About Us
Our Story
If there is one word, one idea, one life-altering action, that we can chock up to COVID and the global pandemic, it must be CHANGE. People changed jobs, they changed careers, they changed where they lived, some bought campers and hit the road while others bought boats and simply sailed away. Along with so many others during the pandemic, we were ready to embrace change when we made the life-altering decision to pursue the boating lifestyle in Southwest Florida.
We are Kelly and Steve Edwards, the proud owners and founders of Southwest Yacht Sales. Our journey to the sunny shores of Southwest Florida began in Chicago, where we had been members of the fractional sailing club SailTime Chicago for a number of years and really enjoyed it. So much so we started thinking about buying a sailboat to put in the fleet. That dream became a reality in 2021 when we learned there was an opportunity to launch a SailTime base in Southwest Florida. We made a spur-of-the-moment decision to sell our home in Chicago and move with our four kids to Punta Gorda, Florida, to open a SailTiime franchise…and we’ve never looked back!
Our passion for sailing and the tight-knit community we’ve found here in Southwest Florida inspired us to take the next step. After years of running the SailTime franchise and becoming deeply embedded in the local sailing scene, we decided to create Southwest Yacht Sales. Our mission is to bring the joy of sailing to more people by offering top-notch sailboats, unparalleled customer service, and a port for your yachting needs.
Follow our journey to life on the water...
Our family began to sail after many years of power boats in Illinois. Sailing ASA 101 on Lake Michigan, Winthrop Harbor, Illinois.
We began on a Hunter 33 and eventually moved to a Beneteau 38.1 in Burnham Harbor, Chicago, Illinois. We enjoyed the Chicago skyline, swimming, and trips across the Lake.
Steve and Kelly purchased the SailTime Southwest Florida territory.
Steve and Kelly purchased their first Beneteau, RumAway.
The Edwards family became the Beneteau Dealer for the Gulf Coast of Florida and the Keys, June 10, 2024.
Fun to post him growing up on Benetau boats.
We're with you every step of your boating journey
At Southwest Yacht Sales, we believe that the journey to owning a boat should be as enjoyable and memorable as sailing itself. We’re committed to being a part of your boat-buying experience every step of the way, whether it’s starting with fractional boat ownership, learning to sail, or booking a charter. And we want to share in your story of what brought you here. We don’t consider a sale successful until you are on the water, enjoying life on your new boat.
We are the exclusive Beneteau dealer in Southwest Florida
We are proud to be the exclusive dealer for Beneteau boats in Southwest Florida. Beneteau is a brand synonymous with innovation, quality, and a rich heritage of craftsmanship. In fact, we started our own boat ownership journey with Beneteau, having purchased an Oceanis 38.1 in 2021. We know first-hand the combination of excitement and apprehension that comes with purchasing a boat, and we are here to guide you through the process.
Beneteau’s commitment to creating exceptional sailing experiences aligns perfectly with our own values and goals. Our current inventory of Beneteau sailboats have just been delivered to our location at Burnt Store Marina. These boats are the epitome of elegance and performance, and we can’t wait to help you discover the thrill of sailing one of these incredible vessels.
Our marina, your home base
When you purchase your boat with Southwest Yacht Sales, you also have access to our strong customer care team, a comprehensive parts center, and a first-class, full-service marina that will be home to your new boat. Burnt Store Marina (A Safe Harbor Marina), our home base, offers 525 wet slips and over 250 dry storage spaces, providing a safe and convenient location for your vessel. The marina is equipped with modern amenities and services, including fueling, pump-out stations, and a well-stocked marine store. Additionally, Burnt Store Marina features dining, golf, and fitness facilities, ensuring that both you and your boat receive top-notch care and attention.
No matter what type of vessel you’re dreaming of, we’re here to help make it a reality and ensure you have everything you need for smooth sailing. We look forward to meeting you, learning about your boating dreams, and helping you find the perfect boat to make those dreams come true.
Fair winds and following seas,
Kelly and Steve Edwards