We have met some great clients and friends, during all of our years in business. Read what some of them have to say about Discovery Yachts.

"We met Mike Locatell in 1998 when we began looking for a good sailing, cruising boat to replace the small racing boats we had owned previously. Since that time we’ve purchased two boats and sold one using Mike’s services at Discovery Yachts. I don’t think there is a better sailing yacht broker.

Mike has a broad base of knowledge across this industry. He knows the boats, he understands the transactions, and he is genuinely concerned with the desires and welfare of his customers. He listens to his customers, he is patient, he makes useful suggestions and he can lead through the purchase process. He understands the intricacies of any deal and we’ve never had any problem with purchasing arrangements. After purchase he has never failed to be a very useful resource for advice and information. He’s become a good friend.

We’ve taken our present boat from northern California to Mexico and back and across the Pacific to Australia. Our cruising plans are working out and we’re having fun. A big part of that is having a boat which does what we had hoped it would do, and for that, Mike’s advice and service has been invaluable."

"We’ve taken our present boat from northern California to Mexico and back and across the Pacific to Australia. Our cruising plans are working out and we’re having fun. A big part of that is having a boat which does what we had hoped it would do, and for that, Mike’s advice and service has been invaluable - Thanks Mike!"

Bill & Janet Wickman
SV Airstream, Wauquiez Centurion 42 & SV Quest, Wauquiez Gladiateur 33

Visit Bill and Janet's Blog

"When I decided to return to sailing after many years absence, I knew I needed more than just a little help with the mechanics of purchasing a boat. I needed guidance through the process of deciding on what type of boat would work for me, narrowing down the list based on personal preferences and practicalities. One of the best pieces of advice I got early on came from a well known circumnavigator and offshore lecturer: he said "you want Mark Gilbert as your broker".

Mark spent hours talking with me, getting an idea of who I was, what my sailing ambitions were - all before suggesting any boats. Mark kept asking, What are you going to "do" with your boat? That was the practical basis from which he guided my decision making process. Initially, since I couldn't afford a new mega-yacht, I figured I'd be a back-burner client. Not true.

Mark was constantly available - calling on evenings and weekends as developments arose. As we started looking at - and especially talking about - the available (and suitable) boats, Marks' long and extensive experience and knowledge base was so valuable. He was able to objectively critique and evaluate the various boats we considered. Mark would write up cost analyses and pros and cons regarding general condition, equipment, etc. He patiently answered all my questions.

Once Mark found the "right" boat, he continued to guide me through the jitters of obtaining surveys (I surveyed everything). He helped me find the right surveyors, helped me to understand their reports, and was able to provide keen insight regarding valuation that allowed me to get a high quality sailboat, excellently equipped, for a relatively modest price. Before the final negotiations were complete, I knew the boats faults, what repairs and upgrades were necessary - and at what cost; Mark even recommended the riggers that are re-fitting the boat! Through-out the entire process, Marks' warm humor and attention to detail provided a basis for the trust that made the entire process enjoyable and productive.

In short, my return to sailing has been successful and enjoyable - in large part because I was expertly guided through a complicated process by a caring professional. I could not recommend Mark more highly.

So what are you waiting for??"

Greg Smith
sv Glimmer

"Having encountered Mike as a lecturer at a 2001 boat show cruising forum, I was impressed with his in-depth knowledge of the myriad details involved with offshore sailing. I remembered thinking that he seemed to be a bit of a 'know it all', but when I approached him after the lecture, I realized that when it comes to this subject - he really does!

Upon discovering that it would be a long two-year wait time for delivery of a new Hallberg-Rassey, I conferred with Mike about the impressive Swedish Malo yachts and contracted for an ideal model that we could take delivery of in 6 months' time.

Then came the unexpectedly numerous choices in layout, finishes, outfit and more. Frankly it would have been overwhelming without Mike's input on the future implications of each and every choice. And we've never been sorry for any of the decisions made during this critical time.

International exchange rates, tax issues, customs, shipping choices and more all had to be navigated along the way, and Mike's first-hand experience helped to keep the process easy and worry free for us.

Going well 'above and beyond' in every way, Mike accompanied us to the boat yard during construction, as well as making the trip to Europe again to help us take delivery. Having cruised himself in the area, his personal contacts at Port Grimot in Saint Tropez were a great help in deciding where and how to deliver our Malo 41 so that we could begin cruising the French Mediterranean's most spectacular waters right away.

Recently, we've just taken delivery of our second yacht sold to us by Mike, a Farr 50 Pilot House, and are pleased with this opportunity to tell other offshore sailors what a pleasure it's been to work with Mike and Discovery Yachts.”

Richard & Willow Stone
Malo 41 & Farr 50 Pilothouse

"In March 2008, my wife and I were introduced to Mike Locatell and Discovery Yachts during an offshore cruising seminar. We spoke with Mike briefly during the seminar and appreciated his honesty and forthright comments at that time.

A month later, we met with Mike again at Discovery Yachts in Seattle and began our search for the “perfect” yacht to call home. We were impressed with Mike’s obvious knowledge about the various manufacturers and designers and things to watch out for, but even more, the entire Discovery Yachts philosophy of no pressure. Their goal is customers for the long-term and their way of achieving this is ensuring they find the right yacht for each buyer. Our yacht search took us from Seattle to Los Angeles, San Diego and Annapolis and Mike happily setup appointments in each location and sourced appropriate vessels for us to view. We were once again impressed as at every appointment, the brokers visited indicated the esteem they held for Mike and Discovery Yachts.

Our search only took three months, and ironically we ended up purchasing a vessel we viewed on the first day, but without that search, we would not have known we had the right new home. Mike patiently and knowledgably walked us through the purchase, title transfer and possession, and has always been there for us since to answer any questions we may have.

If their goal is customers for life, they have achieved their goal with my wife and I. Thanks very much to Mike, Beth, and Mark at Discovery Yachts. The entire team is friendly, professional and a joy to work with."

Garth Stonier and Kimberley Lafferty-Stonier
SV Irish Diplomacy, Taswell 43