Comments from People I have worked with: Don: I know you mentioned to me in Miami that you would be handing over your position but I thought you might change your mind or it would be a long term transition. I guess you are really going to do it!. Your successor is going to have his hands full keeping things running across North America as smoothly and professionally as you have managed to do. My "Don Walsh" email file is one of my most important resources with regard to Hanse Yachts both new and older vessels. When problems arise or we don't have the answer to some questions re: shipping, pricing, equipment or what ever, the answer is always the same "Call Don Walsh". The only time we can't get you is when you are sitting on a plane on the way to or from a boat show or the plant in Germany. Don, you're an amazing guy and it has been a pleasure working with you and knowing you. I want to wish you all the best in the future and don't forget the guys you met on the way up. I'm sure we'll talk over the next few months. DM

Don: So when do we have you come over here and spend some time putting our current sales staff through Dons MBA course in Sales Structure? Really impressed, and I can count the number of times I Have said that in the last five years on one hand. Thanks for sending this to me. Sincerely, BP

Don, We've had a lot of lunches and dinners over the years I've known you, but today was very special to me. It was clear that you are concerned about me, as an individual, and were willing to put any other interest of yours aside to assist me. You're a big man in my eyes for doing so and I can't thank you enough. Just as you've said about your own career moves in the past, I don't know how all this is going to work out (I'm still exploring a lot of ideas) but I'm confident it'll work out for the better. I look forward to working with you more in the future and, at the very least, remaining good friends for a long, long time. All the best, GB

Wow, Don, this is not just a transition, it's the end of an era! Thank you for sharing this news in the professional manner which has always characterized your communications and interaction with us. I know I speak for everyone at Cruising World past and present when I say that we have always enjoyed working with you, Don - and it sure as hell won't be the same without you. You've done a great job getting the modern era Hanse firmly established as a leading player in the US market. Hanse US is in excellent hands with your successor, and we look forward to an even closer relationship with him. Very best regards, SH

Dear Don, You certainly deserve a break and some well earned time off. I hope you will continue to stay involved as long as it is enjoyable for you. Certainly there are many advantages to your experience, and you will be missed. Your successor appears capable and bright. The challenge will be to develop a level of trust and appreciation of the dealers, and accurately ascertain their needs for Michaels consideration. Anyhow, I wish you all the best. You are a pro. MVB

Say it ain't so! Are you going sailing? Don, thanks for the note though sorry to hear the news as it's been a pleasure working with you through the years. I'm sure your successor will carry on well though w/'big shoes to fill'. We'll see you at Strictly Sail Pacific and perhaps we'll see you in Annapolis in the fall? I'll be in touch but let me know if there's anything we need to do to help w/the transition. Best Regards, JA

Don, Congratulations on a job well done, success and pending retirement. I’ve worked with many manufacturers reps over the years and I have to say that you’re at the top of the bunch. I very much appreciate your efforts, work ethic and commitment to the dealers. You’ve been a joy to work with and I wish you much happiness and fun in the coming years. DY

Good Day Gentlemen; This is just a short note to express Canadian Yachting Magazine’s sincere thanks to Don for what can only be described as a wonderful relationship these last few years. More Canadians are sailing Hanse Yachts now than ever before, and that’s a testament to Don’s ability to pick winning dealers and to support the brand in an exceedingly professional manner. Your successor will have his hands full! Thanks to you Don – Congratulations to your successor – and continued success in Canada! Sincerely, JK

Don: It’s a pity that you will leave us. The cooperation with you is/was always fantastic. You are one of the best dealers and making ads or price lists or … for you was always fun and stress-free. If I understand your mails right, from now on your successor will do everything. I wish you all the best for your future and having a lot of fun. Cheers, DS - Mit freundlichen Grüßen

Hi Don and Regine: Congratulations on your transition, not a phrase I have heard before, sounds as if you are about to turn into something else, which I suppose you are in a way, taking things a little easier! Kay and I will always remember our first meeting at CSY on Tortola 29 years ago! You changed our lives that day gave us the chance to spend the happiest ten years of our lives, sailing the Caribbean, visiting many new places and being able to spend time in the States and DC. and getting paid to do it! We made many new friends, and we are still in touch with the ones that mattered! Thank you. BL

Dear Don, I want to say thank you for the past years..! it was really a pleasure for me to work with you on a friendly, open and highly professional level during all the years. I think we all can be proud of what we have built up in the past and we are sure to continue and to work with your successor the same way as we did with you. Malte and i thought it would be a good idea to say personally thank you and good bye ...therefore we are planning a short trip to New York ..if this is OK for you. Regards: SS