- Featured Vessels
- Yachts for Sale
- Sell Your Yacht
- Read Tesimonials
- Submit a Testimonial
- Our Offices
- Quick Guides
- Sunshine Cruising Cats
Captain Services
Sunshine Cruising Yachts
Boutique Deliveries & Training
Based on our passion for teaching and helping people achieve their dreams, we are announcing a new facet of Sunshine Cruising Yachts. Our delivery and training service offers a personalized focus, in keeping the “boutique” vibe of our company. Because we offer quality, we are not a discount delivery service. Each of our captains possess a minimum of 100 Ton Coast Guard Licenses and a minimum of 25 years of experience. Your boat isn’t just an asset; she represents a dream and she’s special to you—trust her to someone who cares and has the proper level of experience to treat her like a queen. SCROLL DOWN FOR PRICES
Melanie Sunshine Neale, daughter of renowned maritime writer Tom Neale, has been a licensed 100 Ton Master USCG Captain with Sailing and Towing Endorsements since 1998.She grew up living aboard her family’s 47’ GulfStar Sailmaster, cruising up and down the East Coast and through the Bahamas for nearly twenty years. Melanie captained and crewed on various boats while working her way through college, then bought and lived aboard her first sailboat, Short Story, a 1969 Columbia 28, while attending graduate school in North Miami. She’s owned many boats since then. She is also an award-winning author (her books include memoirs Boat Girl and Boat Kid), former columnist for Cruising World (her Short Story column ran in the magazine from 2006 to 2009) and various other magazines, a freelance editor, and has worked over the years as everything from boat detailer to college professor to educational administrator. Her efficiency and knowledge makes her a great candidate for deliveries. Most recently she founded Sunshine Cruising Yachts.
Captain Daniel Sampiero, in his own words: Born and raised in Coconut Grove Florida, I began sailing at the age of six, like everyone, in an Optimist. I quickly moved into racing one designs, keel boats, eventually working as a sailmaker and with a rigging shop as I continued to skipper and crew aboard a great many vessel from 420s up to a 72′ Mini Maxi. At the same time I developed a great passion for fishing, particularly with a fly rod. Fly fishing in canals, I grew to chasing Bonefish, Permit Snook and Tarpon on the flats. It didn’t take long for me to get the bug to go offshore, pursuing pelagics with both conventional and fly gear. I love putting friends and clients on fish, and spend a good portion of my leisure time poling the flats on my skiff. Fishing and diving (S.D.I. Divemaster) taught me very quickly to appreciate the ease of which a power vessel gets you where you want to go. I’ve since had the pleasure to master several motor yachts, including the 1964 Chris Craft Constellation (57 ft. L.O.A.) Karon Ella, which was quite the treat. Both offshore and via ICW, so much of what Florida has to offer along a coast chock full of history and welcoming communities. The Keys will forever be my go-to weekend getaway, with incredible sites for nearly all water activities. Allow me to be your guide! Florida’s West Coast- Often called the forgotten coast (once you’re north of the greater Tampa area), step through the time machine and see pristine beaches, enjoy world class wreck/reef fishing and cruise all the way to Belize. The Bahamas are so close that I once sailed my Laser there. I’ve never met someone who doesn’t love a trip across the stream. The gin-clear water, fantastic diving, fishing, beaches and ambiance make this a must in every Yacht owner’s log book. USVI was my lockdown adventure. I was Captain of a Voyage 580 catamaran, and ran term (5-7 day) charters during the pandemic. It was a beautiful venue for sailing, diving and snorkeling. Since 2022 I’ve been working aboard a 120 foot classic Feadship Motor Yacht, formerly as the mate, and since March of 2023 as Engineer, primarily private, with some light charter. USCG Master 500GRT
Captain Austin Harrelle
Offerings include:
Boat deliveries
Owner training
Training focused on individual needs, such as cruising as a couple or cruising with children
Training specifically for women and minorities
All-female captain and crew available if requested—we want you to feel comfortable and empowered
We are up-front with our prices:
- Captain’s rates are $600/day
- Qualified crew rates are $250/day. Vessels above 40’ require 2 qualified crew members and vessels over 50’ require 3
- Lay days due to weather, issues with the vessel, or owner-imposed reasons such as travel will be billed at 50%
- Specified training is $200/student per day in addition to captain’s fees. Couples will be discounted to $300 per couple. Owners who wish to crew aboard their own vessels while on delivery will automatically be considered students and will pay $200 a day.
- For example, training for a couple for one day would be $600 for the captain, $250 for crew on any boat over 40’, and $300 for the couple, totaling $1,400
- Travel to and from delivery locations, $50 per diem/per crew for provisions ($75 if provision is done internationally), and all fuel, dockage, and boat repairs are at the owner’s expense.
Decisions based on weather conditions and safety conditions will always be at the discretion of the captain.
Please email us with the specifics of your vessel and your trip and any training requests, and we will get back to you with an estimate and contract. 50% of estimate is due upon signing of contract, 25% at halfway point, and 25% at final destination.
A sample itinerary for a 42’ boat from Fort Lauderdale to St. Augustine with two people aboard who want training on cruising as a couple:
4 days underway (with good weather for going offshore) plus 1 lay day for provisioning and checking out systems) Days 1&2, Lauderdale to Stuart, overnight in Stuart, Days 3&4 Stuart to St. Augustine
- Captain: $2400
- Crew: $2000
- Lay Day: $550
- Training: $1200
- Per-diem provisions: $750 (this does not include owner’s provisions)
Total for intensive 4-day training delivery: $6,900
Travel and operating expenses/fuel to be covered by owner and are not included above. Captains will do their best to find the least expensive travel options.
Buyers and sellers of vessels purchased or sold through SCY will receive a 5% discount on the total and use of SCY’s West Marine Pro discount for equipping the vessel.
Each trip will be different and will be quoted differently, as there are many nuances to planning. Our goal is to get your boat there safely and to help give you the confidence you need to do the next trip on your own.
- Featured Vessels
- Yachts for Sale
- Sell Your Yacht
- Read Tesimonials
- Submit a Testimonial
Our Offices
- Quick Guides
- Sunshine Cruising Cats
- Captain Services
Send message
Sunshine Cruising Yachts
Sunshine Cruising Yachts LLC, based in Florida, specializes in boutique yacht brokerage with a focus on oceangoing sailing and power yachts. Founded by Melanie Neale, a seasoned boater and Florida Yacht Broker, our team offers consultative services worldwide. From educating first-time buyers to assisting seasoned sailors, we're dedicated to making your yacht dreams a reality with personalized service and expertise.
Sunshine Cruising Yachts Boats for sale
Manufacturer
Catalina 42
Jacksonville, Florida (United States of America)
NEW LISTING- MORE DETAILS ARE ON THE WAY!!! This Catalina 42 has been lovingly cared for by owners who took the time and money to give a complete refit of most syste...
Chris-Craft Constellation 500
St. Augustine, Florida (United States of America)
"Anticipation" combines luxury living with timeless craftsmanship. Her aft Salon, with entries from the back, port, and starboard decks, is spacious and full of light...
Leopard Robertson & Caine 40 Owners' Version Ne...
Annapolis, Maryland (United States of America)
OWNER'S VERSION! FIRST OWNER CURCUMNAVIGATED THEN RETURNED TO CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, SO THAT SHE COULD UNDERGO A COMPLETE FACTORY REFIT. SECOND OWNERS PURCAHSED HER...
Hunter 40.5 Legend
Daytona, Florida (United States of America)
This Hunter Legend 40.5 Owners Edition is ready to go!“Sea Byrds” has been well maintained with many recent upgrades for extensive cruising.Her design com...
Island Packet 440
Marineland, Florida (United States of America)
Manufacturer’s Description: “The aft cockpit 440 possesses all the exemplary qualities that have earned Island Packet a worldwide reputation as the leader of cruisin...
Custom Samson Ferro-Cement Ketch
New Bern, North Carolina (United States of America)
Welcome aboard 35-foot, 12-ton displacement custom Bluewater cruising ketch,The Sandpiper.This boat is 100% ready to go. Brand new centerboard winch/cable...
Custom Shark Fin R321
Highlights Include: Twin Yamaha 250hp Engines with 9 hours Yamaha 704 Remote Control Custom Hardtop and SS Frame SeaDek Marine Flooring throughout Dual Hel...
Windship 61
Saint Augustine, Florida (United States of America)
Designed by William Waite and built in Tampa Florida at Trident Shipworks, this is a very rare beauty. Windships were built to the same standards as Oysters, Hinckley...
Beneteau Oceanis 40 CC
Marathon, Florida (United States of America)
Some boats just say Wow these owners Love this boat and have done so many extra things to improve her. Well, that boat is OCEAN DANCER. A beautiful well-fitted Benet...
Savanah, Georgia (United States of America)
If you were to walk down a dock full of large catamarans, the Dean would stand out with its overly raked mast and unique aerodynamic styling hull shape. Beautifully f...
Custom Phillip Rhodes Motorsailor
Ponce Inlet, Florida (United States of America)
BE SURE TO ENJOY THE IMMERSIVE TOUR! 2016 Retrofit and 2022 Retrofit CLASSIC RHODES LINES, MODERN COMFORTS,THE TOUGHNESS AND DURABILITY OF STEEL, THE SAILING ...
1999 Carver 504 Motor Yacht Consulting Motivated Seller - All offers will be reviewed. Will be Splashed prior to your arrival for your Survey / Sea Trial. One own...
Bristol 45.5 Aft Cockpit
Hobe Sound, Florida (United States of America)
Trumpeter is a rare aft cockpit Bristol 45.5, built to the highest specs by New England craftsmen at the height of Bristol Yachts, designed by Empacher/Hood, and meti...
Nauticat Boats 33
Stuart, Florida (United States of America)
This beautiful, well cared for1986 33' Siltala Nauticat 33 is the perfect boat for The Bahamas and East Coast. The 90 horsepower Lehman easily pushes the boat at 6 kn...
Jeanneau Sun Odessey 43 Deck Salon
Vero Beach, Florida (United States of America)
THE OWNER SAYS TO SELL! PRICE WAS JUST REDUCED TO $159,000. THAT IS A $10,900 PRICE REDUCTION! Highlights 2004 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 Deck Salon with a 6’5” headro...
Tayana Vancouver
North Palm Beach, Florida (United States of America)
Check out the 3D Immersive Tour below...... Robert Harris’ Vancouver 42 is one of the most successful designs of a comfortable and extremely seaworthy cutter for the...
Concordia 41 Yawl
This sweet 41' Concordia Yawl is looking for her next adventure. Sarah is a classic wooden racer and a true work of art, taking us back to the mid-20th century era of...
Mainship Boats 34 MK1
Gulfport, Florida (United States of America)
Introducing Pappy's Retreat, 34 Mainsail New to the Market! Introducing Pappy’s Retreat! This spacious vessel is one of the best boats for its size, comfort, and ...
Custom Commuter 325
Fort Pierce, Florida (United States of America)
Panther is purpose designed as a shallow draft cruiser to be easily managed by a single individual, couple, or small family in search of cruising adventures and day e...
Green Cove Springs, Florida (United States of America)
She has been sailed at least 4000 nM with current owner. She is ready for her next adventure while the current owners are moving up to a larger vessel to cruise furth...
Rodney Bay, (Saint Lucia)
"Star Stuff" has been sailing the Caribbean for a few years now and has been lovingly cared for by her owners. She is well equipped for extensive cruising, with tons ...
1999 Caliber 47 LRC "UNDAUNTED" If you have ever wanted to go to the Bahamas with the press of a button, you can. Welcome aboard1999 Caliber 47 Long Range Cru...
Howdy Bailey Marine 47
You won't find another boat like this! She's a steel Bruce Bingham design built by the Howdy Bailey shipyard on the Chesapeake Bay.Bruce Bingham, respected arti...
Trader 40' Sundeck Trawler
Haverstraw, New York (United States of America)
September 2024 Update: MAJOR PRICE DROP. Reduced $20,000! This is to compensate for the following: -Compromised Starboard Fuel Tank/NEEDS REPLACEMENT. Tank h...
Hatteras 40 Double cabin
Stock Island, Florida (United States of America)
1987 Hatteras Double Cabin - EVELYN ROSE These 2 staterooms2 head layout makes a perfectliveaboard and a Perfect Great Loop boat. Located in beautiful S...
Pearson 424
1978 Pearson 424 "Miles" is a classic Pearson, built in Portsmouth, RI. She comes with all the conveniences and comfort of a family cruiser, as well as the equipment...
This vessel needs a lot of TLC, but she has the basics down pat.If you are up for some project work on a rock solid blue water cruiser, this may be your dream b...
Grand Banks 42 Classic
Moore Haven, Florida (United States of America)
The 42 Grand Banks needs no introduction. The Indigo Falcon is a distinguished iconic timeless vessel reflected by her reputation. She is known as one of the most suc...
* Price displayed is based on today's currency conversion rate of the listed sales price.
- Exlusive Listings
- Perfect Home Finder
- Buyers Guide
- Mortgage Calculator
- Sell a House
- What’s My Home Worth
- Sellers Guide
- Testimonials
- Let’s Talk
- Exclusive Listings
[email protected] 1-888-321-2976 728 Quiet Valley Lane Los Angeles 90017 CA
Love Boats? Then This Is One “Boat Girl” You Will Want To Know
Meet Melanie Neale of Sunshine Cruising Yachts, she grew up on boats and has lived the boating lifestyle for most of her life. It’s no surprise she found her true passion in helping people fulfill their own boating dreams.
You’ve been on boats your whole life, tell me how it was growing up as a live-aboard?
I was basically brought to the boat as a baby straight from the hospital. My parents commissioned a 47 Gulfstar SailMaster in 1979, the year I was born, as the boat they’d raise their family on. I spent seventeen years sharing the v-berth with my sister. We were based out of the Chesapeake most of the time, but went to the Bahamas in the winter and up and down the East coast in the summers. We were homeschooled from kindergarten through high school. I moved off the boat at nineteen years old and the first time I stepped into a classroom was my first day of college.
Did you find it difficult to move off the boat and enter the “Real World” in a sense?
No, I didn’t. I was exposed to so much growing up through our travels. I learned to relate to people from different countries and cultures, so I didn’t find it difficult at all.
Was there ever a time that you didn’t live on boats?
Yes, I did live on land during a time in my life when it felt right. I wanted to do the normal thing, have a house, picket fence, 2.5 kids. I had a corporate job for about 10 years, I had a daughter, and a nice husband, but we divorced in 2014 and I was laid off in 2015. I found myself a single mom, unemployed with a child and a lot of useless knowledge about boats. That’s when I decided to get my yacht broker’s license and start selling boats under a local brokerage.
When did you decide to go out on your own and start Sunshine Cruising Yachts?
To own a yacht brokerage in the state of Florida, you have to have a brick and mortar office. In walks Dennis…We had just started dating, and it just so happened he had an office on the Palm Coast where his team worked in Real Estate. Since we had just met it was hard for me to open up, trust him, and allow him to help me, but he has a huge talent in marketing and video production, and has become a big asset to my company, so we are in the process of getting him licensed now.
How is the business going so far?
I know a lot of people in the business and I’m trying to partner with people strategically where there are a lot of boats and with people that know the industry.
As chaotic as it’s been—and there will be growing pains when you start any business—I’ve never felt that I made the wrong decision. I’m pinching myself almost every day because I get to go sailing for work.
What makes Sunshine Cruising Yachts different from other brokerages?
Having grown up on a boat, I can give people a true look into the boating lifestyle. I want to educate people on boats. I want to go beyond listing and selling. I want to form everlasting relationships and be the “Boat Girl” people call when they need help.
What are your plans for the business?
I want to create a legacy in this industry and to empower women in the marine industry. This industry is less than 10% women, I’ve always done a lot to get women involved in the industry, I started the Facebook group “Women Working in the Marine Industry,” I want to continue to inspire women with my business. Including my daughter, she sees me work, she knows what I do. She is growing up on a boat and I want to set an example for her to show her she can do whatever she wants in the future.
What is Sunshine Cruising Yachts mission?
Selling a dream and a lifestyle that I believe in 100%. I feel really lucky to be able to do that.
Do you ever plan to cruise?
The dream is for this company to be up and running and successful so in ten years (or less) I can go cruising and work from anywhere.
Recent Posts
- Moving to St. Augustine, Florida – What You Need to Know
- Why Fall is the Best Time to Buy a Home in Northeast Florida
- Discover the Top 55+ Communities in St. Augustine Florida
- Top Home Decorating Tips for Sellers
- Best Homebuyer Strategies for Saving Money
- Find a Business
- Add Your Business
Sunshine Cruising Yachts
( 18 Reviews )
- 134 Riberia St Saint Augustine, FL 32084
- 305-807-4096
Chamber Rating
About Sunshine Cruising Yachts
Sunshine Cruising Yachts is located at 134 Riberia St in Saint Augustine, Florida 32084. Sunshine Cruising Yachts can be contacted via phone at 305-807-4096 for pricing, hours and directions.
Contact Info
- 305-807-4096
Questions & Answers
Q what is the phone number for sunshine cruising yachts.
A The phone number for Sunshine Cruising Yachts is: 305-807-4096.
Q Where is Sunshine Cruising Yachts located?
A Sunshine Cruising Yachts is located at 134 Riberia St, Saint Augustine, FL 32084
Q What is the internet address for Sunshine Cruising Yachts?
A The website (URL) for Sunshine Cruising Yachts is: http://www.sunshinecruisingyachts.com/
Q How is Sunshine Cruising Yachts rated?
A Sunshine Cruising Yachts has a 4.4 Star Rating from 18 reviewers.
Ratings and Reviews Sunshine Cruising Yachts
Overall rating.
Riley Wiklund on Google
David Carey on Google
Alisha adams on google.
Scott C on Google
Paul unterweiser on google, write a review.
Yacht Broker Near Me in Saint Augustine, FL
All points yacht sales, the catamaran company st. augustine, sailtime northeast florida, yacht broker scott berna - st. augustine, edwards yacht sales, st augustine yacht sales, yachtsalesnearme, a1a yacht brokers, waylen bay marine, start driving, online leads today.
IMAGES