Fletcher has been with Sailing Specialties for 12 years and has enjoyed his tenure helping hundred of boaters fulfill their dreams. During his time here, Sailing Specialties has annually received top Sales and Customer Service Awards of which he's proud to be a part. When not "pounding the docks" his enjoyment time is spent on the water, sailing with customers or his wife Maureen and son Kevin.

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With over thirty years of local boating under his belt, David "Smitty" Smith has the knowledge necessary to ensure that your boat buying experience is a positive one. Growing up in Noank and presently residing in Groton with his wife Alison and two sons, he continues to have a presence in the local boating community. As a member of the Mystic River Mudheads, Smitty has actively participated in sailboat racing both locally and nationally. After having learned to sail at age six, he honed his boating skills on many different types of sail and power boats; it is this familiarity with a variety of watercraft that makes him a well-rounded and knowledgeable salesperson. Before joining Sailing Specialties, Smitty had previously worked in nearly all aspects of sailing, from sailmaker during the 1992 America's Cup to more recently working in a local marina as a marine technician. This broad range of personal experience in the boating industry enhances his ability to serve the customer.

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Jonathan has a lifetime of experience sailing and fishing on the local waters of Fishers Island Sound. From racing dinghies to grand prix sailboats, casting for stripers to cruising our island destinations, Jonathan is at home in all types of boats. Jonathan recently took up sea kayaking and applied his knowledge of naval architecture to design a kayak that has won the national championships for both sprint and marathon events. Jonathan has the technical knowledge to explain the differences between boats and does so in a manner that even the novice can understand. Since Jonathan is a former regional sales manager for Hunter sailboats, he also has insights gained from visiting dealerships and boatshows throughout North America. You can count on Jonathan’s boating experience and design knowledge to put you in the perfect boat for your needs ...And if the photo looks familiar, you are not imagining things! Jonathan is David “Smitty” Smith’s brother.

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Rick came to Sailing Specialties from Annapolis, Maryland where he managed a very successful boat dealership. He is a life time boater and sailor and has lived aboard his boat for many of the past 16 years. Rickis the manager of our Stamford, CT location. Rick spent the first half of his business life in the Petroleum Equipment Industry, holding national sales and various management positions, he decided to change direction and combine two of his passions into one: selling and sailing. Assisting buyers in finding the proper boat is greatly satisfying and Rick takes pride in working with his customers. Inevitably, not only does he make a living but he also makes a lot of friends. Boating is the great equalizer. That common denominator and a passion for the water builds relationships that last a lifetime.

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Ryan's passion for boating began at the early age of twelve, when he purchased his first wooden rowboat for $50, only to add $35 worth of brass screws to make it seaworthy.  He grew up in NJ on Barnegat Bay and began working at 14 as a dockhand and later teaching youth sailing.  After relocating to Rhode Island to attend college, he realized that living in Newport and the exposure to the water was a move in the right direction.  Ryan recently earned an M.B.A. from Salve Regina University.  While attending Salve, he was a member of the sailing team and volunteered for Sail Newport Race Committees, participating in many local regattas.  Ryan was Dockmaster at the New York Yacht Club for two years, is a launchboat driver for Oldport Marine, and is a coach for the Portsmouth High School Sailing Team.  He comes to Sailing Specialties from Vanguard Sailboats, where he gained experience in boat sales and customer service. Ryan's enthusiasm for the water is what continues to drive his dedication to the marine industry and he is motivated to help any sailor or boater find the right boat to suit their specific interests.  He enjoys cruising and racing, and he is always ready to go for a sail.  

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