About Me

With over 35 years of maritime experience, I have spent 26 of them holding a 100-ton Master’s License with sail and towing endorsements. I put myself through college by promoting marine manufacturers through projects like my "Voyage Through America"—a 5,000-mile solo journey around the eastern half of the U.S. This adventure provided my sponsor with over a million dollars' worth of publicity through magazine, newspaper, and television coverage. I earned a B.A. in Management and Organizational Leadership from George Fox University and obtained my Master’s License from the U.S. Coast Guard.

For four years, I captained a 71' aluminum sailing catamaran in the San Francisco Bay area, delivering medical and dental services to remote Pacific communities and running youth sailing programs in the summer. In 1992, I became the organization's Development Director, leading fundraising efforts that, over the next nine years, raised more than six million dollars for non-profits. I served as President of Search for One, Inc., a Senior Manager for United Way in Portland, Oregon, and achieved CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) certification.

In 2001, I captained the Stanhaven through the Caribbean for the production of the reality TV series Dream Chasers, directed by five-time Emmy Award winner Lee Stanley. Throughout my career, I have spoken at graduations, corporate events, and public engagements, and I’ve been featured in over 100 newspaper, magazine, and television stories for my unique voyages. I even won a Toastmasters International speech contest and have collaborated with over 30 sponsors throughout my journeys.

My maritime experience also includes captaining the 150' dinner cruise ship Portland Spirit, working as an ASA Certified Sailing Instructor (ASA 205), and becoming an ABYC Certified Marine Electrician. Since 2013, I have been the commander of Scovare’s fleet of power and sailing vessels, leading unique sailing tours and group boating expeditions. In addition to my maritime career, I am an ordained minister specializing in onboard weddings.

I was born in Salem, Oregon, and now live in Portland with my wife, Christy, and our children—Amber, Emma, and Soren.

Some of my favorite journeys and excursions include:

• 1,000-mile solo voyage to Cabo San Lucas and exploration of the Sea of Cortez aboard a 20' Newport (1984).
• Six-month, 5,000-mile solo Voyage Through America through 16 states, two countries, and one province aboard a 21' Sea Pearl ketch (1986).
• 2,500-mile solo Pacific crossing to Hawaii aboard an 18' Catalina (1987).
• 300-mile circumnavigation of California’s largest and smallest Channel Islands on a 16' open boat (1988).
• Four-month, 3,000-mile circumnavigation of the Northeastern U.S. and Southeastern Canada aboard a 19' WWPotter (1989).
• Over 5,000 miles as Captain of the 71' catamaran Canvasback throughout the Pacific (1991–1994).
• 1,800-mile passage from Seward, Alaska, to Seattle, Washington, as mate on the 81' catamaran Klondike (1994).
• 2,000-mile voyage on a 26' sloop from the Marshall Islands to Tarawa through the Republic of Kiribati (1996–1997).
• 2,000 miles as Captain of a 53' ketch from Florida through the Bahamas to the Virgin Islands (2001).
• 3,000 miles throughout the Atlantic as Captain of the Oyster 53 Golden Pearl (2009).
• 3,000-mile voyage down the West Coast followed by a 15-day passage to Kauai, Hawaii, aboard a Cheoy Lee 38 (2013).
• 1,000-mile voyage up the Pacific Coast to bring our newest boat, Spirit, to Portland Or (2024)
• Countless shorter voyages and yacht deliveries worldwide. Available for vessel deliveries anywhere in the world.