A Seasoned Sportfisherman Begins a New Chapter Aboard His Sabre 48
Literally dozens of boats have comprised Robert Bocchino’s resume of boat racing, cruising and fishing, including center consoles, cigarette boats, and several large sportfish convertibles. Always passionate for learning about new technologies and design, he’s been a frequent boat show attendee, and it was at a show many years ago that he first forged a lasting relationship with Bluewater President Jan Boone and Sales Professional Bob Hoste (both then working at Hatteras Yachts) while he purchased his first Hatteras. Bocchino actively fished the major Atlantic tournaments aboard his first Hatteras and when it came time to upgrade he again worked with Boone and Hoste to seal the deal on a new GT60. A few years later he bought his third new Hatteras while waiting out the 38 month build of a custom 67’ Willis he had ordered. In addition to journeys up and down the Atlantic coast, Bocchino has cruised and fished the Bahamas multiple times and also visited Cuba.
Now nearing retirement, Bocchino enjoys life as a transient between his homes in New Jersey and Jupiter, Florida, and has been looking for a more manageable cruising yacht to make seasonal intracoastal trips with. Bocchino had been eyeing what Sabre yachts had to offer for a few years, and after sea trialing one in Florida, he was impressed with the taught handling and smooth ride, however he did not want to wait to take delivery of one from the factory. After learning of the availability of the company’s in-stock Sabre 48, he was at the Bluewater Yachting Center in Hampton, Virginia without delay to test the boat. Casting his racing and fishing past into his wake, he now looks forward to cruising at more reserved and economical speeds with his new Sabre 48 Express.
Bocchino and his wife took time deciding on the upgrades and customizations they would have installed on their Sabre, knowing this was a vessel they would spend several years travelling with. They rarely travel alone and prefer to bring another couple along for their voyages, which is why he praises the 48’s double stateroom layout with separate private heads. “We like to provide high-end accommodations to our guests rather than second rate sleeping quarters,” Bocchino says. His admiration for his new Sabre includes the Zeus Pod drives and the highly efficient twin Cummins QSC diesel engines. Not only is this vessel easy to maneuver at the dock, its handling is sporty, executing composed and confident turns while exceeding 32 knots.
In their new Sabre, the Bocchinos feel they have found a boat with the perfect size and accommodations to fit their changing lifestyle. “This is why we focus on offering a complimentary suite of quality new boat brands. We have something everyone can appreciate,” Boone explains. “It is deeply satisfying when old friends return and we can repeatedly help them sell and purchase their dream boats. All of us at Bluewater truly relish these opportunities to help customers turn the page on the next chapter of their boating history.”
