“Making Boats Affordable”™ Is the Mission of the Sovereign Boat Fleet
The Sovereign Boat Fleet (SBF) was founded in February 2019, as a division of BoatTEST.com. The club was designed from the start to make boat ownership more affordable by making a “mini” club out of each boat and selling memberships in that boat, thereby generating income for the boat owner.
This approach allowed SBF to offer one-year memberships, providing individuals and families who weren't yet ready for full boat ownership the chance to enjoy a premium boating experience at an affordable price.
The Time Has Come for “Shared Access”
Today, the concept of “shared access” has been well established by boat clubs all over the world. It is a concept that is a win-win for all concerned. The well-kept secret that makes this all possible is that fact that people actually use their boats very little during a year. Most people only use their boats 12 to 25 days per year, with most falling somewhere in the middle.
This approach allowed SBF to offer one-year memberships, providing individuals and families who weren't yet ready for full boat ownership the chance to enjoy a premium boating experience at an affordable price.
Meet Your Crew
You are never alone when you’re a member of the Sovereign Boat Fleet, because our dedicated crew is always on hand to help you. These experienced professionals are dedicated to making sure every member has a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.
Jeff Hammond
Principal
Jeff is a 57-year veteran of the boating industry, and over the years has been an editor, publisher or owner of 7 major boating magazines in America over the years. As such, his articles and the boating magazines he produced have educated generations of American boaters. He co-founded with Chris Kelly Boat TEST.com in 2000.
Jeff has owned a number of boats over his career in boating ranging from a 15’ sailboat to a 92’ motoryacht, with fishing and cruising boats in between from 19’ to 55’. He has sailed, raced, and cruised all over the world in both sail and powerboats. He has written three books on boating, including one on the America’s Cup. He’s a member of the New York Yacht Club.
Email: Jeff@BoatTEST.com | Tel: (203) 822-3231
Jim Noel
General Manager
Jim has a 100-Ton USCG license and has been active in providing hand-on boat instruction on boats of all sizes for 3 decades. For 25 years he was a certified instructor for the State of Connecticut providing boater education for residents applying for a Boating License, which is mandatory in that state.
Jim also contracts with the U.S. DOD to train naval personnel on ow to safely operate a specialized 65’ vessel for critical submarine operations. He is also the proud owner of an Intrepid 34 whish he keeps near his house and Connecticut. He spends most of the winter in Bradenton, Florida. He vets all Licensed SBF captains who administer 4-6 hour instruction for all SBF Members. Jim is also a test captain for BoatTEST.com.
Email: CaptJim@boattest.com | Tel: (203) 824-4370
Melissa Zeno
Membership Executive
Melissa Zeno is an avid boater who spent allot of time cruising the Florida waters on her 30 ft sailboat. Her background is in communications and she handles all of the social media for SBF, as well as membership sales for SBF. She grew up around the water and when she’s not introducing new members to the boating lifestyle, you’ll find her out at one of the many sandbars in the Dunedin/Tarpon Springs area.
Email: Melissa@sovereignboatfleet.com | Tel: 734-564-4499
Danette Szakaly
Project Manager
Danette manages various projects related to the boat club including all the daily administrative tasks for its boat owners and members. Experienced in the marine industry, Danette previously held positions at The Moorings & Sunsail as well as Dream Yacht Charter.
An avid boater and sailor herself, she and her husband currently own a 43’ sailboat that they cruise regularly.