Meet our Crew
Captain
Scott Padeni
USCG Master Captain
Captain Scott’s love of the sea began very early, sailing off the shores of Cape Cod. Today, he has over 45 years of maritime, marine engineering, and yacht delivery experience. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Empire State College (SUNY), and is a six-year veteran of the US Navy, including over two years as a naval nuclear power instructor. He holds a U.S. Coast Guard Masters License (200gt, Near Coastal with Assistance Tow and Sail endorsements, 3rd issue), TWIC, and FCC Radiotelephone License. He is also an American Red Cross certified instructor, CPR/First Aid/AED (Adult and Pediatric), and former US Coast Guard certified instructor for OUPV/Master courses. He also held a New York State licensed marine engineer while serving as captain/engineer on vessels in upstate NY, and the Hudson River. As a diver since 1986 with Advanced and Nitrox certifications, Captain Scott worked as marine archaeologist for 10 years, specializing in naval military history. He is also a published author of numerous articles and publications including five boating instructional and guide books. Captain Scott is also an ordained wedding officiant specializing in nautical-themed weddings.
Captain
Jim Harding
USCG Master Captain: USCG 500 Ton Master License, STCW, Unlimited Radar, ECDIS, HELM, Advanced Fire Fighting, 40 hour Haswoper certification, Tankerman PIC
Captain Jim grew up in a small Greek community (Tarpon Springs, Florida) where his passion for the sea began through heritage—by being brought up in Greek culture—and spending the majority of his youth boating, fishing, diving and scalloping. Upon graduating high school, he attended the Harry Lundenburg School of Seamanship, where he started his career in the maritime industry as a Merchant Mariner. After progressing to the captain position, he left the oil industry and returned to Florida to work as charter fishing captain in his hometown. During this time, he was asked to deliver new yachts and orientate the owners on the operation and maintenance of their new vessel(s). Subsequently, he was offered a position as a captain and thus began his career in the yachting industry. Since then, from the early 1990’s till present, Captain Jim has traveled extensively throughout the Gulf of Mexico as well as up the Eastern Seaboard; from Key West to Nova Scotia. Destinations include: Maine, Wentworth by the Sea, Gloucester, Boston, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Newport, Montauk, New York City, Norfolk, Charleston in addition to several other locals, such as traveling throughout the Bahamas and the Exumas. With his wealth of experience, your adventures aboard will leave you with amazing memories.
Captain
Richie Mahoney
Captain Richie Mahoney began sailing on the mountain lakes of Northeast Tennessee at the age of four. Over the past 38 years, his love of the water and dedication to his craft has enabled him to pilot one of the most prolific vessels in the country, the General Jackson Showboat, a 300’ true sternwheeler riverboat accommodating up to 1200 passengers. The allure of open water called Richie to Louisiana where he was the Lead Captain aboard some of the most technologically advanced exploration and construction vessels in the oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Mexico for 9 years.
Captain
Dalton
USCG-licensed 100-ton master, with my experience including captaining 200 passenger dining yachts, yacht deliveries, “six-pack” charters and fishing charters. Born and raised in Florida, and in the maritime industry my entire life. I am proud to be a third-generation captain, with several captains in my family today."
Captain
Bob Zola
My career as a captain spans 42 years, captaining and or delivering over 300+ yachts. As a big game fisherman I have fished in all of the places listed below targeting Blue marlin, tuna wahoo sailfish, (as well as many other species). I have been a charter fishing captain in Key West and Sarasota and was a captain on private fishing yachts in the Bahamas for many years.
As a delivery captain, I learned the waters of the Gulf of Mexico from Galveston to Key West including dry Tortugas and intercostal waterways, the Atlantic ocean from Key West to New York, including Hawk channel and intercostal waterway (intimately, with at least 25 round trips being completed) from Miami to New York and up into the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway.
As a captain on private yachts and sport fishing boats I have spent many years in the Bahamas from Bimini to Marsh harbor and all islands South to Great Inagua including the Berry islands Grand Bahama Sandy point Eleuthera the Exumas Long island, Nassau, and all the islands between Marsh harbor and Great Inagua.
Captain
Bob Easterday
Graduate of IMI/AMI Marina Management School
10 years as Dock Supervisor at a 140 slip marina
2 years managing multi-million dollar vessels
Experienced in training, supervising and motivating crew
Veteran operator on western rivers and lakes and costal waters in Florida
Experience in event cruises in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area
Experienced in marketing and promoting commercial cruises
Competent and confident boat-handler in close quarters and heavy sea conditions
Mechanically knowledgeable and capable
30+ years’ experience in repairing and maintaining ship systems
50+ years of boating experience
30+ years’ experience in U.S. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary
Experience in international voyaging
Graduate of the International Marine Institute – Marina Management
U.S. Coast Guard licensed 200-ton Master Near Costal Waters
U.S. Coast Guard licensed Ordinary Seaman
U.S. Coast Guard licensed Assistance Towing Endorsement
FCC licensed radio operator
PADI Open Water SCUBA Instructor
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Coxswain
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Operational Specialist
Captain
A
Captain "A" has a pure love for boating and all things water. As a young man he grew up in the boating industry on Lake Lanier naturally learning from his father who was also in the business. He has a true passion for being a captain while making sure guests on his trips have an incredible, once in a lifetime experience. He attained a degree in Finance from the University of North Georgia with a vast amount of experience in sales. He currently holds a USCG 50T near coastal masters license with experience on many types of vessels in his career. Captain "A" currently owns “The Captain’s Coach”, a company designed to help new and existing boaters improve their skills on the water with training classes. He is an avid scuba diver and fisherman in his free time. He enjoys going to the Florida Keys for lobster season and enjoys the laid back Florida Keys lifestyle. You’re guaranteed to have an amazing time filled with great conversation with Capt. "A".
Captain
Mike Stevens
Captain Mike currently holds a 100 ton master captain's license and is working on his 200 ton. Mike started out in the industry working on dolphin sighting boats, dinner cruises, and has a great understanding of larger vessels up to 125 feet. Mike loves to make everyone have a good time and enjoys showing the love of the water with others!