Marti McMahon’s fascination with boating began with a 21-foot family boat she helped to restore while living in Chicago. That early-life experience led to her interest in renovating other boats in need of attention. Marti’sflair for decorating ~ along with her love for entertaining and cooking for family and friends ~ ignited her desire to one day own a business that combined her passion for boats, gourmet food, and sharing the beauty of the water with others.
The family moved to the Bay Area in the late 1970’s and Marti started planning the launch of her future business. A suitable boat (in need of loving attention) was eventually located in Fort Lauderdale. Marti took her children out of school for a few months so that they could experience a unique educational adventure.
Together, they cruised aboard the “Pacific Adventurer” for three months. Along the way they visited Marti’s birthplace in El Salvador and visited with her much-loved family. To this day, that voyage remains one of the highlights of Marti’s and her children’s lives. That adventure and their experiences along the way would make a fine book! When the “Pacific Adventurer” finally arrived at her new West Coast home, Marti wasted no time before starting the next phase.
After an exhausting six months of renovation behind the family home in Tiburon, California, the “Pacific Adventurer” received her official USCG certification to carry passengers for hire. Marti placed an advertisement in the Wall Street Journal and soon Folgers Coffee purchased the first charter.
Over the years, Marti’s vision of a premier yacht charter company became an even greater reality as she went on to acquire a fleet of four impressive yachts. She personally designed and built two of the growing fleet: The 149 passenger California Spirit and the 700 passenger San Francisco Spirit.
By the year 2000, Marti decided to move into a new phase of her yachting dream. She downsized from a fleet of four yachts to just one extraordinary yacht. The boat was christened Yacht Lady.
YCI’s new venture caters to discriminating clients who expect privacy and prefer intimate entertaining in a relaxed, elegant setting. "Yacht Lady" can also be chartered for long term cruises in the Pacific Northwest during the summer season where the beauty of the San Juan and Gulf Islands is breathtaking. Staffed with a professional crew of three, guests onboard the "Yacht Lady" are pampered, as the yacht becomes their home at various Port’s of Call.
Now in 2007, the company is again launching a new concept: “Boutique" yacht charters. This idea will prove to be a new niche market in the Bay Area. Not long ago, Yacht Connections International acquired the California Spirit ~ the same vessel Marti McMahon built (from the ground up) many years ago. Once again, Marti is lovingly renovating a boat that is especially close to her heart and to the ongoing legacy of the company's original vision.
Beginning in June of 2007, the “California Spirit” will join the “Yacht Lady” as part of YCI's charter fleet. YCI's boats and other Special Services continue to be available to new and former clients. Yacht Connections International is proud to offer some of the finest yachts and dining experiences afloat.
Welcome Aboard! Come share in the YCI crew's passion for yachting.
