Yacht crew who smashed their way into the tech industry
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Crew share their crazy guest stories
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As another year ends, it’s time to reflect on your goals for next year. Right now, you may have a job on a yacht or you might be looking for one. That’s OK. You’ve been struck by the allure of the open seas, the Triton crew events, and the chance to live out your “Below Deck” fantasies. But at some point, you need to decide: is this a fleeting fling, or are you devoted to the yacht industry? Spoiler alert: both have quirks and perks, but they are not the same.
A job on a yacht is like speed dating in the maritime world. You get a crash course in yachting as seen through the eyes of the yacht you are on, but not all yacht gigs are alike and none of them are like the yacht industry on land. You could hop from yacht to yacht and build a long resume of yacht jobs. Impressive maybe, but only to a point. Are you not stable or just yacht hopping to see the world?
On the other hand, a career in the yacht industry is a long-term relationship. It won’t always offer exotic sunsets, but it promotes and encourages stability. Be thoughtful and find what truly inspires you. Hopping from land job to land job is not impressive on your resume. It shows you are not sure what you want. You could design yachts, sell them, service them, or manage them, but understand the land job is not the same — it’s a career. Most of us have been in it a long time.
In short, a job on a yacht is a whirlwind romance — intense and unforgettable. A yacht industry career, though, can be a long-term marriage — steady and fulfilling.
A splashy fling to start and a steady sail to carry you through. A reasonable combination!
Happy New Year!
KEVIN QUIRK Co-publisher
Publishers
Jim Bronstien | JimB@TritonNews.com
Kevin Quirk | KQ@TritonNews.com
Editor-in-Chief
Kevin Maher | Kevin@TritonNews.com
Art Director
Debbie Reznik | Production@TritonNews.com
Senior Editor
Lauren Beck | Lauren@TritonNews.com
Sales Director
Edward Ibarra | Sales@TritonNews.com
Director of Digital Sales & Marketing
Carrie Bailey | Carrie@TritonNews.com
Marketing & Social Media Coordinator
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Contributors
Dorie Cox, Danny Davies, Christine Davis, Gemma Harris, Sam Moen, Gina Ragusa, Rebecca Taylor, Norma Trease
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Vol. 4, No. 1
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INDUSTRY UPDATES
16–22 The latest from the yachting industry.
HURRICANES HELENE AND MILTON
24 How the yachting industry stepped up when disaster hit.
FUTURE TRENDS IN YACHTING
26 Yachting is always evolving, so what’s next?
THE GUEST REQUEST
28 Crewmembers share their craziest guest stories.
UNVEILING THE INDUSTRY
30 What do early season stars think of “Below Deck’s” controversial reputation?
2024 CREW AWARDS
34 ACREW recognizes crewmembers for their hard work and personal achievements.
NUTTY NAUTICAL NEWS
36 Wacky news from around the maritime world.
SAILFUTURE’S SECOND-CHANCE SUPPORT
38 Offering youth a second chance through yachting.
TRITON’S TENDER PICKS
42 It’s time to make space in the tender garage.
TOY BOX UPDATE
42 New toys to add to your yacht toy box.
TITANS OF TECH
44–46 Crewmembers are blazing a trail in the tech industry.
SETUP NIGHTMARES
50 What are crewmembers’ least favorite toys?
ENGINEER TURNED INNOVATOR
52 How Sam Wheaton helped create Seahub.
PREDICTWIND’S ADVANCED WEATHER TECH
54 How superyacht weather forecasting is changing.
DECKHAND DAN
55 Triton’s comic strip takes on toys.
HOW TOYS AFFECT YACHT CHARTERS
56 Which toys enhance a charter experience?
TRITON DESTINATIONS
58–63 Find out what attractions exist for crew in the Caribbean islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.
CALENDAR
64 The best industry events in December and January.
EVENT GALLERY
66–74 Photos of captains, crew, and industry professionals at Triton events, boat shows, and parties!
TRITON DOUBLE TAKE
80 Test your powers of observation!
ON THE COVER
M/Y Miss Stephanie by Worth Avenue Yachts
Triton ’s 2024 was one to remember. As we strive to provide entertaining, informative, and educational content for captains, crew, and industry professionals around the world, I believe our magazine hit the mark this year. Some of my favorites from the year include a dive into Yachty Hockey written by Dorie Cox; Jordan Parkinson’s rowboat journey across the Atlantic Ocean that I reported on; Gemma Harris’s story on Anthony Hsieh and the Bad Company fleet; and the detailed analysis on alcoholism in the industry written by Triton ’s Senior Editor Lauren Beck.
While those are just a few highlights of an amazing editorial year, I believe every story we published this year had an impact. While our words were vital, the art that accompanied them elevated the magazine to another level. Triton’s Art Director Debbie Reznik created some incredible covers and stories and our Sales Director Edward Ibarra continued to find great partners.
Apart from our editorial side, Triton ’s events were a huge hit thanks to Carrie Bailey and our team, who introduced thousands to our Captains, Crew, & Cocktails and our Triton Expos this year. All this is made easier with the help of Ayana Evans, our social media coordinator, who spreads the word about our events and everything Triton . One of my favorite parts of working at Triton is putting faces to the names of social media supporters and networking with our readers at our events, so be sure to stop by our booth and say hi!
Although it’s incredible to look back at a successful 2024, the year is not over yet. This issue is packed with information on the newest tenders and toys and offers state-of-the-art tech to help you on board. We share how crew responded to the call of hurricane victims this year, future trends in yachting, and some funny crew stories about their guest experiences. Looking into 2025, I see Triton continuing to expand our crew coverage in the industry, with Triton’s Publishers Jim Bronstien and Kevin Quirk helping to drive us to yet another successful year.
KEVIN MAHER Kevin@TritonNews.com
Superyacht inflatable manufacturer FunAir and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) announced the development of the Rescue SeaStairs after the two institutions partnered. The Rescue SeaStairs are an adaptation of FunAir’s patented SeaStairs technology for superyachts but have been modified for critical maritime rescue operations.
The Rescue SeaStairs are tailored to the specific requirements of RNLI crew and constructed for life-saving operations to help get people out of water far quicker than other means. The equipment is designed to reduce the risk for both the rescuers and those in distress. Currently being deployed across the United Kingdom, the SeaStairs have already been used in rescues — including one rescue where more than 40 lives were saved.
“It enables our crews to recover large numbers of people from the water at high speed — which in a rescue situation could be the difference between life and death,” said Simon Ling, head of lifeboats at RNLI.
FunAir.com
PT Marina Development Indonesia (MDI) and Pelindo announced the development of Indonesia’s first international standard full-service marina. The marina will be able to accommodate 180 wet berths, including more than 50 superyachts up to 90 meters in length.
The milestone project mirrors the leap forward in the country’s maritime tourism and infrastructure, with the marina located in the Bali Maritime Tourism Hub in Benoa. The marina will have a modern yacht service area equipped with a travel lift capable of handling up to 200 tons and a
high-quality fueling station.
With construction underway, the marina is scheduled to welcome yachts to the first dock in July 2025 and have full yacht capacity by mid 2026. Currently, there is a temporary mooring buoy system in place that can accommodate 30 yachts up to 17 meters in length.
“This marina will attract global yachting enthusiasts and open up for exploring Indonesia's natural beauty in the biggest archipelago in the world,” said Ulf Backlund, president director of MDI. asia-pacific-superyachts.com
Water Revolution Foundation and Seastainable Yachting launched Version 2.0 of the Environmental Crew Guidelines during this year’s Monaco Yacht Show. The updated edition builds on the first version’s success, offering an enhanced toolkit that supports the industry’s transition towards more environmentally friendly operations while still providing crew with advice to implement better practices across all onboard positions.
After feedback from industry supporters and crewmembers who implemented the practices from the guidelines’ first version on board, version 2.0 was restructured to improve usability through visual aids. The team emphasizes that these guidelines are not a prescriptive way of handling things on board, but are a free, open-to-all resource to provide direction. Feedback is once again welcomed.
“The overwhelmingly positive response to the first version of the guidelines demonstrated the yachting industry’s commitment to sustainability,” said Robert van Tol, executive director of the Water Revolution Foundation. “With Version 2, we’re providing crew with even more tools and knowledge to make a real difference in their daily operations.”
Water Revolution Foundation is a non-profit organization that looks to drive sustainability through collaboration and innovation in the yachting sector.
Seastainable Yachting is a non-profit, purpose-driven platform set up by crew, for crew, to help guide the industry towards sustainable onboard practices.
waterrevolutionfoundation.org seastainableyachting.com
Quay Crew surveyed more than 280 superyacht captains to obtain the current salary and leave information for all crew on board. The superyacht recruitment agency received real-time compensation data across all departments, excluding captains, with various yacht sizes, private and charter yachts, and full-time versus full rotation roles.
Yacht and average crew size remain similar to Quay Crew’s 2022 survey, but salaries are generally up for all crew. Rises range from as low as 0.5% for second stews to 20% for pursers and 14% for ETO/ AVITs, with the engineering department seeing the largest increase of all onboard departments.
As expected, monthly salaries tend to increase as the yacht size does, but many
VIRSEC, a maritime training provider, launched its new course, Cyber Security Awareness for Superyacht Crew & Staff. The course is developed by industry experts and is designed to provide an overview of existing cyber threats, risk management, and cyber security compliance associated with superyachts.
The course aims to equip crew with a better understanding of security breaches, cyberattacks, and data theft — particularly those related to social media hacking and identity theft. MarineMax reported that it experienced “‘a cybersecurity incident,’ as defined in applicable Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules,” to the SEC earlier this year, highlighting the possibility of cybersecurity threats within the industry.
The course is designed for crew and those who use vulnerable applications on board and personal devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops. virsec.org
cases point to a dip after 80 to 89 or 90 to 99 meters. Quay Crew suspects this is due to yachts larger than 100 meters requiring commercial tickets, with a significant percentage of these crew entering the industry in mid-level positions with little to no experience. Programs on yachts larger than 100 meters are also more likely to hire outside of the common yacht crew nationalities.
Quay Crew also found the pay difference between private and private/charter yachts to be shrinking. In three size brackets, private yachts paid less than private/charter. Crew with secondary skills are shown to achieve slightly higher salaries, with dual roles on deck in carpentry, watersports, and personal training receiving between 12.3% and 18.6% more than deckhands. Interior crew
Guy Harvey is partnering with 4ocean to launch a co-branded selection of shirts. Harvey’s work encompasses a mission to protect and preserve ocean ecosystems — for every shirt sold, Harvey will commit to removing trash from the ocean.
The partnership includes three products, with proceeds for every sale donated to the Guy Harvey Foundation to track and preserve shark populations and pull five pounds of trash from the ocean, rivers, or coastlines.
Products include the Guy Harvey Braided Shark Bracelet, which is made with 4ocean-recovered plastic and recycled stainless steel charms. It’s handcrafted by Bali artisans and has carbon-neutral and plastic-free shipping.
The two remaining products include Guy Harvey’s Pelagic Shark Cruiser and Mako Shark Impact T-shirts, both designed by Guy Harvey and made with certified organic cotton, closed-loop water recycling, and fully renewable energypowered printing. As an added benefit, when the shirt reaches the end of its
with skills in massage, beauty therapy, and hairdressing earn more than 20% more.
Leave packages across the industry seem to be heading in the right direction, according to Quay Crew. From 2022’s survey to this year’s survey of crew on board yachts between 60 to 89 meters in size, deckhands have seen a 77% increase in 3:1 rotation, chief stews received a 111% increase in time-for-time rotation, chief officers saw a 27% increase in time-for-time rotation, and service and housekeeping stews saw a 43% increase in 3:1 rotation.
“We believe this is the most accurate salary survey ever completed due to the quality of the data, which has come from the captains themselves,” Quay Crew’s Survey stated.
Find the full survey at quaycrew.com
life, you can send it back, and it will be upcycled into a new shirt.
According to their website, “This collaboration not only aligns with their shared passion for ocean conservation but also amplifies their impact by engaging their audience in meaningful environmental action, ensuring that each purchase contributes to a cleaner and healthier ocean.”
guyharvey.com / 4ocean.com
Veteran crew agent Linda Leathart, along with Co-founder Darryl Leathart, has launched Following Seas Recruiting. Linda has a wealth of experience from her hospitality background ashore and her six years as a senior crewmember aboard yachts over 50 meters.
As chief stew, Linda was responsible for hiring her department’s team. “Having been crew, I know how important crew are. It was really important to find the right fit,” Linda said. “No matter how stunning the decor is, it’s the quality of the crew that truly defines a guest’s experience.”
This hands-on recruiting experience set her on the path to her recruitment career. After founding and running Nautic Crew for six years, she honed her skills further at Viking Crew before deciding to establish Following Seas Recruiting.
Now, she is excited to return to her passion for personalized hiring. Operating as an independent agency allows her to dedicate time and care to finding the best candidates for each role, from entry-level crew to captains, estate managers, and other shore-based positions.
While crew longevity is her focus, Linda
does not discount any candidate who crosses her desk, no matter their experience. “Longevity has its value, but there are also circumstances that don’t lend themselves to longevity. I evaluate every candidate as an individual.” Some people need a little extra attention to become viable candidates — she enjoys teasing out their relevant backgrounds and experiences.
Her industry reputation has also served her well. Many of her contacts have been with her since 2008, returning because they trust her judgment and dedication. She’s known for going the extra mile for her clients, up to and including being a sounding board for new crew just entering the industry — provided they’re open to her “brutal honesty.”
She also offers support to help crew craft their CV, free of charge, even if there’s no current job available. “I think your resume is your best bargaining tool, so I’m happy to help,” she said. “We are giving back — we want everybody to succeed in the industry.”
The company’s new website is live, and crewmembers can schedule meetings with Linda or Darryl through Calendly. followingseasrecruiting.com
Island Global Yachting (IGY) has activated a large-scale solar power generation project at Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas. The project is a collaboration between IGY and Prosolar Caribbean, a leading solar energy provider in the region.
IGY has installed a rooftop photovoltaic generation array to generate clean, renewable energy for the property. According to the press release, the power generated from the panels will supply a “meaningful share” of Yacht Haven Grande’s energy requirements, reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, and lower its carbon footprint. Furthermore, the project will reduce demand on the local utility grid, making more power available for the surrounding community.
“This solar project is a milestone for IGY’s renewable energy solutions and our ongoing commitment to sustainability initiatives
across our global portfolio of industry-best marinas. We are committed to working with our partners to find innovative ways to reduce our environmental impact and create a more sustainable future for the marina industry,” said Steven English, IGY’s president.
“This project is a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility,” said Eric Simonton, executive vice president of Real Estate at IGY.
igymarinas.com
The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) unveiled two new guides to foster allyship within the shipping, cruise, and superyacht industries. The guides, cosponsored by The Seafarers’ Charity and The UK P&I Club, are part of ISWAN’s campaign, “Safe at Sea…it takes all of us!” which focuses on enhancing women’s safety at sea through male seafarer support.
Allyship involves actively supporting those in marginalized groups. In the maritime sector, allyship is vital due to the diverse workforce, where many often feel they are “the only one” in terms of gender, nationality, religion, or other characteristics.
The first guide supports seafarers in becoming good allies to their peers. The companion guide helps stakeholders — such as employers and management companies — create a culture of allyship on board.
ISWAN emphasizes that allyship can improve individual well-being, professional and personal growth, team dynamics, and safety by reducing harmful behaviors. This is especially crucial for women, who often face challenges like abuse, bullying, harassment, discrimination, and violence.
Georgia Allen, ISWAN’s project and relationship manager, highlights the need for a cultural shift.
“… Making a real commitment both to being a good ally to seafarers and to proactively fostering a culture of allyship is a concrete step that maritime stakeholders can take towards achieving the structural change that is needed for women seafarers to experience safe and rewarding careers. …Being good allies to one another is a very powerful way for all seafarers to benefit from a greater sense of safety, inclusion, and belonging at sea.”
ISWAN’s guides are available for free download.
iswan.org.uk
After catastrophic flooding hit Valencia, Spain, Marina Port Valencia headed to Benetusser and Massanassa with bilge pumps to help those in need. Valencia residents experienced catastrophic flooding in October, with more than 200 people reportedly dying in the floods.
Apart from helping drain water from garages, a school, and streets, Marina Port Valencia launched a food and clothing collection at its offices. People are asked to donate blankets, footwear, water, milk, hygiene products, cleaning materials, and non-perishables.
Other IPM Group facilities signed up for the initiative on the first day, including Varadero Valencia, Monzó Yacht Painting, and the marinas and refit yards in Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Tarragona. Over the next few days, other facilities, such as Valencia Mar and the yacht clubs of Calpe, Jávea, Benidorm, and Villajoyosa, also joined the rescue team.
“Your soul breaks when you see a catastrophe of this size, and the only thing you can do is help the survivors,” said Santiago Donat, director of Marina Port Valencia. “We want to show our solidarity and support at these delicate moments, and we’ll do anything that can help, whether it’s cleaning up a road, draining water from a garage, or giving food and water to fellow citizens who haven’t eaten or drunk for days on end.”
marinaportvalencia.es
ELIRE Infra, a venture group under the ELIRE group of companies commercializing business concepts to accelerate efforts toward meeting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) targets, announced the world’s first intelligent floating infrastructure. Their “Smart Hubs” aim to accelerate decarbonization in ports, harbors, waterways, and within the industries they support.
According to ELIRE Infra, the Smart Hubs are agile and designed to be flexible and customizable for numerous industries
and locations, unlike traditional floating infrastructure like pontoons. With a lifespan of more than 30 years, ELIRE Infra’s hexagonal Smart Hubs look to help expand ports and harbors while causing minimal environmental disruption.
The Smart Hubs range from 400 to 1,600 square meters and can be joined together or taken apart, allowing ports to remove them if necessary at the end of their lifespan. ELIRE Infra aims to have 200 Smart Hubs around the world by 2030. elireinfra.com
Zennor Pascoe, CEO of Seaquestr and a former crewmember, launched software that looks to simplify the process of understanding and tracking emissions on board yachts. His program, SEAOtool, offers a comprehensive set of emissions data and analytical tools to help captains, crew, and industry professionals better understand their carbon footprint. The software is built around the operations of vessels and marine companies and includes a dataset of marinespecific emissions factors.
Users determine their carbon footprint by entering data from activities and products used during the year, like marine fuels, water, waste, and travel. The platform uses this data to create detailed analytics while helping users find ways to lessen their impact. The platform is currently available for demos and consultations, with SEAOtool offering the software for free during its initial launch phase. A subscription model is planned for 2025.
seaquestr.io
By Dorie Cox
Two uninvited visitors swung through the southeastern United States this fall and trashed the place. The power couple, Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, spawned tornadoes and intense flooding that killed hundreds of people and destroyed homes, businesses, and towns in six states. We looked for bright spots in the storms and found a maritime industry quick to help.
Hurricane Helene was a big hit to Florida boaters, said sport fisherman Capt. Ryan Harrington of Reel Estate Charters in the Tampa Bay area. The surge affected marinas, boats, the surrounding waters, and left five feet of water in his neighborhood.
This Florida native had never evacuated, but Helene changed his mind. He and his family left before Milton arrived and they returned to find their home minimally damaged. But, as a full-time guide, he is out of work for a while.
“I can’t fish now, one boat is damaged, so is my marina, the water is brown, and we have a red tide,” Harrington said. “But I consider myself blessed, it’s nothing we can’t live with. These people have nothing left,” he said of his neighbors.
So, he headed down the street to help. First stop, a single dad with a kid and four feet of water in his house. Harrington took furniture to the street and ripped out drywall.
When others asked how they could help, he said, “Show up at my house at 7 a.m.”
And they did.
He put 30 pounds of meat on the
smoker to share each morning and was first in line to buy tools and supplies at the hardware store.
“We did 53 houses,” Harrington said. “Most were total strangers; people in shock and not sure what to do. I have no training for this, I’m not military, or a first responder.”
But he did get a taste when his friend Capt. Jamie Hough in Charleston, South Carolina, was hit by a storm. “I felt guilty we didn’t get hit,” Harrington said.
So, he teamed up with Hough after Hurricane Ian hit Fort Myers, Florida. They delivered donations and served free meals to those affected. Hough had been on the cooking competition “MasterChef” and promised to buy a disaster relief food truck if he won. He didn’t win, but he created Southeast Rescue and Relief, anyway.
People ask how Harrington can spend his time and money to volunteer.
“I don’t know, but it will all work out,” he said.
“There is an underground cult of people who do this,” he said. “We don’t want it to be a full-time job, but it kind of is.”
After a summer working on a yacht in Ohio, Chef Adrienne Gang watched the weather as Helene and Milton headed to shore. Gang has helped after hurricanes before, including Dorian and Ian. As Helene hit, she connected with crew, friends, and social groups for donations, loading them into U-Haul trailers and driving to the hard-hit Asheville, North Carolina, area with a Florida group.
There, they fed first responders and recovery and reconstruction crews, including nurses bushwacking to find people desperate for insulin, oxygen, and medical care, and teams of construction workers removing debris.
“We did 1,000 meals a day to support people supporting the community,” Gang said. The chefs, volunteers, and locals served breakfasts, chilies, jambalayas, and shepherd’s pies, packed with carbohydrates, vegetables, and high protein.
Several locals joined to help, even though they were tired and downtrodden, with no running water where they were sleeping, Gang said. But these volunteers found purpose and could see how much their contributions mattered.
“It gives the community hope. Every day was a little bit better,” she said.
Grateful for her 20-year yachting career, Gang said relief work is even more impactful and humbling.
“I would challenge crew to volunteer to help and service communities impacted by storms,” she said. “In the yacht community, there is a strong desire to be able to help, I encourage it for a more solid and valuable reality.”
Many marine industry businesses and employees stepped up after the disastrous duo hit. With Florida stores in the path of both hurricanes, Nautical Ventures prioritized the safety of staff and their families.
“We evacuated all our employees, paid for days they couldn’t work, and told them to be safe,” said Company Chairman and CEO Roger Moore.
Fortunately, both stores survived, and a complex logistics operation paid off, according to Logistics and Marina Manager Teresa Drugatz. The hurricane plan called for moving boats from coast to coast in Florida, pulling some out of the water, securing others, and safeguarding properties.
Employees worked hard and they were happy to come in early or stay late if asked, she said.
“What could have been a very strenuous situation ended up working out fantastic because of how everyone from all seven of our locations worked together, most without ever meeting,” Drugatz said.
The experience set a storm preparation standard for the main location in Fort Lauderdale, she said. “...For when the time comes for us.”
Other maritime businesses, including Boat Owners Warehouse (BOW) and Lewis Marine Supply, set up fundraisers and donation sites to collect goods for those affected.
Store Manager Drew Smiley of BOW Fort Lauderdale helped organize items for delivery to the company’s Sarasota store to distribute to local organizations, including the American Red Cross and government agencies. Company delivery drivers also picked up contributions from clients on their routes.
Then there is “ Five.” He is a three-month-old labrador retriever mix puppy from North Carolina being fostered by former yacht chef Adora Wisdom in South Florida. To help after the storms, she contacted an animal rescue group with dogs from affected areas. Currently, Wisdom is special projects director and sales and charter with Luxury Yacht Group and seeks Five’s forever home. Call her at 954-579-6836 for details.
BY NORMA TREASE
Yachting is a fast-moving target. As an industry, we have to keep up with, or surpass, the expectations of our highly sophisticated clientele, so analyzing future trends is a big topic. Fortunately, the thousands of businesses and professionals in yachting — including yacht crew — are a tech-savvy population who are not following trends, but creating them. Here are a few of the trends knocking on your hull soon.
LÜRSSEN WERFT
Lürssen has invested in the future by developing an innovation lab to simulate and test the integration and operation of a marine hybrid fuel cell system on board a yacht powered by methanol. Their commitment to practical applications of future-view technology was demonstrated by the 2022 launch of the 160-meter M/Y Blue. She is equipped with a highly efficient diesel-electric propulsion concept designed in-house, an electric Azimuth Pod Drive, and cutting-edge exhaust and wastewater treatment systems. What is in the far future? Sales Director Michael Breman commented, “Why not build a nuclear-powered yacht — new technology for sure — but we will need a different name for it!”
Hydrogen-fueled yachts are no longer concepts, but reality, with the launch of 119-meter Project 821, boldly designed by United Kingdom firm RWD. “Clean technology, not just for this project, but for the world,” said Jan-Bart Verkuyl, Feadship director and Royal Van Lent CEO.
QUANTUM MARINE STABILIZERS
Quantum Marine supplies stabilizer and
control systems to most of the largest yachts built today, plus military and commercial vessels. Their recently announced F45 Integrated Hybrid Power System features a blend of traditional hydraulic system and a direct electric drive, offering potentially 60% greater efficiency.
Recent years have seen an upsurge in crew recognition and education, and increasingly, yacht crew and charter vessels have begun creating unique and highly effective marketing programs.
Capt. Kelly Gordon is a highly respected and sought-after speaker at educational forums worldwide on her favorite topic of crew mental health. Besides launching the nonprofit Yachtie Minds Matter, she and Media Manager Emily Taffel bring much needed attention to this difficult subject — online and at international conferences.
Wildly popular, with millions of views on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, Capt. Paul Clarke and the crew of M/Y Loon market themselves by illustrating the fun of yacht charter through videos featuring every water sport imaginable, crew activities, and the spectacular locations they cruise. Loon has two fully dedicated content creators working aboard on rotation and Clarke, whose tenure on
Loon has seen him at the helm of three increasingly larger yachts, also manages a side business called Superyacht Socials, which employs seven people full-time.
As explorer yachts, supply vessels, and yachts sailing to the farthest extremes of our oceans becomes increasingly popular, so does the challenge of finding new destinations. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is looking to do just that by building what is possibly the most ambitious maritime and yachting facility in the world.
Sindalah Island, recently launched with great fanfare, is located in the newly built Neom region on the Red Sea and is less than a full day’s cruise from the Mediterranean. Designed and operated by IGY Marinas, this facility offers berths and mooring buoys for yachts up to 180 meters, boasting modern amenities and technology. When added to existing marinas in Egypt, Jordan, and beyond to the Indian Ocean, this could become a future destination, attracting yachts seeking new horizons, a moderate winter climate, and pristine diving.
Yachtsmen and women have long been at the forefront of marine conservation. Many yachts and yachting businesses are conscientiously building programs to benefit the world around them.
Some of the many yacht-centric environmental groups include Water Revolution Foundation, Blue Marine Foundation, Yachts For Science, and The International SeaKeepers Society, which has accomplished more than 500 ocean science projects on yachts in more than 47 different countries in the last 10 years. Start-ups like Expedition Zero are pointing the way to truly “green” cruising.
Damen Yachting has inspired a whole new generation by building their ruggedly capable explorer and support vessels and are leaders in the conservation field. Their Sustainability Manager Moena Maggi calls herself “the supporter of dreams for today’s most innovative yacht owners.”
Marina Bahía Golfito, whose motto is “Conservation is the New Trend,” is well known to the yachting community as a jump-off to The Galápagos Islands, Alaska, and the South Pacific and is located on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Working with the University of Costa Rica and the International SeaKeepers Society, they are establishing a marine research center to bring marine biology, ocean studies, and yachting closer together.
One of the most vibrant and fastest growing areas of yachting, the industry can only benefit from the practical knowledge of our crew, with many examples of creative crew entrepreneurship.
“First hand operational knowledge in the galley is hard won and critically valuable to the guest experience when designing a new build,” said Chef Brennan Dates, who segued his onboard career into a new stratosphere, launching Superyacht Galley Designs. He’s already created galleys on five new builds up to 150 meters in Germany, Holland, and the U.S.
During her four years as a superyacht deckhand, Leah Tennant was increasingly frustrated working with toxic chemicals and at the waste of multiple cleaning materials used throughout. Tennant created Washdown, a line of environmentally friendly, multi-purpose products for cleaning both interior and exterior surfaces. Her lessons learned and applied? “Yachting taught me work ethic and drive, attention to detail, and learning to deal with the 1% gives you the confidence to speak with anyone.”
Maja Bergström has had one of the most interesting specialty jobs aboard as a dedicated florist. Traveling the world on a “gigayacht” she learned firsthand the complications of sourcing and maintaining fresh flowers and plants. Bergström began Breezy Blooms when off rotation, offering classes to interior crew on the floral arts.
Gone forever are the days when yachting was male dominated. From the rise of female captains to the business of yachting, women are making big waves. The Association of Women in Yachting and Professional Women in Yachting are but two of the many associations focused on supporting and mentoring women through hosting seminars and conferences at yacht shows worldwide.
She of the Sea, born of a conversation between two female skippers about gender
diversity in yachting, is dedicated to “move past the outdated status quo and propel ourselves into the future.”
Titta Uoti-Vaisanen has launched numerous businesses under the umbrella of TUV Consulting. Based in the South of France, her Superyacht Foodies conferences have attracted crowds of yacht chefs and crew to experience culinary delicacies from her native Finland and beyond. Look for her on your home screen soon, as she has been tapped to produce a TV documentary on the superyacht and luxury sectors.
By Lauren Beck
“I can think of one thing that stands out as the worst/craziest request that I have ever had from an owner. The owner had two cute miniature schnauzers on board and wanted to take them to the Galápagos. I explained that the rules are pretty clear that you cannot bring any animals. She insisted on bringing them, even after I explained that if you arrive with animals, they take them away, put them down, and incinerate them. The only way I could prevent this was to absolutely refuse. As I did not budge on this, the owner eventually had her PA pick up the dogs in Panama and take them back to the U.S. with him. Needless to say, it was not long before I left the yacht for a more sane environment.”
— Capt. Raymond
“We were on charter in The Bahamas, and this one guest was a New Yorker. He wanted real New York bagels, and I had to source them literally from this place in New York. I had to get on the horn with people to make it happen. So, a seaplane landed and handed us a few dozen New York bagels. He didn’t eat them all, but spent God only knows how much on it.”
— Chef Brian
While the crew can make or break any charter, it’s usually the guest stories that linger long after they have departed. From the awesome to the hilarious, several crewmembers share some of their most unforgettable guest memories.
“In 2009, we had to pick up a charter in Saybrook, Connecticut. We anchored out, and they used their tender to come out and meet the boat at anchor on the day of arrival. They put a treadmill in their Chris-Craft and brought it out to the 112-foot Westport, made us use the davits, and put it on the flybridge for the week.”
— Chef/Stew Corinne
“The owner brought his bass fish flip-flops on board, and he wore them everywhere.”
— First Officer RJ
“They put something in the refrigerator and told me not to touch the stuff in the Tupperware. A week goes by, five countries later, and I figure out they’re medicated brownies.”
— An anonymous chef
“There was a charter guest who was really into the Peloton bike. She brought one to the boat and we now have a Peloton bike on board. She needed it for that time and left it for us.”
“I ended up in one client’s Christmas card. They loved me for some reason — I don’t know why. They didn’t want any other crew in the photo; they just wanted me. They made the captain take a photo of me with them, and it went out to all their family.”
— Deck crew Ross
Nautical series “Below Deck” has long had a controversial reputation in the yachting industry, especially when the series made a splash on Bravo in 2013. Seen as an upstairs/ downstairs peek behind the curtain, first-season Chief Stew Adrienne Gang says many captains and crew didn’t love the show because, “We had this amazing little secret that no one else was supposed to discover.”
Gang, part of the original team who helped launch “Below Deck” 11 years ago, knew there would be backlash from the industry and braced for the reaction from her peers. She admits to being “terrified” when the show initially aired.
“I genuinely thought people were going to throw tomatoes at me because I had heard things and people had said things. I was somewhere, and someone was talking about the show, and they said they thought it was the worst thing that would ever happen in yachting,” Gang recalled.
Hearing negative remarks is one thing, but Gang’s experience extended far beyond smack talk about the show. Shortly after the series launched, Gang and a few other season one crewmembers
experienced backlash during a boat show. A yacht broker invited Gang, “Below Deck” Capt. Lee Rosbach, and Second Stew Kat Held, who appeared on two seasons of the show, to a boat show.
“We walked up to the boat and the a------ captain was standing on the aft deck of the boat letting people in, starting screaming at us, and made a scene on the dock,” Gang said. “And refused us entry because of our participation in the show.” Gang recalled feeling stunned but shrugged it off.
“‘How’s your day going, Dave?’ He acted as though I didn’t exist. He refused to shake my hand.”
“It was just Kat and I standing there for all anybody else knew, because not everybody in the industry had seen the show at that particular [time]. They thought he was just unhinged because he was screaming at us and berating us standing on the dock, and we’re both just standing there like, ‘Okay, we can just
Many captains and crew have differing opinions on “Below Deck,” but what do early season stars think of the show’s effect on yachting?
By Gina Ragusa
leave.’ We were invited, but we’ll just go.” she said.
Jennice Ontiveros, who appeared on season two as the first “Below Deck” female deckhand, also experienced backlash when her captain wanted to introduce her to one of his former captains at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show shortly after her season started airing in 2014.
“We go to FLIBS together and people at that point know who I am. There were a lot of crew. He was standing on his aft [deck], the whole crew was standing there in a line,” she said.
Ontiveros’s captain made the introduction, “And I reached my hand out to shake his hand and he just looked at my hand and looked back up at [her captain] Dave,” she said. Completely ignoring her, the captain instead spoke directly to Ontiveros’s captain and said, “‘How’s your day going, Dave?’ He acted as though I didn’t exist. He refused to shake my hand.”
“I put my hand down after he didn’t shake it and I looked over at the crew to assess like what’s going on here? And his
crew started laughing at me,” she said. “And I thought he’s trying to humiliate me because I’ve humiliated him,” by essentially being on “Below Deck,” Ontiveros said.
Ontiveros said not all reactions she received were negative, but “it was really polarizing. You were either treated like trash and didn’t deserve to be on the dock or you were celebrated.”
Later that fall, Ontiveros connected with a different captain who was younger. “He was a large-vessel captain and he contacted me and said, ‘Hey, I saw you on “Below Deck” and I am really impressed with the work that you did. I respect you and I have some charters coming up and I’d like you to be on my team,’” Ontiveros said.
First season “Below Deck” crewmember Eddie Lucas, who began as a deckhand and eventually became a first officer on the show, agreed that the yachting community didn’t love the exposure.
“When the series first aired, I think there was a lot of pushback from the industry,” Lucas, who is currently a tugboat captain and ultimately starred on five seasons of the show, recalled. “Professionals thought we were sharing their secrets, and yacht owners didn’t like we were bringing attention to their luxurious private life. And for good reason, the professionals in the industry didn’t want a bunch of inexperienced dock walkers coming in to fill all the positions on yachts in an attempt to get a slice of the amazing life working on a yacht provides.”
Amy Johnson, who was a second stew on “Below Deck” seasons two and three, agreed with Lucas’s assessment that the industry braced itself for what could end up being a misrepresentation of the yachting industry.
“There were concerns about how the public would perceive our work and whether it would give an accurate picture of the high level of professionalism expected in yachting,” she said.
While the series is still controversial, many “Below Deck” alums believe attitudes have shifted.
Some new crewmembers said being on “Below Deck” has hindered their yachting career.
“People are recognizing that “Below Deck” offers viewers a unique glimpse into an industry that might otherwise seem exclusive or inaccessible,” Johnson said. “The show can sometimes emphasize the drama, which is to be expected on TV, but it also highlights how hard crewmembers work and the challenges they navigate to create those picture-perfect experiences for guests. I think there’s been a growing appreciation in the industry for how the show has attracted new people to yachting and even educated viewers about the hard work behind luxury travel.”
Lucas also hopes the show ultimately gives viewers and possibly yacht owners and guests some insight into how hard crewmembers work.
“I don’t think there are many benefits that the show has created for the industry. Anybody who actually works on yachts knows the show is not realistically what it is like to work on yachts,” he said. “But I hope that the show does illustrate how hard some people do work. And I hope yacht owners or guests watch the show and gain more appreciation for the hard work and dedication of their crew.”
Gang, who continues to work in the yachting industry as a chef, says extreme reactions like those she and Ontiveros experienced are less common.
“People will still talk s— and I think those people are jealous that they weren’t cast to be on the show,” she said.
While that may be true, some new crewmembers said being on “Below Deck” has hindered their yachting career. “Below Deck” Deckhand Ben Willoughby recently shared on TikTok that he’s struggled to secure employment after being on the show and was fired from at least two jobs as a result.
“The captain discovered I was on “Below Deck” and needed to speak to the owner,” he shared in a video after appearing on “Below Deck” seasons 10 and 11. “Two hours later, I found out I was instantly fired as that boat didn’t like “Below Deck” crew.” ‹
By Chef Danny Davies
There’s nothing quite like a private beach barbecue. A beach barbecue isn’t just about the food — it’s about creating a memorable experience where you, the superyacht chef, can work your magic. Here’s my ultimate checklist to ensure you’re ready to wow your guests with an unforgettable beach barbecue.
1. Portable Grill
You’ll need a compact but robust grill. Look for a large grill area with foldable legs and wind protection. My preference leans towards something that gives me everything, like the old Sputnik-style portable charcoal grill.
2. Coolers and Ice Packs
You’ll need a cooler for meats and seafood, another for fresh ingredients like salads, and one just for drinks. Pack them with ice packs instead of regular ice.
3. Weather-Proof Containers
Go for waterproof, airtight containers to transport seasonings, oils, sauces, and marinades. Capture a little air in ZipLoc bags before sealing to prevent squishing during transit.
4. Cutlery and Serving Utensils
Bring a sharp chef’s knife, a slicing knife for larger cuts of meat, tongs, a fish spatula, and a carving fork. For serving,
I recommend working with the chief stew to find out what large platters you have on board. I like to label each platter with what I will serve on it, then pack.
PACKING THE FOOD: TIPS TO STREAMLINE PREP
1. Marinade in Advance
Marinate the meats and seafood in vacuumsealed bags to save space and keep flavors locked in. Try tropical flavors that bring out the local vibe — think jerk seasoning for chicken, lime and garlic for shrimp, or rum and honey for pork.
2. Pre-Chop and Pre-Measure
Cut down on prep time by chopping vegetables and portioning out ingredients in advance. Bring dressings in separate containers and toss just before serving to keep salads fresh and crisp.
3. Bring Extra Ice and Keep It Separate
Nothing dampens a beach barbecue quicker than lukewarm drinks. Bring extra ice for drinks and store separately from food. Ice for drinks and raw proteins should never be in the same bag.
4. Portable Spice Kit
Pack a small spice kit with essentials like sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne, and your favorite rubs. The right seasoning elevates everything, so don’t skimp on the flavors.
1. Freshly caught fish, tropical fruits, and spices like allspice and Scotch bonnet peppers give authenticity. Showcase what the region offers, and your guests will feel even more connected.
2. Guests love a bit of hands-on fun. Set up a small DIY station where they can create their own tacos, add toppings to their salads, or build s’mores. It’s great if the deckie is shooting a charter video, too.
3. Nothing catches the eye like a bit of showmanship. Grill fresh pineapples, sear some lobster tails, or flame up a few skewers with a finishing touch of Caribbean rum. Adding these little moments of drama enhances the sensory experience.
4. From my days in the military, be like Meal Team 6 and leave nothing behind but footprints in the sand. Pack everything and take it back to your yacht, including disposable items.
Creating the perfect beach barbecue for charter guests is about having the right gear, careful preparation, and adding touches that create an unforgettable experience. With a bit of planning and these chef-approved tricks, you’re sure to deliver a feast that captures the essence of a beach barbecue. Happy grilling! ‹
• Full-service resort & spa, unparalleled luxury
• Multiple restaurants, bars, pools, & tness center
• The island’s most protected, no-swell yacht basin
• 24-Hour security, & adjacent to the police station
• 21 moorings, 42 slips
• On-site customs clearance
• Fuel dock
• Dock-side pumpout
• Superyacht docking up to 280’
On November 16, the ACREW Crew Awards recognized superyacht crewmembers for their hard work and personal achievement in Amsterdam. The ultimate recognition of excellence and professionalism in yachting, the Crew Awards celebrated their seventh year of rewarding the various yacht departments for their efforts and dedication to the industry.
The judging panel comprised current and former senior superyacht captains, crew, and industry professionals, who carefully assessed the nominees to ensure that success was duly acknowledged. More than just a ceremony, ACREW’s Crew Awards symbolize personal achievement, industry-wide recognition, and professional excellence.
acrew.com
Best Deckhand Crew Award, sponsored by Triton Winner: Charlie Rose
Best Stew Crew Award, sponsored by Mintra Winner: Cathy Skinner
Best Chef Crew Award, sponsored by Gourmet Deliveries Winner: Daisy Webster
Best Health & Wellness Award, sponsored by YATCO Winner: Laura Riera
Best Lead Deckhand/Bosun Crew Award, sponsored by GMC Yachting Winner: Emma Crowther
Best Chief Stew/Purser Crew Award, sponsored by Sea Emporium Winner: Lesley Deinum
Best Social Influencer Award, sponsored by Yachteye Winner: Emery Wallerich
Best Environmental & Sustainability Award, sponsored by Boero YachtCoatings Winner: Alison Foley
Best Engineer & ETO Crew Award, sponsored by OmniAccess Winner: Robert Morera Puertas
Best First Officer/Chief Mate Crew Award, sponsored by Cecil Wright Winner: Linda Pearson
Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Zijlstra Interiors Winner: Anna Percival-Harris
Best Captain Master 500GT Crew Award, sponsored by Marina Casa de Campo Winner: Marlies Sanders
Best Captain Master 3000GT Crew Award, sponsored by Nautica Assistance Winner: James Edge
Best Captain Master Unlimited Crew Award, sponsored by YPI CREW Winner: Sean Meagher
Best Superyacht Crew Award, sponsored by ATPI Winner: M/Y Coral Ocean
Alex Whitty
Captain of M/Y NAIA
Brenda Damphousse
Owner and creator of Bespoke-Xperience
Brennan Dates
Founder of Superyacht Galley Designs
Bruno Ferreira Yacht engineer
Debora Radtke
Owner and president of American Yacht Agents
Gemma Hulbert
Founder of The Yacht Stew Academy and TYS Recruitment
Giverny Jade
Head of charter at Mortlock Yachts
Glen Taylor
Director of Superyacht Fitness
Jamila Garcia
CEO of Starfish Crew LTD
Josipa Lozo
Chief stew
Karine Rayson
Director of The Crew Coach
Liam Dobbin
Managing director of Wilsonhalligan
Marco Lima
Chef
Phil Blake
Senior director, Marina Operations
Rafael Cervantes Mataix
Captain of M/Y Lady Moura
Samantha Morris
Relief purser and Ayurveda lifestyle and wellness coach
Shani Berry
Chief stew
Ted McCumber
Managing director at Feadship America
Tony Browne
Marina director
Victoria Nesbit
Chief mate
Will Kaye
Captain
By Kevin Maher
Check out recent wacky news from around the maritime world!
Brooklyn residents created a makeshift aquarium in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood after a leaky fire hydrant created a puddle in a sidewalk tree pit. They eventually fortified the aquarium with rocks and added goldfish, quickly becoming a social media sensation as the “Bed-Stuy Aquarium.”
While some raved about the makeshift aquarium, others worried for the fish and conducted rescue missions with fishing nets. Still, the aquarium remained open with the help of residents setting up watch — until Tuesday, Oct. 22.
Fire officials fixed the leaking hydrant on Tuesday, but the aquarium continued to function with the help of water bottles and additional fish from neighborhood residents. The city’s Department of Environmental Protection ended the aquarium’s run on Friday, Oct. 25, wrapping yellow tape around the puddle, removing the fish and water, and pouring concrete around the fire hydrant. While the department issued a statement hoping to work with residents to create an alternative location for the aquarium, many residents disagree with the decision.
Wan Yee Ng, 41, was arrested and pleaded guilty to attempting to smuggle 29 eastern box turtles across a Vermont lake into Canada by kayak. Ng, originally from China, was arrested on June 28 after Border Patrol agents were notified by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police that two other people were paddling an inflatable watercraft towards the United States.
Agents found the 29 live eastern box turtles wrapped individually in socks in a duffle bag belonging to Ng, according to court documents. The documents stated that eastern box turtles are known to be sold for $1,000 each on the Chinese black market.
Irish authorities and The Customs and Revenue Commission captured M/V Shingle’s crew for attempting to smuggle 32 million cigarettes and 4,500 kilograms of tobacco in June 2014. The 197-foot vessel was in Revenue custody and moored at Dublin’s port — requiring large amounts of money for fees and maintenance.
While Ireland’s High Court believed the vessel could be sold, it sat at the port for nine years until being moved to New Ross port and deemed unseaworthy. Scrapping the ship was pricey, so the Revenue Department donated the ship to Killala Bay Ship 2 Reef, a group created for the purpose.
Shingle was sunk on Sept. 18 to a depth of about 95 feet in Killala Bay with hopes that it becomes a space for marine life, a tourist attraction, and an opportunity for marine research.
Newfoundland, Canada, beachgoers were surprised by mysterious white blobs instead of seashells in September. Residents began to find white, spongelike substances along Placentia Bay, baffling residents and scientists. The blobs ranged in sizes from pebbles to plates, with some claiming they smelled like paint. Scientists from Environment and Climate Change Canada collected samples of the blobs and conducted coastal surveys, according to The New York Times. While the federal agency stated there may be evidence of it being derived from plants, the blobs remain a mystery.
SailFuture offers youths a clean slate and opportunity to build new skills.
By Sam Moen
In the heart of Florida’s waters, SailFuture is redefining second chances, turning waves into classrooms, and troubled pasts into stories of resilience. SailFuture was founded in 2014 by Michael Long and Co-founder Hunter Thompson, two individuals with challenging backgrounds who shared a vision to create a second-chance education program for young people facing similar struggles. Both founders were inspired by their own experiences of overcoming difficult upbringings, each finding mentors and opportunities that allowed them to transform their lives. Their shared commitment to helping others led them to create SailFuture, which has since expanded into a comprehensive program serving more than 200 youths each year.
The organization began as a small mentoring initiative but quickly grew into a robust nonprofit with a mission to help underprivileged and at-risk youth build meaningful, productive lives. Today, SailFuture operates with a staff of 60 full-
time professionals based in St. Petersburg, Florida, working to provide stability, support, and education to three key groups: foster care youth who have been in multiple placements without success; high school students from low-income, high-trauma backgrounds in the St. Petersburg and Tampa areas; and youth involved in judicial and welfare systems across Florida.
Central to SailFuture’s mission is a unique experiential learning approach, built around hands-on training and mentorship. One of the program’s iconic assets is a 105-foot Feadship yacht, which students help to refurbish as part of their training. Known as a “labor of love,” this vessel serves as a learning platform where students acquire practical skills in mechanics, navigation, teamwork, and leadership. Through projects like this, SailFuture aims to give students realworld skills and expose them to career possibilities in industries they may not have previously considered.
Thompson, who met Long in college, shared a similar desire to make a difference. Their collaboration and commitment to giving back helped turn SailFuture into an organization that not only mentors youth but also provides a range of educational and vocational opportunities. With their combined experiences and vision, Thompson and Long established a model that goes beyond traditional education, focusing on individualized support and practical learning.
The nonprofit actively engages the maritime community for support. Captains, crewmembers, and vessel owners play an essential role by donating boats, which SailFuture students then refurbish and operate. These boat projects serve as educational experiences and also help generate funding for the program through charters, with all proceeds reinvested into SailFuture’s mission.
Additionally, SailFuture invites industry professionals to volunteer their expertise. Certified dive masters,
Both Long and Thompson are dedicated to a simple but powerful message for their students: “It is possible.”
for example, are needed to help train students, as the organization already has equipment but requires licensed instructors. First mates, engineers, and stews are also welcome to volunteer, providing students with mentorship and insights into maritime careers. Through partnerships with industry employers, SailFuture secures internships, apprenticeships, and other hands-on opportunities that prepare students for sustainable careers after graduation.
The program’s impact is evident in its focus on relationships. With two residential houses, SailFuture’s model creates a family-like environment for students who may not have had consistent or stable homes. Each house accommodates six students and is supported by “residential parents” — mentors who provide 24/7 guidance and support, helping students navigate both academic and personal challenges. This immersive residential experience is designed to foster trust, stability, and self-sufficiency, creating a supportive atmosphere where students can thrive.
SailFuture’s staff is selected carefully, with each member expected to approach their role as a long-term commitment rather than simply a job. Faculty and residential parents serve as coaches and role models, guiding students through an individualized curriculum that
incorporates academic, vocational, and personal growth. This approach allows SailFuture to support not just educational success but also emotional healing and resilience, particularly for youth who have experienced trauma.
SailFuture’s commitment to experiential learning also extends to travel. Through sailing expeditions and other real-world activities, students broaden their perspectives and are exposed to new cultures and ways of life. Travel is seen as a catalyst for personal growth, giving students a wider view of what is possible in their lives. For many, these experiences open doors to career paths and instill a confidence that they carry forward into adulthood.
The organization’s metrics for success include academic improvement, practical skill development, and career readiness. Approximately 75% of students who stay in the program for a semester or more graduate, with 90% improving their academic performance. These accomplishments reflect SailFuture’s emphasis on a holistic approach that combines mentorship, hands-on projects, and relationship-building to prepare students for both professional and personal success.
With bold aspirations, SailFuture envisions opening a second location in Fort Lauderdale — a global epicenter of the yachting industry — to expand its impact and ultimately bring its innovative
educational approach into schools across Florida. This new base would open doors for even more young people, connecting them to opportunities in the maritime field and equipping them with the skills, confidence, and stability essential for lifelong success.
Both Long and Thompson are dedicated to a simple but powerful message for their students: “It is possible.” For the youth who come to SailFuture, this belief represents the hope that life can be transformed through perseverance, hard work, and support. Their mission continues to resonate with young people who find, often for the first time, that there are adults who genuinely care about their success and are willing to help them reach their full potential.
In the end, SailFuture stands as a testament to the transformative power of mentorship, community, and the belief that everyone, regardless of their past, deserves a chance to discover their potential. The organization’s unique blend of experiential learning, dedicated support, and strong industry ties is helping countless young people not only find their way but also realize that they can, indeed, make a positive impact in the world. ‹
Triton’s toys, tenders, and tech section covers crew who have used their yachting experience in the tech world, the newest additions to a yacht’s garage, and new technology that could make predicting weather easier.
By Kevin Maher
Looking for a new tender? While most guests are impressed by the mothership, it’s still important to make a good impression with the tender too. Investing in a new tender eases crew life and amplifies the guest experience. Check out Triton ’s four picks.
Launched this year as the successor to the Axopar 28, the A29 is available in a cabin or sun top version. Improvements on the previous version include redefined hydrodynamics, a more fluid and less angular hull, and a higher and more pronounced bow flair, allowing greater protection from the elements in rough weather conditions. The bow also includes a new multi-cabin area that can serve as an under-deck storage area for gear or luggage, can be extended to include an optional freshwater toilet and sink, or is large enough to turn into a sleeping cabin for two. The A29 is 29-feet long, can fit up to nine people on board, reaches a max cruising speed of 37 knots, and has 200 nautical miles of range. axopar.com
The 12.1-meter Alpha 40 is Technohull’s latest in their long-standing tender series. With room for 12 passengers on board, the Alpha 40 is fit to transport guests to and from yachts while offering max comfort. A spacious deck layout keeps guest relaxation in mind while allowing different configurations. The various guest zones can be changed to include a small sunbed or a sunpad too. The vessel’s carbon hardtop arcs over the helm area, offering protection from wind, spray, and sun while underway and at anchor. The Alpha 40 has a spacious cabin below with a shower for convenience and 1.85 meters of headroom. The Alpha 40 offers engine options up to twin 500-horsepower outboards with 800-liter fuel capacity. technohull.com
The Monte Carlo Offshore 30 (MC30) is back, 52 years after the original model’s introduction. The original model proved a huge success with 343 built, making the task to update quite the undertaking. “It was quite a challenge to work on — it’s a bit like redesigning the Porsche 911!” said Carlo Nuvolari, co-founder of Nuvolari Lenard and key designer of the MC30. With a top speed of 54 knots, overall length of 9.3 meters, fuel capacity of 500 liters, and the ability to fit seven people on board, the MC30 turns heads as a tender while still offering comfort for guests. montecarlo-offshore.com
British builder Falcon Tenders is teaming up with GreenJoy Studio to create a tender that will not only transport people, but their cars too. The Falcon Shuttle is an original category of catamaran tenders for superyachts that offers owners the options to transport, store, and enjoy their exotic car on their tender. While understanding the concept is outside the box, the Studio’s founding partners plan to change how owners get where they’re going and what they bring with them, including automobiles. Details regarding size, speed, and more have yet to be unveiled.
falcon-tenders.com
By Christine Davis
Ease of setup, ease of cleanup and storage, a short learning curve for the end user, and reliability with minimum maintenance or downtime are features crew consider when it comes to toys, according to Frank Ferraro, Nautical Ventures’ chief marketing officer. “Deep down, I feel that most of all, crewmembers like water toys that provide a great deal of enjoyment and fun for their guests,” he adds. “After all, a happy guest will tip well.”
Here are four of Ferraro’s favorites:
Attaining a top speed of 34 miles per hour in three seconds, the ultra-fast X Awake Shadow Jetboard offers adventure seekers their next thrill. It gives a stable and controlled first ride while it scales with its users as they master cruising, carving, and executing tricks. A collaboration between Brabus and Axopar Boats, it was introduced in May 2024, with production limited to 77 units worldwide. awakeboards.us
Miami-based Watersports Car’s luxury recreational watercraft looks, feels, and drives like a sports car. Two- or four-seat models are powered by a supercharged Yamaha engine that delivers up to 240 horsepower. Watersports Cars combine a personal watercraft’s entertainment and convenience with a speedboat’s comfort and safety.
watersportscar.com
A fun step-and-go board with a beginner-friendly minimum learning curve, Flightboard’s e-foil Flitescooter has people of all ages on the move in less than 10 minutes. Combining an inflatable deck with a removable handlebar, a long-life lightweight battery, and a Bluetooth safety-key wristband, the Flightscooter is easy to transport, assemble, and ride, while being safe, too.
fliteboard.com
Fort Lauderdale-based Seabob introduced its new F9 series water scooters at the 2024 Cannes Yachting Festival. “Buyers are standing in line for them,” said Stacy Wall, who leads Seabob’s sales and marketing. They are smaller, lighter, faster, and move around quicker in the water thanks to their new driving stability system and stepless electronic speed control. “Everything that the crew asked for, we have incorporated into the new Seabob,” Wall said. seabob.com
The eco-friendly aquatic Schiller SC-1 water bike achieves speeds of up to 10 miles per hour and offers first-rate maneuverability, even allowing reverse pedaling for tight turns. Its rugged, inflatable pontoons ensure stability and safety on the water. With a compact design, hassle-free assembly, and quality components, this water bike is easy to stow, transport, and ride.
schillerbikes.com
Orlando-based AquaBanas’ new Play Banas debuted at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. “They are modular inflatables geared toward kids and are all about fun,” said Mark Anastasia, the company’s founder and CEO. The Bounce Bana and Slide Bana have reboarding ladders with a safe fort area under the Tower Bana. Kids using the Joust Bana and pugil sticks can knock each other into the water; and the Balance Bana is great for younger kids, who can try to cross without falling off.
aquabanas.com
FOUNDERS: Co-founder/CEO
Boris de Bel, former first mate, and Candice Christiansen
USERS: Captains, pursers and HoDs, charter brokers, and central agents
charteritinerary.com
Charter Itinerary (CI) is B2B software tailored specifically for the charter industry, equipping charter brokers, agents, captains, and other professionals with tools for efficient charter planning and management. CI gives crew instant access to essential tools and data, allowing them to create detailed itineraries in minutes and manage guest preferences in one central, easily updated location. Designed to save time, CI helps crew focus on delivering an exceptional experience for guests.
“The idea for CI came from my first business, a yacht charter company,” de Bel said. “With my business partner, Candice, we quickly realized that an army of charter brokers and assistants were doing tasks that one or two people could have managed with the right tools. She had been looking for a solution to elegantly map yacht charter routes that simply didn’t exist. Nor was there any tool to help brokers and captains create a product to match the luxurious market they catered [to]. This gap in tech was just as clear on board, where crew were spending hours on repetitive tasks that could easily be streamlined or automated. That’s where CI came in.”
CI is introducing a new plan to help captains make planning more precise and operations smoother, including a Daily Schedule for captains to precisely plan each day; itinerary PDFs that allow users to download and share polished itineraries in PDF format; block days for extended journeys or anchorages; and enhanced accuracy for managing multi-day stays and transitions. Captains can test CI on a trial period.
FOUNDER: Ken Sinclair, former yacht engineer
USERS: Crew, managers, owners
marinerslog.co.nz
Mariners Log upgrades outdated systems with a predictive maintenance platform, using machinery data and machine learning to anticipate breakdowns and issues before they happen. Additionally, it streamlines administration for engineering, deck, and interior teams by integrating project management, communication, and customizable digital logs and checklists, enhancing transparency and productivity. Mariners Log also offers safety checklists that meet IMO standards, with customizable logs and checklists for all operational needs.
“As an engineer, you are motivated by efficiency and problemsolving. Working in the commercial maritime and superyacht sectors, I saw inefficient, costly, and outdated systems on board, especially the reliance on planned and reactive maintenance,” said Sinclair, who worked in the engineering department from tender engineer to chief engineer on superyachts from 30 to 90 meters. “These practices inflate costs, compromise reliability and safety, and shorten equipment lifespan. Witnessing these gaps firsthand motivated me to create Mariners Log — a modern, data-driven solution that not only addresses these critical needs but also reduces the yacht’s carbon footprint by enabling more efficient operation.” Sinclair launched his business in 2021 and continues to build it while completing his MBA.
Mariners Log is launching a new Maintenance Platform in November 2024. The release will improve efficiency, boost safety, and usher in a new era of innovation for yachting. To request a demo, email admin@marinerslog.co.nz.
IT’S NO SECRET THAT YACHT CREW ARE A TALENTED BUNCH CAPABLE OF ALMOST ANYTHING. THESE SIX CURRENT AND FORMER CREWMEMBERS HAVE MADE A NAME FOR THEMSELVES IN TECH BOTH IN AND OUTSIDE THE YACHTING INDUSTRY. NEXT TIME YOU WANT TO UPGRADE YOUR ONBOARD SYSTEMS, CONSIDER SWITCHING TO ONE OF THESE CREW-OWNED COMPANIES.
BY LAUREN BECK
FOUNDER: Ciara Farrow, former purser and stew
USERS: stews, chefs, and captains sevenstar.software
Sevenstar is a digital platform that centralizes and streamlines the management of yacht guests’ preferences and charter provisioning needs. It enables the crew to create detailed guest profiles, covering dietary restrictions, personal preferences, recipes, and set-up photos on yacht-branded digital preference forms. Each form is conditional, opening and closing based on the user’s responses. These guest profiles are securely stored in the cloud for easy access, updates, and yacht-specific customization. By eliminating outdated methods, Sevenstar enables captains, chefs, and stews to provide more efficient personalized service and reduce errors. Everything is customizable for each vessel.
“After working on more than a dozen vessels and experiencing first-hand the chaos and inefficiencies tied to outdated preference management, I saw a clear need for a modern solution,” Farrow said. “I often found myself and others trying to keep track of guest preferences through printed sheets, run-on Word documents, and Post-it notes. It became clear that a digital, centralized system would not only save time but also ensure a seamless guest experience, regardless of crew turnover.” Farrow worked as a stew and purser in yachting for seven years before moving ashore.
Sevenstar continues to evolve based on user feedback. Farrow shares that they’re currently exploring features to speed up preference updates, including AI chatbots that assist the crew in locating key information quickly, help update guest info through automated emails to returning guests, and automatically update crew view profiles.
FOUNDER: Capt. David Clarke
USERS: All crew and guests superyachtos.com
SOS creates innovative software solutions to streamline superyacht operations, eliminate redundant entries, and save crew time.
SOS products include vessel management software, compliance and interior solutions, digital SOP systems for quick new-build setup, and a digital guest service management app. SOS caters to private yachts, Mini ISM, Full ISM, and passenger vessels; their tools enhance daily operations by reducing paperwork, improving communication, and optimizing task management for a more efficient, organized, and safer work environment.
“I created Superyacht Operating Systems after facing challenges as a build captain on a 240-foot yacht. My team and I spent many months developing comprehensive SOPs from scratch, which became the gold standard for our yacht’s operations,” said Clark, who was a superyacht captain for 28 years. “Realizing that much of the information was universally relevant to all yachts, we initially created a free SOP library that became extremely popular. Although we no longer offer the free library, our reputation as SOP experts has endured. I was also frustrated with time-consuming compliance processes and inadequate software systems, so I set out to develop a more modern, user-friendly, and efficient system.”
Their latest product, Charter Guest, replaces traditional leather folders with a digital platform, allowing instant updates to the iPad app without reprints. Featuring an AI-driven itinerary builder, Charter Guest makes it easy to personalize guest experiences and manage cruising schedules. It offers a seamless way to present yacht details, guest services, toys, menus, safety info, and crew bios, enhancing communication and the overall charter experience.
FOUNDER: Hadleigh Ford, former captain/first mate
USERS: Captains and chief officers
swipedon.com
SwipedOn is a digital visitor management system that replaces paper sign-in sheets and in/out boards. It streamlines and secures guest, crew, and contractor sign-ins on yachts and businesses ashore for increased efficiency. SwipedOn’s goal is to make that initial interaction both professional and efficient. The system saves time and enhances crew safety, plus it allows visitor pre-registration and sends notifications upon guest arrival at the vessel. Launched in 2013 with superyachts in mind, SwipedOn now serves more than 9,000 locations, primarily in workplaces and offices.
“Working on superyachts, I saw firsthand how clunky it was to manage visitors and contractors using paper logbooks — and when alongside, it wasn’t easy to accurately know who was on board at a glance, [which is] especially valuable in an emergency,” said Ford, who is a master mariner and worked on superyachts for seven years.
“I realized we needed a more professional and efficient system that fit the high standards of the industry. That’s what sparked the idea for SwipedOn: a tablet-based sign-in system that streamlines visitor and crew sign-in.”
SwipedOn has a few new upgrades coming in 2025, including one recent feature delivered specifically for superyachts regarding ISPS and randomized bag searching — the crew can assign random bag or personnel searches depending on the security level aboard.
“It was a proud moment to deliver a superyacht-specific feature, as the majority of our new features are broad and applicable to all users,” Ford said. “It’s a joy to be building this product all aimed at making your life on board smoother and more efficient.”
FOUNDERS: Captains
Matthias du Verle and Anthony Flores
USERS: Captains
Wolfgang.fr
Wolfgang’s platform creates secured cruise agreements as an alternative to traditional charter contracts, cutting costs by up to 20% through optimized fuel and tax planning. Its all-inclusive service ensures compliance and safe operations by coordinating closely with the captain and relevant parties.
“While Anthony and I primarily sailed on private yachts, our solution is primarily focused on charter yachts, which freed us when we considered challenging the status quo!” du Verle said. While he is now ashore full-time, Flores still captains a yacht in France. Both are merchant marine-trained class 1 captains and worked as a chief engineer or captain aboard vessels in the 40- to 70-meter range. “The original idea grew from both the total dedication to clients’ best interests and satisfaction that comes with working for the same family for years and our shipping and cruise backgrounds, where we learned about efficiency and how you can deliver a better and more optimized service without harming its level of quality by leveraging data and tech. We recognized a gap in the market for an experience that better aligns with the needs of certain clients and owners. Some are reassured when more planning is involved and appreciate when the costs are better estimated and optimized: those are the clients for Wolfgang’s solutions.”
Wolfgang plans to release the beta version of their new environmental management platform for marinas this winter as part of an R&D program with research labs and marinas in Antibes, Nice, and more. Using computer vision and AI, they aim to model and minimize yachts’ environmental impact, improving their system’s ability to support eco-friendly cruise planning. New tools for captains and crew will help reduce resource consumption and waste.
Onboard repairs • Global service
New build dive locker design
Local dockside pick-up & delivery
• Floating electric dive systems (Nomad, Sealion)
• Scuba gear sales & service
• Scuba training
• Tankfill systems (Nitrox & Helium)
• Water toys (Seabob, Fliteboard eFoil & more)
• Spearguns
• Freediving gear
• Medical kits & service
Brownie’s Southport Divers. 1530 Cordova Road. Fort Lauderdale, FL. 954-524-2112
Brownie’s Yacht Toys. 2301 S. Federal Highway. Fort Lauderdale, FL. 954-463-9446
Brownie’s Palm Beach Diver. 3619 Broadway (US1). Riviera Beach, FL. 561-844-3483
By Gemma Harris
We asked various deck crewmembers what is their least favorite water toy to set up. From wrestling with inflatables only for guests to use them once, to the back-breaking lifting of toys off the swim platform, these crewmembers told Triton their toy setup nightmares.
“The worst one by far is the floating Jet Ski dock that we had on board for four Jet Skis together with a jellyfish pool. That thing was so heavy to pull back onto the swim platform that it was always such a pain at the end of each day. And when cruising in hot climates like The Maldives, the bottom side gets so slimy, and you end up slipping on the platform when folding it away.”
– Second Officer Myk
“The inflatable slide is my nemesis. We have this massive 30-foot thing that takes more than one of us to put up; they are heavy and always have to be lugged quite far from storage. Last season, we spent hours getting it perfect, fighting against the wind so the guests could slide down it once and then decide they wanted to use the Jet Skis instead!”
– An anonymous deckhand
“The Seabobs are like their own personal weightlifting class, especially the old models. They are supposed to be the easiest toy to get out for guests. Maybe the new models are, but the ones we have are not! Carrying them here, there, and everywhere is so annoying. And if one breaks down, it’s such a headache to fix!”
– Deckhand Matthew
“It’s not really a toy as such, but I used to find the beach setups super annoying! Why go to the beach when you have an amazing yacht to chill out on? Beach setups are another level of chaos. You have to go back and forth so many times in the tender to get everything for an elaborate setup, from picnics to barbecue grills, games, and then a heavy canopy for shade. And usually, guests only spend a quick hour there when you are done! Plus, everything comes back covered in sand — the worst to clean up!”
– Chief Officer Tom
“Literally anything inflatable! But the climbing walls are especially a real hassle. Unfolding them out of storage — let alone trying to put them back in — is a nightmare. Also, guests usually want them when it’s windy, adding to the drama of setup. The silver lining to these is when guests go ashore, you can accidentally fall in for a quick playtime before putting it all away — perks of the job!”
– Bosun Alex
Septemer
Septemer
October
October
By Lauren Beck
One conversation can change your life. Sam Wheaton, now the commercial director of Seahub, is proof of that. Wheaton shared how a chance encounter with a charismatic yacht captain while working at a Colorado ski shop sparked his interest in the yachting world. He eventually transitioned from IT to a career at sea before cofounding Seahub, a planned maintenance system for the marine industry, alongside his long-time friend and fellow engineer Matt Hyde in 2016. Triton spoke to Wheaton about his yachting journey and the creation of Seahub.
seahubsoftware.com
How and when did you get into yachting?
I took a year off after university and worked in a ski shop in Colorado fitting skis. I met a captain there who introduced me to the industry — he explained a lot about how it worked, what positions were available, and what was involved in becoming crew. I thought it sounded like the best job on the planet. Following that year, I returned to Australia and worked a handful of years for an IT company, but the idea of working within the yachting industry stayed with me and was something I wanted to pursue. I ended up doing so in 2010.
I co-founded Seahub alongside another longterm engineer, Matt Hyde. We provide a planned maintenance system for engineers and heads of departments to manage their day-to-day operations on board. It’s a framework for managing all maintenance activities, from 250-hour oil changes on a generator to managing work lists and routine checklists to ensure a boat runs smoothly. For captains, deck, and interior departments, it allows you to manage drills, ISM and SMS, inventory, crew licenses and certificates, and generally digitize all recordkeeping. It’s a way to keep important vessel-related information with the boat.
Was it challenging moving ashore?
It was challenging until I had a clear plan about what I wanted to do next. The uncertainty made it harder. Working on board is an incredible occupation, and the lifestyle is fast-moving, which means there’s always another job posting that could suit you, but it was only when I had a solid plan about what I was doing next that I was able to see past the engineering position posts and focus on what we were setting out to do. We came up with the concept of Seahub while we were still working as engineers. Once we had a roadmap of what the system would do and how we wanted to build it, the decision was made that we were going to go fulltime, land-based, and pursue it.
How did you start Seahub?
For a period of time, Matt and I were both working on programs that put us in and out of the U.S. from October to March each year. Over a few years, we would get together on weekends, often with crew from other boats. We would find ourselves sitting at a table of engineers discussing what we’d been working on that week or the latest dirty job we had to do. Inevitably, the topic of planned maintenance systems would come up because a lot of us had the responsibility of managing those systems on board. It became clear to us that there was a gap in the market in accessing a system that felt modern, you could understand quickly, and use with ease on a daily basis. So that was really the catalyst for coming up with the concept — meeting with our mates and chatting about our jobs.
What Seahub features should appeal to crew?
The transparency Seahub provides has a lot of upside for the crew. Having a digital maintenance history, or setting up checklists so crewmembers can have set procedures they routinely follow, or having a tool for managing the certificates of your safety and fire equipment — these are all things that make boats run smoother.
Crew today can be anyone from a
19-year-old fresh out of high school, to a 50-year-old ex-Navy officer. You’ve got to have a system that you can pick up, understand, and join the dots quickly on. That’s always been at the forefront of what Seahub is about.
What has been your biggest challenge in creating Seahub?
One of the major challenges initially was understanding where to invest to get the biggest bang for our buck. We laugh now about it, but at our first boat show we exhibited, we printed off hundreds of A4 folders with brochures that detailed Seahub’s functionality. And at the time, it was a significant financial outlay for us. We got to the show, and we had a big stand; everything was going well, but all people wanted to do was stand there and chat about the system rather than flick through folders and paper. So we hung on to them for a while, but I think we turned them into garden mulch a few years ago. It was a lesson we learned early, which has shaped how we approach boat shows ever since.
How did your yachting connections and experience help with building Seahub?
Matt and I were really fortunate to have a great network of colleagues that we worked alongside for years prior. So when it came to building the proof of concept and engaging feedback, we had dozens of people we were sending prototypes
and demos to to hear what they thought, what they liked, and what else they wanted. That meant when we went to market with the first version of Seahub, we had been through multiple rounds of user acceptance testing, and the system was in really good shape and had a lot of the functionality people wanted. So that put us in a much better position than if we had just built the system between us, launched it, and engaged feedback after. The connections and the experiences we had were a huge help.
What is your advice for crew looking to build a business?
Once you come up with your business idea, the sooner you can fully commit to executing it, the sooner you’ll understand its viability. The yachting industry, as a whole, is full of opportunities. Find something you are passionate about and will be happy to live and breathe until it gets off the ground. Following that, celebrate the little wins. It could be reaching a milestone, signing your first client or your first sale, or employing your first person. Celebrate them because it creates a sense of progress for everyone involved. It’s easy to get tunnel vision early on and miss some of the things worth celebrating.
What’s next for Seahub?
We have a new set of features coming online in the next major update [in November] aimed at the new-build market. It’s a really handy tool for managing work lists and allows for communication between crew, shipyards, and other stakeholders involved in commissioning a new build. We have had two large shipyards behind its design and development, which has been a fun process. Following that, we’re exhibiting at METS in November to launch the new product and meet with a lot of people who helped design it. We’re also announcing the winner of the 2024 Seahub Engineering Grant [soon]. Hill Maritime Group joined us this year and has essentially doubled the value of the grant, so it’ll be the largest that we’ve offered so far. We have heard the stories of a lot of great candidates this year, so we are looking forward to announcing the winners. ‹
By Kevin Maher
Jon Bilger founded PredictWind, an advanced weather modeling technology that was the official weather forecaster for the 37th America’s Cup, providing athletes and fans with elite-level weather forecasts and observation data.
Bilger’s journey to creating cutting-edge technology that he hopes will be used by every member of the superyacht industry started in the same place he hopes to help his platform’s users — the ocean.
Bilger’s love for the ocean began after he followed his father, Jochum “Jock” Bilger’s lead. Jochum participated in the 1972 and 1976 Summer Olympics in The Flying Dutchman, a two-person heavyweight dinghy sailing event, sparking Jon’s interest in the world on water.
“I basically followed my father around during his Olympic campaigns, and one day I overheard him talking to his crew, and the crew said, ‘Jon should do sailing,’ and [my father] said, ‘Well, he’s too young and he can’t afford it,” Jon said. “The next day, I went to him and said, ‘Look, I’ve got $300 saved up. Can you build me a boat?’ That’s sort of the start of my sailing career.”
Jon began sailing in his home country of New Zealand, eventually winning national titles and following in his father’s footsteps to compete in the 1992 Olympics in the Sailing 470 event. Jon then began working for Alinghi, the Swiss America’s Cup team, for 10 years. Jon ran Alinghi’s weather program with some of the best weather
forecasting technology at his fingertips.
“That was the basis of me thinking, ‘Imagine if we could actually make this technology available for the average sailor?’” Jon said.
Although Jon ran Alinghi’s weather program for 10 years, he did not have a meteorology background — he is a sailor and a mechanical engineer. To continue his dream of bringing advanced weather technology to the everyday sailor, Jon had to go out to the marketplace, assemble a team of amazing meteorologists, and connect with different weather stations.
“I quickly realized that 90% of what meteorologists use is the model, so if you have a good suite of models, like we do at PredictWind, and apply a bit of common sense to those models, you are 95% of the way to giving a top meteorologist forecast,” Jon said.
Like any top meteorologist, PredictWind doesn’t rely on just one model. Some websites use one to two models or inundate users with a long list of models to impress. Jon’s suite of models uses six carefully selected global models and six
high-resolution regional models. PredictWind’s six global models include the European Centre of Medium-Range Weather Forecast’s (ECMWF) model, which consistently rates as the top global weather model and offers record-breaking nine-kilometer resolution; Spire’s model that uses radio frequency to create a 3D profile of atmospheric temperature, pressure, and humidity more than 10,000 times per day; the U.K. Meteorological Office’s (UKMO) model; Global Forecast System’s (GFS) popular and free model; and two exclusive models created by PredictWind that offer exceptional shortterm accuracy.
Obtaining data from these different models isn’t cheap, and PredictWind spends a quarter million New Zealand dollars each year for it.
“There’s no point in having a forecast and you don’t know how certain it is,” Jon
said. “So, this way, if you got most models showing the same thing, the forecast is pretty confident it’s going to happen.”
While most people think of only precipitation with a weather forecasting program, PredictWind can accurately forecast wind, gusts, CAPE, waves, air and sea temperature, solunar, clouds, and isobars. PredictWind offers users a daily briefing of user locations as well.
“In the America’s Cup, the coach to New Zealand, Ray Davies, called [the daily briefing] the Jon Bilger forecast,” Jon said. “So, if you asked me what the forecast was, I would get the data and get rid of the outliers and look at the trends. It’s basically converting that data into a sentence.”
While PredictWind’s models offer elite forecasting, Jon believes they are the pioneers of weather routing as well.
“It used to be the domain of top yacht racing navigators and now all of our cruising customers use the weather routing tool — we made it very simple,” Jon said.
Like Google Maps, users select their start and end location and PredictWind creates the optimal route, taking into
consideration speed, comfort, and weather conditions. Knowing what the weather will be in the future is one thing, but knowing how your vessel will react is entirely different. Jon considered this too, and users can record their vessel’s data using PredictWind’s data hub device to create a picture of the boat’s performance. PredictWind takes the length, beam, draft displacement, motion, vertical acceleration, and more into consideration while creating a weather route.
Looking into the future is what most users look for in PredictWind, but the platform also allows users to investigate past weather as well, making it easy to look at a location’s seasonal averages. Users can also use “Local Knowledge,” which is a
community-based feature where users can share information on passages, marinas, fishing spots, and more with others.
“If you go to a new place, you can almost be a local by actually looking at local knowledge and getting some of that information,” Jon said.
Users can share their location and conditions with family and friends hundreds of miles away too. Using their relationship with Spire, PredictWind is also able to pick up AIS signals, relaying to users if a vessel is ever coming their way.
Jon points to sourcing high-quality data, a user-friendly interface, accuracy, and a dedicated support team as factors that separate PredictWind from others. PredictWind is supported on all platforms, including Mac, PC, iOS, Android, and can connect to a vessel’s bridge as well. While some captains might rely on forecasting systems they’ve used for years, Jon promises users won’t regret using his platform.
“We’re happy to give captains a trial of our service, and once you’ve tried it, you’ll never go back,” Jon said. ‹ predictwind.com
By Rebecca Taylor
hen it comes to yacht charters, the toys available on board can play a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience for guests of all ages. They also enable the crew to make the trip one to remember. From tenders that the captain and crew use to take guests into hidden bays, to a multitude of toys, including water sports equipment like Jet Skis and paddleboards to inflatable slides and snorkeling gear, choosing what toys to offer when placing the yacht for charter can make or break your bookings.
For crew, having a diverse selection of yacht toys at their disposal fosters a dynamic work environment, elevating their professionalism and job satisfaction. It encourages teamwork as they assist guests in navigating these activities, creating bonds that transcend traditional service roles.
These toys also weave connections among guests, inspiring teamwork and friendly competition through activities like kayaking or wakeboarding. Such experiences foster deeper bonds and create cherished memories that linger long after the voyage ends.
“As the average age of charterers has been reducing over the past decade, the demand for a more active charter has increased. Having mouthwatering food and drinking
a cold glass of Côtes de Provence rosé is still a must on most charters, but it now goes hand in hand with what toys the yacht has aboard,” said Mike Hutton, director of charter at YATCO. “The beach clubs on most charter yachts have increased to match the new demand from charter guests. With competition between charter yachts high, one of the quickest ways to increase the amount of booked charters is to increase your toy inventory.
“In the past, it was acceptable to have a tender, with a pair of waterskis and if you were lucky, an inflatable towable. Now charter guests are demanding Seabobs (not just one, as you want to explore in twos!), kayaks, SUPs, wakeboards, and waterskis at a minimum. On larger yachts, waterslides are growing in popularity, and a gym aboard is a must. The choice of inflatables has also increased, from towable armchairs to facedown airstreams! As for the next big thing we’re seeing — foiling is certainly it for active guests — so wing foiling or an e-foil is a must on any charter yacht,” Hutton said.
YATCO reviewed some of the top charter yachts on the market and spoke to their charter managers to learn more about what guests are searching for this year for their yacht charters, and why it’s more important than ever to stand out from the crowd.
M/Y BG Charade — For charter with Andy Haffenden at Aquazeal Formerly owned by Microsoft Co-founder Paul Allen, BG Charade is a classic 154-foot (46.9 meter) Feadship motor yacht launched in 1990. In addition to the exceptional service from her experienced crew, guests can enjoy the full range of water toys — from the massive starboard-mounted climbing wall and water slide to a fleet of wave runners, Seabobs, paddle boards, kayaks, and more.
“If you want to make your yacht more attractive to charter, toys are a must. As the saying goes, ‘They who have the most toys, wins!’” Haffenden said.
M/Y BOLD — For charter with Camille Medina at Hill Robinson
A true explorer yacht, BOLD was completed at Silver Yachts shipyard in 2019 with design by Espen Øino. The 279-foot
windsurfer for guests to play with while on board.”
M/Y Miss Stephanie — For charter with Jenny Mullen at Worth Avenue Yachts
Built in 2004 by Richmond Yachts, M/Y Miss Stephanie measures 138 feet (42.06 meters) and is available to charter for up to 12 guests across the Bahamas. Miss Stephanie epitomizes luxury charter. This yacht boasts a spacious interior that includes an on-deck owner’s suite, main salon, and an inviting skylounge.
Jenny Mullen, the charter manager for Miss Stephanie at Worth Avenue Yachts, shares that the yacht is perfect for those looking for an abundance of water toys. “Miss Stephanie has an incredible inflatable beach club set up which features a shaded Cabana pool, loungers, and docking station for the Jet Skis, Seabobs, and wave runners. In addition to this, she
(85.3 meter) yacht can fit in seamlessly whether you’re exploring the Arctic or the Mediterranean. With so much exterior space, BOLD is a dream for yacht charter guests in search of adventure and those who value the number of toys on board.
Camille Medina, charter manager of BOLD at Hill Robinson, shares that it’s important to offer a wide selection of toys “to make sure it meets all the guests’ expectations — for everyone’s preferences. BOLD carries all manner of tenders and toys — a helipad, a heli hangar that doubles as a gym, a disco room with integrated sound and light system, Laser sailing dinghies, e-foils, and a newly added
has a huge 39-foot Yellowfin tow tender with four 400-horsepower engines with some serious fishing gear.”
Mullen further shares that when considering a yacht charter, if guests are trying to decide between two very similar yachts, “Oftentimes the one with the most toys wins. Especially if the client has children or is active.” This is why it’s more important than ever to stay competitive and offer a wide selection of toys for charter. “I think the toys are an extension of the yacht; they give the guests a chance to really explore the location by getting into small cays, onto sand bars, or even under the surface,” Mullen said. ‹
Whether the guests are seeking adrenaline-pumping thrills or peaceful moments surrounded by nature, an abundance of toys ensures there’s something for everyone. As you plan your next yacht charter, remember: the more toys you have at your disposal, the richer and more fulfilling your guests’ adventures will be. Embrace the possibilities and let each moment on the water inspire unforgettable memories.
“With the demand in toy searches on the YATCO charter database increasing daily, we are constantly updating our search fields to make sure all water toys are fully listed,” Hutton said.
Beyond their recreational allure, toys cater to diverse interests and age groups, ensuring everyone finds delight on board. Investing in a variety of yacht toys is not just about enhancing leisure; it’s about cultivating an atmosphere where creativity flourishes and connections deepen. As crewmembers engage with guests through shared adventures, they become more than just service providers — they transform into integral parts of unforgettable experiences on the water.
This article was powered by YATCO.
FROM WORLD-CLASS DIVING TO DUTCH COLONIAL CHARM, THE CARIBBEAN ISLANDS OF ARUBA, BONAIRE, AND CURAÇAO ARE PERFECT FOR CREW TIME OFF.
By Gemma Harris
Astone’s throw from one another and all located outside the hurricane belt, 80 kilometers off the coast of Venezuela lie the three lesser-known and westernmost Caribbean islands: Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. All with past ties to the Netherlands, Aruba and Curaçao are independent, self-governing countries, while Bonaire remains a special municipality of the Netherlands. Each with a distinct personality, a blend of European and Caribbean heritage, and activities on offer, this trio is perfect for some crew Caribbean downtime.
Geographically the largest, Curaçao is full of possibilities for exploring the charming local architecture, particularly its picturesque and UNESCO-protected capital, Willemstad. The waterfront street of Handelskade is home to a selection of candycolored Dutch buildings — postcard-perfect. These buildings present endless photographic opportunities and an excellent area for wandering. Locals say these buildings were originally white in the 1800s, but were painted various colors to stop the sun’s bright reflection. The Floating Market is just north; crew can wander while picking up some tasty fresh produce. If exploring Curaçao on the weekend, keep your eyes peeled for Dushi Wafels, a Willemstad food stand serving the famous Dutch stroopwafels.
For more shopping, the former 19th-century Rif Fort has been converted into an open-air shopping mall that includes boutique art, jewelry galleries, and local specialty shops. When it comes to specialties, the Curaçao liqueur distillery is just 10 minutes from the city. Take a tour and taste the original, famous bright-blue liqueur. After a day exploring Willemstad, there are plenty of restaurants to try, such as the modern Caribbean restaurant Kome.
The smallest yet most visited island, Aruba, also offers plenty within the charming town of Oranjestad for more colonial wanderings. Explore the oldest building on the island: Fort Zoutman. Every Tuesday, the Fort hosts the Bon Bini Festival, showcasing the Aruban carnival culture.
Time off in the Caribbean should always include adventures under the water. Bonaire, east of Curaçao, is renowned for its magical underwater world. Middle in size of the three, the entire island is a protected marine park, which has resulted in abundant marine life, vibrant coral reefs, and preserved shipwrecks to explore. The protection from strong currents means that snorkeling and scuba diving here are also suitable for beginners, and the best sites are accessed easily by the shore.
The Dive Friends Center has seven dive shop locations spread across the island and is great for guided tours; they are also known for their conservation efforts and running regular clean-up dives. Whether you choose to dive into the most famous wreck, Hilma Hooker, the Angel City Reef, or Karpata, known for excellent visibility, you will not be disappointed. To refuel after a day’s scuba diving, the island’s colorful capital, Kralendijk, has various eateries; La Cantina Brewery is a favorite for crew looking to unwind with craft beer and a Caribbean-style catch of the day. On a Sunday, Boudoir is the place to go for a great brunch.
Diving even deeper within the ABCs, the submersible manufacturer U-Boat Worx has its submersible training center in Curaçao. While you will need more than one day off, it is perfect for any aspiring yacht crew with more time who wants to undertake their pilot training course. While Bonaire has the best shoreside diving, Curaçao hosts some of the best dive sites accessed via boat, such as Mushroom Forest and Blue Room, with diverse underwater landscapes and rich marine life.
These Caribbean islands offer more than just a diverse underwater world. Bonaire has some of the best windsurfing in the Caribbean, especially from November to June when the northeast trade winds blow. Lac Bay is the go-to haunt with the famous windsurf center. After activities, refuel at the Hang Out Beach Bar, where barbecues and live music are regularly on the menu. Aruba also has its fair share of action. Each year, the island hosts the Hi-Winds Caribbean Championship, the longest-running watersports event in the Caribbean, featuring kitesurfing, windsurfing, wing foiling, and mountain biking.
Each island offers plenty of hiking opportunities for those craving terra firma on a day off. Bonaire’s Washington Slagbaai National Park has a network of trails full of diverse wildlife. Meanwhile, for peaks, head to the Christoffel National Park in Curaçao. The island’s highest peak, Mount Christoffel, takes a few hours to hike and is the perfect morning activity before the afternoon heat hits. In Aruba, explore and walk in nature at the Arikok National Park while finding secluded coves along the way. On the northeastern coast of Aruba, you can also take an ATV tour and explore usually inaccessible areas for some off-road adventures with more of an adrenaline rush. This area also includes some of the best hidden beaches.
Aruba claims to have more sunshine than anywhere else in the Caribbean, which is perhaps why its official motto is “One Happy Island.” Another reason may be the number of incredible beaches to enjoy. The most iconic, thanks to its widely photographed twisted trees, is Eagle Beach on the northwestern edge. Its wide expanse of white powdery sand is ideal for a beach day. De Palm Island is a quick tender ride away; here, you can enjoy an idyllic beach setting with the resident flamingos. It isn’t just white sands in Aruba; visit Blackstone Beach where you will find the rugged volcanic scenery just as picturesque.
A beach day in Aruba should not be complete without trying the island’s signature cocktail, Aruba Ariba; the Beach Bar in Oranjestad serves these while you enjoy one of the best spots to watch the sunset. For dinner off the boat, Yemanja Woodfired Grill restaurant in Oranjestad has locally caught fish and prime cuts of meat on the menu,
all cooked on the wood fire with a Caribbean flair. To let your hair down, Aruba is the top choice for partying, with casinos, clubs, and bars; there are plenty of venues around Oranjestad and farther north in Palm Beach.
Curaçao and Bonaire also have their fair share of great beaches. Around 40 minutes from Willemstad is Grote Knip Beach, one of the island’s most famous beaches that regularly appears in the world’s top 50 beaches. Situated between rugged cliffs, the calm turquoise waters and minimal development here make it the perfect stretch of sand to enjoy a chilled day with some cliff jumping and snorkeling thrown in. If you want to get some exercise before beach lounging, Bonaire has a paved coastal road perfect for cycling, where you can end at one of the island’s best beaches, Te Amo Beach. Along with powdery white sands shaded by the palms, the Kite City food truck is on hand for refreshments throughout the day.
While less developed than some of the Caribbean in terms of superyacht facilities, the ABCs still have options for those needing a berth. In Aruba, the Renaissance Marina in the heart of Oranjestad offers berthing facilities for yachts up to 200 feet. The marina is part of the Renaissance resort and provides plenty of entertainment and shopping amenities for crew. Harbour Village Marina in Aruba has facilities for yachts up to 150 feet and one dock for 240-footers. Here crew can take advantage of the swimming pool and gym. Yachts up to 150 feet can also find berths in the Seru Boca Estate marina in Curaçao or on the waterfront in Willemstad.
Dec. 4–9
Antigua Charter Yacht Show
ANTIGUA, WEST INDIES
The Caribbean season kicks off with the Antigua show. With a long list of charter yachts, a diverse social calendar, and competitions for crew, there’s always something going on. Register at ACREW to attend their show events.
antiguayachtshow.com
Dec. 6
PYA Christmas Ball
CANNES, FRANCE
This PYA tradition has been running for more than 20 years. This year’s event will take place at Hôtel Martinez in Cannes. pya.org
Dec. 6–8
Art Basel Miami
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA
At the Miami Beach Convention Center, galleries from five continents display works by the masters of modern and contemporary art. artbasel.com
Dec. 6–8
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
ABU DHABI, UAE
Check out the Yas Marina Circuit, which hosts the 58-lap, 5,281-kilometer track for the Abu Dhabi F1 race on Sunday, Dec. 8.
formula1.com/en/racing/2024/ united-arab-emirates
Dec. 6–22
The Last Christmas FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
It’s Dec. 24, 1999, and WNCP’s call-in advice show is running — watch multiple stories come to life.
newcityplayers.org.com
Dec. 7
Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County Boat Parades
The MIAPBC boat parades in St. Lucie, Martin, and Indian River counties take place on the same day this year.
marinepbc.org/boat-parade
Dec. 12
Triton Crew, Captains, & Cocktails
MARINE CENTER, FORT LAUDERDALE
Hosted by TDW The Diesel Marine Workshop Safe Harbor Lauderdale. Unwind and network with yachties and industry partners from 6 to 9 p.m. with Triton! the-triton.com/networking
Dec. 13
Old Dominion HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA
At Hard Rock Live at 8 p.m. seminolehardrockhollywood.com
Dec. 13
National Day: Festival of Lights and Renewal
ST. LUCIA, WEST INDIES
The Festival of Lights symbolizes light overcoming darkness. It begins with a Lantern Competition and ends with a parade, Christmas show, lighting ceremony, and fireworks in Castries on Dec. 12. stlucia.org
Dec. 14
Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast Boat Parade
The 30th annual boat parade kicks off the season. Join the festivities on the Intracoastal from North Palm Beach to Jupiter Inlet with a toy drive benefiting Toys for Tots and Little Smiles.
miatc.org/events
Dec. 14
Martin Lawrence HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA
At Hard Rock Live at 8 p.m. seminolehardrockhollywood.com
Dec. 14
Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
The South Florida holiday season starts with the Winterfest Boat Parade, which attracts more than one million viewers along its 12-mile route from Fort Lauderdale to Pompano Beach. winterfestparade.com
Dec. 31
Musette Fort Lauderdale New Year’s Eve 2025 Party Cruise FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
Celebrate on the water with drinks and a dinner buffet aboard Musette with a live DJ and dancing. newyears.com
Dec. 31
New Year’s Eve Spectacular Gala on the Bay MIAMI, FLORIDA
Cruise Biscayne Bay and ring in the New Year aboard Seafair in a celebration that also gives back — proceeds will benefit U.S. military veterans as part of Seafair’s Galas for Good program.
seafairyachts.com/new-yeareve#performance
Jan. 8–12
Chicago Boat Show
ROSEMONT, ILLINOIS
The Chicago Boat Show has a new location this year at the Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center. chicagoboatshow.com
Jan. 8–12
New England Boat Show
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
The New England Boat Show is located at the Boston Convention Exhibition Center.
newenglandboatshow.com
Jan. 9–12
Thailand International Boat Show
PHUKET, THAILAND
More than 6,000 visitors and 100 exhibitors are expected to attend the boat show at Phuket Yacht Haven. thailandinternationalboatshow.com
Jan. 10–12
Stuart Boat Show
STUART, FLORIDA
The 51st annual Stuart Boat Show is the largest boat show on Florida’s Treasure Coast, featuring more than 205 local and international exhibitors surrounded by motor yachts, cruisers, center consoles, and other vessels.
stuartboatshow.com
Jan. 12–26
Australian Open
MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA
The first of four legendary Grand Slam tennis events is back.
ausopen.com
Jan. 14–15
IFC Captain’s Cup Sailfish Tournament
ISLAMORADA, FLORIDA
Last year’s fishing tournament saw 68 anglers fish on 19 boats, with the Trophy Hunter team winning the winner-take-all prize of $19,000.
theislamoradafishingclub.com
Jan. 16–19
St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show
ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA
Explore powerboats and sailboats displayed in-water and on-land alongside a 40,000-squarefoot tent housing an extensive selection of marine equipment and accessories.
stpeteboatshow.com/en
Jan. 17
Billy Joel
HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA
At Hard Rock Live at 8 p.m. livenation.com
Jan. 18–20
Art Deco Weekend
MIAMI, FLORIDA
The 48th annual festival celebrates Miami’s architecture, history, arts, and culture. artdecoweekend.org
Jan. 18–26
boot Düsseldorf
DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY
The largest yacht and watersports show in the world is back, with more than 214,000 visitors from 120 countries and 1,500 exhibitors expected. boot.com
Jan. 21–25
Buccaneer Cup Sailfish Tournament
RIVIERA BEACH, FLORIDA
The 62nd iteration of the sailfish tournament is back. buccaneercup.com
Jan. 23–26
Naples Boat Show
NAPLES, FLORIDA
Owned and managed by the Marine Industries Association of Collier County, the Naples Boat Show is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and features displays by marinas, boat dealers, and more. naplesboatshow.com
Jan. 24–26
Jacksonville Boat Show
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA
The 77th anniversary of the Jacksonville Boat Show includes a variety of boats on display including skiing, fishing, cruisers, and more.
boatjax.com/jacksonville-boatshow
Jan. 22–26
New York Boat Show
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
Discover Boating’s New York Boat Show is at Javits Center. nyboatshow.com
Stay tuned for more Triton events in the new year!
Triton hosted a cocktail hour with Boat Owners Warehouse (BOW) and Lewis Marine in Fort Lauderdale on Oct. 17. More than 700 guests celebrated the start of boat show festivities in the lead-up to the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show at BOW in Fort Lauderdale.
With cocktails and craft beer samples, free food and snacks, and carnival games and prizes, the event drew in plenty of crew and industry professionals for an evening of networking and fun before the big show.
Thank you to our event partners Boat Owners Warehouse for hosting and Lewis Marine for sponsoring the event.
Watch our socials for the next Triton cocktail event.
With Thanksgiving and the season of giving fast approaching, Triton hosted a monthly cocktail hour at Bradford Marine in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 14. As an evening of gratitude, more than 750 guests came out to share in the celebration of the show closing and the holidays nearing.
The crew let loose and enjoyed a relaxing evening with cocktails, craft beer, light bites, and giveaways as they shed their boat show stress.
Thank you to our event partner Bradford Marine for hosting.
See you at the next Triton cocktail event!
The 65th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show roared into town from Oct. 30 through Nov. 3 this year, taking over seven locations and attracting more than 100,000 attendees, 1,300 boats, and 1,000 exhibitors.
For the first time, Triton paired up with YATCO to host a booth during the five-day show, but we also hit the docks to get the latest from captains and crew and deliver the popular Triton Daily. It was great to chat to so many crew throughout the show!
See you at the next show!
Taking care of the crew during the show is a top priority, and no one does it better than The Oasis Lounge, which is made possible through co-organizers Global Marine Travel and Yacht Chandlers, with the help of various additional sponsors, including Triton
This year’s event had locations at Hall of Fame Marina and at Superyacht Village and proved a popular retreat. With a daily buffet and drinks, approximately 1,500 captains and crew enjoyed the offerings and took a break from show activities inside.
The Oasis Lounge also hosted several competitions, including the hotly contested Best in Show Competition featuring canapés and cocktails, which was ultimately won by Head Chef Moises Vilomar, Chief Stew Winnie Skupin, and Second Stew Jordan Michel of M/Y Miss Stephanie. Other contests included a fender war, a floral contest, and a viewing of the England versus New Zealand rugby game.
The infamous Yacht Chandlers’ Captain & Crew Appreciation party, hosted this year at DAER Nightclub at the Hard Rock Casino, drew hundreds to let off some steam during FLIBS. With its Day of the Dead theme, the biggest yachtie party at the boat show was no tricks, all treats on Nov. 1.
NauticALL, which offers yacht, charter, and project management, crew recruitment, and special services, invited senior crewmembers to an exclusive cocktail event on Nov. 2 during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Guests were welcomed to the beautiful pool deck at Bahia Mar hotel to enjoy drinks and canapes and mingle under the night sky.
With live music and an open bar, the party offered attendees a winning combination of relaxed fun and networking. Event sponsors included Benetti, Navim Group, Resolve Marine Group, Robert Allen Law, Triton, Voly, and Yotspot.
National Marine’s annual Poker Run calls all the captains and crew with a love for motorcycles and cars to grab their leathers and head out for some fun before the boat show — all while raising money for a good cause.
For the 16th annual event on Oct. 19, $80,093.16 was raised for the Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation, which assists wounded, ill, or injured U.S. Special Operations Command members. The foundation was founded and is run by veterans.
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