How does Swiftsure sell boats in Canada? We “Simonize” them!

Covid-19 restrictions are precluding travel to Canada. But, there are some great boats in British Columbia for U.S. buyers and some equally nice boats in the U.S. for Canadian Buyers. Thanks to our BC broker, Simon Cox, we are able to professionally and legally move boats back-and-forth across the border to facilitate commercial transactions.  

A recent example was the 2003 Hylas 49 Iolea, listed for sale in Sidney, BC. Swiftsure partner Pete McGonagle worked with U.S. buyers from Oklahoma to purchase this boat, site unseen. Simon provided photos, did a Zoom tour, and was there for the survey and sea trial in Sidney. This provided enough confidence for our clients to purchase this boat.

The final step of the process was for Simon to deliver Iolea, now Charlotte, from Sidney to Roche Harbor in the San Juan Islands for U.S. Customs clearance. Pete and the buyers met the boat and Simon at Roche Harbor. Simon motored back to Sidney on his 18-foot launch, Rainmaker. Due to his minimal exposure/contact with Americans, Simon was able to avoid quarantine once back in BC. Pete and the new Hylas 49 owners motored to Friday Harbor for the night, then onto Bellingham the next day with a romping sail in 30 knots of wind and brilliant sunshine.

Many thanks to everyone involved for jumping through hoops to make this sale happen including John & Amanda Neal for transport on San Juan Island, Mike & Max at Yacht Sales West in Sidney, the hard-working crew at Pacific Maritime Title, and our customs agent, Michael at Robert E. Landweer.