About
My Story
Hello, and thanks for stopping by!
My journey at sea began near the Channel Islands of California, initially onboard my sailboat ‘Mistral’. At that time I was also making a modest living as a drummer in a bar blues trio. The sailboat was sold in order to travel the USA and play music. Upon our return, I longed for more time on the ocean, so I decided to get to work.
Initially I found a dream deckhand job (through craigslist!) as a civilian contractor with the Department of Defense on decommissioned naval vessels. Here we would perform ops for weapons testing, systems testing, act as a training platform for the Navy Seals and MARSOC. It was good fun when we got to role play as ‘pirates’ aboard a 310’ mini container ship with Glock 9mm and sim rounds.
Since that gig came in waves, I decided to apply elsewhere. I was brought on to a company that primarily provided twin screw vessel operating lessons to new boat owners. There I got to learn and apply the curriculum to hone my skills. I got hired through this company to crew on my first yacht, a 2003 68’ Ferretti.
I kept getting called back for this Ferretti, and we did numerous trips to Catalina. Then the owner invited me to FLIBS, ended up buying an 80’ Ferretti, and moved me out to Florida. I worked with this program for 8 years, and solidified my foundation in this industry during this time. I’ve freelanced on quite a few day charter gigs as well.
Currently I am on a 2021 Princess Y85, with a very active program and excellent owners. We have put almost 400 hours on the mains in the 2024 season, and we will be venturing further in 2025.
At this time I hold a USCG Master 200GRT/500GT OC license. I have submitted an application to the Coast Guard to be approved to test for the Master 500GRT OC license. This should be completed by fall 2025. By Fall 2026 I should have the coursework complete to raise the grade of the STCW portion of my license to 3000GT. By 2027, I should have the time required to raise the grade of my license to Master 1600GRT/3000GT OC. This is my short term path.
I am happy where I am at the moment, but there will be a day when we must step it up and sail further. I’d love to get to know a Bering B120, and really put her 4,000nm range to the test.
When on land, I enjoy trying to stay active with running or other active sports. Motorcycling, enduro style preferred, is always a blast. Finding good live music is a pleasure. Any morning started with wood fired coffee is a the beginning of a great day!
Thanks for your interest.
Nick