March 18, 2016 – SYS is celebrating 30 years of representing the finest in new and brokerage yachts. After building a global client base and strong position in the international yachting industry, Sarasota Yacht & Ship has announced it will now operate around the world under the name SYS Yacht Sales.

The move consolidates the company’s brand into a single, cohesive global presence. “We feel this move is more reflective of our current company.  Over the years, most companies evolve and SYS is certainly no stranger to this phenomenon.  With offices in several other cities, we feel this represents us well in every area.  Of course, we maintain the same ownership structure and our wonderful team is fully intact and growing”, said Gary Smith, SYS Co-President and former President of the Florida Yacht Brokers Association.

Founded in 1986, Sarasota Yacht & Ship started as a small, local brokerage firm representing buyers and sellers of small and mid-size boats and, thirty years later, has grown to an international company representing a worldwide array of brokerage listings. Additionally, they have developed divisions focused on New Yacht and Superyacht sales.

“Thirty years for SYS has been a interesting journey, Starting out of a dock box with a phone at Marina Jacks, working alone for the first few years was quite a ordeal. We sold boats and had a great time starting SYS and grew quickly to a office on Main street. Fast forward to 10 years ago and then my son Jason finished college and a stint with a big company in Atlanta, I always knew Jason would be a perfect match for the Yacht business, he brought with him a wonderful attitude to grow a company with enthusiasm and energy that it takes to form a team as it is today.”

“Then Gary came into the picture with similar knowledge and enthusiasm to compliment Jason’s vision for taking SYS to a whole new level. Gary and I became good friends and owned a few airplanes together, I felt he was a perfect match and his involvement with the Yacht brokerage industry has been amazing, his daughters have played a big part in helping set up a streamlined office system that took so much pressure off of us salesmen and allowed us to concentrate on what we do best (sales). Then watching the current growth with a full-time marketing department, headed by Michael Riccio has again taken the company to another level and I have enjoyed seeing the accomplishments on new boat sales. I am happy and proud to say the 30 years has been a pleasure to be a part of, to be able to work in a industry that I am passionate about”, said Doug Mashke, Sr, founder of SYS.

Dedication to building long term relationships with clients has led SYS to incorporate a number of events over the years to show their appreciation to clients as well as maintain quality relationships through the joy of boating. There have been a number of group trips to destinations around Florida and the Bahamas, as well as annual parties and family get togethers for everyone to enjoy all that the boating world offers.

“From a very young age I was involved in boating with my family. The relationships we forge with friends and family while boating last a lifetime. The boating experience and lifestyle commands the attention of the whole family, young and old, freeing us from the pressures of hectic schedules, computers and cell phones. Whether it is family or friends, boating allows us the opportunity to connect with loved-ones in a way not possible on terra firma. The boating experience is truly second to none and is the reason we are passionately drawn to the water. Our mission at SYS for the past 30 years has been to build lasting relationships that bolster the boating experience for boat owners, their families, and friends. More than just salespeople – we are consultants, friends, and passionate boaters”, said Jason Mashke, SYS Co-President.

SYS will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a dock party, April 16th  in Sarasota, Florida at Marina Jack. SYS staff and clients from across the globe will come together to celebrate the past thirty years of sales, service and boating adventures.