Triton Vol. 3 No. 3

SUPERYACHT CREW VS. SPORTFISHING CREW

How do roles, payment, and lifestyles differ?

BAD COMPANY FLEET

Exclusive interview with the owner of the world’s largest private sportfishing program

NFL STARS TAKE ON SPORTFISHING

Do catching skills translate?

HOOKED ON SPORTFISHING

Fishing the world’s toughest locations, Jon Duffie’s journey, best sportfishing amenities for crew, and more!

YOUR YARD TIME SHOULD BE A VACATION .

“I want to thank Hinckley for another successful yard visit. It is a pleasure returning to Stuart over the past several years for service work. The team is always friendly and professional, and it is good to see familiar faces. My primary reasons for continuing to return to Hinckley in Stuart is there is no hard space fee if work is being performed, and project managemnt is handled by the Hinckley team. It’s nearly effortless.

— CAPTAIN, 70’ MARLOW

Full in-house trades and project management for annual service, storage and refits up to 150 tons or 118 feet. No hidden fees.

Contact: Stephanie Roberston,

Senior Project Manager

srobertson@hinckleyyachts.com | +1.410.259.9989

Chart Your Course to Unrivaled Service & amenitIEs

Calling all captains and crews! Suntex Marinas invites you to our best-in-class marina properties, whether you want to stay a day, a week, or longer.

At Suntex Marinas, you can expect:

• Extensive amenities including gyms to keep you fit, pools to relax by, waterfront restaurants for exquisite dining, vibrant nightlife, and exclusive captain and crew lounges.*

• Added conveniences such as cart runs for provisioning, high-speed fueling, and bunkering to speed operations processes to allow the crew more time to enjoy our amenities.*

• Many marinas are just steps away from the beach.

• Two FTZ marinas located in the Fort Lauderdale area.

With 11 superyacht marinas along the East Coast, each promising world-class service and amenities, your next unforgettable voyage starts with Suntex. Visit us at suntexsuperyachts.com/triton to learn more about how Suntex Marinas can elevate your yachting experience to new heights.

*Amenities vary by marina. Please check with the individual marina to confirm onsite amenities.

Suntex Superyacht Marinas

BAHIA MAR, FLORIDA

The Formula 457 joins the 387 CCF & CCS!

THE FORMULA 457 CENTER CONSOLE WILL BE YOUR OFFSHORE ADVENTURE DESTINATION!

With the debut of the 457 Center Console Sport at this year’s Miami International Boat Show and production of the Center Console Fish slated for mid-summer 2024, the 457 Center Console Sport and Fish models will push the boundaries of design, engineering and construction in the offshore center console world, celebrating the finish and amenities of Formula’s renewed entry into the CC market.

The center console world – media, builders, and consumers alike – were stunned and impressed by Formula’s recent introduction of the 457, executing the ultimate in performance, ergonomics and amenities in the center console market. At 45’7” with a 13’9” beam, and powered by triple Mercury 600 Verados, the Formula 457 will impress all comers.

Built to your preference, from upscale sport cruising to hardcore fish, or a little of both, the 457 will match your boating style. Opt for a sculpted aft lounge and spacious swim platform for sporting adventures or foldaway aft seating and pressurized baitwells for a fishing battlewagon – we will build a boat to suit your wants and needs. You will love the triple 22”

monitor dash and air-conditioned three-position helm. You can add AC to the second row and aft-facing seating for total crew comfort. Choose the entertainment-ready cockpit galley or the bait station/wetbar to your needs. And all will enjoy the highly styled bow seating with elevated sun lounge and wraparound seating with power-adjust table.

Below, the cabin brings you 6’6” of headroom with a full aircraft galley with microwave, fridge, sink and abundant counter and cabinet space, as well as U-lounge seating with a table for dining or entertaining, convertible to a two-person berth. A well-appointed, spacious head features a separate, standup shower.

Visit formulaboats.com, a Formula showroom or our headquarters to learn more about this elite game-changer. The 457 Center Consoles will exceed all expectations. You will love what you see – we can’t wait to impress you.

FROM THE PUBLISHERS

If you catch them, can they clean them?

If you think finding fish is hard, finding the right people for the right job is the absolute hardest part of running a company or a yacht. It is also the most crucial part of any company or yacht.

“Catching them,” is only the first step. Maybe you got hired for the job you want and maybe you made a good impression on whoever hired you. But now the real test starts. You have to actually “clean them.” You need to deliver on all the claims you made about how good you would be at your job. That is the stress time for your boss. Were you the right choice? The first few weeks are usually good — new job, new environment, new people. It’s after those few weeks that the real answers start to show.

You insisted you were organized, you had all these skills, and you had this ability to get along with everyone. You said you didn’t need micromanaging and you are a self-starter. Are all those things still true? If so, you and your new job are a fit, but if cracks start to show, maybe it wasn’t the right fit.

Most of the time, you are competing with others for that job, so how do you make the cut? How do you get picked over the others? How do you stand out? And most importantly, how does anyone know if you can deliver the results?

As the saying goes, “undersell and over deliver.” Be confident but be transparent. Show your strengths but admit to your weaknesses. We all have them. And above all else — communicate! Good communication with your staff and boss is at the core of any successful team.

Just as you don’t eat every fish you catch, don’t jump at every job you can take. It’s easy to get hooked but sometimes it’s harder to clean.

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

Digital Sales & Sponsorships

Carrie Bailey | Carrie@TritonNews.com

Marketing & Social Media Coordinator

Ayana Evans | Ayana@TritonNews.com

Business Controller

Katherine Urdaneta | Kat@usmarinagroup.com

Contributors

Patricia Clark, Danny Davies, Gemma Harris, Sam Moen, Rachel Rowney, Zack Thomas

Contact us Triton Magazine +01 954-525-0029 1881 SE 17th Street, 17th Street Yacht Basin Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Follow us thetritonnews | tritonnews tritonnews | tritonnews

Vol. 3, No. 4

Triton is a free bimonthly magazine owned by YATCO, LLC

Copyright ©2021 Triton News Network. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

Contributor Guidelines

Triton welcomes content from captains, crew, and industry professionals to be considered for publication. Please email queries to Editor@TritonNews.com.

Contents

INDUSTRY UPDATES

14–20 News from around yachting

OFFBOARDING: THERESA STROHMENGER

24 A former yacht stew’s journey from working with stews on board to creating a community for them ashore.

KEEPIN’ IT FRESH

26 Chef Danny Davies recounts his time as a judge of the Monaco Superyacht Chef Competition.

THE ULTRA SUPERYACHT CAPTAIN

28 Capt. Grant Maughan’s ultramarathon running adventures that inspired his book, “Freezing Hot.”

THE BOATING AND BEACH BASH

32 Find out how you can use your yachting experience to help people with disabilities.

A TALE OF TWO BROTHERS

36–39 The Desaunois brothers — both superyacht captains at one point — test their limits on board and on land.

TRITON DESTINATIONS

66–71 Barcelona is set to host the America’s Cup this year, and is bringing together yachties from around the world.

CALENDAR

72 The industry’s hottest events in June and July

EVENT GALLERY

74–79 Pictures of captains and crew at Triton’s Expo and other industry events.

TRITON DOUBLE TAKE

84 Test your powers of observation!

Sportfish Feature Section

SPORTFISH VS. SUPERYACHT

44–47 How do crew jobs on the different vessels compare?

BAD COMPANY IS FISHING FOR CHANGE

50–52 How Anthony Hsieh’s fleet does more than just fish

NFL TAKES ON SPORTFISHING

54 How well do football stars fare on the water?

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

56–58 Ascension Island, Cape Verde, and Madeira’s sportfishing possibilities

JON DUFFIE’S JOURNEY

60 A world-record captain turned boat builder’s story

SPORTFISH VESSEL SAFETY

62 What’s different in a sportfish med kit?

CREW LIFE ON SPORTFISH YACHTS

64 A closer look at three sportfishing vessels’ crew amenities on board.

ON THE COVER Sportfishing team "Southern Lady" on board the 70' Weaver Southern Pride, participating in the Pescadora Billfish Championship in Quepos, Costa Rica. Photo by Tony Cadorin.

WE ARE MPT

EDITOR’S LETTER

Unified Through Sportfishing

I’ve been around a lot of team sports. Basketball, soccer, football, volleyball, rugby, but sportfishing is new to me. I had the opportunity to cover the Sport Fishing Championship’s made-for-TV sportfishing competition between NFL stars and sportfishing professionals, where I was able to speak with some of the fishing and football stars before the tournament started.

Most of the football stars had some history with fishing, whether it be at a local pond growing up or — a riskier approach — sneaking into catfish farms at night to catch monsters. While they had wide-ranging fishing backgrounds, and Bengals Trey Hendrickson is known to be quite an angler, the sportfishing stars’ experience plainly outranked the NFL stars. Many of the football players were interested in picking the brains of the captains they would ride out to fish with, hoping to learn some of the tricks of the trade for their future fishing endeavors. The competitiveness behind the idea of beating former teammates or league mates was getting more and more intense with each player, and the captains were matching the energy as well.

While I might lean more towards the NFL players when it comes to my fishing experience, my time with the captains in the Sport Fishing Championship made me realize the unifying nature of sportfishing, just like that in a pickup basketball game or in a game of doubles in tennis. Viewing it through a larger lens, I can see how crewmembers love the thrill of working on a sportfishing vessel while developing new and existing relationships between guests and owners. Lauren Beck, Triton’s senior editor, dives into this dynamic more when she highlights the similarities and differences between a sportfishing crew job and a superyacht crew job in her “Night & Day” feature. M/Y Bad Company and the rest of Anthony Hsieh’s fleet know this feeling all too well, and Gemma Harris’ interview with Hsieh about his passion to do more than just fish with his fleet showcases the power of the sport to do good, too.

Whether you’re a professional angler, own a fleet of sportfishing vessels, or just an amateur, the power of fishing is enough to bring all walks of life together.

KEVIN MAHER Kevin@TritonNews.com

Stay on Top of Crew Credentials

Crewdentials, a software company that manages crew credentials, unveiled updates. The company “came to life as a result of frustration from both the perspective of seafarers and organizations that whenever an individual registers with any maritime organization, they have to upload their certificates and manually profile them,” said Ellen Armsden, Crewdentials co-founder and COO. “[Certificates] are rarely kept up to date, there’s no consistency about naming (particularly across platforms), and [they] are tricky to verify.”

The three co-founders aimed to revolutionize the crew certification management and verification space. Their secure platform is a central hub for crew data, and it gives crew the choice to update multiple client systems when they alter their data and documents.

“To combat the issues, we built what

we believe to be an industry-first platform model with significant compliance features, including our technology that helps the user identify the type of qualification, the issuer, and relevant dates, which enables us to auto-profile the qualification,” Armsden said.

The platform offers a Crew Profile and a Business Workspace. The Crew Profile is a free digital wallet for crew. It organizes certificates and makes them easily shareable. New to this product is the Structured Profile, which alerts crew immediately whether their credentials are compliant based on the competency they hold. Crew can also get careerplanning help — if crew select their next competency, it spells out qualification requirements. It will also alert to expiring documents. Crew can specify what certificates to add to their public profiles and share through QR code. Recipients

Suntex Marina Makes Big Moves

Suntex Marina established a joint venture with Centerbridge Partners to acquire more than $1.25 billion in new marinas across the U.S. The funding from Centerbridge will go toward acquisitions and capital improvements at new facilities and several development projects across the U.S. Suntex will manage this new venture.

Suntex also merged with Almar Marinas in March. Almar Marinas is the largest coastal marina operator on the U.S.’s West Coast. It includes eight owned marinas across California and nine operated by third-party owners in California and Hawaii. The California marinas under the Suntex umbrella now include Marina Del Rey Marina in Marina Del Rey, plus three marinas in California’s Channel Islands Harbor: Peninsula Yacht Marina, Bahia Marina, and Westport Marina. The four Oakland properties are expected to merge in the coming months, subject to government approvals.

Suntex also recently acquired Lighthouse Point Marina and Yacht Club in Tom’s River, New Jersey. The marina

has 243 wet slips and 38 Jet Ski slips, all with access to electricity, cable, Wi-Fi, and pump-out stations. It includes a full-service boat yard with haul-out and launch capabilities and winterization services. On-site amenities include laundry facilities, a pool, a game room, a snack bar, and a store. The marina is protected by a natural breakwater on the river, which leads to Barnegat Bay.

According to a recent press release, “Suntex is committed to building on the legacies created by the founders of its acquired properties and has a long track record of working with its marina partners to become even greater contributors to their respective communities.”

“We’re thrilled to close on this joint venture [with Centerbridge Partners] to usher in new growth for Suntex Marinas,” said Bryan Redmond, CEO of Suntex Marinas. “We have an incredible opportunity to further grow our network from coast to coast and improve upon the Suntex experience. We are confident that our guests will enjoy what we have in store.”

can view essential info and request access, while crew control who accesses their info.

The Business Workspace has tools for organizations and vessels to collect, manage, and verify qualifications. “Because certificates arrive in the Workspace consistently named and profiled, we can optimize compliance processes,” Armsden said.

Users can customize workflows, and the software performs as a “compliance guru” to highlight missing or expired documents and credentials. In March 2024, Crewdentials rolled out auto verification of MCA-issued Certificates of Competency.

“We are not trying to replace any applicant tracking, crew management, or learning management systems. Instead, we are looking to enhance existing systems and processes for both the crew and the admin users,” Armsden said. crewdentials.com

“The marina industry has shown consistently strong fundamentals for many years, as enthusiasts have invested in more and bigger boats while the availability of high-quality marinas and boat storage remains scarce,” said William Rahm, chairman of Suntex Marinas and global head of real estate at Centerbridge Partners. “Bryan and the Suntex team have a demonstrated track record of acquiring quality properties, enhancing operations for customers, and adding value through accretive capital investments. We’re thrilled to expand our partnership.”

suntex.com

LIGHTHOUSE POINT MARINA AND YACHT CLUB

INDUSTRY UPDATES

Azimut-Benetti Partners with D-Marin in New Italian Marina

It’s been a long time coming, but Azimut-Benetti and D-Marin finally began constructing their 815-berth marina in Livorno, Italy, in April 2024.

The new joint-venture Livorno Marina is designed by Archea of Florence and is projected to be completed in June 2026. Plans are to open sections of the marina as soon as possible ahead of schedule.

The project represents approximately €14 to 15 million and includes dock renovation, meeting spaces, and premium leisure and entertainment amenities. The plan is to reserve 220 square meters for restaurants, 60 square meters for bars, and 250 square meters for office space.

Azimut-Benetti and D-Marin plan to continue their tradition of sustainability in Livorno Marina. The property will use natural elements like trees and hedges to replace fencing, solar panels for a significant proportion of energy production, and recovered rainwater for irrigation.

“We have been working for 20 years with institutions and the local community to materialize the Porta Mare project,” said Paolo Vitelli, founder of Azimut-Benetti. “Today we are proud to launch the final version of the plan approved and appreciated by all the stakeholders involved. The Livorno marina will be a state-of-the-art realization: the historical Medici harbor is incorporated into a modern, beautiful, eco-friendly marina open to the town and to international visitors.”

This sentiment was echoed by Nicolo Caffo, general manager of D-Marin Italia. “D-Marin believes strongly in Livorno. It will be one of the most prestigious marinas in the Mediterranean, built on shared values aligned on premium customer experiences, commercial excellence, sustainability commitments, and innovations,” Caffo said. “In partnership with Azimut-Benetti Group, D-Marin will ensure Livorno Marina flourishes and becomes the renowned yachting hub we know it can be.”

azimutbenetti.com / d-marin.com

Triton Submarines Unveils

Next-Gen Nine-Person Submersible

Following successful sea trials, DNV certification, and delivery to Valparaiso, Chile, by Boeing 747 aircraft, Triton Submarines’ new Triton 660/9 AVA is fully integrated on board Scenic Eclipse II Using Advanced Versatile Acrylics methodology, Triton 660/9 AVA is the world’s first submersible with a free-form acrylic pressure hull and is rated to 660 feet depth capacity.

Eight guests and a pilot can fit in the new submersible. The Triton 660/9 AVA is proposed as a direct replacement for outmoded twin-hulled tourist submersibles, with a patentpending expanded-ellipse acrylic pressure hull delivering up to three times greater interior viewing volume, breathtaking panoramic views, and improved comfort for guests.

Triton’s 660/9 AVA can be quickly reconfigured between dives and offers a variety of premium dive activities for guests, including dining or cocktail dives, spa treatments, and subsea gaming experiences. Safety is still at Triton’s forefront, with numerous features that deliver safety, reliability, and both operator and guest experience advantages. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, pioneers of ultra-luxury Discovery Yachting, is

the first in the industry to embrace the subsea excursion shift.

“At Triton Submarines, we’re focused on developing safe, certified, and fully accredited submersibles for a wide range of operational scenarios, which wouldn’t be possible without the support and collaboration of visionary clients like Scenic,” said Patrick Lahey, president and cofounder of Triton Submarines. “We thank Scenic for their belief in Triton and our capacity to deliver the highly innovative Triton 660/9 AVA, which represents a new paradigm in the way people experience and interact with the ocean.”

Founded in 2007, Triton Submarines has a spotless track record in producing submersibles, all fully certified by a third-party classification society, built to commercial grade, and designed for easy maintenance.

“Our collaboration with Triton Submarines on the custom design of our new submersible reflects our commitment to continuous innovation and leading the way in ultra-luxury yacht cruising,” said Jason Flesher, director of Discovery Operations.

tritonsubs.com

Have you ever just wanted someone to talk to about your career? Are you struggling with how to handle a situation on board? Do you just need a sounding board?

Sometimes finding that help in the yachting industry can be challenging, but things might be getting easier.

The Superyacht Mentor was founded in January 2024 by Richard Orme, who spent 30 years in various yachting positions, from crew to yacht manager to entrepreneur. Orme is also an accredited mentor for the U.K. government.

Orme stepped ashore in the late ’90s and has been mentoring businesses in different sectors after exiting his own brokerage house, LYS, which he founded in 2005. Mentoring is a normal corporate practice in many companies.

“Like many things, the universe kind of drags you back into where you need to be,” Orme said. “I found that a lot of my clients were yachting-based.”

However, with a lack of support options for professional crew, it was a natural expansion of his business to start offering mentorship services to captains and crew — and he’s now busier with crew than anyone else.

“As an industry, [yachting] has the highest attrition rates I’ve ever experienced,” Orme said. “There are

Richard Orme Opens The Superyacht Mentor

a lot of opportunities to do amazing stuff as a crewmember, and clearly, the remuneration is a premium level compared to the shore-based role equivalent. But there’s a reason for that.”

Any crewmember can spell out the many reasons why the job is so challenging, but Orme would like to make it better. His company’s mission is “to create cultures where yachties can thrive.” His mentoring service is entirely confidential, unbiased, and impartial, and provides a sounding board for career or personal issues on board.

“There are all spectrums of why people need a mentor, but principally, it’s about positive direction to a goal they want to achieve, or if they need to define what that is and actually create a pathway to get there,” Orme said.

He stresses that mentorship is not the same as coaching. “With a mentor, our skill is listening, and then asking the right questions so the mentee works out the solution for themselves,” Orme said. “It might be a slightly longer process, but the rewards are far greater. Because this is a change of character, of mindset, of behavior, for the mentee.”

Mentoring is an investment for both mentor and mentee, and Orme’s plans allow for both short-term, as-needed help and long-term career guidance. His services are available to crew and shorebased yachting professionals, and include compassionate leadership mentorship and career transition planning for those looking to move ashore. He provides constructive feedback that helps mentees identify areas to improve and offers guidance to improve their skills, confidence, and performance. He provides decision-making support and career guidance, offering new perspectives, experiences, and advice. Orme also helps guide mentees to better

balance their personal and professional lives with advice on time management, stress reduction, and well-being.

“I’m truly invested in the people, in getting them to where they want to be. I’m personally involved in trying to improve the social and well-being aspects of yachting as an industry,” Orme said. “There’s a lot of growth that we need to put in, in terms of how we manage the well-being of crew, how we develop better crew cultures with less toxicity, how we introduce values into a yacht, to mold the culture of the yacht, which ultimately requires the owner’s input.”

When a crew is happy and works well together, it enhances every aspect of the job and ultimately benefits the yacht owner as well.

“My mission is to create cultures in yachting where yachties thrive, but for me to do that, I need to get the owners to recognize not just [mentoring] services, but giving that governance support to crew,” Orme said.

Yachts can sign up for The Superyacht Mentor with several plans: a yacht can purchase four sessions for £320, 12 sessions for £960, and 24 sessions for £1,920. Those sessions are valid for 90 days and can be used by multiple people. Individuals can also create their own plans.

thesuperyachtmentor.com

WEBASTO

CHILLER WEBASTO CHILLER

WEBASTO PLATINUM

Start-Up Pavilion Returns to METSTRADE

Following a successful debut last year, METSTRADE will host its second startup pavilion in November in collaboration with Yachting Ventures. Last year’s event featured 15 start-ups showcasing their products and technologies to industry experts and attendees. The pavilion offers a platform for emerging companies to showcase their ideas while connecting the businesses with potential investors and giving them media exposure.

Captains and crew are invited to participate at the pavilion as well. Last year’s event showcased three start-ups created by ex-crew. Metarina, a state-ofthe-art marina management software and berth marketplace for boaters, was founded by school friends who found themselves back together on a vessel in the Mediterranean. Floatist, a fleet management and charter operations platform for yacht charter operators, was co-founded by Cindy Allis. Allis started sailing at a young age and worked as a skipper on sailing yachts.

Charter Itinerary is the third start-up that participated in last year’s Start-Up Pavilion. The start-up creates custom itineraries, tailored yacht proposals, interactive guest preferences, and manages bookings. Boris De Bel, co-founder and

CEO of Charter Itinerary, has worked in the yachting industry since 2012, including as a first mate on numerous sailing yachts.

This year’s Start-Up Pavilion will again accommodate 15 start-ups. Curated by Yachting Ventures, the selected start-ups will not only showcase their innovations, but also engage in panel discussions and a pitching competition. The pitching competition takes place on the last day of METSTRADE and involves four to five start-ups showcasing their products and solutions to a panel of investors and industry leaders. The event will be judged by national and international investors actively seeking investment opportunities.

“The organizers of METSTRADE see the importance of supporting emerging new businesses and the Start-Up Pavilion, alongside adjacent events, including panel discussions and a pitching competition, raises the profile of start-ups and gives them the platform they need to kick start their journey,” said Gabbi Richardson, founder of Yachting Ventures.

Interested start-ups can find more information on the METSTRADE Start-Up Pavilion and an application form in the link below.

metstrade.com/exhibiting/start-up-pavilion

Hammer Yachts Introduces “The Next Generation of Power Catamarans”

Hammer Yachts, builders of the “HammerCats,” have approached the center-console power catamaran market from a new perspective — their line-up of power catamarans from 30 to 45 feet is exclusively built from epoxy composites. HammerCats are 40% lighter than comparable center consoles and tenders in the same size range and therefore don’t require quad engines. The vessel’s doublestepped hull offers an impressive range, a soft and dry ride, with less maintenance, cheaper insurance, and easy towing.

This year’s latest addition to the HammerCat family is the HammerCat 35HH, with the HH standing for “Hard Hat.” The HammerCat 35HH is well suited for colder climates, with excellent protection for crew while not compromising visibility. With its wideopen aft deck, the vessel can be configured with a sportfishing fighting chair or a large, insulated fish box with additional seating or storage. Dual live bait wells and a tuna tower are optional additions as well. Starting in September, the HammerCat 35HH is available in the U.S. with power options including two Suzuki 350s, a Mercury 350/400 V10, or Cox 350 diesel outboards.

Starting in 2018, Hammer Yachts entered the power catamaran market with one clear goal — to change the current offering of power catamarans into elegant, high-performing, fuel-efficient vessels. Their first vessel was the HammerCat 35 in 2019, followed by a full production line for the model in 2020. Their next, the HammerCat 45, is in production this year. Starting this summer, Hammer Yachts will operate out of Pier Sixty-Six in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

hammeryachts.com

Photo: S/Y ABIDE by Billy Black.

Theresa Strohmenger’s Journey to Create PINKFISH

Strohmenger used the knowledge she gained in the yachting industry as a stewardess to build a business and community for yacht stews.

By Kevin Maher

After spending years as a stewardess, Strohmenger moved ashore and started PINKFISH, a yacht interior service that provides superyacht-standard provisioning, detailing, and charter service to boats that don’t have a full-time stew. Strohmenger not only hires freelance stews, but also includes them in her PINKFISH community, offering mental health checks, massage therapy sessions, and training courses. PINKFISH now services yachts along Florida’s Treasure Coast.

How and when did you get into yachting?

As a crewmember, I got into yachting in February 2015. It was a suggestion from a captain friend who is a good friend of my brother. I was working in a corporate job and found it to be fulfilling in a way, but I also wanted to travel more. Although that job allowed me to travel a little bit, I wanted to see more and get back into service. I started working in restaurants when I was in school and I really enjoyed it, but I didn’t think there was much advancement in a waitress position. I went into the corporate world and then when my captain friend introduced me to yachting, I went and took the STCW and got hired on a boat within a month — it was pretty quick.

Why did you decide to go ashore and start PINKFISH?

I left to start a family and I was getting married. Before, I only took positions like second or junior stew, and right when I was offered my first chief stew position, my dream job, I found out that I was pregnant. Because I had been working for the family for a few years, they moved me ashore to their estate. I grew my family quickly and it became clear that it was too much to be working for just one family. After I left the estate manager position, I went back to the corporate world but I really had the urge to be in yachting again, so I would take little gigs. I would use my vacation time, but I got to the point I really wanted to do it full time again.

I could have done it just as a freelancer, but the stability was what I really needed. If I didn’t have work, I could continue marketing and have people remember PINKFISH for when they do return. It just made sense to make a brand out of it so that it could be more of a community where I could involve other stewardesses and be a reliable and consistent stream of income.

How did PINKFISH start?

My brother, who has a marine-related business as well, is super creative. He sat me down one day and said, “You just need to do your own thing.” He gave me a $500 small business grant and ordered me some supplies, helped me with a logo, and helped me figure out how to start a business as far as the LLC, the insurance, and

Theresa Strohmenger

all those things because he had just done it himself. I started working on my own doing freelance detailing and turnarounds, mostly with clients I already had. I began reaching back out to them and letting them know I was back to work on boats and if they needed anything, they could call. And they did. It was really just me doing day work at first. Really quickly it became something that I wasn’t able to handle all on my own — there was just too much of a need. I slowly started bringing in other freelance day workers as freelance contractors. Nobody is bound to PINKFISH in any way other than if they’re available they can work and they’re paid in that way.

How did your experience and connections you made as a stewardess help you grow your business?

All the training I had received from being a stewardess, not only the relationships, but also the organization, the responsibility, the communication style, the uniform, punctuality — there’s such a strict standard in yachting that really is almost militant and it’s very helpful. Unlike my position in the corporate world in marketing, where I sort of had free rein of back-end duties and I didn’t really have to communicate with many people. My yachting experience not only helped my business approach, but it also created a solid set of standards as a mother too.

What has been your biggest challenge moving ashore and starting PINKFISH?

Accepting that I now have to pay for housing — I don’t actually have a free place to live. When you’re a full-time

crewmember, you have the luxury of being able to stash the money for all the expenses that you would have incurred as a homeowner or a renter, so that’s a challenge as well. I think that’s something that crew should really prepare for from the time they start yachting. Financial responsibility is really important to start as soon as you start yachting because all those expenses magically appear as soon as you leave your full-time position on the boat.

What is your advice to crewmembers wanting to leave the industry and come ashore?

Look at your finances, figure out how much money you’re going to need, how much you’re going to lose with the expensive cost of living, and things like that. Preparation is key and it’s really

overlooked. Maybe it’s just the nature of the industry that everything is so fast paced and moving and there’s a lot of last-minute decision making but the best advice is to just prepare. Just as you thought about getting into yachting, think about getting out of yachting and not like in a doomsday version, but just prepare to have a transition and keep those skills that you’ve acquired and use them in whatever role.

What’s next for PINKFISH?

We’re growing right now. We’re trying to get more business, keep advertising, and be creative with new ways of bringing in both stewardesses and boats. This is kind of a random goal, I guess, but we all love candy and flowers — it’s such a huge part of our job with turndowns and table settings — so our five-year goal is to own and have an office/flower shop and candy shop. It will be our place where we not only have our uniforms and all of our supplies for our cleaning in the back, but the front end will be a place where we can sell and showcase all of these wonderful candies and floral designs that we’ve learned over the years. It’s going to be called PINKDISH! ‹

www.pinkfish.boats

Judging the Monaco Superyacht Chef Competition

By Chef Danny Davies

Hello, my salty sea dogs! In April, I had the pleasure of being on the jury of this year’s Superyacht Chef Competition in Monaco. I flew out from sunny Florida to join a Michelin starstudded dinner hosted by the owner of the Monaco Yacht Club, and I got to meet HSH Prince Albert II himself. It was a fantastic night with all the outstanding chefs, but the real test was the next day.

The competition, which was hosted at the Monaco Yacht Club by Bluewater, had nine chefs competing in three rounds of cooking. In the first heat, the chefs received a mystery box of ingredients that had to be used, with points given for presentation, creativity, and skill. There was also a display of fresh fruit and veggies, dry stores, and dairy for all contestants to use. The first round was only 40 minutes of cooking time. A jury chose the winner from each of the three rounds, and a finalist group was decided for the competition’s next heat. It was a very close game with only a few points separating the chefs.

After lunch, the finalists were given two mystery boxes to cook with. They had to prepare two dishes: a main course and dessert, with only 40 and 30 minutes respectively on the clock. Points were awarded for skill and deducted for going over time. The winners all worked extremely hard in this high-pressure competition, which was live-streamed and had a large audience cheering the chefs on. Deciding on the winner was tough. First place went to Chef Paulo Ucha Longhin of M/Y Hercules. Chef Ava Faulkner was second, and coming in third with a great performance was Chef Mateusz Mitka. I caught up with Paulo to learn more about his experience.

What made competing in the Monaco Superyacht Chef Competition particularly significant for you?

I wanted to test myself with all the pressure and see what would happen. I haven’t been in yachting for many years, so I think it’s a good way for agencies to get to know you.

How would you describe the backstage atmosphere just before the competition kicked off?

Everyone was a little nervous about the big moment, but I think that, little by little, people relaxed.

Preparing for such a high-stakes competition must have been intense. Can you walk us through your preparation routine leading up to the first round?

I tried to be as relaxed as I could, but when the stopwatch started, the tension returned. So, I

calculated a little bit what was feasible to do in preparation and went ahead.

Every competition has its challenges. Can you share a specific moment that tested your skills or pushed you outside your comfort zone?

I was a little frustrated when two of the lobsters were spongy inside, probably because they were cooked from dead or with broken shells when previously boiled. I had to select the best parts to plate the four dishes. A big part of the two lobsters did not work for me.

Winning the competition must have been an incredible moment. Can you share with us the rush of emotions you experienced when your name was announced as the winner? The first thing I did was to thank God for the achievement I was so looking forward to. The feeling of satisfaction and work done is amazing. I felt blessed.

Having your family present during such a pivotal moment must have been incredibly special. Can you elaborate on what it meant to have them there with you on stage? They are everything to me. Having them there was very special. I think it’s a great example to achieve something and have your family around you, mainly for the kids [as it] creates a winning mentality for life, [showing that] everything [is] possible when you want to do something.

It was an honor to be on the jury and see these yacht chefs earn their stripes in the fast-paced competition. Thank you to all who were involved in making this year’s competition a great success. See you next year! ‹

Chef Paulo Ucha Longhin, Chef Ava Faulkner, and Chef Mateusz Mitka celebrate Chef Paulo Ucha Longhin plating

THE ULTRA SUPERYACHT CAPTAIN

Capt. Grant Maughan shares his adventures in ultramarathon running in his new book, “Freezing Hot.”

By Lauren Beck

Capt. Grant Maughan enjoys a challenge. In his 28 years in the yachting industry, he’s captained mainly explorer yachts with some intriguing cruising itineraries — including the Arctic, Antarctica, and all the oceans in between.

Maughan began his maritime career in Australia on commercial fishing vessels, first in Western Australia, then on trawlers between Tasmania and the Arctic Circle — “the most dangerous occupation I have been involved in,” he said. Fishing took him all over the world, from Borneo, Southern Africa, Canada, and Northern Australia. He also worked on tugboats and cargo ships, plus a dive boat in the Red Sea and the Seychelles, but he got his start in yachting as a chief engineer on what was then the largest motor yacht in Australia. He took over as captain after bringing the boat from Mexico to Australia. Over the years, Maughan has also completed several new-build projects, and he is currently doing relief and delivery work while waiting for the next interesting itinerary.

While his career highlights are impressive, his exploits off the boat are equally so. Maughan has completed 88 ultramarathons of between 100 to 1,000 miles across mountains, desert, and ice.

“I have stayed relatively healthy all my life by being active, playing sports as a kid, and surfing, biking, and diving as I got older,” Maughan said. Even so, he was not ultramarathon fit, but when the yacht owner’s son mentioned he was planning to run a marathon and asked Maughan to do a training run with him, he did. The run was on some mountain roads on the Amalfi coast in Italy.

“I took him up on the offer, and after three hours, we returned, and I thought I might faint,” Maughan said.

When the owner’s son also mentioned that he was planning to run a 50-mile race the following year, Maughan was skeptical, so the owner’s son gave him “Ultramarathon Man” by Dean Karnazes to read.

“Intrigued, I read it front to back on anchor watch and immediately decided I wanted ‘ultrarunner’ associated with my name. Somehow, inherently, I knew I could do it,” Maughan said.

The book was a catalyst for him — within six months, Maughan had completed two marathons and two ultramarathons, the longest of which was 100 miles from Key Largo to Key West. Since then, he’s completed 88 ultras up to and over 100 miles, including pulling a sled 1,000 miles along the Iditarod Trail in Alaska.

“I have always had a passion to explore things that most people don’t, so ultrarunning fits perfectly into that slot,” he said.

Now it’s his turn to inspire — his latest undertaking is writing his own book, “Freezing Hot.”

“Everyone has stories to tell of their existence. Some, like me, feel a need to get them out. It’s a cathartic and mentally taxing task, but the reward is seeing your adventures and life experiences dug up from those deep recesses to see the light again,” Maughan said.

The book details Maughan’s experiences as an ultrarunner, or as the book says: Ultrarunning through fire and ice. Tales from the trail, rumors from the road, and stories from the summit. But how, exactly, do you become an ultrarunner while simultaneously working as a superyacht captain? It turns out the answer is stubbornness.

“There are two main things you need to finish an ultra — fitness and stubbornness,” Maughan said. “In my case, fitness always takes the back seat because most of the time, I don’t have the time or resources to train as much as required because of my line of work, so that means I have to recruit my stubbornness most of the time to get through these races.”

Once you’re out there, it can be very easy to quit, Maughan explains. After all, no one says you must finish the race.

“It’s your choice, and no matter how

much aid you receive along the route, in the end, you are the only one who can get yourself to the finish line,” he said.

Maughan’s training is a delicate balance with his job. “It’s important in training to balance running volume with quality workouts, which include long/slow with short/fast workouts,” he explained. “For mountain races or events towing a loaded sled, I have towed a car tire from a waist belt, sometimes using mountain roads, bridges, or on a beach.” He also advises not to neglect your sleep and nutrition. “The overriding factor to successfully completing any workout, however, is to eat quality food and get restful sleep.”

“My ethos is to just turn up with what you have on the day and see what the outcome is. Most times, I have been pleasantly surprised,” Maughan said.

It seems to have worked well for him — to date, he has 15 overall wins and numerous podium finishes. He competed in the famous Badwater Ultramarathon less than a year after his first ultramarathon, taking second place in less than 25 hours. Only 100 handpicked participants are invited to run the 135-mile race in Death Valley, California, which crosses the hottest place on earth, mid-summer. Maughan has run the race seven times, with six finishes in the top 10. He intends to run it again in July.

“I’m a firm believer in having a healthy outlook on a daily basis, rather than scheduling gym visits or other workouts using a time scale,” he said. “Eating well is the best start, and staying active will perpetuate your health for life.”

These days, the captain’s job includes a lot of admin work, so he makes sure to stand at his desk and take hourly breaks for general bodyweight exercises and stretching. If the vessel is at anchor, he tries to take advantage of opportunities to swim and paddleboard, and when docked, he walks, runs, or bikes everywhere.

“We have so many comforts in modern life, but we still need to get back to the primal needs of exercise,” Maughan said.

It’s not just ultramarathons that get his blood pumping. “One of my greatest achievements was to summit Mount Everest from the Tibetan side utilizing the North Col/Northeast Ridge route,” he said. “It was a tough and dangerous two-month project that I have no shame in admitting scared me.” He also climbed Aconcagua in Argentina’s Andes mountains, plus Denali in Alaska — where he fell while descending the summit ridge.

“I’m proud of what I have achieved, in work and play,” Maughan said. “There was no luck — you make your own luck — and at the end of the day, it is simply hard work, honesty, and sometimes sacrifice that will get you up the ladder. Success in any field is no more complicated than that.”

“Freezing Hot” will be available in July on Amazon. ‹

EMPOWERING DREAMS : THE BOATING AND BEACH BASH FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

By: Sam Moen

Since its inception in 2009, the Boating and Beach Bash for People with Disabilities has grown from a humble community gathering into a beacon of inclusion and joy that draws attendees from across the nation. The Americans with Disabilities Foundation was founded by the late Jay Van Vechten and his wife, Lowell Van Vechten. This annual event in Boca Raton, Florida, has become a cherished flagship tradition for individuals with disabilities and their families, offering a day of fun, camaraderie, and empowerment.

Jay Van Vechten’s vision was to transform what was once known as a Picnic in the Park for People with Disabilities into something extraordinary. The Boating and Beach Bash was born with the support of dedicated volunteers, friends, and the city of Boca Raton. Over the years, the event has garnered significant support from organizations

like the Royal Palm Yacht Club, Boca Raton Police and Fire Rescue, the Rotary Club of Downtown Boca Raton, and other generous sponsors — allowing it to thrive and expand its reach.

Following Jay’s passing in 2020, Dr. Christopher Noe stepped up as CEO of the Americans with Disabilities Foundation and continued Jay’s legacy. With unwavering dedication, Noe and Lowell, alongside their passionate team, have ensured that the Bash remains an annual highlight for the disabled community.

Central to the Bash’s mission is its commitment to remaining free, making it accessible to all. This dedication has made it the largest non-profit event for people with disabilities in the United States, attracting thousands each year. The event provides a day of enjoyment, and serves as a platform for raising awareness and challenging

misconceptions about disability.

The 15th annual Bash in 2024 stands as a testament to the event’s enduring impact. Against the backdrop of azure waves by the Spanish River Park, guests are welcomed with open arms and hearts. The day begins with an official opening ceremony, graced by esteemed guests and punctuated by heartfelt performances.

Mayor Scott Singer’s proclamation marks the occasion, affirming March 2 as a day dedicated to celebrating the resilience and spirit of individuals with disabilities.

Throughout the day, the Bash buzzes with activity, offering an array of experiences tailored to every interest. There’s something for everyone from art exhibitions to performances by the MC-JROTC Olympic Heights Color Guard (Marine Corp), to guest performance singer Kelly Boyle, to train rides and boating adventures with Boca

@ KELLY BOYLE PHOTOGRAPHER

“If the able-body community can do it, so can I,” Gil said.

Raton’s Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 36. Specialized support stations ensure that attendees’ needs are met, with more than 40 stations providing services such as the comforting presence of service animals, sunscreen care, and accessible pontoon boats for those with mobility challenges. Additionally, the inclusion of Mobi Mats, portable walkways for people with disabilities, has further enhanced accessibility, allowing individuals to navigate the sandy terrain with ease and enjoy the festivities without barriers. By the end of the event, 822 guests had taken rides on the 14 volunteer vessels provided for the day due to the seamless efforts of Marine and Boating Operations Managers John Muir and Michael Brody.

Volunteers, including captains and crewmembers, play a vital role in the Bash’s success. The event expands each year, offering myriad opportunities for captains and crew to contribute. There are countless ways to make a meaningful impact from donating time, money, and vessels, to spreading the word about the event to friends and family. Experienced captains can assist in providing a safe and efficient boat ride as well as directing the arrival and departure of boats, ensuring a seamless experience for attendees. Those with accessible vessels are encouraged to provide accommodations for individuals with disabilities, both seen and unseen, fostering an environment of inclusivity and accessibility. Additionally, volunteers from diverse backgrounds, including physical therapists, health and wellness professionals, and hospital aides, are welcome to offer their services and support.

Amidst the laughter and camaraderie, poignant moments unfold, underscoring

the transformative power of the Bash. One such story is that of Juan Carlos Gil, who has attended the event since its inception in 2009. Despite facing learning disabilities, visual impairment, and cerebral palsy, Juan’s optimism knows no bounds. He owns an embroidery business, has been featured on Mercury Marine’s website, and embodies the ethos of the Bash.

“If the able-body community can do it, so can I,” Gil said.

One moment that stood out at this year’s Bash, which members like Noe and Lori Weber, events general manager, can attest to, was that of a 12-year-old girl’s entrepreneurial spirit in support of her fouryear-old sister. She sold homemade soap to raise funds and awareness, exemplifying the sense of purpose and community fostered by the event. However, the event isn’t only for young people.

“There was an elderly woman sitting by the ocean in a wheelchair for the first time, watching the waves roll in. This event gave her the opportunity to do something she never deemed possible,” Muir said.

As the Boating and Beach Bash continues to grow and evolve, its message of inclusion and empowerment resonates far beyond the shores of Boca Raton. With each passing year, Jay Van Vechten’s legacy lives on, reminding us all to embrace joy, dream big, and never underestimate the potential within each of us.

Beyond its immediate impact on attendees, the Boating and Beach Bash serves as a catalyst for broader societal change. By challenging stereotypes and promoting accessibility, the event sparks conversations and drives progress toward

a more inclusive world for people with disabilities. In previous years, the Bash has hosted celebrities with disabilities such as “America’s Got Talent” contestant Kechi Okwuchi, and “American Idol” finalist Rion Paige, which has helped create greater awareness.

The Bash’s success is not only measured in attendance numbers, but also in the lasting friendships formed, the barriers broken, and the lives transformed. It’s a testament to the power of community coming together with a shared vision of acceptance and a celebration of diversity.

The Bash’s organizers have ambitious plans to expand their reach and impact further. With aspirations to host similar events in different cities and communities, they aim to spread the message of inclusion and accessibility far and wide.

In addition to its flagship event in Boca Raton, the Bash seeks to partner with organizations and individuals who share its values and are committed to creating a more inclusive society. Through collaboration and collective action, they believe that meaningful change is not only possible but inevitable.

As the sun sets on another successful Boating and Beach Bash, the spirit of community and empowerment lingers on. For attendees, volunteers, and organizers alike, the event serves as a reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with compassion, determination, and a shared purpose.

In the words of Jay Van Vechten, whose vision continues to inspire generations, “Don't postpone joy.” The Boating and Beach Bash embodies this ethos, offering a day of celebration, connection, and endless possibilities for all who attend. ‹

COURTESY OF LOWELL VAN VECHTEN, COFOUNDER @ KELLY BOYLE PHOTOGRAPHER

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• 21 moorings, 42 slips

• On-site customs clearance

• Fuel dock

• Dock-side pumpout

• Superyacht docking up to 280’

A TALE OF TWO BROTHERS

The Desaunois brothers are unafraid of making bold moves, both ashore and at sea.

By Lauren Beck

Marcus aboard S/Y Charisma Nova in the Svalbard Archipelago

Marcus and his wife Regina in Greenland aboard S/Y Atalante I

S/Y Atalante I in Greenland

Derek after a race

erek and Marcus Desaunois like to test their limits. From exploring the polar regions and taking on the Northwest Passage to endurance testing in Ironmans and facing the elements in an unsupported 700-mile sailing race, it’s obvious that these brothers are all about chasing adventure.

The younger two of four brothers born in the Netherlands, they both found their way to the yachting industry, although their paths ultimately took them in different directions.

“I got on superyachts first,” said Derek, the older of the two. Marcus came later, but his story starts with a dramatic twist — he ran away to sea to escape conscription into the Dutch military. As Marcus explained, army service was still compulsory in the Netherlands at that time, but the policy was coming to an end. He hoped to wait it out.

“I suggested he make his way down to Spain to join us on the crossing to the Caribbean for the charter season and to get out of the country for a while,” Derek said. “He did, and the rest is history.”

Ultimately, Marcus did eventually report for military service. “I did come back, and I turned myself in, and after a week, they told me, ‘Well, okay, forget about it. You know, it’s over now.’ Now, it’s on a volunteer base as opposed to conscription. So, the plan worked,” he said. After spending a few days in a military jail — the food was excellent — he was free to run away to sea once more.

Derek and Marcus were united by a shared passion for sailing from a young age. Their journey began with the Sea Scouts at 12, and their love for the sea only grew. Their shared dream led them to persuade their parents to get a sailboat, a decision that would shape their future careers.

For Derek, this was a pivotal moment that opened his eyes to his future as a shipwright. At 16, he embarked on an apprenticeship with Jongert Shipyard, where he remained for 10 years.

“I got itchy feet, quit my job, and backpacked through Southeast Asia to Australia,” Derek said. He sailed back from Sydney to the U.K., through the Southern Ocean and around Cape Horn. “Then I hitchhiked — I had no money — to Southern France and Antibes to try my luck on superyachts.”

He got lucky and was hired as a deckhand on the threemaster Aquarius W under Capt. Fred Dovaston. He then worked as a mate on Tamer II, his first of what proved to be many Jongert-built sailing boats. Within three years, he was offered his first captain’s position on the 98-foot Jongert Spes Nostra. He worked aboard for two owners.

Marcus was then working in construction, the family business, when Derek offered him a job as delivery crew from Palma to Antigua. “Hey, presto, life was never the same from then on,” Marcus said. Marcus, urged by Derek, went on to get his RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and Ocean, and then in 2000, he did his MCA Master 3000GT.

“[Derek] was the driving force to do my Yachtmaster Offshore and Ocean at the very young age of 23, and he told me to never stop working on tickets,” Marcus said.

Marcus's career took him on a global adventure. He started as crew on sailing yachts until 1995, even experiencing a fire as a deckhand aboard the 21-meter S/Y Big

Blue, which burned down in Soper’s Hole, BVI, due to an electrical issue in 1993. Marcus, along with the captain/owner, his wife, and their son, were forced to jump overboard and swim to safety. He lost everything.

Thankfully, he was personally well insured and was able to get a new Dutch passport in Curacao. He then flew to Derek’s location in Antigua and got himself another job on S/Y Sweptaway with Capt. Steve Ray within days. “I just got back on the job because I loved the business,” Marcus said.

He was offered his first captain’s job on the 21-meter Jongert Lioness. The 25-meter Jongert Diotima followed this, then the 34-meter Fidelitas, where he spent 13 years. He sailed all over the Med, the Caribbean, and northern Europe. In 2014, he embarked on a smaller Jongert, the 24-meter Charisma Nova, with his wife Regina. This marked a shift in their itineraries, moving from the popular Med routes to more far-flung destinations. They completed their first Arctic expedition and visited Norway and Svalbard. Two years later, they moved to the 29-meter Atalante I, circumnavigating the North Atlantic, including Greenland, in two seasons. From 2018 to 2020, they managed the 37-meter La Cattiva, keeping busy even during COVID-19.

If that wasn’t challenging enough, Marcus moved from sailing to motor yachts. “To change from sail to motor was not an easy move,” he said. “I miss the thrills of the fast Atlantic crossings and the odd Bucket regatta, but I have been blessed to explore the wild with expedition-style motor yachts.” A bonus, he said — the large captain’s cabins. He jumped aboard the 47-meter Sanlorenzo Lars and then a 55-meter Feadship. Both explorer yachts, he was able to then re-visit Svalbard, Greenland, Alaska, and “the feared and famed Northwest Passage.”

While Marcus continued to build his captain career, Derek decided in 2000 to spend more time with his family, and he returned to his shipwright training. “I started working on boats for the sailing,” he said, and he got out just as regulations began ramping up.

His final captain’s job was aboard the classic schooner Ashanti IV, which he sailed on a 3.5-year voyage west around the world, taking in the Pacific Northwest and the 2000 America’s Cup in New Zealand. He slipped ashore and into a shipwright role at Rivergate.

“So you could say I never really got away from the industry,” Derek said. “I’m really happy where I ended up. I’m still on superyachts every day.”

The Northwest Passage was one of Marcus’s most challenging expeditions in his career. He joined an ice-classed Feadship in February 2023, only to learn that the vessel owners wanted to avoid contracting with a guiding company for the transit.

“This was quite a challenge; I only had a few months to organize it all,” Marcus said. “I got some help from an expert, but all the paperwork was done in-house, with the support of our management company.”

He was tasked with getting permission for the vessel and crew, plus permits for the submarine operations from Transport Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard, getting approval for the ice pilot, permits from Parks Canada, and environmental permission from Alaska and the mainland U.S.

“To organize this Northwest Passage, as the captain and chief officer only, with only a few months’ notice, was a huge challenge because you usually start two years before. I just came on in February, and in June, we were on our way,” Marcus said.

“We did run into some difficulties that could have been avoided. Therefore, I highly recommend using one of the guiding companies like EYOS Expeditions,” he said. “It was also very rewarding because, in the end, it all worked out well, and we had an incredible experience.”

As for his current itinerary, Marcus is aboard an ice-strengthened 55-meter Heesen motor yacht in Asia. “Expedition is not limited to the Arctic. I am very excited to cruise Thailand and Indonesia,” he said. And he feels the lure to head south — he’s cruised the northern Arctic extensively but never south. The plan is to move south through the Pacific first and then Patagonia before he hopes to make it to the Antarctic — take in the penguins this time, not the polar bears.

Derek may have settled into life ashore at Rivergate, but his itchy feet never disappeared completely, and he was always looking for the next adventure. “I wouldn’t call myself an adventure specialist, but I do love to go out there, either hiking, bicycling, or otherwise, for days on end, not knowing where I will be

sleeping that night,” Derek said.

In yachting, he had competed in several halfmarathons, and he took it up a notch after retiring and completed a few Ironman challenges in Australia. “I thought, that looks really painful. I wonder if I could do it,” he said. So he did.

Derek then discovered ultra-distance unsupported bicycle races across Australia. “I always looked for my physical and mental boundaries, participating in Ironman and multi-discipline adventure races, and I thought it would be fun to find out whether I could do it,” Derek said. As it turns out, he could, and he fell in love with the discipline.

Part of the beauty of Ironman competitions is that amateurs get to line up with professional athletes, which doesn’t happen in most sports, Derek explains. “It’s like you’re an amateur golfer, but you’re on the same tee as Tiger Woods,” he said.

“Now I’m hooked,” Derek said. “There is a great satisfaction in doing something you weren’t sure you were capable of.” His mantra, which he adopted from John F. Kennedy, is: “We do these things not because they’re easy, but because they’re hard.”

His next hard is tackling the R2AK, a race in the Pacific Northwest to Alaska. He first learned about it in 2016 and was fascinated.

The race website explains: “It’s like the Iditarod, on a boat, with a chance of drowning, being run down by a freighter, or eaten by a grizzly bear. There are squalls, killer whales, tidal currents that run upwards of 20 miles an hour, and some of the most

beautiful scenery on earth.”

All you need to enter is a boat without an engine — and maybe some grit to get you through. The race is self-supported, with no supply drops or safety nets. The race has a proving ground — a 40mile leg from Port Townsend to Victoria, British Columbia. The race is from Victoria to Ketchikan, Alaska, about 710 miles. Apart from two waypoints, there is no official race course. The winner claims $10,000 and epic bragging rights.

A confessed “tracker junkie,” Derek would follow the trackers during the races, and he soon began to build his own boat for the race. “I always knew that one day I had to participate,” Derek said. While COVID ruined his hopes for 2020, he finally decided that 2024 would be the year. The 2024 race begins June 9.

“What I love about it is that it’s unsupported and simply because it will be difficult at times. It’s also traveling through a stunning part of the world,” Derek said. “It’s traveling at a pace that allows you to take in so much more than with the speed of modern society.”

His boat is an Angus Rowcruiser, which he has modified with a pedal-driven prop and sailing capabilities. Rivergate and Carter Marine Agencies are sponsoring him for the race.

“I’m pretty much ready and mostly now studying coastal pilots for the PNW and the ferocious tidal currents and rapids you’ll find there,” he said. “I’m getting myself ready by cycling often and Pilates.”

The brothers, who completed a couple of Atlantic crossings together, don’t get to see as much of each other as they used to, although they talk often over WhatsApp and Facebook. With their parents also growing older, it “draws the whole family together,” Marcus said. But it’s been a few years now since they’ve been together in person, Derek said, but he hopes to change that next year when he plans to enter a cycling event in

Holland. It will be an opportunity to reconnect with his whole family, including Marcus, if he can make it.

Even ashore, the adventure never ends. Marcus plans to be equally busy when he finally calls it a career. “I’m trying to become a recognized ice pilot,” he said. While there may not be schools to learn the job, vast ice experience is necessary in the north and south. So that’s his goal, mixed with some delivery or rotational work.

“We have had a great life. We had some great adventures,” Marcus said. “We are still having a great life with much more to come.”

Perhaps that’s the best thing to show for a life well lived. ‹

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FEATURE SECTION

HOOKED ON SPORTFISHING

Triton’s sportfishing section covers the different ways sportfishing crew positions differ from superyacht positions, Bad Company’s fishing adventures, unique sportfishing locations, and much more!

NIGHT & DAY

How do sportfishing and superyacht crew jobs compare?

By Lauren Beck

The maritime world is multi-faceted. The yachting industry and the sportfishing world intersect and share some similarities, but when it comes down to the crew job, just how different are the two?

Obvious similarities between the two crew jobs include extended periods of time away from home, globetrotting, long working hours, and close quarters. However, it’s the distinct differences that really tell the tale. There are a few things to keep in mind if you’re deciding which path to choose.

PHOTO NEWT CAGLE

ON THE JOB

“The biggest difference would be that there are no job titles in sportfishing. You’re expected to wear a lot of different hats,” said Capt. Newt Cagle. He grew up in the sportfishing world and worked in several operations that operated hand in hand with yachts. Cagle is currently the captain of M/Y Big Oh and the manager of the 118-foot Swiftships M/Y Uh Oh.

“In the yachting community, there is a person for every job — you have a chef, you have an engineer, you have a stewardess, you have a captain, and you have a mate and deck crew,” said Cagle. People generally tend to remain in their own lane on superyachts.

“Well, in the sportfishing world, we do it all,” Cagle said. “There will be two to three crew, max, on a sportfishing boat. And throughout the course of a day, you will wear every single hat.” The crew might prepare snacks or food, clean the interior, fix a tech issue, make a repair, or just generally pitch in where needed.

You might have a stew, and that person may also help prepare food or snacks, or cater in food, but there is not usually a dedicated chef on board.

On top of keeping the boat running and entertaining guests, sportfishing crew also have to produce fish. “Not only are you doing all of the yacht stuff — catering to the guests, taking care of the boat, all that stuff — but you’re also having to fish 10 to 12 hours a day. That is the biggest difference,” Cagle said.

It’s a busy, demanding job, and some would argue more so than being superyacht crew. Sportfishing guests tend to be very active, so you’re always on the go, either prepping to fish, fishing, or cleaning up after fishing.

Lindsey Hanrahan worked aboard both sportfishers and superyachts in her crew career and found both jobs busy, but in different ways. When the boat was busy fishing, it was nonstop, while she found yachting slower.

“I was shocked at the lack of activity [with superyacht guests],” Hanrahan said. “One guest just wanted to sit and sunbathe and be served wine all day, dinner, just hanging out. I was like,

‘Oh, you guys literally just sit around on your yacht.’”

Sportfishing is not a job for just anyone. “Professional sportfish captains and mates require a specific and technical knowledge of fishing and the type of fishing the owner prefers to do,” said Capt. John Crupi, who is now a maritime consultant at Rubicon Marine. Crupi was at the helm of an expedition and sportfishing program for more than 20 years. He also oversaw the build of a Hatteras GT that was the first of its kind to cross the Atlantic and Pacific on her own bottom in tandem with the mothership, the 45-meter M/Y

Dorothea III

“Yes, [sportfish crew] are responsible for maintenance and detailing, but the fishing skills are the priority,” Crupi said.

“I have a lot of fishing knowledge. I’ve fished my whole life,” said Bosun Matthew Miller, who grew up in the commercial fishing and crabbing world and now works aboard the 133-foot M/Y Serenity under Capt. Ryan Moore. “As soon as I started working on the sportfish, [I learned that] this is a whole other world,” Miller said. So much fishing knowledge was needed; he felt like he really didn’t know anything at all. Miller has been on yachts for the past three or so years. He started his career in

yachting before moving to sportfishing and then back to superyachts.

Capt. Jim Hannifan, who has worked predominantly on sportfishing vessels until his very recent stint aboard a 100foot motor yacht these past few months, won’t hire crew for the sportfishing vessel if they don’t have fishing knowledge.

“They had to be big on the fishing because there’s so many different knots you have to know; there’s different types of tackle, different items for certain species of fish, so you really need somebody who has a pretty in-depth background,” Hannifan said — at least to be the mate running your cockpit. He also finds the yachting side a slower pace, but that would likely vary according to the vessel program.

While newbie crew might need a few courses to get started on superyachts, it’s likely easier to find work and learn on the job as you make your way up the career ladder from deckhand to captain.

CULTURE SHOCK

“The crew on a sportfish are just different,” Miller said. “They’re different people from different walks of life. Yachting is very, very professional.

Sportfish guys are kind of loose and relaxed. Almost like cowboys.”

In superyachts, there tends to be more separation between guest and crew spaces, with crew tucked away out of sight below deck. On sportfishing vessels, that separation may be nonexistent.

“Sportfishing boats are typically a much more relaxed environment where the crew and owners mingle in all aspects of the operation,” Crupi said. “There is typically much more interaction between crew and owners on the sportfishing boats and a camaraderie that does not exist in yachting.”

Crew may find themselves eating dinner with the guests or owners ashore or even rubbing elbows down below. Cagle shared that sometimes, crew and guests would share bathrooms aboard, so he still looks for crew who are polite, respectful, and clean up after themselves. How much space is shared depends on the sportfishing program as some may be day trips only, with no guests staying on board, while others may be overnight trips.

Miller points out that sportfishing vessels tend to be smaller than superyachts, sometimes a lot smaller, so your crew quarters can be tight or nonexistent.

“Honestly, I miss the sportfish side because it is a little bit different. It’s a lot more relaxed. But I switched over because I want to be a captain. And I feel like in the sporty world, you kind of peak pretty early,” Miller said. It’s also tough dealing with so many more crewmembers on a superyacht, Miller said. It makes for a lot of personalities in a small space.

But one area where he loves the superyacht lifestyle? Having a full-time chef on board. You really can’t beat that, especially since he “can’t cook for crap,” Miller said.

MONEY TALK

While salaries on both yachts and sportfishing vessels can vary depending on the vessel’s program, the crewmember’s experience, background, and credentials, the perception is that superyacht crew make better money.

It seems the answer is not so black and white, however. Hannifan, who has worked predominantly in sportfishing, has always been paid exceptionally well on his sportfishing vessels and has found his pay comparable on both.

Miller noted that he took a pay cut moving over to yachting. He always

PHOTO NEWT CAGLE

PHOTO NEWT CAGLE

PHOTO JOHN CRUPI

made decent money, and with fewer crew on board their sportfishing vessel, any tips or prize money went further amongst the crew.

Hanrahan, on the other hand, said she received better pay on motor yachts.

Charter crew on both sportfishing vessels or superyachts can earn charter tips, and sportfishing crew on vessels that participate in fishing tournaments may also receive a share of any prize money won, after expenses. According to Cagle, this could be as much as 60% of the prize money. “I’ve heard of all kinds of different stuff, but I would say, on average, the crew normally gets 30 to 50%,” he said.

CHOOSING YOUR PATH

It’s likely easier to get started in the yachting industry. There’s more established infrastructure, for one, Cagle said, with training and placement services. Not so in the sportfishing industry. There are no conventional requirements, no set path, and no true guidelines. “Yachting has a roadmap for success,” Cagle said.

“When it comes to hiring somebody fresh or green, I hire for desire, that they’re hard-working, clean cut, and

they’ve got good manners. They want to be there,” Cagle said. “You can teach anybody how to fish, and you can teach anybody how to work on a boat. You can’t teach personalities. You can’t teach a work ethic — they either have it or they don’t.”

He would hire someone from yachting who was looking to make a change, although he thinks starting from no experience might be an easier transition. “Someone with the right attitude and the work ethic [would] be no problem,” Cagle said.

“I think if you’re coming from sportfishing into yachting, you would find the routine, rules, and interactions quite rigid compared to the typical sportfish operation,” Crupi said.

Miller believes it’s easier to get started in yachting, but if you’re transitioning from one industry to the other after some time, transitioning from sportfishing to superyachts is easier. “Trying to go from a yacht with very little fishing experience to a sportfish, they’ll weed you out. They won’t hire you,” Miller said.

Moore hired Miller and is happy to sing his praises. “It’s always a gamble taking on a sporty because they come from a more relaxed program, where it’s

more laidback where, at the end of the day, they can sit back with the owner and have a beer or whatever,” Moore said.

“I’ve been running boats for a while now. And one of the hardest things to find in crew is yacht etiquette, especially if they’re coming from a commercial or sportfishing background,” Moore said. “There’s a certain standard that you have to adhere to when it comes to everything being immaculate. I’ve always found that this is more of a learned skill.”

Moore believes crew have to learn that higher level of attention to detail that comes with working on a superyacht. It’s essential to yachting success and must be embraced by sportfishing crew making the switch.

Ideally, you should follow your passion. “If you’re going from the yachting side to sportfishing, you better love to fish,” Miller said. Both Miller and Hannifan, who currently work on the yachting side, miss the sportfishing world and would go back. Miller might go back once he becomes a captain.

“I believe that someone with fishing skills may enjoy a yachting program that tows and fishes, but it’s typically not with the same intensity that you would find in a world-traveling and/or tournament fishing sportfish program,” Crupi said. “If that’s the level of fishing you are accustomed to, then the yacht that has a fishing boat is not going to satisfy the drive, desire, and intensity on any level.” ‹

PHOTO NEWT CAGLE

PHOTO RYAN MOORE

Largest yachts* sold in March and April 2024

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Bad Company: Fishing for Change

The

Bad Company World Tour is all about changing perceptions of the sportfishing industry — and doing it in style.

Story by Gemma Harris

Years ago, the biggest sportfishing boat you would likely see in a marina topped out around 50 feet, but today, the category has entered the superyacht realm. Vessels are now specifically designed to chase giant billfish across the world’s oceans. Leading the charge is the Bad Company fleet, the largest private global sportfishing operation currently on a World Tour.

Orchestrating such daring adventures requires the commitment of a specialized team; in this case, it’s helmed by Anthony Hsieh, the fleet’s brainchild and owner. What began with purchasing his first Boston Whaler at 18 has evolved into a formidable selection of 12 vessels solely dedicated to catching the world’s biggest and fastest fish.

Photos by Bad Company Fishing Adventures

ANTHONY HSIEH

For Hsieh, an immigrant from Taiwan who arrived in the U.S. when he was eight, fishing has been a lifelong obsession. “My personality has always been about adventure, and I am naturally addicted to things,” Hsieh said. “Fishing and boats have been part of my life for as long as I can remember; even when building companies and being a family man, I put in around 80 days a year on the ocean.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Hsieh isn’t your typical yacht owner. His motivation isn’t just to tick off destinations, but for the love of sportfishing, his curiosity about the oceans, and to do so while positively influencing wherever they go.

“There are a lot of mysteries about sportfishing. More education is needed; you can gain all the excitement of the sport and, at the same time, help understand our oceans better,” he said.

While crisscrossing oceans, the fleet has become active in marine research efforts. It currently deploys satellite tagging systems to help scientists understand the mysteries of apex predators’ migratory patterns and the link to ocean health.

“Witnessing the decay of the oceans I grew up on and discussing it with local fishermen has become a significant interest over the last couple of years,” Hsieh said. Hsieh is using Bad Company’ s reach to positively affect marine environments by contributing more data.

Data from these regions sometimes come from areas that outsiders have never fished, such as their visit to

Ascension Island. Hsieh gives back to communities when he can, facilitating fishing for the greater good.

“People with financial resources can be a little too entitled. We certainly do not want that; we are there as visitors, and we understand that. We are very respectful when we visit these communities,” he said. His team visited a local school on the island and offered gifts upon their visit.

Closer to home, Hsieh has also run the War Heroes On Water tournament for the past seven years. The three-day fishing tournament with Freedom Alliance is dedicated to honoring war veterans and raises $1 million yearly by taking approximately 150 war-wounded veterans fishing on board 50 donated yachts.

“This relates to thrill and enjoyment and the healing process the ocean brings us all. Sharing the ocean with them does a lot of good; it has changed many lives,” Hsieh said.

LATEST ADDITIoNS

Taking the Tour up a level to do so, he recently commissioned his latest vessel, adding to the established fleet of various mothership and game boat combinations. The first of the YS 53 Damen design series, the Damen 175, Bad Company Support, was recently delivered and is heavily customized and adapted. Designed as a shadow boat to a yacht, Hsieh viewed it differently, as a “standalone, high-performance sportfishing game boat.”

“It’s like one of those 18-wheel trucks carrying a race car — we are going from race to race, like an F1 team, from continent to continent and country to country,” Hsieh said.

To realize the program’s ambitions — far from enjoying cocktails on a beach — he emphasizes that it needed range, speed, and, most importantly, comfort. “This new series from Damen is a significant jump from the last as far as interior accommodations and total comfort,” he said. A helicopter, a 43-foot Release Game Boat, and the 32-foot Blackfin are just a few highlights of this new boat’s kit.

Despite the advanced vessels and accompanying resources, operating this program in unfamiliar waters brings logistical challenges for Hsieh and the team. The pandemic was first, as the Tour was postponed from 2019 to 2022.

“It is more difficult to hire help because it is all such new territory; I would rather do the research and relationship building myself,” Hsieh said. Before they visit any

area, geopolitical issues are considered, and relationships with local communities and governments are established a year prior. “You don’t want to have an entitled attitude; you want to feel invited,” he said.

But explaining their mission to remote nations typically accustomed to commercial shipping proves challenging. “The idea of burning fuel, investing immense resources, just for the thrill of hooking a fish and releasing it, doesn’t register,” Hsieh said. However, the fleet’s social media presence helps validate their unconventional purpose and “confirms good intentions.”

Coordinating this adventure comes with continual hurdles, from ensuring fuel availability and quality to stocking provisions and navigating bureaucratic procedures. To overcome this, Hsieh has carefully assembled a professional team from his fishing crew and dedicated vessel crew to film production members.

The program’s demanding schedules require seasoned and committed individuals. “Building a collaborative team atmosphere is crucial, given the distinct differences in cultures and personalities between yachting and fishing,” Hsieh said.

In terms of crew dynamics, each of the three motherships within the fleet is led by a dedicated captain. Hsieh’s primary captain, Capt. Steve Lassley, has

fished alongside him for more than two decades. “My core fishing team travels with me, but none of the onboard crew interchange between vessels,” Hsieh said.

The program’s relentless pace involves around eight trips annually, ranging from 14 days to 35-day voyages.

“It is important there is harmony within the team; the crew must understand our unique demands. This isn’t typical yachting — we don’t charter, have limited guests, and travel to destinations often with little infrastructure.”

While it may not resemble a “traditional yachting service” familiar to other crew, it encompasses a high level of commitment tailored to fishing. These trips aren’t about recreational fishing. “People think it’s fun and games, but it isn’t; it is a lot of hard work,” Hsieh said. Fishing from sunup to sundown means crewmembers work around the clock. “Our chefs are up from 4 a.m., prepping our 6 a.m. breakfast and pack[ing] lunches that we take for the day. Then, we get back around 6 p.m. for dinner, and they have to provision in between,” he said.

When it comes to traveling off the beaten track, engineering expertise and proactiveness are paramount.

“It is difficult to find top-quality engineers; it is one of the most challenging positions in yachting,” Hsieh said. “I have a great engineer on the new 175, and I am very grateful for his talents and focus.”

Future

Plans Documenting their adventures across social media allows Hsieh to involve others in his lifelong passion after feeling like an “outsider” in his youth. “I want others to get a little piece of what we are seeing,” he said, excitedly adding, “Every spot we go to has been our favorite. It is an overload of human senses; I’m living out my childhood dream.” Over the next three years, the fleet will continue roaming the world and experiencing diverse cultures, from the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa to Australia and the South Pacific.

However, the Tour won’t last forever. “It isn’t sustainable to maintain this level of intensity; we will probably pick one or two hemispheres so we can fish yearround, place assets there, reduce the size of our fleet, and take our trips down to five a year,” Hsieh said.

When contemplating the future, Hsieh has been weighing up whether to add another personality to the team to document the adventures for a book.

“Some of the things we are doing on social media are great, but nothing replaces words.” Perhaps this will be the fleet’s final chapter after the adventures have soaked in. ‹

NFL Stars Take on the Sport Fishing Championship

By Kevin Maher

Do professional football players’ catching skills translate to professional sportfishing? The Sport Fishing Championship (SFC) put that to the test in their made-for-TV competition, “The Catch,” which took place April 18–20 at Pier Sixty-Six in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Seven teams of NFL stars were paired with Sport Fishing Championship teams for the annual show, which aired live on CBS Sports Network. The entire weekend supported the Coast Guard Foundation.

Stakes were high for the second iteration of “The Catch,” with last year’s champions Capt. Taylor Sanford and NFL star Dalvin Cook returning to defend their title. This time around, Dalvin’s brother James, running back for the Buffalo Bills, joined the team.

“The best part of ‘The Catch’ is that it’s all or nothing,” Dalvin said. “It’s like the playoffs or the Super Bowl — you win and you’re in, you lose and you’re out. It’s a one-shot deal. That’s the competitiveness I thrive in.”

Sanford matched Dalvin’s competitiveness, but also highlighted the unique dynamic between professional anglers and football players.

“When we get people on board who have limited sailfishing experience, whether they are charter guests or NFL players, we need to coach them up a bit. The greatest advantage about fishing with the NFL players is that they are used to being coached and are superb listeners who take direction well, whether it’s coaching them how to set circle hooks,

or when to reel and when not to. That’s what makes a successful team, listening to all the players in the cockpit. It’s a total team effort,” Sanford said.

Captains and crew on the different sportfishing vessels were all in charge of helping the NFL stars learn the ropes, with 12 players making their “The Catch” debut, and two players, New York Jets’ Defensive Tackle Quinnen Williams and Dalvin, returning for their second tournament. Dalvin and James weren’t the only brother duo to compete in this year’s tournament, as Quinnen’s brother Quincy, a linebacker for the New York Jets, also competed alongside SFC Capt. Blake Bridges. Quinnen made sure to prepare Quincy beforehand, but he did not share all his tricks.

“No matter what size fish you catch, it’s a whole different ball game when you reel it in,” Quinnen said he told his brother. “I hope he doesn’t catch the 180-pound [fish], I want to be the one that catches it, so I didn’t give him too many techniques.”

In addition to the two teams of siblings, the rest of “The Catch” was packed with NFL stars. New Orleans

Saints’ Running Back Alvin Kamara and Miami Dolphins’ Running Back Raheem Mostert joined Angler Jaselyn Berthelot on Rising Sons. Shane Guidry, owner of Harvey, was paired up with Jeffery Simmons, a defensive end for the Tennessee Titans, and Rachaad White, running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Capt. Justin Drummond joined Bengals Defensive End Trey Hendrickson on Quantified, and the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive duo of James Bradberry and Jalen Carter teamed up with Capt. Rob Carmichael aboard Lights Out. Jameis Winston, quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, acted as a celebrity reporter for the tournament, hilariously interviewing fish that had been reeled in. Finally, New York Giants’ new pass-rushing duo of Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns looked to

build chemistry with each other while sportfishing on board T-Zero with Capt. Seth Laws.

“Being away from the facility, it’s always good to get with your teammates and get to know each other. We’ll be in a different setting, kind of secluded on the water, so I’m excited to see how we can use us being teammates to our advantage,” Thibodeaux said before the competition started.

Thibodeaux shared that he has fished off the coast of California before, and he isn’t the only participating NFL player who has a fishing history. Hendrickson can be seen holding his catches on his Instagram, Burns recalled tangling his fishing lines over and over until he quit, and Simmons told a story of mischievous fishing activities he got into at a young age.

“I used to go to these sneak ponds, catfish ponds, where they were raising catfish. We would go there at like midnight and that was fun, but sometimes you’d get caught, you have to run, leave your fish — that was always my favorite memory of fishing as a kid,” Simmons said.

As the fishing commenced, Rising Sons stretched ahead of the pack. Using SFC’s billfish catch-and-release system, the Rising Sons’ squad landed four sailfish, three tuna, and one mahi-mahi for a total of 500 points, winning them the second “The Catch.”

“Coaching Alvin [Kamara] and Raheem [Mostert] through a triplesailfish hook-up and then landing it was amazing,” said Berthelot of Rising Sons. “It’s the first time I’ve accomplished that; to me that’s unheard of.”

“Once you bring that fish in, it’s just like scoring a touchdown — that same great feeling,” said Mostert, who was tied for the most rushing and receiving

Team Rising Sons

1

2

3 4

Jaselyn Berthelot, Alvin Kamara, Raheem Mostert 500 points

Team Harvey

Shane Guidry, Jeffery Simmons, Rachaad White 400 points

Team Quantified Justin Drummond, Trey Hendrickson 350 points

Team Lifeline Blake Bridges, Quinnen Williams, Quincy Williams 250 points

touchdowns in 2023. “I learned a lot about patience and technique from the team today.”

Kamara, who is tied for the most touchdowns in a single game with six, thought long and hard about the hypothetical he was asked: Would he rather get stuffed at the one-yard line or lose a personal best sailfish?

“You on that same one-yard line if you get stuffed. As long as you have a play caller, you might have a second chance to go and get in there,” Kamara said. “I don’t know how smart them sailfish are, but I’m assuming that sailfish is not going to bite my hook the second time, so losing that sailfish [would be worse]. I’ll get another chance at that one-yard line.”

The Rising Sons’ team not only won the tournament, but also earned a $100,000 donation to the Coast Guard Foundation in their name, courtesy of Harvey Gulf.

“It was an awesome performance by Rising Sons/Team Verizon, and the triple hook-up made it one of the most memorable moments in the history of ‘The Catch,’” said Mark Neifeld, SFC CEO and commissioner. “Bringing together SFC’s world-best anglers with NFL superstars once again led to one of the most spectacular offshore fishing tournaments the sport has seen.” ‹

For additional event pictures: sportfishingchampionship.com

Jersey exchange between champions Kamara and Berthelot

Raheem Mostert and the Rising Son Crew

Jalen Carter with a catch Trey Hendrickson and celebrity reporter Jameis Winston

Catching the Big One

Get off the beaten track to explore these three remote, and increasingly difficult to access, fishing grounds.

By Zack Thomas

Madeira

Kona. St. Thomas. Cabo San Lucas. Islamorada. Cairns. The Azores. Isla Mujeres. The exotic and far-flung epicenters of bluewater sportfishing for billfish, tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi are almost as much a part of the sport’s allure as bent rods and screaming reels. But the list goes on, well beyond these storied islands, capes, and coastlines, to more obscure and remote destinations — some of them only barely outside the realm of myth. Here are three way-out-of-the-way destinations worth learning about, ranked by degree of difficulty.

Better known for grapes than granders, the paradisiacal Portuguese island of Madeira nonetheless produces an extraordinary bounty of huge billfish in addition to its unique fortified wines. The quest to catch a grander, a marlin of 1,000 pounds or more, has probably compelled more boats and more crew across more miles of ocean than any other feat in fishing, and many of those boats and crew converge on Madeira in the summer.

Interestingly, Madeira’s distinguishing feature as a blue marlin destination isn’t necessarily how many blue marlin over half a ton its waters produce, but rather how few marlin under

400 pounds they produce. There are plenty of other places where you have a similar shot at hooking a grander, but when it comes to the average size of marlin hooked, nowhere on earth compares. Different figures are tossed around for the size of the average Madeira blue marlin, ranging from 400 to

700 pounds; anything under 400 pounds is considered small fish.

As isolated as it is — roughly 600 miles southeast of the Azores, 350 miles west of the Moroccan coast, and 250 miles north of the Canary Islands — Madeira still gets the “intermediate” rating because of its well-developed tourist infrastructure and relative proximity to continental Europe. Yachts and ships of all sizes are easily accommodated at half a dozen modern marinas, and the island is renowned for fine dining, rich culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. You won’t be roughing it by any stretch of the imagination.

In addition to blue marlin, the waters around Madeira teem with white marlin, mahi-mahi, albacore, plus jumbo bluefin and bigeye tuna during the spring and summer, and wahoo during the fall. As a bonus, most fishing — even for huge blue marlin and tuna — is done in calm waters just one to five miles off the island’s picturesque southwestern coast in the shadow of the towering sea cliffs of Cabo Girão. Need some pointers? The well-established charter fleet boasts some of the most accomplished big marlin captains on the planet.

Cape Verde

Around 1,200 miles south-southwest of Madeira and 400 miles off the Senegalese coast, Cape Verde is a different world. The developing island nation — independent since 1975 and officially known as Cabo Verde — shares little in common with Madeira besides its Portuguese heritage and the remarkable number and size of pelagic gamefish that migrate through its waters. In contrast to lush, temperate Madeira, the Cabo Verde archipelago is mostly craggy and imposing — although strikingly beautiful — and swept by hot, arid northeasterly winds much of the year. Tourist and marine infrastructure are still developing, earning Cabo Verde its higher degree of difficulty rating.

Is the fishing worth the significant challenges involved with visiting Cabo Verde? If you want to catch almost unheard of numbers of blue marlin with the constant possibility that the next bite could be a giant of 700 pounds or more, then absolutely. The average marlin caught here isn’t as big as in Madeira, but 10-bite days aren’t out of the norm and granders are caught every year, including a 1,370-pound fish in 2022 — among the largest ever weighed from the Atlantic.

Of course, if you somehow get bored of pitch-baiting blue marlin, there are also excellent fisheries for the usual tropical Atlantic suspects: white marlin, wahoo, mahi-mahi, swordfish, sailfish, and yellowfin and bigeye tuna. Fishing for most spe-

Madeira is approximately 4,900 miles from Fort Lauderdale via Bermuda and the Azores. Longest leg is about 2,200 miles from Bermuda to the Azores.

Daily direct flights are available from Lisbon, London, Frankfurt, Paris, and other European hubs.

Cape Verde is approximately 4,000 miles from Fort Lauderdale via the Virgin Islands and Barbados. The longest leg is about 2,300 miles from Barbados to São Pedro. There are multiple commercial flights per week to Sal, the primary airport, from European hubs, especially Lisbon. There are daily flights from Lisbon as well as daily inter-island flights to São Vicente, the nation’s sportfishing hub.

cies peaks in the spring and summer, generally winding down by late September. March through July are dry and windy; most of the scant annual rainfall comes in August and September. The vast majority of sportfishing activity is centered around the harbor of Mindelo on the island of São Vicente, which is partially sheltered from prevailing winds by mountainous Santo Antão, just five miles to the north.

Despite the archipelago’s remoteness — it lies at one end of the shortest route between the Caribbean and Africa — the roughly 2,300-mile stretch of the Atlantic separating Barbados from Santo Antão. Unfortunately, it lies at the wrong end. Cabo Verde is a perfect jumpingoff point to ride the easterly trades across the Atlantic to the Windward Islands; the west-toeast trip, against the trades, is a different proposition. Instead, at least for American vessels, fishing Cabo Verde makes most sense at the tail end of a Mediterranean swing.

Ascension Island

Ascension Island — in the middle of the Atlantic, eight degrees south of the equator, 1,000 miles from Africa, 1,400 miles from South America, and 800 miles from St. Helena, the closest land — might not be the most remote populated island on the globe (that honor belongs to Tristan da Cunha), but the difference is academic. This 34-square-mile speck of volcanic rock is still a very, very long way from anywhere. That remoteness, combined with a ban on commercial fishing within 200 nautical miles of Ascension and a population of less than 1,000 people, means the marine ecosystem is among the most pristine anywhere in the world’s tropical oceans. Anglers and spearfishermen who have visited Ascension often refer to its waters as a marine “Jurassic Park” teeming with 200-plus-pound yellowfin and bigeye tuna, monster blue marlin, wahoo, and a rogue’s gallery of jack species.

Like most of the globe’s legendary bluewater fishing areas, giant marlin first put Ascension Island on the map. Few people had even heard of Ascension — let alone considered fishing there — when Capt. Trevor Cockle and the crew aboard the charter boat God’s Favor weighed an incredible 1,337-pound blue in November 2002. A month to the day later, Cockle weighed a second grander, and then, barely three weeks after that, on New Year’s Day 2003, Capt. Mattias Henningsen weighed a third.

It was an unheard-of run, and eight more granders followed between 2004 and 2015. In absolute terms, that’s not especially impressive. During the same period, for comparison, anglers fishing out of Kona, Hawaii, weighed 28 granders. But consider that Ascension has only a tiny, tiny fraction of the fishing effort, and 10 granders in 13 years becomes almost unbelievable.

Less known than the blue marlin fishery but just as remarkable is Ascension’s unusual yellowfin tuna fishing. Yellowfin in the 200- to 300-pound class are so numerous in the waters just a mile or two from the rocks that anglers catch them by blind-casting giant topwater plugs on ultra-heavy spinning gear. Incredibly, tuna

Ascension Island is a short 5,300 miles from Fort Lauderdale via the Caribbean and northeastern South America, including a 1,450-mile leg from Natal, Brazil, to Ascension, or 5,700 miles via Barbados and Cape Verde, including a 1,700-mile leg from Praia to Ascension.

Monthly flights are available to Ascension’s joint RAF-USAF military airfield from St. Helena island. Weekly flights to St. Helena from Johannesburg, South Africa, with a fuel stop in Namibia are available too.

in the 50-pound class and large amberjack can be caught from shore on artificial lures; there are even reports of yellowfin in excess of 200 pounds landed from shore. The size and quantity of tuna also make Ascension a bucket-list destination for spearfishermen.

The catch, so to speak, is the incredible challenge of getting here, which merits the double black diamond difficulty rating. Only about 40 private vessels a year visit Ascension. Aside from sailing, a large mothership operation, such as Bad Company Fishing Adventures, which visited Ascension this spring, is the only realistic option. Air travel is possible but difficult via a single monthly flight from St. Helena, which is served by twice-monthly flights from South Africa. ‹

ZACK THOMAS IS A FLORIDA-BASED FISHING, BOATING, AND TRAVEL WRITER AND AUTHOR OF “THE ANGLER’S GUIDE TO TRAILER-BOATING BAJA.” HE ALSO PROVIDES PROFESSIONAL MARKETING SERVICES FOR THE MARINE AND FISHING INDUSTRIES THROUGH HIS COMPANY, OVERSLOT WEB & COMMUNICATIONS.

EXPERT

JON DUFFIE’S JOURNEY

From championship sportfishing captain to renowned boat builder, Jon Duffie’s journey includes world records, massive billfish, and everything in between.

By Kevin Maher

“When we got to the scale, I didn’t even look up. I sat on the bridge looking down, and when I heard everyone start screaming and I looked up and saw the scale, I was like, ‘Oh my god, I can’t believe it,’” said Jon Duffie.

Duffie fondly recollects the surreal moment the 77.5-pound white marlin that crowned him and his crew champions of the 49th annual White Marlin Open was weighed. Not only did he win with his brother Jeremy on Billfisher, a boat the brothers designed and built, but he did it in world record-breaking fashion, winning a prize purse of $4.5 million. Before Duffie was a White Marlin Open champion, a world-record holding captain, and a boat builder, he was a child learning the ropes from his family.

“The first memory I have of marlin fishing is actually with my parents in the late 80s,” Duffie said. “They had caught a white marlin, and it was in the cockpit;

they had killed it, and my job was to keep wet towels on it all day.”

Most of Duffie’s early sportfishing memories include his parents, whether it was wrapping fish with wet towels, learning to navigate, or figuring out how to rig bait. Duffie quickly became hooked on the thrill of sportfishing, but something else caught his eye at an early age — boat building.

“When I was 12 years old, I was using balsa wood and building models of boats in my room,” Duffie said. “I wanted to be a boat builder from the first time we ever took the Billfisher down to Oregon Inlet in North Carolina.”

As Duffie grew up, so did his sportfishing experience. Growing up in Ocean City, Maryland, during what he describes as the prime era for the charter fleet, Duffie had countless opportunities to pick the brains of far-traveling sportfish captains.

“Guys had fished out in the Bahamas, Mexico, Venezuela, dead-bait fishing out of Stuart, Florida, or live-bait fishing in the Keys and in Palm Beach — it was really fortunate timing for myself to grow up then because I got to ride along and fish with all those guys and learn from them,” Duffie said.

One of Duffie’s most memorable lessons he learned was from Capt. Mitch Pierson. When Duffie’s family wasn’t fishing, he was usually tagging along with Pierson on the boat the captain ran. Pierson was the first to teach Duffie how to circle fish with the boat.

“When you’re marlin fishing, and you’re trying to catch numbers, and you’re circling a fish once you hook one, you don’t want to just stop and catch that fish. You want to circle that fish and try to entice multiple hookups,” Duffie said.

The idea of multiple hookups was unfamiliar to Duffie with his Ocean

City background. Pierson’s experience in Mexico, Venezuela, and Florida opened Duffie’s eyes to the possibility of keeping the boat moving after reeling in a single marlin and using the fish on the hook to attract other billfish, all while successfully circling the fish.

“Mitch told me, ‘You can’t keep catching if you’ve stopped fishing,’” Duffie said. “One of the things I’ve learned over the years and one of the things I say all the time to guys fishing with me is, ‘I’m not worried about the fish I have on right now; I’m worried about the next bite.’”

As Duffie grew older, his skills advanced, and he began to run charters and take on bigger tournaments.

Something that remained the same, especially in the tournaments, was the inclusion of his family. Most tournaments that Duffie has seen success in include his parents, brothers, and close friends. The continuity helps build chemistry within the crew, which turns into success.

“We fish with the same people in the same positions, so there are no questions of like ‘Hey, where do you want me,’ or ‘Hey, what’s my job?’” Duffie said. “We all know our job; everyone has a position and that helps you stay consistent. My belief is that repetition in what you’re doing makes you good at it.”

Those years of consistency came through in a big way during the 2022 White Marlin Open, where Duffie and his crew won the tournament after more than 20 years of competing. The 2022 tournament was plagued with poor fishing for most participants, so Duffie hatched an idea of moving as far away from the other teams as possible, entering water

closer to the Gulf Stream. The Billfisher crew was in first place for top points going into the last day of the tournament, and then they landed the record-breaking white marlin.

“Considering it was on the boat we built and getting to do it with my family — I’ve been very fortunate,” Duffie said.

Duffie’s fishing expeditions never stopped, but his interest in boat building grew louder and louder. He stayed around

“One of the things I’m most proud of is that we have a really young crew, and we’ve taught most of the crew at the shop how we want to build boats.”

—John Duffie

boat building throughout his life, but it wasn’t until he started a family and had his son Colt that he dived into it as a profession. The burnout of travel and the yearning to be around his family made it a natural transition from full-time captain to boat builder.

After building a small boat in his garage, he confirmed his readiness to transition to boat building and created Duffie Boatworks in 2017. He soon began working on the 64-foot Billfisher, which was finished in 2021. The vessel saw immediate success, landing the previously mentioned record-breaking white marlin in 2022 and landing the Maryland State record blue marlin weighing in at 1,135 pounds in the 2021 Mid-Atlantic Tournament.

“While I was building that boat [Billfisher], I was lucky enough to have some people that really believed in me come by and visit the boat shop and see what we were doing,” Duffie said. “They were impressed with what they saw; they believed in what I was doing, and they got in line to build boats.”

Construction soon began on the 70-foot Dem Boys, a one-of-a-kind vessel built to sportfish at the highest level anywhere on the planet. Dem Boys was delivered in 2023, and the 79-foot Reel Joy is Duffie Boatworks’ next project, with an expected delivery date later this year.

“One of the things I’m most proud of is that we have a really young crew, and we’ve taught most of the crew at the shop how we want to build boats,” Duffie said. “I’m really proud of the fact that how passionate I am for the sport and the creativity that goes into boat building has passed on to a number of guys.”

As the team at Duffie Boatworks continues to lead the pack of sportfish builders and Duffie works a job he loves, the captain still gets the competitive itch to jump back into the waters.

“It’s hard when they’re biting, and you’re in the shop grinding fiberglass, and you’re hearing about people having double-digit white marlin bites,” Duffie said. “After doing that for 20 years, it’s hard to wean yourself off it!” ‹

duffieboatworks.com @duffieboatworks @duffieboatworks

ENHANCING SPORTFISH VESSEL SAFETY

A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO ONBOARD MEDICAL KITS

By Patricia Clark

Sportfishing excursions are synonymous with excitement! The sport draws thrill seekers, ocean enthusiasts, and seasonal professionals alike. On any sportfishing vessel, you will find a diverse mix of individuals, each with their own adventurous expectations. Amidst the adrenaline-fueled pursuit of the biggest fish, accidents can quickly turn a great day into tragedy.

On a sportfishing vessel, a few seconds can transform into a life-altering moment. Nasty cuts, broken bones, and even more severe injuries can occur during the snap of a wave. Before hitting the open water, it is essential to prepare for both fun and safety.

What you have on board for a medical emergency can make the difference between an accident being just a passing moment in the day or a life-changing nightmare. Every vessel must have a medical kit on board that can handle not only the most common injuries but also those you hope will never happen.

Yacht medical kit supplies are designed for extended periods away from shore. Although sportfish vessels are never too far from shore, it is still important to be ready for emergencies. Someone on board must have basic medical skills such as bandaging a cut, removing a fish hook from a hand, managing sun stroke, basic CPR, and applying a tourniquet. Each flag state

determines the standards for what medical equipment must be on board based on vessel weight, length, and passenger count. Superyachts follow strict medical kit guidelines; however, most sportfishing vessels do not fall under any governing jurisdiction. Standard medical kits for all sizes of vessels are often purchased from MCA-licensed providers such as Medical Support Offshore (MSOS) and MedAire. These companies provide Peli Cases and bags full of everything required to keep people temporarily stable during medical emergencies on board. Medical kits are required to be checked by onboard crew monthly and updated for expired items every six months or sooner if needed.

When was the last time you checked your kit to ensure all required safety items are up to date and fully stocked?

Limited or no access to experienced medical professionals means a well-stocked onboard medical kit is crucial. Seasoned sportfishers know how to curate a medical safety kit based on experience, but even those may be missing important items. There can be wide variations between what is medically available on board a yacht and those found on smaller boats. Yacht crew often need to become familiar with what may be on board a sportfish, even within the same fleet. Yachts may have on-call emergency doctors (tele-med service) and a dedicated medical crewmember (MPIC), but sportfish vessels do not. Smaller vessels should have a printed and accessible list of nearby emergency services, including phone numbers of ride services if needed. The storage areas on smaller boats are

significantly smaller than those found on yachts, so items such as backboards and full body braces usually can’t be stored. Those vessels should keep alternative items that offer compact solutions for stabilizing injuries, particularly spinal and limb fractures, such as a Kendrick extrication device (KED) or vacuum splints.

Sportfish captains, crew, and guests can all participate in making sure every trip is a success in terms of safety and accountability. Keeping an easily accessible checklist of onboard safety items and at least one crewmember with basic first aid training will keep your fishing adventures worry-free.

Prioritizing safety alongside the thrill of sportfishing is non-negotiable. Equipping sportfish vessels with well-stocked medical kits and specialized equipment ensures readiness for any emergency and safeguards the well-being of all on board. ‹

In addition to standard medical supplies, sportfish vessels require specialized equipment tailored to their unique challenges. The following additions enhance onboard medical preparedness for sportfishing adventures:

• Hook removal kit, including long-handled fishing pliers and several sizes of tweezers

• Suture kit – or if unqualified crew are on board, keep suture glue

• Eye wash solution or eye irrigation kit

• A functioning and up-to-date defibrillator

• A sterilized deep bucket for soaking hands or arms punctured by poisonous spikes/fins

• Visual charts of venomous fish with recommended puncture treatments

• White vinegar for immediate treatment of jellyfish stings

• An EpiPen (doctor or parental approval mandatory before use) for severe allergic reactions

A complete list of safety requirements for all size vessels is available from the United States Coast Guard’s “A Boater’s Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats and Safety Tips,” which can be found at:

PHOTO: NANUK.COM

PHOTO: MYMEDIC.COM

SPORTFISHING YACHTS: A CLOSER LOOK AT CREW LIFE ON BOARD

How does life on board a sportfishing yacht differ for crew? In collaboration with YATCO, we spoke to several brokers with sportfish yachts for sale to discover what yachting life looks like on board these types of vessels.

By Rachel Rowney

Sportfishing yachts, also known as sportfish yachts, don’t just stand out in the yachting world for their distinctive profile. These vessels are tailormade for avid anglers — a true testament to their love of fishing — and as a result, often make for a much different crew experience than other large superyachts or sailing vessels.

Combining robust construction with exceptional performance and extensive range, sportfish yachts offer an extraordinary angling experience for owners and their guests. While sportfishers prioritize fishing amenities, they also offer comfortable accommodations for any extended trips — these may include sleeping quarters, a galley, dining areas, and bathrooms. However, the interior layout and amenities may be more modest compared to larger luxury yachts.

These nuances of a sportfish yacht mean that the crew roles look a little different than “normal” superyachts. On a larger superyacht or sailing vessel, the crew is responsible for providing a wide range of guest services, but with a smaller crew, fewer guests, and specialized responsibilities on a sportfisher, how does life differ?

Utilizing YATCO’s extensive database, we’ve highlighted some of the largest sportfishing yachts currently for sale and spoke to their listing brokers to understand each vessel’s unique qualities for its crew, in addition to offering insights into life on board.

M/Y Lady Jane

1995 Broward 87 feet (26.67 meters)

For sale by Roy Sea, IYC.

“Lady Jane is a one-owner, Don Blount custom-designed sportfishing yacht built by Broward Marine. This yacht raises fish and has four motor yacht-sized staterooms, as well as separate crew quarters for luxury cruising. Separate crew quarters are rare for a sportfisher of her size. The right crew on board Lady Jane need special skills. They need to know how to fish, make sushi and sashimi, cook gourmet fish meals for guests, and clean up at night,” Sea said.

M/Y Owl’s Nest

2018 Merritt Boat Works 86 feet (26.21 meters)

For sale by Greg Graham, United Yacht Sales.

“Crew life on board a sportfishing yacht is fast paced, particularly when the owner is on board and wants to fish or is involved in a tournament. There is no preset path to becoming a captain of a successful sportfishing yacht — it’s all about experience and time on the water. There’s no training program except the lessons passed down from captain to crew over time. Living on a sportfishing yacht is frankly a lot nicer than being the crew on a luxury yacht. The living quarters on a sportfishing yacht for captain and crew are typically arranged on the same level as the owners and other guests. On a luxury yacht, you’re cramped below deck in small quarters next to the engine room. There’s no separate crew entrance on a sportfish. You’re as much of a part of the family as the other guests on board,” Graham said.

M/Y Satu

2012 Yachting Developments NZ 90 feet (27.43 meters)

For sale by Alastair Shove, Carrswood Yachts.

“Satu is, in essence, a 90-foot superyacht sportfishing yacht. She has offshore cruising capabilities, and the yacht has a more ‘luxury’ feel to her. Satu is very comfortable for the owner and the guests, but also for the yacht’s crew of two. The crew have a dedicated bunk cabin, which they share. However, the current captain uses one of the three guest cabins as the owner rarely brings guests on board. In this case the yacht provides a lot of comfort and privacy for the crew of two. Satu has clean lines and she’s contemporarily styled, so maintaining this yacht is a little easier than some. She is a unique custom sportfishing yacht, which offers superb luxury and comfort,” Shove said.

“Living on a sportfishing yacht is frankly a lot nicer than being the crew on a luxury yacht."

—

Capt. Greg Graham

Crew working on a sportfishing yacht play a vital role in ensuring the success of every fishing expedition, as well as the overall satisfaction of the owner and guests on board. From skilled deckhands managing fishing equipment to experienced captains navigating the seas for the best catch, each crewmember contributes to the seamless operation and enjoyment of the yacht.

As the brokers of M/Y Lady Jane, M/Y Owl’s Nest and M/Y Satu illustrate, the crew of a sportfisher may experience

life slightly differently than their counterparts on other superyachts or sailing vessels. Beyond their technical expertise, these crewmembers remain a key part of creating memorable experiences for owner trips.

Powered by YATCO’s extensive database of yachts for sale, this selection of sportfishers currently available on the market demonstrate the many possibilities for crew out there, as well as insights into what’s required of crew and owner-crew relationships. ‹

THE RACE TO EXPLORE BARCELONA

THIS SUMMER

By Gemma Harris

PHOTO: IAN ROMAN / AMERICA'S CUP

DESTINATIONS

Barcelona has long been a popular yachting hangout. With its maritime history and scenic coastline, the city will roll out the red carpet for the world’s most iconic sailing event this summer.

In the Mediterranean yachting season, Barcelona provides visitors an array of sights, sounds, and flavors through its diverse activities and attractions. Eyes in the industry have turned even quicker toward the Catalonian capital and Spain’s second-biggest city as Barcelona prepares to take center stage as host of the 37th edition of the prestigious America’s Cup. This is Spain’s second time hosting after the 32nd edition was held in 2007 in Valencia. The Cup, amongst a host of other reasons, is the ideal excuse to visit this bustling, vibrant coastal city in northeastern Spain.

Steeped in history and culture, brimming with renowned art and architecture, a full-flavored menu, and a buzzing nightlife, Barcelona offers plenty for all visitors. Easily explored on foot, it comprises various unique neighborhoods, from the well-trodden tourist paths to the yet-to-be-discovered hidden gems.

Today, thanks to its marina infrastructure, leading refit and repair centers, and international transport links, Barcelona has become a popular superyacht hub, ready for yachts, crew, and Cup challengers to descend on it.

PHOTO: RICARDO PINTO / AMERICA'S CUP

Scenic aerial view of Port Vell from the top of Columbus Monument

A World-Class Host

Superyachts flock to Marina Port Vell — the prime waterfront setting originally built for the 1992 Olympic Games — and berth in its centralized location beside the city’s maze-like Gothic quarter.

This summer, the marina will be the heart of the world’s most recognized sailing competition, giving yachts and crew front-row seats to the action. The shoreside facilities here will include team bases, the event village, and an exhibition center with an official merchandising store where you can learn more about each team.

The competition for the oldest trophy officially begins on Aug. 22, with the opening ceremony kick-starting the Cup buildup. This is followed by the third and final Challenger Selection series. These preliminary regattas determine which teams will earn the right to challenge Emirates Team New Zealand, the current defending America’s Cup champion. The finals are slated for Oct. 12, when spectators will admire the sleek AC75 fleet out on the water.

These cutting-edge boats are some of the fastest in the world, featuring revolutionary foiling technology and clocking eye-watering speeds of more than 50 knots. Depending on conditions, the course will run from Port Vell to Port Olimpic, just a few hundred meters off the coastline with various spots perfect for viewing the action. Spectators can head to the beach or one of the city’s many rooftop bars, such as the W Hotel bar, to watch the fun unfurl. This year, the city will also stage the inaugural Women’s America’s Cup and the youth events at Port Olimpic.

Primed to make history as the first venue worldwide to facilitate both an Olympic Games and an America’s Cup, this high-octane event, alongside Barcelona’s already exciting atmosphere, will be one to remember.

Epicurean Treats

The thrilling race schedules will certainly whet appetites, and luckily so, as Barcelona offers a culinary scene that promises a gastronomic journey for all food lovers. From numerous Michelin venues to tucked-away classic tapas eateries, trendy hotspots, fresh streetside seafood, beachside cafes, and vegan restaurants, there is plenty to taste when in the city.

No Barcelona itinerary should begin before indulging in its brunch culture. Thanks to the city’s global influence, brunch spots are popular here. Whether

fueling for a day of adventure or soaking up the vermouth from the night before, Barcelona does brunch well. Head to Eat My Trip, where friendly staff serve creative dishes alongside the classic American stack pancakes.

The culinary scene continues throughout the city. After brunch, spend time winding your way through the multiple food markets, from the oldest and most famous La Boqueria on Las Ramblas to the Mercat de la Barceloneta — a particular favorite for yacht chefs who source the city’s freshest fish. The markets are great places to grab a takeaway snack, admire the Mediterranean produce, or sample some of the world’s best cured meat.

There is plenty of time to digest as the locals head to dinner around 9 p.m. Barcelona is home to some of the world’s best chefs who execute contemporary twists on traditional regional cuisine, like in the seafood restaurant Batea. Splurging out on dining here is easy, especially at the two-star Disfrutar, where the El-Bullitrained chefs serve both a classic and a seasonal menu. If your budget is tighter, enjoy a tapas crawl, best done in Poble Sec throughout the Gothic Quarter; check out Quimet I Quimet — find a space in this tiny, historic venue to perch and enjoy its local charm and tasty, creative dishes.

PHOTO: IAN ROMAN / AMERICA'S CUP

PHOTO: IAN ROMAN / AMERICA'S CUP

DESTINATIONS

Dose of Culture

Beyond its strong food culture that welcomes various chefs, the city has also long inspired artists and sculptors, giving rise to plenty of cultural experiences.

While exploring the city, architectural aficionados will recognize the wonders courtesy of Antoni Gaudi. Various guided tours will take you on a tour of his masterpieces. His famously unfinished La Sagrada Familia church is the crown jewel, an ode to Gothic and Art Nouveau forms. After undergoing 140 years of perpetual construction work, it now has a new completion date of 2026. Equally iconic is the mosaic-adorned Park Guell. The terraced greenspace designed by Gaudi was built atop a hill, perfect as a lookout point for some of the city’s best views. On a smaller but by no means less impressive scale is Casa Batllo, a UNESCO site that was once a private home. Today, you can tour the fascinating interiors within its fairytale façade.

From architecture to art, Barcelona is home to some of Spain’s finest paintings. Picasso spent his teenage years here; you can visit the Picasso Museum, which showcases the most important artworks from his early days. To follow in his footsteps, head to Bar Marsella, a watering hole frequented by Picasso himself.

Sports fans can revel in modern-day sporting culture here alongside this summer’s sailing events. The Camp Nou stadium is a must-visit. It is home to FC Barcelona, one of the world’s most beloved football teams. This sprawling stadium, the largest in Europe, offers a tour that includes the FC Barcelona Museum and a walk through the player’s tunnel.

Park Guell, Barcelona

Cosmopolitan Chic

Many people love Barcelona because it exudes cosmopolitan charm, blending its rich Catalan heritage with contemporary and international influences.

There are various shopping options. On the tourist track, head to the revamped Las Ramblas. Splitting the city’s old town, this long boulevard is full of markets, shops, and stalls at every turn. The prestigious Passeig de Gracia steers away from the souvenirs, and is lined with designer boutiques. Near here is also the chic Eixample district, which boasts contemporary galleries, design studios, and sleek bars.

Wash down the culinary delights at one of Barcelona’s many bars, from the legendary vermouth bars to the sophisticated speakeasy cocktail jaunts. A popular spot for cocktail lovers is SIPS, which made the world’s top 50 list in 2023. If it’s wine you are searching for, head to El Diset, which has a Spanish bottle list in the hundreds.

Beach Days

The city has a bit of everything, including beaches perfect for lazy beach days. Just a short hop from the marina is the famous Barceloneta Beach, which was redeveloped just before the 1992 Olympic Games. This four-kilometer sandy strip begins at the W Hotel and is backed by plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars.

To cool off in the summer heat, head to Mar Bella beach for a more relaxed atmosphere and take a dip in the designated swimming areas. For a busier vibe, spend the day and evening at Somorrostro Beach, just down from Barceloneta, which has plenty of bars and clubs that stay open until the early hours. The city’s beaches are ideal destinations to keep an eye on the Cup races, which will be held within viewing distance of the shoreline.

While the city has its fair share, farther down the coast, the Costa Brava has some of the country’s best beaches. Whether you are looking for hidden inlets or picturesque coves, this region delivers the perfect beach setup.

Beyond Barcelona

Barcelona is never boring. With the America’s Cup events and numerous areas to explore in and around the city, there is enough to do to fill an entire summer.

Those who want to venture out of the city for outdoor adventures can head to the Pyrenees mountains, which are only two hours away and offer plenty of hiking and mountain biking opportunities. Closer still is the city’s green lung, the Parc de Collserola, which is just 15 minutes away. It has various hiking trails and picturesque views of Barcelona.

Extending a Spain itinerary is easy from here. Farther afield, there are various locations to tag on. Head up the coast to Tarragona, a popular destination to explore Roman historical sites. Continuing down the coast is the city of Valencia, which combines its historical port status with its innovative redeveloped sites. A stone’s throw from the mainland lies the Balearic Islands, with stunning scenery, sandy beaches, and quaint towns. Each island has a distinct personality, from the diverse yachting hub of Mallorca, the quaint and peaceful Menorca, to the partying isle of Ibiza.

Plaça Reial, Barcelona

Cala Figuera, Mallorca

June 2–15

Richard Mille Cup

FALMOUTH BAY, ENGLAND

This exclusive event is by invitation only. It is a series of races for classic yachts, both inshore and offshore, between Falmouth, Dartmouth, Cowes, and Le Havre to showcase classic yachts, great design, and fine workmanship. richardmillecup.com

June 3–9

Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI

The premier billfish tournament event in the Gulf of Mexico, this tournament is heading into its 25th year and offers millions in prizes and high-energy entertainment at Golden Nugget Casino and Hotel. mgcbc.com

JUN

June 4–8

Giorgio Armani

Superyacht Regatta

PORTO CERVO, SARDINIA

This annual regatta at Yacht Club Costa Smeralda is open to superyachts with a minimum length of 90 feet. It includes four coastal races and the 18th Southern Wind Rendezvous and Trophy against the backdrop of La Maddalena Archipelago. yccs.it

June 5–9

Top Marques Monaco MONACO, MONTE-CARLO

This exclusive international supercar event showcases the biggest names in the auto industry and niche constructors. topmarquesmonaco.com

June 7–16

Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament

MOREHEAD CITY, NORTH CAROLINA

For the 65th year, anglers will compete in the largest sport fishing events. In 2023, 271 boats entered, producing a purse of $5,835,705. thebigrock.com

June 13–16

Bonnaroo

MANCHESTER, TENNESSEE

This annual festival, headlined by Pretty Lights, Post Malone, and Red Hot Chili Peppers, features artists from every genre for music fans. bonnaroo.com

June 13–16

Art Basel

BASEL, SWITZERLAND

More than 200 galleries and 4,000 artists come together to create quality exhibitions, bringing the art world together. artbasel.com

June 14–16

West Palm Beach Boat Show Summer Edition

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA

Check out the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center’s 128,000 square feet showcasing powerboats up to 40 feet. southflaboatshow.com

June 19–22

Carolina Billfish Classic

MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA

South Carolina’s premier billfishing tournament paid out more than $450,000 in the 2023 competition. fishecbc.com

June 19–22

The Superyacht Cup Palma PALMA, MALLORCA

The 28th edition of the Superyacht Cup Palma, reportedly the longestrunning regatta in Europe, calls up a fleet of impressive highperformance sailing yachts. thesuperyachtcup.com

June 19–23

Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic

MIRAMAR BEACH, FLORIDA

The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic is back after a successful tournament last year: 80 teams and 486 anglers participated, with $1,810,250 awarded in prize money. fishecbc.com

June 20–23

San Diego International Boat Show

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

Join the 40-plus builders and brokerage houses, 150-plus vessels, and 75 exhibitors ashore at San Diego’s Safe Harbor Sunroad marina for the newly reimagined show experience. sdibs.com

June 23

Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix

BARCELONA, SPAIN

66 laps of the 4,657-kilometer Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya track will prove the winner of the 2024 Spanish Grand Prix. formula1.com

June 23–26

Newport Charter Yacht Show

NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND

Celebrating more than 35 years, the four-day show highlights luxury charter yachts and ancillary goods and services for the charter industry. newportchartershow.com

PHOTO: SAILING ENERGY / THE SUPERYACHT CUP

PHOTO: SKY SPORTS

July 1–14

The Championships at Wimbledon

WIMBLEDON, ENGLAND

The oldest, and considered by many as the most prestigious, tennis tournament is back for the 137th edition. wimbledon.com

July 3–6

HMY Lowcountry Cup Fishing Tournament

MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA

The Cup consists of three fishing days, with competing teams picking their best two out of three days.

hmy.com/yachting/events

July 3–7

Bermuda Billfish Blast

HAMILTON, BERMUDA

Billfish, tuna, and more are the tournament’s targeted species in Bermuda.

bermudatriplecrown.com

July 4

The MidAtlantic Cup — Blue Marlin Tournament

NEW JERSEY TO VIRGINIA

This one-day tournament allows participants to depart at any time from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with the winner taking the entire prize money purse.

southjerseytournaments.com

July 6

Summer Shootout

QUEPOS, COSTA RICA

Marina Pez Vela is hosting this one-day tournament with the top-team honors going to the team that accumulates the most species points.

marinapezvela.com/events

July 7

Formula 1 British Grand Prix

TOWCESTER, ENGLAND

F1 drivers will race 52 laps of the 5.891-kilometer Silverstone Circuit.

formula1.com

July 10–13

JUL

July 24–27

Carolina Boat Builders Tournament

MANTEO, NORTH CAROLINA

The 21st annual tournament returns to Pirate’s Cove Marina Tournament Pavilion, with last year’s winner cashing out $92,450. dcbbf.org

July 25–28

Cape May Marlin Tournament

CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY

One of the oldest and most prestigious tournaments in the Mid-Atlantic is back for another year of billfish fishing. southjerseytournaments.com

South Jersey Yacht Sales Offshore Showdown

CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY

Although this tournament has become a family tradition, it still includes the competitiveness of a sportfishing tournament. southjerseytournaments.com

July 10–14

Blue Marlin Grand Championship

ORANGE BEACH, ALABAMA

The Wharf Marina hosts the “Greatest Show in Sportfishing.” bluemarlingrandchampionship.com

July 13–16

MLB All Star Game

ARLINGTON, TEXAS

Baseball’s all-star week returns to the Lone Star state, making it the second time the Rangers are hosting the event. mlb.com

July 13–17

Bermuda Big Game Classic

HAMILTON, BERMUDA

White and blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and more will be targeted during the tournament, with last year’s first place prize being $105,525. bermudatriplecrown.com

July 14–20

Jimmy Johnson’s “Quest for the Ring” Championship Fishing Week

ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY

Coach Jimmy Johnson is extending his fishing tournament from South Florida to Atlantic City, with participants allowed to fish for their species and not be locked into categories. questfortheringac.com

July 17–20

Key West Marlin Tournament

KEY WEST, FLORIDA

The tournament celebrates its 42nd year featuring $50,000 in cash prizes.

keywestmarlin.com

July 26–August 11

Paris Olympics

PARIS, FRANCE

The Summer Olympics are headed to the City of Light for the third time, with the Seine River holding the parade of athletes. paris2024.org

July 27–August 5

Copa Del Rey

PALMA, MALLORCA

More than 150 crewmembers race to be the best in this regatta, with the King of Spain occasionally participating on equal terms. regatacopadelrey.com

EVENTS

TRITON EXPO

At Pier 66 Marina South

Triton ’s Expo 2024 was one for the record books! Thank you to the more than 2,000 attendees who flooded in and enjoyed a wonderful night of networking and fun! More than 70 leading yachting brands displayed their products and services to guests, and 40 Yachtie Races competitors lined up to compete for cash and prizes. Congratulations to the Green Team for taking home the trophy and well-deserved bragging rights. The Triton team appreciates all our amazing sponsors, and we look forward to the next Triton event.

ON BOARD

LAUREL

After a life raft neared the end of its service life, the crew of M/Y Laurel used it for crew training. The crew properly inflated the raft, repaired an air leak, and even sampled the water and rations. Purser Stephanie Hodges submitted pictures of Capt. Roy Hodges and crew as they get ready to depart for the Med.

Deck department pictured: Chief Officer Nick Touhey, First Mate Sean Pretorius, Bosun Erjo Junatas, and Deckhands Joel Carlse, Gavin Avenant, and Vaughn Dorning.

Interior department pictured: Chief Stewardess Monique Steyn, Chef Patrick Matthews, and Stews Gerri Stone, Jasmine Ibba, Hannah Schoombie, Sara-Lee Keevy, and James Fulgencio.

Engineering department pictured: Chief Engineer Ivan Hazell, Second Engineer Roy Igot, Third Engineer Pierre Avenant, and Fourth Engineer Renier Massyn.

• Over 800’ of refit face dock for superyachts

• Dredged to 5 meters and adjacent to Port Everglades

• Brand new floating docks for boats up to 70’ in the protected back basin

• Access to Olive & Sea, a Mediterranean-style rooftop restaurant overlooking the Intracoastal

HIVE FOR YACHTS

Triton kicked off the 2024 Palm Beach Boat Show by hosting a VIP Stewardess Celebration, where 100 stewardesses enjoyed an evening of Champagne, rosé, signature cocktails, and gourmet culinary treats from Hive Bakery and Cafe set in Hive Home, Gift and Garden’s beautiful Palm Beach showroom. Guests enjoyed giveaways and raffles and were gifted premium swag bags from our generous sponsors.

• Hive for Yachts

• Cotton Crews

• Premier Cellars

• Champagne Jacquart

• The Pale Rosé by Sacha Lichine

• Nautilus Yacht Wear

• Worth Avenue Yachts

NATIONAL MARINE’S YACHTY NATIONALS INVITATIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

Dozens of yacht crew golf squads converged on Deer Creek Golf Club for National Marine’s annual golf tournament to support the Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center. Trophies and prizes were awarded to players, while $11,345 was raised for the Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center.

Crew Lodging & Accom.

Insured to Work in any Marina or Boatyard

Underwater Yacht Maintenance Zincs, Monthly Cleaning, Propeller Removal Recovery of Lost Items, Inspections, Commercial Diving (954) 964-4804 • email: mrsgdiving@gmail.com www.mrsdiving.com

toilets remain operational during the process Guy Clifford • Tel: +1-954-326-0791 marinevac.com • info@marinevac.com

APPLICABLE WITH GAS/WATER SEPARATOR MUFFLERS

Process: Clean-Exhaust’s dosing pump injects the specifically formulated ecoBrew into the generator/engine raw water cooling system before the spray ring. The ecoBrew emulsifies the diesel particulate matter and soot as it passes through the piping and muffler, much like the agitation action in a washing machine. No back pressure is created in the process.

Result: The exhaust gas is expelled with little or no particulate, facilitating cleaner air, cleaner harbors, cleaner oceans, cleaner hulls and boot stripes with no floating sheen or sludge.

One Captain, One Engineer, One Great Idea!... clean-exhaust

Captain Ted Sputh

Tel: +1 317-445-3873

Email: info@clean-exhaust.com

Rodger Stone

Tel: +1 518-378-6546

Email: res2itrmarine@gmail.com www.clean-exhaust.com

Yacht-Mate Products

Tel: +1 954-527-0112

Email: sales@yachtmate.com

U.S. Pat. #US 20130283768 | Int. Pat. pending #61/638,669

Anita Warwick

Tel: +1 954 763 9787

M/WhatsApp: +1 954 294 2078

Skype: ozanita

Anita@SevenSeasHealth.com SevenSeasHealth.com

• Expats Travel & Trip Cancellation

Test your powers of observation! There are five things different in the second photo — can you find them? Look for answers on Instagram @thetritonnews