Today we’d like to introduce you to Captain Steven Bartley.
Captain Steve, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Passionate about the ocean since I grew up on the coast in Uruguay. As a child, my reading was Jacques Cousteau, my hobby was SCUBA (certified at 13 years old), my life was at the beach. I learned to sail in college (also on the beach), and after living away from the coast for most of my young adult life, as of 2001, I returned to Miami, and reconnected with all things water: boating, sailing – any day or night, weekdays and weekends – all year round.
After owning a power boat for skiing and wakeboarding with kids, I transitioned back to sailing as of 2008. I became a part owner of Destino – a classic (built in 1985) 30 ft. sailboat, and eventually took over the boat’s ownership and care. As an independent recruiter by day, I used weeknight sailing outings as my primary business networking tool to build and develop key client relationships – with hundreds of these outings. On my 60th birthday (2015) I decided to fulfill a lifelong dream of getting a formal Charter Captain license, desiring to make sailing (and commercial chartering) a growing part of my post 60 stage of life.
Now, with children grown and gone, I’ve downsized and relocated to Coconut Grove, a short walk to my office, and (most importantly) to my boat. I enjoy sailing – any time, any weather, any company (or alone). As a sociable, multicultural and bilingual person, I greatly enjoy meeting people and most of all, sharing my passion for sailing. Many friends have “turned on” to sailing as a result. I vibrate with watching people be “blown away” by the feeling of being powered by the wind, the silence, the peace, and yes, the fact that one has to give up some control…. we don’t control the weather, we don’t control the wind, we don’t control the waves. We just do our best to anticipate and avoid risks, deal with what comes, and renew our spirits by connecting with nature on the water.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Commercial chartering is new to me, so not much history. Hosting outings with friends is something I’ve done hundreds of times for over 10 years. By far most of these are day or evening outings in Biscayne Bay, so there are relatively few risks. A few overnights, regattas, and trips to the Bahamas. Unpredictable showers can get us wet, or make conditions less enjoyable with the occasional seasick passenger. But these are few and far between.
You have to enjoy working on your boat, because there’s always something that needs to be done. This part, for many would be a headache, but for me it’s my escape! I relish new challenges, and constantly learning to do things myself.
Destino Sailing Charters – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
There are many chartering options in Miami. Many of them stress the luxury and party atmosphere. Mine is a reflexive kind of vibe. My boat is not luxurious, just a very well-kept, quality sailboat. Because it’s not a large boat, I am necessarily close to, and sometimes integrated into the group.
I have a strong ability to communicate (in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and even some French), with a wide range of people of different nationalities, professions, social settings, and circumstances. I enjoy connecting, sharing, and even teaching (if guests want to learn about sailing). Or, I can pipe down if guests prefer.
These are qualities that define and differentiate my offering from many others on the market. One of my frequent guests on my boat – a journalist, has captured the essence in the word “authenticity”…. for the boat, the captain and the experience.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Turning people on to the joy of sailing, and watching some of them spawn and grow a true love for the activity.
A few decent regatta outcomes.
Passing Coast Guard tests for my Captain’s license (lots of memorizing for this 60-year-old)!
Many victories in boat maintenance and repair (e.g.: removing, fixing and remounting rudder on my boat without hauling out the boat….)
Out-guessing a storm’s course and avoiding getting blown and drenched mercilessly.
Pricing:
- I charge $350 minimum for up to 3 hours, and $60 per hour thereafter. This charge includes basic snacks and beverages (water, soda and beer) Additional requests – such as meat for grill or other items can be brought by guests, or purchased by captain for reimbursement.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.destinocharters.com
- Phone: 3054909806
- Email: sbartley@agatewaysc.com
- Facebook: destinosailingcharters
- Yelp: destino sailing charters
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