Growing up on Andros Island, Bahamas I found an early passion for the sea. Sailing, fishing, spearfishing and boating were all a part of my early childhood.
My maritime career began in 2000 when I signed on at AUTEC, on Andros. I began as a deckhand and worked my way up through the ranks. I became certified to operate as both Mate and 1st Assistant Engineer on multiple research vessels ranging from 50' to 180'.
We were subcontracted to operate and maintain research vessels that were owned by the US Navy. This required strict maintenance and safety protocols which have been embedded in my work ethic today.
It is there on Andros where I met my wife and a few short years later we were cruising on our own 30' sailboat. We cruised around the Bahamas and as far south as Dominican Republic. That was a very special time for us; we lived from the sea and made ice from the wind and sun. We transformed that vessel from a weekender to a fully rigged cruising sailboat.
The thing about cruising is, you are on your own out there. You are only as good as your critical spares and preparation. You have to think outside the box to find a solution. On one occasion I had to run a generator off an HVAC pump on the first day of charter. Was it correct? No. Did that 1984 Westerbeke run 2 degrees cooler? Yes.
Early in 2011 my wife and I were presented with an opportunity to run a 76' Lazzara as a team. Over the next 3 years we logged over 18,000 nm. The first year we transited from Palm Coast, FL to Duluth, MN navigating through the Canso Strait in Nova Scotia, through the St. Lawrence Seaway lock system, and across the Great Lakes to spend the summer on Lake Superior.
With my experience in the engine room, I was able to save the owner both time and money by preforming repairs myself and preventing unexpected failures and delays. My constant preventative maintenance was clear and the yacht stood out amongst her peers.
After the sale of the Lazzara, we moved up to a 112' Westport which almost immediately went under a sale contract. I absolutely loved the durability and accessibility of that yacht and our time in south Florida. Unbeknownst to me, my wife applied for us to operate a charter yacht in Alaska. Next thing I knew we were on our way to Sitka, Ak!
Our time in Alaska has been the highlight of my career to this day. I was completely awestruck by the magnitude and beauty of the landscape around us. We towed a 30' Osprey that was our dedicated fishing vessel. We caught Halibut, Salmon, Rockfish, Spot Prawns and Dungeness Crab. It was some of the best fishing I've ever experienced.
We navigated to several different glaciers and as a Florida native it was exhilarating piloting through the ice. We had a very successful charter season and delivered the vessel down the inside passage to Seattle. This vessel was put up for sale and we headed back home.
Next I found myself fortunate enough to sign on with M/Y Areti I, a 130' Burger, as Chief Engineer. On that vessel I developed a unique maintenance plan that incorporated both periodic and metered aspects. I was able to keep the vessel on schedule, running smoothly, and within budget.
My new venture is starting my own business, STS Marine Services. With over 20 years experience working on boats and building relationships in the marine industry, I intend to provide my clients with superior customer service.