I was born and raised in Australia until I turned 21. I have always had a longing for travel, and I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to cruise around most of Australia, including the Great Barrier Reef with its breathtaking beauty. I also cruised around the world's largest coral reef- The Solomon Islands, which lie east of Papua New Guinea, South East Asia and New Caledonia, located in Southern Melanesia.

In 1983, the 104' Lloyds Motor Yacht Lady Barbara, owned by Sir Justin and Lady Barbara Hickey, was commissioned at the Lloyds Shipyards in Bulimba, Brisbane. I found myself shipped over to Newport, Rhode Island as a crewmember onboard Lady Barbara. The Lady Barbara is the mother ship for the Australian challenger, the 12-meter Australia II, with the secret keel. The 12-meter United States defender Liberty had the cup since 1851, sustaining the longest winning streak in sport.

The victory on 25 September 1983 was a landmark event for the nation of Australia, not to mention the Royal Perth Yacht Club. The boxing kangaroo was the mascot of the Australia 11 support team and the group Men at Work sang the song "Down Under" which became the National Anthem at that time. Feeling like a part of history in the making and being in the beautiful country of the United States was my foundation to keep my sea legs as long as I could.

My travels took me to places in the West Indies, Caribbean, Bahamas, Eastern Coast of the United States, Bermuda and the magnificent waters of the Baltic Sea. During those years, I have been so very lucky to work with great people, made wonderful friends and enjoyed the company of truly remarkable human beings on a daily basis.

I am a manager for Atlantic Yacht and Ship, Inc. and have been with the company for the past 25 years. I have found myself to be part of their history. Do you remember the telex, which replaced the fax machine oh so many years ago? How about the IBM Selectric II Typewriter? If you do not, come by and see mine, a good old standby when computers are down. I just cannot seem to say goodbye to the old girl.

I work with an incredible sales team and I have an exceptional support group at Atlantic Yacht and Ship, without them my job would be an extremely stressful one. They are the pillar that stands behind every transaction and I am lucky to have these great colleagues to balance every closing and business deal.

Atlantic Yacht & Ship has evolved over the years-and many boat shows have come and gone. Companies and brokers have come and gone, but the unrivaled reputation Atlantic Yacht and Ship, Inc. has earned over the decades has remained strong and they are to be congratulated for celebrating 50 years of service this year to the yachting industry.

The client relationships and the transactions we have facilitated over the years are measured by customer loyalty and commitment, and we look forward to many more years as leaders in the marine industry.