Crew and Owners

I was born in Michigan with an intense love of the water. I started sailing at the age of nine and living aboard at the age of nineteen with my wife Pam. We also raised and home-schooled our son Randy on board our sailboat Avalon while cruising. I Hold a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Officer License to 100 tons (orig. issue 1/27/88) A Successful Captain with 29 years of boating exp., 21 years in professional marine services, worked in all phases of Yacht repair and maintenance. Worked on new construction (Boats to 68’ Commercial,) Coast Guard Inspected & certified. Marin damage est., & consulting. I have been with Camelot for about four years now, working with Matt & Gail on her has been a very inspiring and challenging project. 

My husband, Butch, introduced me to sailing. We purchased our first wood boat when we were nineteen and have been sailing ever since. We've been restoring, living and traveling on boats for over 20 years now. I enjoy the freedom and the satisfaction of sailing. I, also, had the rewarding experience of home schooling my son Randy through grade school. I have over six years in the marine canvas business and now I am once again working with my husband on another project, Camelot! I continue to learn how to deal with the freedom and challenges that come with this environment.

Gail and I live on Hilton Head Island in a small Sea Loft overlooking the marsh. When not on the road, or working at the Sea Loft, we can be found on our 22-ton, gaff-rigged ketch, Camelot. She is a pleasurable exercise in collaborative design-from charting the course to executing a starboard tack-that we share with colleagues and friends. The focus of my life is how structures, processes, tools and environments determine answers.

Sailing Camelot is a hobby. We have finally restored her and now the challenge is to find quality time to be sailing with her! Someday, I hope to live aboard and make many ports my home. In the mean time, living AND working out of an 800 sq. foot Sealoft over looking the marshes of the low country is enough of a thrill and challenge.

Puff is the latest addition to the crew of Camelot.  Her duty is to steer Camelot clear of dangerous waters.  While at port, she just likes to hang around and look pretty.  If you are interested in Puff's conception, the story can be found on Gail's Website.

Last, but surely not least, is Popeye the sailor bird.  Popeye has been put in charge of entertainment on Camelot's journeys.  Future guests be warned, he's been known to grow on people quite quickly.