Wilde Yacht Sales Welcomes You to Essex Connecticut

The Connecticut River

Situated on the banks of the historic Connecticut River, Wilde Yachts makes its home in a picturesque village famous for sea captains' homes and a centuries-old boat building industry. Beyond the harbor, visitors are enchanted by the many attractions Essex has to offer. Take a leisurely stroll through the Connecticut River Museum or enjoy a stay at the timeless Griswold Inn, recognized as the country's oldest, continuously operated Inn. You'll find that a visit to Essex is to step back in time.

The Yachts

Rendezvous raft-up

Wilde Yacht Sales is the exclusive Nordic Tug dealer for all of New England, New York, Northern Pennsylvania, Northern New Jersey, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario and Canada. The Nordic Tugs currently on display are in a prime location for viewing either by land or by sea.

All Nordic Tugs are available for boarding with a trawler specialist at the Lighthouse. We're open 6 days a week, but please call in advance if you'd like a Sunday appointment. Our toll free number is (888) 447-6944.

Meet The Sales Team

New Nordic Tugs 49

Ben Wilde, an Essex native, brings many years of boating experience to his Nordic Tug dealership. A boating enthusiast from childhood, Ben purchased his first boat, a 14' Wolverine molded plywood, at the young age of 14. He has owned 12 different powerboats since then, and now enjoys cruising the waters between Chesapeake Bay and New Jersey with his wife, Susan. Ben holds a USCG Master's license. During his years on the "mainland", Ben was Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Ekco Housewares, and owner of East Hampton, Massachusetts-based Kellogg Companies. He also proudly holds the title as past Commodore of the Essex Yacht Club.

The historic Griswold Inn

Bill Boyer started boating with his dad on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire over 50 years ago. Don Boyer was the Director of Camp DeWitt in Wolfeboro, NH, and Bill had the opportunity as a camper and counselor to develop his boating skills on a variety of small powerboats and sailboats.

At the age of 17 Bill became the director of Water Skiing at the camp and had to earn his New Hampshire Commercial Boat Captain's license in order to operate a power boat from 15 to 26 feet in length. Bill held his license until 1995 when the camp was sold.

Bill was a Captain-Instructor for the Philadelphia Sailing Club from 1981 to 2004, teaching members how to sail a variety of sailboats from 30 to 45 feet on the Chesapeake Bay. The Club chartered boats for their sailing weekends on the Bay.

In 2003 Bill joined Wilde Yacht Sales in Essex, CT as a yacht broker and new boat captain. He developed a Platinum Training Program for Wilde Yachts so the buyers of new and preowned Nordic Tugs, trawlers and other vessels would have the ability to operate their boats safely and with confidence.

In 2005, Bill earned his USCG 100 Ton master's license, and in 2010 became a certified instructor able to teach theCruising Powerboat Course under the banner of US Powerboating. Bill also qualified for the Newport to Bermuda Race as crew by passing the Safety at Sea Offshore Safety Course. Since 2003 Bill has helped over 100 couples learn about their new boat, and how to competently operate their vessel along the East Coast. Bill has also delivered a variety of power and sail boats for owners from Maine to Florida and in the British Virgin Islands.

In-water Boat Show

Paul Tortora joined Wilde Yacht Sales in 2006 as a Trawler Specialist. When Paul retired from a previous career as a school district administrator, his fondness for boating turned into a full time passion. Paul's experience with Nordic Tugs extends beyond the sales and service of his favorite trawler; he is a past owner of a Nordic and is always eager to share his viewpointas both a salesman and a loyal owner. Paul also assists with Wilde's advertising and marketing and brings with him an extensive technology background applicable to the boating and business industry.

Big ships, every one.

Alannah Dutchess is a Milford native who grew up at Milford Yacht Club, taking part in the early stages of the Junior Yacht Club Sailing program. She has many years experience in sail and power cruising having skippered both locally and offshore. She has been involved with the Shoreline Sailing Club for nearly 20 years and served as Commodore. She brings along 30+ years of "sales" experience in the paper industry.

Susan Morrison joins Wilde Yacht Sales as our office manager, bookeeper, and sales associate. Susan spent her early years in upstate New York on Canandaigua Lake, where her father owned a Boston Whaler. She comes to Wilde Yachts after eight years as the office administrator for the Essex Yacht Club. Susan volunteers for a local charity, Child and Family Agency, where she has chaired several events and was honored with Volunteer of the Year for 2006. She resides in Deep River with her husband Wayne of 36 years.

Directions to Wilde Yachts

By Land

From Hartford and points North

• Travel on I-91 South.
• Merge onto CT-9 South via exit number 22S (on the left) toward Middletown/Old Saybrook and travel for 25.60 miles.
• Take the CT-154/CT-153 exit (exit number 3) toward Essex/Westbrook.
• At the end of the ramp, turn Left onto Middlesex Turnpike/CT-154, and travel for 0.12 miles.
• At the Stop Light, Turn Left onto West Avenue and travel for 0.54 miles.
• At the stop sign, continue straight and travel for 0.11 miles.
• At the Lighthouse traffic circle turn Right onto Main Street and travel for 0.25 miles.
• Turn Left onto Ferry Street.
• Turn Left onto Pratt Street.
• Wilde Yacht Sales is located at the Lighthouse on the Left side of Pratt Street.

From New York and Points West

• Travel on I-95 North.
• Merge onto CT-9 N/Chester Bowles Highway via exit number 69 toward Essex/Hartford and travel for 3.62 miles.
• Take the CT-154 exit (exit number 3) toward CT-153/Centerbrook/Essex.
• At the end of the ramp, turn Left onto Middlesex Turnpike and travel for 0.11 miles.
• At the stop light, turn Right onto West Avenue and travel for 0.54 miles.
• At the stop sign, continue straight and travel for 0.11 miles.
• At the Lighthouse traffic circle turn Right onto Main Street and travel for 0.25 miles.
• Turn Left onto Ferry Street.
• Turn Left onto Pratt Street.
• Wilde Yacht Sales is located at the Lighthouse on the Left side of Pratt Street.

From Rhode Island and Points East

• Travel on I-95 South.
• Merge onto CT-9 N/Chester Bowles Highway via exit number 69 toward Essex/Hartford and travel for 3.62 miles.
• Take the CT-154 exit (exit number 3) toward CT-153/Centerbrook/Essex.
• At the end of the ramp, turn Left onto Middlesex Turnpike and travel for 0.11 miles.
• At the stop light, turn Right onto West Avenue and travel for 0.54 miles.
• At the stop sign, continue straight and travel for 0.11 miles.
• At the Lighthouse traffic circle turn Right onto Main Street and travel for 0.25 miles.
• Turn Left onto Ferry Street.
• Turn Left onto Pratt Street.
• Wilde Yacht Sales is located at the Lighthouse on the Left side of Pratt Street.

By Water

• N 41° 21' 11"
  W 71° 23' 12"