After years of hoping, former Hallberg-Rassy owner Dave Cheyne has taken ownership of an Arcona 400 through SE Yachts brokerage, and sailed her home from Southampton to Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland.
Some purchases are years in the making. Dave Cheyne first got in touch with Simon and Alasdair at SE Yachts several years ago, with a clear idea of the boat he wanted one day to own. This year, that day arrived.
“At last, I have my very own Arcona 400,” says Dave, “and the delivery trip from Southampton to Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland was fantastic. In fact, she was so quick that we arrived early at several tidal gates, which is a rather pleasant sort of navigational problem to have!”
Dave previously owned a Hallberg-Rassy, but the Arcona 400 had long been on his wish list. “From my first contact with Simon and Alasdair at SE Yachts several years ago, there was an immediate understanding of what I was looking for. Our conversations developed into a positive and respectful working relationship, culminating in the acquisition of my boat this year.”
Brokerage purchases are not always straightforward, and Dave is candid that this one had its moments. With Simon and Alasdair leading, supported by Huw Williams and technical specialist Alun Hughes, the team guided him through what he describes as, at times, a complicated brokerage process “with good humour and deep understanding of any issues arising, without anyone needing to send up a distress flare.”
Handover day included a full test sail and plenty of practical advice. Then, just as Dave was about to cast off, Simon climbed to the top of the mast to straighten the wind indicator.
“Customer service at a significantly higher altitude than expected,” says Dave. “These things matter, and that extra, entirely voluntary care and attention meant a great deal to me.”
Since taking delivery, Dave has already met fellow Arcona owners in marinas along the way. “Conversations with fellow Arcona owners in various marinas have also shown me the special sense of family that comes with Arcona ownership. I look forward to getting to know other Arcona owners and am confident that SE Yachts will support me with any issues that may arise.”
He sums it up simply: “Perhaps this level of service is not unique to SE Yachts, but it certainly feels like a different standard of customer care from what I might find elsewhere.”
Quote from Simon Rosier, Director
“Dave has been talking to us about an Arcona for a long time, so handing over the keys this year was a genuinely proud moment for the whole team. Hearing that she was beating the tidal gates all the way to Strangford Lough is exactly what an Arcona should do. We look forward to seeing him at future owners’ events.”
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