PROPENSITY

story by Anna McGauley Stockton

Imagine this, you’re cruising on a yacht along the crystal-clear waters of Destin, shades on, drink in hand, being waited on hand and foot by an attentive staff. Well, imagine it no more, Holloway Yacht Charters is here to make that dream a reality.

Holloway Yachts is a dream all its own for owner Ryan Holloway. He grew up boating and always wanted a yacht to call his own. Ryan unknowingly laid the foundation for his company when he purchased his first luxury boat, a Sea Ray Sundancer. After thoroughly enjoying this boat and everything that went along with it, Ryan decided he’s “going to need a bigger boat” and purchased a Hatteras 45. A trip to the Miami Boat Show would further pave the way to realizing his potential in luxury yachting and building a business that would create an experience for others to enjoy yachting as well. He was living in Montgomery, Alabama at the time, yet memories of vacations in Destin navigated Ryan to decide on the Emerald Coast to be the home base of his new business, Holloway Yacht Charters.

Holloway Yachts now boasts a beauty of a vessel, their flagship yacht, Propensity, a Princess V72. This 75’ yacht has three staterooms along with three full bathrooms. With a sun pad, swim platform, and a central stereo system, there’s plenty of outdoor space to enjoy while the upper salon with a table and banquette has plenty of room to take the party inside. Princess Yachts are British luxury yachts known for their high-end materials, attention to detail, and unique layout. No two of their yachts are exactly alike.

Whether you want to tour around the area for a few hours, a full day, or just want to cruise around and catch one of the gorgeous Destin sunsets, Holloway Yachts has a trip option for you. Multiple-day and travel charters are also available for those who want to extend their luxury yacht experience. Each of these charters includes a Captain and crew, fuel, snacks, fruit, and of course, a champagne toast to kick off your cruise. To take your experience over the top, Holloway Yachts has partnered with private Chef Nathan Davis of Polished Chef 30A. The staff’s goal is for guests to be able to sit back and enjoy the views while they tend to your every need. Holloway Yachts’ motto is “If you ask for anything, we failed.” They stress to their staff to make sure your day is absolutely perfect and it will be one of the most memorable days of your life. Propensity is arguably the prettiest boat in Destin and many guests have proposed, celebrated anniversaries, birthdays, or just wanted a romantic or family day. The yacht has also hosted girls/ guys days out, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and weddings.

It’s up to the you on how you’d like to spend your charter and Propensity’s crew is more than happy to accommodate. You can cruise the gulf or the bay and then anchor along the beach or a secluded island for some peace and quiet. If you want to be part of the crab island party, our captain can anchor at Crab Island or have the yacht’s SeaDoo zoom you over to enjoy the island fun. A large variety of water toys, including a B inflatable floating dock will ensure you get the most water fun possible on your charter.

In 2022, Holloway Yachts expanded and now operates Craft Yacht harters, adding a yacht to the fleet. his month, they also added a 2023 31’ Sportsman center console. Adding to their expansion, guests may now also choose to fish or have a fun in the sun experience with a Crab Island specialty charter.

Owner Ryan Holloway, an USCG licensed Captain himself, his wife Heather, and their children make Holloway Yachts a family affair. Heather, an operating room nurse, and both children, students at Auburn University, are all hands-on deck at high season to help charters run as smoothly as possible ensuring everyone has the best experience. Their daughter is a Phi Mu majoring in law and justice and is planning a future in Homeland Security. Their son attends Auburn’s Honors College majoring in economics.

Ryan graduated from Auburn with a degree in finance and international business, continuing with his Masters in Finance. While Ryan is a 5th generation graduate from Auburn, Heather is a Troy alumnus. They are involved with their local church and the Auburn Club Board of Directors. The Holloway family believes firmly in keeping the area s beaches and harbors clean to leave the best environment for future generations to enjoy the waterways as they have.

Philanthropy is at the heart of the Holloway family. They are very involved with Alzheimer’s and ALS research as well as donating to Montgomery Catholic Prep, the school their children attended, to fund a scholarship for economically disadvantaged children to attend the school. Donating to local food banks is also a heartfelt cause they support. Ryan is a member of Tigers Unlimited, Auburn’s top athletics donor organization where he gives back to the university that has meant so much to his life and other generations of his family. He is also a trustee member in the Destin Chamber of Commerce.