The name of their boat, Panacea, is not original. It was passed down from generation to generation. Jeff grew up boating with his father and grandfather on their boats, both also named Panacea. “My grandfather’s boat was all-wood and I still keep the nameboard as a remembrance. My dad’s boat was a 50-foot Fleming that we traveled on throughout the Caribbean including the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos, and Cuba,” explained Jeff. 

When not Journeying with Jeff’s father, the young Wilson family loved exploring the many bays and coves around their home on the Chesapeake in Annapolis, Maryland on their 30-foot Sea Ray Sundeck. 

Sally and Jeff had conceived a 10-year plan to purchase a larger yacht that they could travel with their own family. However, an untimely loss of Jeff’s father accelerated their plans. In August, MarineMax Baltimore held a private luxury yacht expo event and Sally and Jeff registered. They did their due-diligence beforehand and had decided they would sea-trial the new Sea Ray 400 Sundancer and the Azimut 42.

Arriving at the event the Wilson family met, MarineMax Sales Consultant, Ron Selitto.

“After exchanging our names and several niceties, Ron seemed to know all the right questions,” said Sally. “Ron asked about how we boat now and how we envision our boating life on a larger yacht that we could overnight on. He asked about features we would like to have and those that we would need.”

After learning about the Wilson’s boating lifestyle and what they wanted from a new yacht, Ron introduced Jeff and Sally to the Galeon 385 HTS; explaining that Galeon Yachts are relatively new to the United States, but have a superior reputation for innovation, craftsmanship, and quality building. 

He further explained that Galeon was established in 1982 and is one of Europe’s leading boat manufacturers, with more than 30 years of experience and a commitment to quality that has led to spectacular growth and satisfied customers around the world. Galeon designs, conceived by top naval architects such as Tony Castro or Roberto Curtò, assure unparalleled modern styling and convenience. They are committed to implementing the latest marine technology in all of their boats. Highly specialized, on-site personnel perform all lamination, modeling, and engine installation. Leading technology and design make every Galeon yacht exceptional.

“It was love at first sight,” exclaimed Jeff. “We didn’t look any further. The two staterooms with private heads, the well-equipped galley, and the comfy lounge area below are all fantastic. However, the large, accessible cockpit open to the helm deck, giant sunroof and especially the huge swim platform sincerely spoke to how we boat with our girls. Isabelle, who is 6 years old, Penelope, who is 4, and our English cocker spaniel all love to jump off the back of the boat and splash around. With the unfettered view from the cockpit, Sally and I have the piece-of-mind that we can keep a close eye on them.”

The Wilson family are members of the Annapolis Yacht Club but plan on keeping Panacea at their home along the Chesapeake Bay. Jeff works for the Wortech Corporation, a veteran-owned small business in Maryland focused on information technology and engineering services, as a software engineer and Sally is a professional financial planner who stays home to be with her children. Both are in their mid-thirties.

“After Jeff’s father passed away, we did not want to wait until we were in our forties or fifties to enjoy spending amazing quality time with Isabelle and Penelope,” explained Sally. “We always enjoyed day boating every weekend, grilling, and visiting fabulous locations. Panacea now gives us the opportunity to do more with our boating life. We have already experienced two weekend-long overnight trips along the beautiful Chesapeake Bay. One to Cambridge, Maryland, as well as a MarineMax Getaways!^® to Saint Michaels, Maryland, where we got to visit other MarineMax owners’ boats. Giving us a chance to get to know some great new friends,” continued Sally. “With the daily pressures of life and a full schedule, our new Galeon 385 HTS and the Chesapeake Bay are our true Panacea.”