Captain Thomas Merrell/USA (1,600 ton US license)

Growing up in Huron, Ohio, the marinas of the Great Lakes were a regular hang out for Tom. Sailing was a hobby that later turned into teaching, and eventually boat maintenance. Tom’s introduction into yachting came as a deck hand for the captain of the 115’ M/Y GLOBAL STAR. Working his way up to 1^st Mate on this vessel. At 23, Tom received his USCG 100 ton Master Captain’s License. With almost 30 years of experience, he currently holds a USCG 1600 ton Master and has traveled the Great Lakes, Nova Scotia, the western and eastern Caribbean, Mexico and the Bahamas.

Prior to joining AR-DE in February 2006, Tom was Captain of the 110’ Burger Lady Iris for nearly 5 years.

When not onboard, Tom shares a comfortable home in Jupiter with his two boys, Shane and Skye, and their three legged dog Mako! They are his life outside of the yachting industry and he proudly shares great dad stories of sports’ practice, fishing and fun!

Chef: Morrison Lewis

Bio to follow

First Mate: TBA

Stewardess: Susan Reese/USA

Growing up on her family’s sailboat, Susan’s love of the yachting developed into creating her own boat cleaning and repair service for almost 13 years. Eventually she extended her business to include a shore based professional housecleaning company. An upbeat and outgoing personality, Susan entered into the yachting industry as chief Stewardess aboard M/Y Unity. While onboard she became STCW95 certified, she traveled the Great Lakes, Bahamas and the East Coast of the USA and enjoyed a year of building additional experience for a successful career in the yachting industry.

AR-DE welcomed Susan aboard in August 2006. Meticulously detailed, cheerful and hardworking, Susan brings sunshine to the overall environment aboard. When she’s not working, Susan enjoys reading at the beach, jogging daily and socializing with great friends or at her home in Jupiter.