Jeanneau America adds Great Lakes Sailing Co. to dealer network
Great Lakes Sailing Co., owned and operated by Dave and Kristen Conrad, is now the exclusive distributor of Jeanneau sailboats and yachts for Western Lower Michigan.
“Partnering with Jeanneau was a great decision for us,” Dave Conrad said. “Jeanneau builds innovative, high-quality boats that are in demand and we’re looking forward to providing service and sales in West Michigan.”
In May, the Conrad’s will also reopen SailTime Detroit in St. Clair Shores, Mich. which will also offer the latest Jeanneau models as well as Gemini catamaran models for membership sailing and for ownership.
“As a Detroit native, re-opening the SailTime Detroit base is something I’ve wanted to do for a while,” Conrad said. “And now that SailTime is partnered with Jeanneau, it seemed like the timing was right”.
“We are delighted to welcome Great Lakes Sailing Co. to the Jeanneau family,” said Nick Harvey, President of Jeanneau America. “In the past we’ve worked to introduce several Jeanneau models into the GLSC charter fleet. Now we’re working closely with their team in retail sales and look forward to a long and prosperous relationship. Adding a partner like Great Lakes Sailing Co. allows us to provide more coverage and support for our clients, which in turn strengthens our footprint in the North American market.”
Great Lakes Sailing Co. will display current Jeanneau models at several boat shows around Michigan including the Great Lakes Boating Festival in Grosse Pointe (co-hosting with Bob Reed’s St. Clair Sailboat Center), the Bay Harbor Boat Show, the Detroit Metro show and the West Michigan Water Festival in Ludington.
Great Lakes Sailing Co. and SailTime Detroit will host a “Take the Wheel” program at the shows, which will mirror the program offered at the Strictly Sail circuit. “We want to give pre-qualified buyers first-hand experience in sailing a Jeanneau,” Conrad said. “Once they get on board, the boat will speak for itself.”
