Cell # 239-272-9446
Don has over thirty years of business experience as an owner and/or leader in companies related to environmental interests, excavation, and trucking, all to support his life long love of boating.  As a native of Gloucester, Massachusetts, America’s oldest fishing port, Don has been involved in the fishing and yachting environment his entire life and has done numerous tuna fishing trips off Stellwagon Bank.  Over the years, Don has had extensive yachting experience with both catamaran and traditional hull designs.  He has raced jet boats including racing in the offshore class for two years.  He obtained his USCG (OUPV) captain’s license in 2004.  As a former owner of Breakwater Marine in Gloucester, he also is experienced in advising clients on equipment and other marine related options.  Upon relocating to Florida full time, Don became involved in the yacht brokerage industry and has experience on the East and West coasts. He is committed to advising both new and experienced clients on quality vessels so that they might obtain the best yacht for their cruising lifestyle.

Vinnie has been boating for over a decade in the unpredictable waters of Nantucket Sound and is an avid fisherman with expertise in operating both traditional and jet driven power boats.  With a degree in management, Vinnie has built on a foundation of skills developed as a construction crew leader in landscape construction and as an offline builder at a pallet factory.  He has served as an assistant to the Dockmaster at Hyannis Marina & brings to the yacht sales and brokerage industry a sound knowledge of the options to be considered in choosing a yacht suited to your particular cruising needs.

Cell # 239-777-0085
Carl's broad business and yachting experience includes 28 years in the automotive industry as a design engineer, program manager, then senior executive and board member of a worldwide design and manufacturing firm, heading up all US operations.  He has been involved in Great Lakes boating since age 8, carries a USCG 100 Master's license with sail and towing endorsement.  He has extensive cruising and delivery experience, both power and sail, throughout the Great Lakes, East Coast, Bahamas, and the Caribbean. He has been a prominent area yacht broker for 10 years and is committed to bringing his clients the highest quality service and results, both in purchase or sales of their yachts.

Andrew, a U.S.C.G. licensed captain for 6 years recently received his 100 Ton Master’s License and has been operating as captain of parasail and/or water-ski boats in Nantucket sound and Southwest Florida since 2001.  He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bryant College and was Captain and manager of the largest watersports business on Martha’s Vineyard responsible for business expansion, staff training and supervision and marketing. He is currently owner and captain of Bonita Beach Parasail at Doc’s beach house.  Andrew will be available for yacht sales representing our new yacht lines and supporting our business partners for new yachts and fractional yacht ownership.

Andre, a native of Cape Cod, joined our staff this fall transferring from New England to focus his expertise year round in Southwest Florida.  Andre holds a degree in finance with a background in business.  He has over fifteen years experience dealing with all aspects of the yacht sales and brokerage industry.  Andre is also a former boat captain and has many years of experience in cruising to advise his clients during the entire yacht selection & sales process.

Originally from Texas, Steve has lived in Florida now for over twenty years.  Steve brings to the organization years of experience as a licensed captain as well as experience in the yacht brokerage industry. He served as a navigator in the U.S. Coast Guard and is also a pilot.  He has expertise with large fishing yachts as well as most cruising models.  Steve has delivered vessels to many eastern locations in the country as well as to the midwest lakes areas on intercoastal waters.  Together with his background managing the care of larger vessels, he offers valuable insight to assist his clients during the purchase of their yacht.

Elpitha relocated from the oldest seaport town in the United States, Gloucester, MA.

She has enjoyed years of boating with her husband Donald Strong in the beautiful oceans of Cape Ann and Cape Cod, along with many excusions throughout New England.  She holds a marketing degree, and, is one of the few women who has earned a 4th degree black belt in the art of Tae Kwon Do while successfully operating her own school for the past 25 years.  Elpitha has been active in new boat sales and now will apply her past experience and attention to detail to both new and brokerage services.  She will be available to provide her clients with excellent service, follow up and advice for their yachting lifestyle.

Black Pearl Yacht Sales - Safety Officer, Rudi Landwaard is a graduate of a Marine Engineering School in Amsterdam, Holland.  Sailed as a Marine Engineer for several years before emigrating to the U.S.  He has an advanced degree in Energy Technology and is a Registered Professional Engineer in California.  He has over 35 years of engineering experience.  For the last two years, Rudi was the Safety and Training Officer for the Marco Island Yacht Club and is currently the Port Captain.  He is also a Lieutenant in the Marco Island Sailing & Power Squadron, where he is an instructor for engine maintenance and a certified vessel examiner.

Our Safety Officer offers free safety inspections of your boat.  An appointment may be scheduled by calling Rudi Landwaard at (239) 389-4444.  There is no penalty if you don’t pass the inspection, but those who do, will be awarded a U.S. Coast Guard / U.S. Power Squadron Courtesy Marine Examination decal for display on their vessel.