The advent of high fuels costs and increasingly hectic business schedules is keeping most boaters close to their homeports. A group of intrepid boaters in France have developed an efficient boat owner matching tool designed to create a worldwide network of potential contacts interested in swapping use of their boats. This new company, known as See My Sea, intends to facilitate the exchange of boats in varied destinations through its network of owner contacts.
Boat Swapping
See My Sea is an alternative to boat rentals. Owners subscribe to the company network where they can access contact information about other boats. The opportunity to swap use of a boat can occur anywhere in the world and costs much less than a charter. Access to the See My Sea network provides additional information on locally available services and attractions, sailing hazards, and unique navigational concerns.
Types of Boat Exchanges
Since boat owners mutually trust each other with the care of their boats, exchanges need to adequately consider this responsibility and the wishes of each owner. Boat swaps do not need to occur at the same time and boat owners are afforded time to explain any idiosyncrasies of their vessel or brief the swap partners on operations in local waters. Members of the exchange network communicate directly with potential partners. See My Sea envisions two types of boat exchanges:
- A Straight Exchange of Boats - Boat swap partners exchange exclusive use of each other's craft for a fixed time period
- An Exchange of Hospitality - Each boat owner hosts the visiting swap partner on a sailing trip together as a group
Services Provided by See My Sea
Once a boater registers with the company, See My Sea can provide a number of services to potential boat swappers. Some mentioned by the company include development of each subscriber's profile, a matching search engine to bring potential partners together, website materials are available in French and English, technical documentation on legal and insurance concerns, and sample agreements that could be used in a boat swap. See My Sea is offering some free initial subscriptions to early adopters and intends offer its services for €70 per year.
Founding Partners
See My Sea is the result of three partners having multiple connections to boating and sailing. Jacques Moy, Bruno Maschelein and Philippe LeGoff bring their enthusiasm for the vocation into the business and share it freely with others across the globe. The partners have extensive experience in the tourism, hospitality and nautical industries. See My Sea is a privately held company registered in France.
See My Sea is a welcome concept and it will be great to see it succeed. Most boaters enjoy sharing their avocation and favorite haunts. A boat swap is the perfect way to share this enthusiasm with others.
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