About Us
When we first opened our doors on Granville Island in 1992, the only thing we had was our drive and determination to turn our love of sailing into a viable business.
Seventeen years later, our integrity, professionalism and knowledge of the industry has carried us through. Today, we are a thriving yacht sales company specializing in the passionate pursuit of sailing.
Meet the Crew
Len Baronit, President
E-mail Len Baronit
Had I only known! I took up sailing in my early twenties by moving onto a CS27 with my future wife. I'm 6'2" and the headroom was 5'11". After two years of living aboard with a sore neck, we got married and moved into an apartment (500 sq. ft. of heaven with standing headroom, a hot shower and refrigeration). They say you should do what you love, and so I did, and here I am today.
After 15 years of being in the yachting industry, I still find joy in seeing the smiling faces of my customers. It's really why I'm still here. That, and I love boats.
In beautiful British Columbia, we have the opportunity to view and experience some of the best landscapes in the world. Cast off from the dock and set sail for any destination, entering a world of simple pleasures, the sun, the wind and a grin on your face.
Simon Cox, Representative
E-mail Simon Cox
My sailing experience dates back to a youngster sailing dinghies in Victoria. My passion for sailing and travelling has grown over the years, which has lead me to embark on a career in yacht sales.
I love meeting new people and am committed to service and developing life long relationships.
Richard Hargreaves, Representative
E-mail Richard Hargreaves
From an early age I was enthralled watching boats on the water. I crossed the Atlantic as a boy by ocean liner and was awed by the sea. I then learned that the sea was continuously changing, never the same from one day to the next. I bring this approach to yacht sales. Everyone is different. Everyon'e needs are different. A yacht broker will help their clients best by understanding what it is the client is really after. Comfortable on either power or sailboats, I strive to make each client's needs paramount. Buying or selling, I will help you discover your true desire and help make your boating needs come true.
Debbie Baronit, Operations Manager
E-mail Debbie Baronit
Managing the marketing, advertising and overseeing to the daily operations of the company keeps me very busy. I love my job!
Sailing came early to me at the age of six, when I learned to sail on a Sunfish in the Great Lakes. My sailing experiences range from crossing the Atlantic on a 65' catamaran (sweet delivery), sailing down the West Coast, to local and long distance racing and cruising. I now spend my sailing time aboard our family boat, a beautiful 1968 C&C 41' which is aptly named "Bedlam".
Janet Kennedy, Accounting
E-mail Janet Kennedy
I love working on Granville Island. The environment and the people that work down here make me feel right at home. Working for Yacht Sales West these last five years has flown by. The customers and vendors that I deal with are a pleasure; everyone always seems so happy.
Brett Chapman, Service Coordinator
E-mail Brett Chapman
Brett's been in and around boats since he was a kid. Over the years, Brett could be found messing around in boats of all sizes. He, together with his brother, ran Crescent Beach Marina for a number of years. He also worked at Nikka and more recently Payne's Marine. Brett comes to us with a world of experience, knowledge and above all, professionalism. Call Brett and if he can't answer your question, you can be sure that he'll find out.
David Busso, Service Technician
E-mail David Russo
David brings a work ethic much like he approaches life. Methodic, continually challenging oneself and having fun doing it. An electrical engineer by trade, David was travelling through Canada and settled on to the West Coast. When not commissioning and servicing boats, David can be found rock climbing, fishing or mountain biking.
Abbie, Assistant to the President
E-mail Abbie
Loving life! I learned how to sail when I was only 10 weeks old. After a hard day of snoozing, ah, I mean sailing, my owners let me enjoy shore side activities like swimming and chasing ducks.
A true blue lab, I also love eating lots. Although, much to my dismay, my owners have now put me on a diet (which I'm really not too happy about). When you visit the office, you'll undoubtedly find me snoring by the front door.
I love visitors, especially kids!
