Press Release
October 22, 2007       FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Classic Yachts International Now A Dealer For Grand Banks

[Fort Lauderdale] Classic Yachts International was awarded the dealership for Florida’s East Coast by Grand Banks Yachts in October 2007. The company offers the complete line of Grand Banks Yachts, including Heritage, Eastbay and Aleutian Series models from their locations in Fort Lauderdale and Fort Pierce, Florida.

Previously, the Grand Banks dealership on Florida's East Coast was handled by Hal Jones & Co. "Hal" Jones, Chairman of the Board of Hal Jones & Co., has planned on having an active retirement and will be available to advise Classic Yachts International as needed. Hal Jones says, "I know that the team at Classic Yachts International will do an outstanding job of taking care of all your Grand Banks needs."

“We are very excited to represent Grand Banks Yachts here in our Florida sales territory,” says Steve Fithian, President of Classic Yachts International. “We aim to provide the ‘ultimate buying experience’ for Grand Banks owners, and achieve absolutely unsurpassed customer service using 21st century technology and an extremely dedicated staff.”

Fithian brings decades of yacht sales experience with him and has sold Grand Banks Yachts exclusively since 1995. Fithian has been recognized by Grand Banks Yachts, Ltd. as the top salesperson worldwide for selling the most Grand Banks in their entire dealer network in 2003, 2005 and 2006, as well as receiving many other sales achievement awards. He visits Grand Banks’ boat-building facilities frequently, having made numerous trips to Singapore and Malaysia over the years.

“Our close working relationship with Grand Banks and our attention to detail is something many owners are looking for, when ordering a semi-custom Grand Banks Yacht,” says Fithian. “We can guide owners who have special requests and help them build the yacht of their dreams.”

Partnering with Fithian at Classic Yachts International is CEO George Potochney, a successful entrepreneur, who is a Grand Banks owner himself. Owning and operating boats from 27 to 81 feet, Potochney has decided to combine his extensive knowledge and perspective of the marine industry as a customer, with his business skills.

Classic Yachts International is participating in all of the major boat shows in Florida this season and will host a four-day “Rendezvous” for Grand Banks owners at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida on March 13th through 16th, 2008. For more information on Classic Yachts International, call 877-527-2778.