Article overview: At HMY Yachts, we’re humbly proud to be considered the premier yacht sales firm in the U.S. — a distinction earned through an unwavering commitment to excellence and a team of r...
At HMY Yachts, we’re humbly proud to be considered the premier yacht sales firm in the U.S. — a distinction earned through an unwavering commitment to excellence and a team of remarkable professionals, rooted in family values and long-lasting relationships. Each addition to our roster is made with thoughtful discernment, and our latest member, HMY Yacht Sales Professional John Dial, exemplifies the experience, character, and passion that have defined our legacy for over 40 years.
Answering the Call of the Sea, From Hilton Head to Peru
With a lifelong passion for the water, John’s career has long been intertwined with the sea. After serving in the military as a young man, he began lifeguarding in Hilton Head, SC, and served as a mate for a famed Canadian hockey player shortly thereafter. His leadership skills and reputation for disciplined fast-action quickly propelled him to captaining roles: working with an elite clientele ranging from the Kansas City Royals baseball team owners to esteemed real estate developers, as well as serving as fleet manager for a legendary country artist.
John’s journey eventually steered him into the world of yacht brokerage, where he found an immediate calling. He fondly recalls his first sale — a 58’ Viking Sportfish — made with none other than HMY Yachts. As his brokerage portfolio and acumen grew, so did his entrepreneurial ambitions, including opening a Ferretti Yachts dealership in Lima, Peru, which he successfully later sold to his Peruvian partners.
All the while, John completed many boat contracts with HMY, and continued to cultivate his personal relationship with HMY Yachts owner, Steve Moynihan at industry events. This personal connection has paid off for everyone. Recently at the 2025 Miami International Boat Show our team followed up with John and encouraged him to join the team as sales manager for ECLIPSE, a groundbreaking line of luxury express cruisers. Lucky for us — he accepted.
The Next Chapter: Coming Aboard HMY
Throughout his career journey, John has cultivated a reputation built on trust, integrity, and an unmatched dedication to his clients — perfect for the HMY family. His past accomplishments are impressively significant, but all of us are excited that he remains newly energized by the journey ahead — even at what others might consider the “twilight” of a career.
“In this business, the reason people call you over and over is because they can trust you,” John asserts. “Without your name, you have nothing, and HMY has a great reputation. A lot of these brokers have been here a long time. I feel like I’ve got a lot to bring to the table, and I can teach some of the younger brokers on their way.”
While John’s success encapsulates decades of boat sales, make no mistake: He won’t be retiring anytime soon. In fact, his passion has only been reignited by this new opportunity. As the sales manager for ECLIPSE, he’s focused on elevating the profile of this innovative new line and expanding its reach to discerning buyers who demand excellence in both form and function. As an exceptionally well-connected industry professional, he knows precisely who to call and when, robustly adding to HMY’s already vast network of yachting enthusiasts and experts.
Championing Seamanship through Education
As a lifelong mariner, John is also committed to ensuring new boaters have everything they need to navigate their vessels safely. At The Helm Training is his answer to the gap he’s witnessed among new boaters seeking a NASBLA nationally accredited syllabus for comprehensive training that is recognized by many insurance companies. Based in Stuart, FL, this educationally immersive experience guides owners on everything from practical skills to safety protocols, empowering them to enjoy their yachting lifestyle with confidence. A one-stop “school of seamanship,” the course is led by experienced U.S. Coast Guard captains and offers participants the personal option of being a confident, safe owner operator or earning a USCG license as well as the state's required boating safety card.
“It’s part of the full circle of customer care,” says John, noting that safety has always been an important component of that equation for him. “You can buy a boat from anyone, but it’s the care you receive afterwards that’s more important.”
If you’re interested in learning more about how ECLIPSE is revolutionizing this segment with an all-new concept, connect with our newest expert brand specialist John Dial. Our team of HMY Yacht Sales Professionals dedicated to the ECLIPSE line is also available at any time. For even more real-time updates, be sure to follow HMY Yachts on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, too.