ANNAPOLIS, MD – October 29, 2026 – David Walters Yachts (DWY), a leading yacht brokerage specializing in premium sailing and motor yachts, is pleased to announce that Bay Harbor Brokerage, a longstanding and respected name in the Chesapeake Bay boating community, is joining the David Walters Yachts team.
The partnership marks another significant milestone in the continued growth of David Walters Yachts, strengthening the company's presence throughout the Chesapeake Bay and expanding its reach into the Hampton Roads and southern Virginia markets.
With a history spanning more than four decades, Bay Harbor Brokerage has established a reputation for its knowledge of the boating market, personalized service, and strong relationships with buyers and sellers. Led by owners Ben and Christina Ritger, the firm has represented a diverse range of sailing and motor yachts, providing clients with experienced guidance throughout the buying and selling process.
"One of the most important parts of growing David Walters Yachts is finding the right people who share our values and commitment to our clients," said
Josh McLean, President of David Walters Yachts. "Ben and Christina have built a respected business with deep roots in the Chesapeake
Bay boating community. Bringing their experience, relationships, and local knowledge into DWY is a tremendous opportunity for both organizations. We're excited to welcome them to the team and continue building something special together."
Founded in 1982, David Walters Yachts has grown from a boutique brokerage specializing in bluewater sailing yachts into an internationally recognized firm representing premium sailing and motor yachts, with offices throughout the United States and Caribbean. The company has continued to expand its brokerage operations while developing partnerships with prominent yacht manufacturers, including Grand Soleil, Offshore Yachts, and MJM Yachts.
The addition of Bay Harbor Brokerage further strengthens DWY's East Coast network, connecting its established Annapolis operations with the active boating communities of Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, and the surrounding southern Chesapeake Bay.
"From a brokerage standpoint, this is a great fit for both teams," said
Erik Haaland, Sales Manager of David Walters Yachts. "The Chesapeake
Bay is one of the most important boating markets in the country, and having a stronger presence at both ends of the
Bay creates tremendous opportunities. Ben and Christina bring years of experience and established relationships in a market where we see considerable potential. In return, their clients will benefit from our broader network of brokers, international marketing reach, and the resources we've developed to help buyers and sellers navigate today's yacht market."
For Bay Harbor Brokerage, joining David Walters Yachts represents an opportunity to build upon the firm's longstanding presence in the boating community while providing its clients access to a larger network of industry professionals and an expanded range of services.
"We've always believed that the foundation of a successful brokerage is the relationship you build with your clients," said
Ben Ritger, Owner of BayHarbor Brokerage. "Joining David Walters Yachts allows us to take what we've built here in the Chesapeake
Bay and combine it with the resources and reach of a company that shares those same values. It's an exciting opportunity to offer our clients more while maintaining the personal attention and service they've come to expect from us."
Christina Ritger, Co-Owner of Bay Harbor Brokerage, added, "
Bay Harbor Brokerage has been part of this boating community for generations, and those relationships mean a great deal to us. What stood out about David Walters Yachts was their emphasis on people, professionalism, and doing right by the customer. We're excited about this next chapter and the opportunities it creates for our clients and our team."
The partnership reflects David Walters Yachts' continued commitment to thoughtful growth, bringing together experienced professionals with strong regional expertise while maintaining the personal, relationship-driven approach that has defined the company since its founding.
Together, the expanded team will provide yacht buyers and sellers throughout the Chesapeake Bay and beyond with greater market exposure, broader industry connections, and comprehensive brokerage services.
About David Walters Yachts
Founded in 1982, David Walters Yachts is a full-service yacht brokerage specializing in premium sailing and motor yachts, new yacht sales, and semi-custom yacht construction. With a network of experienced yacht professionals and offices throughout the United States and Caribbean, DWY is committed to providing exceptional service, market expertise, and trusted guidance to yacht buyers and sellers worldwide.