1. SET SALIO
LIKE A NAUTICAL AIRBNB, SALIO
PUTS YOU IN CHARGE OF YOUR
DESIRED BOATING EXPERIENCE
WRITER MEGAN RIORDAN
F
ort Lauderdale has a new startup in the boating world.
Sailo, founded in New York in 2014, is an online
marketplace connecting boat owners, captains, and
customers interested in a unique boating experience.
“We believe in the shared economy and helping boat
owners monetize their expensive asset that often sits unused
95% of the time,” explains Magda Marcu, one of Sailo’s four
co-founders and head of operations and finance.
Boat captains can post personal pages and boat owners
can create detailed boat profiles to be reviewed by potential
customers looking to rent either or both. The company
is excited to grow their network in South Florida, already
managing a rapidly growing fleet of over 600 boats.
Both captain and boat are individually reviewed by Sailo
to ensure quality. Every captain must submit all valid captain
licensing and each boat is inspected for safety. Once a renter
has selected a boat, they will either have to hire a captain,
which is often included with the boat, or be reviewed by
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2. Sailo to be considered a sufficient boater capable of
driving the vessel. The boat owner then decides if
he or she is comfortable renting the boat. “We help
each [customer] in a way that creates the trust they
need to interact with each other,” says Marcu.
The benefit for boat owners is not only that they
can set their own prices, but also that they know
their boats will be returned to them safely. Sailo also
covers insurance for both boat and renter in the
case of an accident.
The company also offers event venue boats for
occasions like company parties, alumni reunions,
a sunset sail for a marriage proposal, and charity
events. Marcu explains, “We make a point of
giving back to worthy local charities by sponsoring
fundraisers as well as donating boat cruises.”
Sailo has sponsored the Charity Gala for Victims
of Crime as well as the Big Brother, Big Sister cruise
aboard a 130-guest sailboat schooner. They have
also contributed to the silent auction at C4Q’s
Tech 3.0 Bash to fund technology training in
underserved areas. They anticipate making charity
and sponsorship cruises an annual occurrence.
A selection of boats are eligible for rent from
pontoons or smaller personal boats, to 97 foot
sailboats complete with luxury cabins, beds, and a
full crew and captain. “I love the freedom I feel out
on the water,” Marcu says. “Our aim at Sailo is for
our customers to create lasting memories.”
After officially launching Salio at the Fort
Lauderdale International Boat Show last year, they
anticipate an October opening for the company’s
Fort Lauderdale office. For more information, visit
www.salio.com.
Boats in Salio’s South Florida fleet
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