History and Heritage of David Walters Yachts

Piloted by Passion

FOR OVER 40 YEARS

David Walters and his wife Betsy built what has become today the top brokerage company in the United States for quality blue water sailboats. As the co-founder of Shannon Yachts in 1975 and founder of Cambria in 1982, Dave’s early career in yacht design and boat building and his keen eye for quality helped launch the company’s transition from boat builder to brokerage in 2001. Since then, the company has grown from its central office in Fort Lauderdale and now includes offices in Maryland, Rhode Island, Maine, California, and the Caribbean.

1986

CAMBRA IS FEATURED IN FERENC MATE’S THE WORLD’S BEST SAILBOATS.

For the second time in his career David Walters is featured in Ferenc Mate’s The World’s Best Sailboats, in which Ferenc Mate writes: “When you have a boat built by David Walters, you will be delivered a yacht of excellent design, engineering, and, dare I say it – good taste. His boats may not be inexpensive, but then the Cambria quality is among the world’s very best. And you get more than just quality. You get many years of experience and a lot of knowledge, and you get all the heart and soul that David, Mike and Tony and the others have to give. When you’re out at sea with your life depending on their handiwork, that can make an awful lot of difference.” - Ferenc Mate “The World’s Best Sailboats – A Survey”

Apr 2016

JOSH MCLEAN JOINS DWY UNDER THE MENTORSHIP OF DAVID WALTERS

After separating from the Air Force at the end of 2015 and shortly after moving to Fort Lauderdale, Josh met David Walters. Dave, a former marine himself and self-taught in yacht design and construction along the way, recognized something in Josh and asked him to come on board under his mentorship. Several months into their partnership, Dave approached Josh about the prospect of taking over the company upon retirement. At 71 years old, Dave had spent 50 years in the industry. The plan was a five-year plan. Designed to enable Dave to taper off his time and settle into retirement. Unfortunately, a short time later, Dave was diagnosed with brain cancer. Over the next year, and until Dave passed, the two spent nearly every day together.

Jan 2017

JOSH MCLEAN & AMANDA NOON TAKE THE HELM OF DAVID WALTERS YACHTS

Press Release: Trade Only Today

After celebrating 50 years in the yachting industry, David Walters stepped aside and will serve as a consultant to the new owners of David Walters Yachts, the company he built. The new owners are President Josh McLean and Vice President Amanda Noon. The brokers now include George Eberhard, Lori Goldstein and John Osetek.

Walters and his wife, Betsy, have finished their full-time careers in boatbuilding and brokerage. The company said his career resulted in a very successful brokerage for Allied Boat Co., Sound Yachts Marina, in New Rochelle, N.Y., as co-founder of Shannon Boat Co., alongside Walter Schulz, designing and selling Cambria Yachts, and 26 years in brokerage in Fort Lauderdale. “Having grown personally and professionally from the mentorship of David Walters, I am looking forward to continuing our company’s long history of success and unwavering dedication to our loyal clients,” McLean said.

“Following in the footsteps of a man like Dave Walters is not easy. Known for his exceptional knowledge and experience as a boat designer, builder, and broker, Dave has a presence in the industry that is unmatched by few,” McLean said. “I am equally humbled and proud to have the opportunity to lead the company that Dave spent a lifetime building, and I hope to spend my career continuing this legacy he has placed so trustingly in my hands. While Dave is no longer at the helm, his example and principles will always guide this ship. We are confident that David Walters Yachts will continue to lead the industry.

Jan 2023

DWY EXPANDS TO THE CARIBBEAN & WELCOMES RITCHARD FINDLAY TO THE TEAM

David Walters Yachts opens its first location in the Caribbean by establishing a new office on the Dutch side of Saint Martin. This is a significant milestone for DWY. It represents the company's first foray into the Caribbean market, a hub for the yachting industry and a popular destination for yacht enthusiasts.

The island of Saint Martin has a wide range of marinas, yacht clubs, and service providers, which makes it an ideal location for DWY to establish a presence and expand its operations. With the opening of this new office, DWY will be able to offer its customers a more comprehensive service, which includes expert advice, personalized service, and access to high-quality yachts.

DWY also welcomes Ritchard Findlay to the team, who will be instrumental in the company's expansion into the Caribbean market. Ritchard is a well-known figure in the Caribbean yachting industry and brings a wealth of experience and expertise. His addition to the DWY team will help the company establish itself in the Caribbean market and ensure that it continues providing its clients with the highest level of service.

Our Heritage

Piloted by Passion

FOR OVER 40 YEARS