SailTime and PowerTime franchise owners and teams from across North America gathered in Newport Beach this February for the SailTime/PowerTime All Base Meeting, bringing together base operators, key employees, and company leadership to exchange ideas, celebrate achievements, discuss future expansion and innovations for the 25-year-old boating membership network.
The multi-day all base meeting provided an opportunity for members of the SailTime and PowerTime network to connect in person, reflect on the company’s growth, and collaborate on new ways to enhance the experience for boat owners and members alike.
Celebrating Milestones Across the Network
The all base meeting opened with recognition of 15 SailTime bases celebrating milestone anniversaries, honoring long-standing franchise locations and the operators who have helped grow the SailTime community over the years.
Many of the veteran franchise owners shared stories from the early days of SailTime, reflecting on the entrepreneurial spirit that built the company into one of the largest boating membership networks in the world. From overcoming early operational challenges to expanding the brand into new markets, the stories highlighted the resilience and collaboration that define the SailTime culture.
SailTime corporate leadership also recognized SailTime Chicago as the base with the top boat sales performance in the network over the last three years, celebrating the important role franchisees play in helping boat owners place vessels into SailTime fleets. These partnerships with owners are a key part of the SailTime model, creating a win-win opportunity for owners to offset costs while expanding access to boating for members.
Learning From Each Other
A key part of the first day was a session dedicated to innovations coming directly from bases across the network. Franchisees shared ideas that have improved operations, marketing strategies, efficiencies, and the overall member experience.
Throughout the first morning of the all base meeting, bases presented practical initiatives that are helping grow membership, improve retention, and boost engagement with their local sailing communities.
These ideas included:
- Member education clinics covering topics such as sail trim, engine maintenance, docking techniques, and navigation skills
- Community-building events such as dock parties, racing teams, and flotillas that bring members together on and off the water
- Converting sailing school students into SailTime members through structured pathways after training
- Partnerships with local organizations and charities to expand community impact and visibility
- Women-focused sailing programs designed to introduce more women to boating and build confidence on the water
One theme resonated throughout the discussions: SailTime is about much more than access to a boat; it’s about building a lifestyle and a vibrant boating community.
Several standout innovations were recognized by attendees during the session. Among the most notable were:
- Newport Beach’s YouTube repair and maintenance video library, designed to help members quickly troubleshoot common onboard issues
- Charleston’s AI-powered phone assistant, which ensures timely responses to all customer inquiries and improves lead management
- Los Angeles’ “SailTime Plus” program, which enhances member retention by offering additional sailing opportunities for those who want more time on the water
These initiatives demonstrated how creative thinking at the local level continues to strengthen the SailTime network.
Experiencing the Newport Beach Base
A second highlight of the all base meeting was a visit to the Newport Beach SailTime/PowerTime base, where owners Chris and Angele Jester and their team hosted franchisees for a behind-the-scenes look at their successful operation.
Franchisees enjoyed a tour of the marina facilities, a walkthrough of the fleet, and an inside look at the operational systems that support one of the network’s flagship locations.
The visit concluded with a sunset cruise on Newport Harbor aboard two of the base’s catamarans, giving attendees the opportunity to experience the local sailing environment firsthand while enjoying spectacular views of the harbor.
The evening on the water was also a chance for franchisees to connect informally, share stories from their home bases, and strengthen relationships across the network.
A Full Agenda of Enhancements and New Partnerships
Days two and three of the meeting focused on future initiatives and strategic planning for the SailTime and PowerTime networks.
Leadership previewed several new features and improvements coming to the Embark reservation and operations platform, the technology system used across the network to manage fleets and memberships.
Upcoming enhancements include:
- Improved maintenance tracking tools
- Expanded service add-on capabilities
- Enhanced reservation management features
- More robust communication and reporting tools for bases
These upgrades are designed to help franchisees operate more efficiently while continuing to deliver a seamless experience for members.
Leadership also introduced new membership options that will complement SailTime’s core Classic, Lite, and Premier membership programs. These new membership structures are designed to expand access to boating for a wider audience; from brand-new boaters looking to try the lifestyle for the first time to experienced sailors seeking larger adventures.
Strengthening the Boating Community
During the all base meeting, SailTime CEO Todd Hess emphasized the importance of bringing the network together to collaborate and share ideas.
“It’s incredibly valuable to bring our entire network together in one place,” Hess said. “Every base has unique experiences, ideas, and innovations that can benefit the whole organization. When we gather like this, we’re able to exchange insights, explore new opportunities, and strengthen the relationships that make SailTime such a special community.”
Hess also noted that the collaborative spirit of the franchise network continues to drive SailTime’s success.
“Our franchise owners are passionate about boating and about helping more people experience life on the water,” he said. “Meetings like this allow us to learn from each other, share best practices, and continue improving the SailTime experience for members and boat owners around the world.”
New Partnerships and Industry Collaboration
The meeting also included the announcement of several exciting new partnerships.
Hess introduced a new collaboration with Dufour Yachts, expanding opportunities for fleet development and boat ownership within the SailTime network.
He also unveiled a partnership with Sea People, a boating community membership platform designed for tracking and sharing boating adventures with other sailors and boaters around the world.
SailTime members who sign up with Sea People through the Embark platform will receive six months of free membership, along with the opportunity to extend their subscription for an additional 12 months at 50 percent off.
In addition, franchisees were introduced to leadership from American Sailing and American Boating, reinforcing the importance of training and boating safety across the SailTime and PowerTime programs. These partnerships help ensure that members continue to receive high-quality education and training as they build their skills on the water.
Looking Ahead
The all base meeting concluded with collaborative planning sessions focused on the year ahead. With continued innovation, new partnerships, and the ongoing growth of its franchise network, SailTime remains committed to expanding opportunities for people to experience the boating lifestyle.
As the SailTime community continues to grow, gatherings like the All Base Meeting play a critical role in keeping the network connected, inspired, and focused on delivering unforgettable experiences on the water.
For the SailTime network, the future of boating is not just about boats—it’s about community, adventure, and the shared joy of life on the water.
