A PLACE IN THE SUN

Dwight Ledbetter

Captain

Dwight has always held a passion for the water, immersing himself since he was four years old in waterborne activities such as competitive sailing and swimming, surfing and diving. Raised on the Space Coast of Florida, he sailed and won championships while leading his AAU Swim Team to consecutive State Titles, a seventh in the National Junior Olympics, and setting 8 High School records. Dwight initially pursued the lure of rough Necking the offshore oil fields in the Gulf of Mexico. Quickly working his way through the ranks to become a Liquid Nitrogen Operator, he again set records, this time in the onsite physics of well control. When the oil field business crashed in 1985, he seized upon ‘The Call of the Sea’, this time as a professional crewman racing on a legendary Maxi Yacht in England. Dwight has never looked back. In his 18 years as a “yachtie”, Dwight has won the Maxi World Championships and Antigua Race twice each, the Newport to Bermuda Race, and the Holy Grail of offshore yachting racing, the Fastnet Race. Having sailed 196,000 bluewater miles, he has crossed the Atlantic 12 times and sailed the oceans from Quebec to Buenos Aires, and Hawaii to Italy. Having reached the pinnacle on sailing yachts, he chose to apply his seamanship and leadership skills to luxury Motor Yachts. First, a 120’ Sport Fish – CADENCE, largest in the world – Then to a 106’ cruising yacht, CALEX, and a 126’ new build, ALGORYTHM, of Trinity Yachts. As Captain for the Chairman of Trinity, Dwight successfully campaigned and sold a 126’ Trinity, BIG EASY, then promptly moved the owner to a 121’ Moonen, WHITE HEAVEN III.

Kevin Thompson

Mate

Kevin is a career waterman who is at home in just about any cruising ground. Well known in the charter yacht industry, he holds a 200 Ton Master, USCG Captain’s license with numerous courses in yacht operations and safety all of which enhance any yacht’s overall program. He also wears a smile as part of his uniform. His favorite past time is fishing, diving.

Erika Pagtalunan

Chief Stewardess

Erika is a certified Yacht Stewardess and has a niche for bartending, decorating and ensuring that her guests receive the utmost outstanding service on their Yacht Charter experience. She trained through Bluewater Yachting Crew for her certifications including: STCW, Coast Guard/Firefighting course, and Yacht Interior Service - Level 1. She takes pride in being detailed and organized all while making sure her guests are comfortable and safe. Her guests are priority when it comes to her work, and if asked, she would be happy to assist/partake in any offboard activities as well. Some fun facts about Erika are, she was born and raised in Michigan. She grew up around Lake Huron and the great outdoors. She spent a great amount of time camping, hiking, fishing and skiing with her family growing up and it's something she still enjoys to do with them. Erika has traveled within the U.S. borders working in multiple states in the hospitality industry. Wanting to see more of the world while using her interior and hospitality skills, she decided to join the Yachting community and has loved it ever since!