacific threw
at us. Winds on the first leg
(about 350 nm) were out of the NW generally in the range of 25 to 30 kts. with
gusts to 35. We had following seas that were as high as 10 ft.
Regardless of the sea state and the wind, Ecco Bella always felt safe and
comfortable.
As we went further South toward Cabo, conditions moderated and the air got beautifully warm. In San Diego, at the start, we were wearing our polypro long underwear and foul weather gear (particularly on night watches), but one night out of the first anchorage at Bahia San Bartolome (Turtle Bay) Madd and I went to bed cold after our midnite to 4am watch and got up to a beautiful warm day at 8am.
After a several days in Cabo to drop off our San Diego crew and pick up new crew, we set sail for La Paz, a "mere" 150nm (it felt that way after sailing the 750 nm to Cabo). While La Paz was a much shorter trip the wind and seas were on our nose for most of the way as we rounded the tip of Baja to head North to La Paz. This is where Ecco Bella really showed her stuff. While other boats that we could see around us were hobby-horsing up and down in the seas, our IP made steady and sure progress while keeping an even keel. When motoring (which was a lot of the time because of the wind direction) I kept a partially furled staysail up to steady us. This worked like a charm and made me appreciate the extra sail close to the center of the boat because of the flexibility in sailplans that were available to meet virtually any situation.
I should mention that we were close enough to other boats,
when sailing to La Paz, that we could talk by VHF radio and also listen in as
other boats talked. Because of the
sea state on that first day out of Cabo, several boats decided to go back to
Cabo to wait for more settled conditions. We
never considered doing this on Ecco Bella because we were riding comfortably and
felt safe even with spray and the occasional green water coming over the bow.
After this experience I would say that if you want to sail in the ocean
an IP is the way to go.
So, Darrell, as you can see we're quite pleased with our
IP. Thanks for all the guidance and
help that you offered. I've told you this before, but
it bears repeating--without your encouragement and willingness to go out of your way to help us get the boat that we wanted
we would not have had this wonderful experience.
P.S.-- Say hello to Bob and pass on this e-mail to him. He really guided us in all the right directions. I am particularly grateful for his recommendation to have a boom brake rigged. It was that necessary safety margin going downwind to Cabo and we used it non-stop. Now we need an asymmetrical spinnaker. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to talk Maddalena into that yet.
Mike
and Maddalena
s/v
Ecco Bella IP350
***************
We have just completed out first cruise in our new Island Packet 370 and
found the vessel to be an outstanding sea boat as demonstrated in our upwind
passage of Baja outside during March 2006. The boat has ample power, fuel and
storage capacity for such a cruise and as a matter of fact storage is a shining
star, we still have empty lockers even though we keep the dinghy stored in a
cockpit locker.
We are second Island Packet owners so have been able to compare this vessel with our first IP, an IP 350, owned for seven years. The IP 370 is somewhat faster both under power and sail in comparison to the 350, however its forte is bashing and crashing to windward in 25 kts of wind and eight foot swells. These same conditions on a reach necessitated reefing several times as the boat accelerated to hull speed. We have received excellent service and support from all personnel of our dealer Sun Coast Yacht and Charter and if Island Packet ever designed and placed on the market a long-range trawler, we would give some thought to our third Island Packet.
Carson
and Anne
s/v
Marie IP370
***************
My wife and I have owned our Island Packet 380 for 5 years now. As first boat owners with retirement a few years away, we couldn't ask for more reliable sailing vessel to own or circle the world. Most of our extremely positive experience with our Island Packet has been due to the incredible owner sales support and new boat service support provided by Suncoast Yachts in San Diego. Starting with the integrity of Darrell, impeccable support followup by Debbie, and unfailing service by Bob - who would want to deal with any other boat broker. Suncoast continues to follow through with any support years after the initial sale. With our half decade familiarity with our Island Packet 380, we would only ever want another IP and especially if we could get it through Suncoast Yachts.
Glen
and Chris
s/v
Iolana IP380
*************
We have been thoroughly enjoying our Island Packet 320 that we purchased from Suncoast Yachts in February.
Suncoast was extremely helpful in helping us find the "perfect"
boat to fit all our needs. We
wanted a boat that we would feel safe on no matter what kind of conditions we
may experience-and our Island Packet gives us that security.
We have been living aboard our beautiful IP since taking delivery,
sailing it nearly every week. It has lived up to all our expectations and we are confident
that it will continue to perform flawlessly as we begin doing some longer
distance cruising over the next couple of years.
Aram
& Carrie Basmadjian
s/v
Pipe Dream (IP-320)
***********************
Why we love our Island Packet...
Our dream is to "live our adventures." We don't want to read about them through the eyes of others. Our IP485, Cutthroat, will transport us to those adventures. We were searching for a boat that would allow us to pretty much go anywhere with a high degree of confidence and safety. I don't think we could have made a better choice. Cutthroat is a strong, and sturdy boat with all the features we have come to love in an Island Packet - roomy salon, two large staterooms, an office, huge workable galley, and of course the lazarette. Because even at sea, there needs to be a place your husband can go to get him out of the way - since he doesn't have a garage. We do love our boat, couldn't be happier with the decision and encourage anyone who is looking for a serious sailing vessel to consider an Island Packet.
The folks at Suncoast Yachts were a large part of the decision to buy the Island Packet. They were a ready source of valuable information and guidance as we were commissioning the vessel, and have continued that relationship becoming good friends along the way. From a trial sail before we made our decision, to ongoing help with the boat months later - Suncoast has been by our side reinforcing what we already know to be a great decision.
Cutthroat, IP
485
**************
We
purchased our Island Packet 380 in March 2004 from Suncoast Yachts in San Diego.
The total experience - quality yacht and top-notch service - exceeded our
expectations. As first time buyers, we were not familiar with all the right
questions, but did understand the value of service. Suncoast did an
extraordinary job - very customer focused, highly knowledgeable, and fair
dealing. We would heartily recommend both the Island Packet and Suncoast!
Spindrift, IP
380
*************
We first read about Island Packets in Cruising World in
1996 when the IP45 was nominated the Boat of the Year (Full-size Best Value and
Overall). We eventually purchased
an IP45 in 1999 and recently traveled to Mexico.
There are numerous reasons we like our boat, but the most important are
the following: the cutter rig configuration offers us sail plan options, in gale
force winds, the boat’s performance was outstanding and felt solid, the low
draft makes it easier entering marinas in Mexico where at low tide clearance can
be 8-9 feet, the water and fuel capacity allows for larger range, and last but
not least, the storage is ample.
We purchased the boat from Suncoast Yachts who have
given us and continue to give us outstanding service.
They have been responsive to all our questions or service requests, and
should we ever feel the need for another boat, we will work with them again.
Dino
& Anastasia
Meltemi, IP 45
***************
Dear Suncoast, Don and I want you to know how much we appreciated working with you in buying our boat. You were very professional along with representing us on the trade and we felt you acted in our best interest at all times. You answered all of our questions promptly and did your best to help us buy the boat in a prompt and expeditious manner. We shall certainly recommend you to our friends.
Don & Lois
Piscearies, 46 Grand Banks Alaskan
***************************
Dear Suncoast, Although we only spent Saturday at the 2004 Island Packet Rendezvous, it was great! As usual you folks put together an exceptional program for us "Packeteers"! Island Packet Yachts is fortunate they have a good product and most importantly, they have Suncoast Yachts. Thank you and your staff.
Frank
& Martha
Tumbleweed,
IP 420
****************
Dear Suncoast, I wanted you to know how satisfied I was with the
purchase of the 36' Sabreline, with you as my representative in negotiations.
Your straightforward and honest approach was appreciated by me and resulted in
my getting a very good vessel at a nice price. Thank you again.
Rae
Sabreline 36
**********
Thank you and your new service manager for the excellent service. Everything looks satisfactory. We will give it a good test during our cruise over the next two weeks.
Tim
Bata Mor, IP 420
*************
Dear Suncoast Crew, My wife and I would like to take this
opportunity to thank all of you for making our purchase of the Packet Craft such
an enjoyable experience. From the moment we walked through the door, it was
"smooth sailing." Suncoast was knowledgeable, professional and a joy to work
with. The "negotiations" were fast and honest. Your service department
did an incredible job getting the boat commissioned - everything was done
beautifully and timely. There was a true feeling of teamwork and involvement
from Darrell Allen right down to the boatwashers. As an owner of a boat business
myself, I know how incredibly difficult it is to achieve that. The boat is
beautiful and we both couldn't be more pleased.
Larry and Carolina
MV SEVEN OF HEARTS
********************
We would like to send you a follow-up note, thanking you for the
outstanding service work you provided on behalf of Island Packet and Suncoast
Yachts. Earlier this year when our windlass became disabled, you were able to
track down a new replacement unit and have it successfully forwarded to us in Barra de Navidad in Mexico, neither of which was a small accomplishment.
Living on our boat and being constantly in touch with the cruising community, we
hear numerous stories about poor performing vessels (that the manufacturers do
not stand behind) and complacent yacht brokerages (that do not support the
owners) - not so with Island Packet and Suncoast Yachts. The service
department that you manage, in our opinion, makes the combination of Island
Packet and Suncoast an unbeatable one.
Thanks again for your support,
Bob & Jennifer
SV NUESTRA ISLA
IP 40-133
****************
Linda expressed amazement at the largesse and friendly expressions coming from you and your Suncoast colleagues. I assured her that what she experienced is the norm around your shop. You are all First Class People doing First Class Work with a First Class Product. I couldn't have orchestrated it any other way if it was totally my call.
Thanks for making this boat acquisition, outfitting, and ultimately commissioning thing as enjoyable as it could ever be meant to be.
Mitch
MV ALOHA SPIRIT
*****************
Cynthia and I cannot adequately express our pleasure in dealing with the entire Suncoast staff during the purchase and commissioning of our Island Packet 420, REACHING DEEP. We could not have been more satisfied with the service or the sales staff. Whenever we wanted or needed something, we got it. Always with a smile and enthusiasm.
Hopefully REACHING DEEP will be our cruising home for many years to come. But if the time ever comes to purchase another boat, Suncoast will be the place we come back to. It was a distinct pleasure to work with such professional and caring people. It made purchasing a boat just what it is supposed to be - fun! Thanks for everything.
David and Cynthia
SV REACHING DEEP
******************
We have dreamed about purchasing a Grand Banks for many years. Suncoast Yachts made the process such a memorable experience. It is a rare pleasure dealing with a person, much less a company that holds its integrity and professionalism in such high regard. This goes beyond expected service.
David and Terri
*************
I know I’ve told you this already, but I think it is worth repeating. Having
never purchased a boat through a broker, I was not sure what to expect. Much to
my surprise, the venture was painless and I want to thank you for that. I felt
comfortable throughout the process and would not hesitate to do it again.
Larry
*****
I want to thank the folks at Suncoast for the support and advice that I received
during the process of buying the GB42 and selling my GB32. What could have been
a difficult proposition was made into a very pleasant experience.
Mike
*****
We especially wish to commend Suncoast Yachts for their time. You realized we
were beginners and took great time to explain the differences, the pros and
cons, the things of importance to be aware of. You made us completely welcome to
the point we felt we were old hands returning to a friend’s dock for a
conversation. If we proceed to the point of seriously pursuing a purchase,
be assured your dock will be our first stop.
Allen
*****
My wife and I wanted to thank you for probably one of the most enjoyable and
certainly the most informative weekends we have had in quite sometime. As we are
very new to this hobby, and this being our first major trip in our 32GB, we were
not sure what to expect both on our journey as well as at our destination. I am
happy to report that the trip to and from went without a hitch, which again
confirmed our choice of watercraft. The highlight of the trip was the time spent
meeting you and the other wonderful GRAND BANKS owners at the Rendezvous. The
ideas and information exchanged during the weekend were of incredible benefit to
us and certainly confirmed our decision to purchase the most well built boat in
the industry. We are already planning for our GB36!!!
Rich
****
Thank you for taking such good care of us. We greatly appreciate the
kindness extended to us. No matter what the circumstance, someone always
responds to our need. We express our appreciation to you for making yourselves
available to us and being trustworthy.
Tom and Laura
*************
We want to thank you for the marvelous time we had at the most recent
Grand Banks Rendezvous. You guys go to a lot of work and effort and always put
on a first class event. We sincerely appreciate all of you at Suncoast, and the many ways you often
render assistance to us. It has made our boating experience most enjoyable. We
look forward to many years of continued friendship.
Chuck and Margaret
MV MAIREAD
******************
Dear Darrell,
IP 420 Tumbleweed
***************
I wanted to thank Suncoast again for the excellent job they did in selling my boat. I was certainly lucky in choosing Suncoast. I have employed many people in thirty years of being in business and recognize people with talent. Being punctual, prepared, and keeping me informed was really appreciated. Suncoast created an easy going flow during the inspection process and exemplified their sales ability. Thanks again for a good job.
Ed
***
GOD WE LOVE THIS BOAT!! We couldn't imagine any other boat we would want to be in when the winds hit the sea and the sea gets rough. Great sailing! Thank you so much for finding us this boat and making our dreams come true!!!
Sahika and Chris
COMFORT ZONE
IP 37' 1996
***************
I just wanted to put my gratefulness into written form so that you won't forget
how you turned a large, and potentially unnerving purchase into a pleasant
experience. Someone was always available (I remember Debbie stayed late to help
me). Everyone was friendly, and you went
out of your way to even introduce me to Jim Wilson the diesel mechanic (what a
rare find that guy is). Darrell was most accommodating with the slip (that made
my life so much easier) and in every way I am thankful that I got to work with
each and every one of you (and I don't even like brokers!)
I would recommend your brokerage firm to anyone under the
sun. Thanks again, and let me know if I can ever help as a reference.
Captain Bob
***********
To Everyone at Suncoast,
This is our first boat purchase and it would not have happened if it were not for the endurance, imperturbability, kindness and overall professionalism of the gang at Suncoast. There is no substitute for the integrity your organization displays. Thanks so much for making the experience so enjoyable and for your cheerful on-going assistance.
Bart
& Charlotte
***************
Let me say “Thank You for designing such a great boat as the Packet Craft. We have had a ball. The only bad thing about the boat is that we live in Minnesota and we had a short boating season with it.
Sue
& Jeff
**********
We just want to thank you for all you've done to make this purchase so easy. We really felt green, but you walked us every step of the way.
Thank you also for the wonderful "boat warming" gifts. They are all so handy. The tote bag goes back and forth all the time, and the salt and pepper is used every meal. The wine server pourer and champagne are great. You really know what is needed.
Thanks again for everything. Hopefully, our paths will cross soon.
Jim
& Sally
**********