Once we had decided what short list of boats we were interested in, we started talking to brokers. Our late-in-the-process Top-3 list included Valiant, Pacific Seacraft, and Hallberg-Rassy. Oakland's Pacific Sail Expo usually includes a selection of Valiant and Pacific Seacraft, but between 1992 and 1998, we did not come across a Hallberg-Rassy at this show.

With a little research, we learned we could attend the January 1999 "In-the-Water" Boat Show in Seattle to see several HR's. John Neal's HR46, a new HR42, and a new HR39 were on display by the west coast distributor for HR - West Coast Yachts.

Update 1/20/2003: we recently heard that KKMI in the San Francisco Bay Area may now also be selling HR's!

In those years, we developed great working relationships and friendships with Jan Place and her entire crew at WCY. Our broker, Jack Heady, was in our estimation, the best yacht broker any new boat buyer could have -- however, Jack is now retired and getting ready to go cruising!

After Jack retired, we worked with Pete McGonagle, who is now with Seattle's Swiftsure Yachts. Pete was an exceptional mentor and support person to us after Jack retired and we would recommend him if you are looking for a pre-owned (a.k.a. used) HR (or other quality cruising boat). You may email him at pete@swiftsureyachts.com.

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If you attended the 2000 Oakland Sail Expo, you may have met Jan or Pete when you boarded the HR42 Whisper. Pete and Brad were both aboard the HR46 in the April 2002 Sail Expo.

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