Who We Are

Michel Benarrosh, Sailonline founder, has been the Commodore of one of the largest US associations of charter yacht owners for 11 years. His in-depth knowledge in the field of charter boats is very strong and unique. Whether you are selling or buying a charter yacht, you are in fact often selling or buying not only a boat but also a business. Michel’s knowledge will definitely help you make the best informed decisions in those kinds of transactions. Michel is a licensed and bonded yacht broker in the State of Florida.

• Michel has owned 8 boats over the years, including 3 charter yachts
• Is a consultant in the field of buying and selling charter boats and yachts
• Has extensively cruised the entire Eastern Caribbean chain and the Med.
• European CPA and Doctor in Business Law
• U.S. Coast Guard 50 ton License
• Has published cover stories in several major nautical magazines and publications.
• Read Michel's clients's testimonials

Gary Fretz, Celebrity Yachts President, has been in the brokerage business since the mid-80's, with 10 years as the Manager of Moorings Yacht Sales, one of the largest brokerage houses in Florida. His accumulated knowledge is huge!

Gary has personally owned over 35 (yachts and) boats over the years. In addition to his vast experience selling boats professionally, he knows what it is like to be the seller who wants the very best price for his boat, and to sell his boat in a timely manner.

Gary has personally supervised over 1000 yacht sale transactions during his career and has never had a dispute go to court. Gary is a licensed and bonded yacht broker and had to successfully pass an FBI background check.

As a member of the Florida Yacht Brokers Association, its Code of Ethics binds Gary in all of his business practices. He has attended almost every educational seminar in FYBA’s history and has represented the industry (been called) as an “Expert Witness” (for yacht sales) as requested by the Dade County District Attorney.

• Founded Moorings Yacht Sales in 1992 and managed managed its international Sales Network for 10 years.
• U.S. National Champion 2001: 2.4 Meter (Mini-Twelve Meter) Class.
• Olympic Trials Finalist (1972 Finns, 1980 Stars). Winner of many Regional and State Championships (Sunfish, Etchells, J24, Stars, Shields, 14 years of Handicap Racing)
• Worldwide cruising includes multiple voyages from Grenada to the Virgin Islands, throughout the Bahamas, to every major Eastern Caribbean Island, some Mediterranean, and UK islands, and the U.S East Coast from New England to Florida, and extensive Gulf Coast cruising out of Louisiana and Texas down to Florida.
• Logged over 11,000 miles cruising and 22,000 miles in ocean races.
• Educated at Tulane University (a.k.a. “Harvard of the South”) - New Orleans. Undergraduate and MBA programs.
• U.S. Coast Guard 50 ton License
• Taught at ASA Sailing Schools in Chicago and Miami (Beginning and Intermediate Coastal Cruising) and at local Yacht Clubs.
• Nautical Author – Has been published in regional magazines and newsletters, as well as yacht club newsletters with feature articles related to Yacht Sales, sea experiences, travel, and nautical trivia.
  

back to top