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“Sailboat Mike” Shebester
As my name implies, I am someone that most people associate with sailing even though I have a passion for all types of boating. I learned to sail over 50 years ago and have been active in both cruising and racing. Although I am currently a land dweller, I lived aboard for over 20 years on a variety of boats. The thing that I love about sailing is that it can be either the most relaxing or intense activity that you can participate in depending on whether you are cruising or racing.
I have a Bachelors of Science in Industrial Engineering and a background in the oil industry. I started my yacht selling career representing Beneteau Sailboats in 1992. I joined the Little Yacht Sales Team in May of 2022. I am a Certified Professional Yacht Broker.
For almost 30 years I have been successful in selling boats, but I am not a high-pressure salesman. My customers keep coming back to me for my product knowledge and my listening ability. Once I find out what features you want in a boat and how you are going to use it, I take my experience and product knowledge to steer you to the right boat. Let me help you find the right boat for you.
As a boat sales professional for Little Yacht Sales, I strive for a satisfying experience when purchasing a new or used yacht or listing your vessel with LYS. You will enjoy my service and support throughout the process. As a current owner of both sail and powerboats, I have always expected a high level of service as a buyer or a seller. Being meticulous and detail oriented with the maintenance and upkeep of the vessels I own, I am concerned with safety, quality, workmanship, and value. I therefore commit all my resources to the process. I will engage you as a buyer or seller to ensure all your needs are met. I will be there during the process to making an informed decision on the purchase of a new or used vessel or when representing you as the Listing Broker for your vessel.
I was introduced to boating at eight years old sailing a Sunfish on the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I purchased my first boat at eleven years old. After growing up in Philadelphia and spending many summers on the Atlantic beaches of New Jersey-Barnegat Bay, Long Island, NJ and surrounding waters I moved to Bethesda, Maryland. As a young teenager I spent summers on the Chesapeake Bay at a YMCA Sailing Camp and polished my nautical skills. Summers on “The Bay” served as my foundation for safe and knowledgeable boating and a lifetime of enjoyment on the water.
Since moving to Florida in 1979 I have spent time on the water in the Florida Keys and around Sarasota Bay, Tampa Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, and surrounding waters. I cruised the BVI’s on my first bareboat charters and later skippered two bareboat charters, Croatia (2016) and Greece (2017). I enjoy sailing and powerboating on small to larger vessels. I have certifications with the ASA-American Sailing Association, the RPBA-Recreational Power Boat Association, US Powerboating, and the NSBC-National Safe Powerboating Council. The ASA IPC-International Proficiency Certificate is the credentials needed o be a bareboat skipper around the world. I am instructor qualified to teach ASA certifications and RPBA-Recreational Powerboat Association, US Powerboating, and BoatUS/NSBC instructor certified to teach powerboating certifications. I currently hold a USCG 100 Ton Master Captain license. In 2019 I started Florida Sailing and Powerboating School and Charters. I became a licensed Florida Boat Broker in 2019. I have been a licensed pilot since 1979 with an instrument rating, and jet aircraft endorsements.
Certifications and Licenses
• USCG 100 Ton Master Captain License-May 2017
• Certified Instructor for ASA/RPBA to teach sailing and powerboating up to 70 ft length-2016 to current
• Certified by US Powerboating to teach Safe Powerboat Handling certification course
• Certified by NSBC to teach the BoatUS On-Water Training Four Module certification course
• Florida Licensed Yacht and Ship Broker-2019
• Private Pilot-SEL, Instrument Rated, Jet Aircraft SIC, High Performance, and High-Altitude Endorsement
• Scuba Diver-PADI Certified 1978, Advanced Open Water-2005, and Tech I Deep Water-2017
• BSEE-1978-Clarkson University, MBA-2017 and MA-2018 both from Webster University
Business Related
• Owner and CEO of Mar Adentro Marine and Charter Services, LLC established March-2017
• Owner and Lead Instructor-Florida Sailing and Powerboat School and Charters, LLC-Affiliate School 882 for the ASA-Established February 2019 as Florida Sailing Academy and Florida Powerboating Academy as US Powerboating Certified Training Facility, and with NCBC/BoatUS Certified Training Facility.
• Vice Commodore Bay Sailors of Tampa Bay-A Sailing Club-2017 to 2019
• Commodore Bay Sailors of Tampa Bay-A Sailing Club-FY 2019 to 2020
• Member-Sarasota Sailing Squadron
Over the years, Paul has owned five boats and has extensive knowledge in Sail, Power and Catamarans. He is a CPYB (Certified Professional Yacht Broker), is a Florida Licensed Yacht Broker and he served several years on the board of the Gulf Coast Yacht Brokers Association. Paul has been selling boats since 2012 when he and his wife returned to Texas after nearly four years of full-time cruising. He and his wife owned and operated HSH Yacht Sales for several years before joining Little Yacht Sales in 2017.
From Paul:
If you are looking for a boat, power or sail, to enjoy on the weekends, sail around the world, or anywhere in between, I hope you will give me the opportunity to work with you to find the best boat that suits your needs. I won’t bring high pressure or stress. My goal is to listen to you and for you to be happy with your purchase.
Power, Sail, Catamarans, Monohulls
Please contact Paul directly at:
LYS welcomes David Jackson to our team of Professional Brokers.
Kent Little commented: David is a well known broker in the Clear Lake Area. Our relationship goes back over 20 years and 15 of those were at Sea Lake Yachts. David has been a lifelong boater and selling yachts since 1983. David’s experience in power and sail is vast and he has cruised offshore extensively on both power and sail boats. I am extremely excited to have David on board the LYS team!
From David Jackson:
I began boating and sailing in the early 70’s and have enjoyed it ever since. After graduating from Oklahoma State University, I moved to the Houston area and bought my second sailboat the first weekend I was here. After racing and cruising around Texas for six years, I started a new career in the marine industry. I have been selling both new and used yachts, power and sail, since 1983. I am a member of the Gulf Coast Yacht Brokers Association and have served as Vice President and on the board for three years; a member of Yacht Brokers Association of America, abiding by their standards; currently on the board of directors of the CPYB (Certified Professional Yacht Brokers) and I am also a Florida licensed Yacht Broker. I have extensive knowledge of blue water cruising having sailed tens of thousands of miles in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic. I have raced and cruised and I would like to put my experience to work for you to help you find the boat of your dreams. Whether that boat lies here in the Clear lake area or anywhere else I can help.
Location – Little Yacht Sales
My name is Captain Rick Weiler and I’m a USCG licensed 100 ton master with sailing and towing endorsements (now retired). I’ve worked as a master carpenter, construction manager and in home sales for over 25 years in Northern Michigan. Since moving to Texas in 2006, I’ve pursued my passion in boating and have worked as a yacht broker with LYS since January of 2011. I’ve been a Certified Professional Yacht Broker (CPYB) since 2014 and have been an involved member of the Yacht Brokers Association of American (YBAA). In our local chapter of YBAA, the Gulf Coast Yacht Brokers Association (GCYBA), I’ve been an active member as well as serving as President for several terms.
I’ve spent 35 years of my life in Northern Michigan in the Traverse City area on the coast of Lake Michigan. I taught myself how to sail when I was 12 years old and have been sailing ever since. I started by sailing dinghies, Wind Surfers (the very first ones) and Hobie Cats and I’ve owned a Hunter 23, a Newport 27, Island Packet 31 and a Hardin Voyager 44 ketch which I lived aboard for 7 years. I’ve sailed all over northern Lake Michigan. I kept my boat in the North Channel of Lake Huron for three years (this is one of the 10 most beautiful areas in the world to cruise!). I’ve been on many deliveries of friends’ boats in the Great Lakes, up and down the East Coast, Chesapeake Bay, Gulf of Mexico and most recently, throughout the Caribbean Islands. I have extensive experience with modern sailing Catamarans, logging nearly 10,000 miles offshore on them. I can share with you my experiences on these very popular vessels.
As a professional Captain, I’ve gotten to work on a 191 ton Tow Boat pushing tanker barges through the Galveston Bay, ICW up to New Orleans and up the Mississippi to Baton Rouge and the Atchafalaya River. I also spent two years working for Coastal Crewboats on a 42’ crew boat running workers and supplies to the wells and production platforms in Galveston Bay.
I have the professional and personal experience to assist you in selling and buying your new yacht, regardless of whether it is a 25’ sailboat or a 100’+ Mega yacht, located here in Galveston Bay or located in a foreign country . I bring the necessary skills and background to get the job done.
Over these years of selling yachts, I’ve sold 100’s of vessels, specializing in both Monohull and Catamaran Sailing Yachts, Motor Yachts and Trawlers. Whether you are interested in Coastal Cruising or Bluewater Adventures, or getting a Trawler to transit the Great Loop or just acquiring a boat for weekend “Get Aways” on the water, Capt. Rick has the experience to assist you in picking the right boat for your needs.
Having such broad experience with and interests in yachting, I really don’t specialize in any one area. Here is a sampling of the types of vessels and brands I’ve been involved with over the years. Sailing is where it all started for me on Monohulls and from there I graduated to Catamarans. Coastal cruising turned into Bluewater cruising. I have extensive knowledge of the popular monohull brands: Catalina, Beneteau, Jeanneau, Hunter, Dufour, Hanse, Tayana, Passport, Shannon, Bristol, Cape Dory, Amel, Endeavor, Pearson, Hans Christian, Hardin, SeaMaster, Hylas, Taswell, and Ta Shing. I also have extensive knowledge of the Catamaran brands: Lagoon, FP Fountain Pajot, Leopard, Voyage, HH Design, Chris White designs, Gemini and SeaWind, In Power, I’ve worked with all types of vessels including Commercial, Motor Yachts, Sport Fishing, Sedans, Trawlers and Center Consoles. I am very experienced in seamanship and boat handling and have 100’s of hours of professional training. I’ve handled boats up to 70’ and have been involved with even larger vessels.
Over the years, I’ve also developed effective systems to sell your yacht quickly and get the best price for her. Buying or Selling, I get the job done.
Location – Little Yacht Sales
Jerry Webb has joined LYS to staff our Port Aransas sales office. Jerry brings with him over 40+ years of sport fishing experience starting out in High School as a deck hand to owning four Bertrams (25-35’) of his own some of which were Captain Chartered personally by him.
He holds a Masters 100 Ton Captains License (7th issue) and has been the Past President of the Boatmen Inc, a charter boat captain association, in Port Aransas as well as a Past Flotilla Commander for the USCG Auxiliary as well as on the Marina Board for the City of Corpus Christi.
Capt Jerry has over 18 years in Yacht Sales and is extremely knowledgeable about sport fishing boats of all sizes and types from Bertrams, Vikings and Hatteras to the newer center console twin outboard models including the new cat hull styled boats as well. He’s even been known to sell a sailboat or two once in a while. Boats and fishing are certainly in his blood.
Location – Texas Power Yachts
I have lived in the Clear Lake area for over 20 years and I am very familiar with the boating atmosphere and Lake lifestyle. As a successful Yacht Broker, I enjoy helping my clients identify their boating needs and then taking that criteria forward to find the “right” boat, whether it is in the local or national market. I am also accomplished at creating meaningful listing brochures that get results for my clients when selling your boat. I have experience working with all types of power boats which include express cruisers, motor yachts, trawlers, sport fishers, center consoles and runabouts. You name the brand of boat and I can help you find your next one or sell the one you own.
I have a BS degree in finance and an MBA as well as extensive experience in human resources, consulting and project management. I combine my attention to detail with a strong understanding of people and how to get things done. Also, my background in negotiations helps me to broker a deal that gains acceptance from all parties.
Give me a call and I will treat all your boating needs, whether large or small, with the same sense of urgency and respect to earn your business.
My contact information:
Burke grew up in Clear Lake. His younger years were filled with boat races at Lakewood Yacht Club and fishing Galveston Bay. The son of a sailor and local yacht broker, saltwater is in his blood. As a twenty year hospitality professional, attending to our clients is his expertise. The experienced sommelier will find the perfect pairing for your boating palate.
Burke can be reached at:
Both Brenda and Lauran grew up in the Keys, boating and fishing on boats of all sizes and shapes. They started Gulf Coast Yacht Sales in 1995 and in 2022 merged their operation into Little Yacht Sales-St Petersburg. Brenda is a major portion of the support staff and handles much of the creative features at LYS-St Pete while Lauran takes care of the business of running LYS-St Pete, the sales staff, and his large customer base.
Lauran Lee
Brenda Aldacosta
I am Captain Bella Walker, an experienced sailor, and a licensed 100 ton captain spending the majority of my life on the water. From my childhood days sailing the Bahamas on a CT56 sailboat with my family, to embarking on a semi-solo adventure sailing my own 37ft sailboat from Kemah, TX to Sarasota, FL and back. A true test of skill and determination.
Florida and my boat were my home for 2 years, where I honed my craft amid its diverse waters. I’ve also served as a charter yacht captain in both Clear Lake, Texas, and Sarasota, Florida. I enjoy helping people explore the beauty of the lifestyle on the water, whether it’s just weekend boating or full-time cruising.
From calm days to storms faced, the sea has been my teacher, imparting respect, adaptability, and a love for conservation. My goal is to listen to your wants and needs and find the best suited boat that fits your lifestyle and help turn your dreams into reality.
Capt Bella Walker
Little Yacht Sales
Kent Little is the President and Founder of LYS. Having been in Professional Yacht Sales for over 29 years, Kent knows the product and how to take care of his customers. Kent decided to go out on his own in the fall of 2010 in order to offer his previous and future customers a better boat buying experience.
Kent’s wife, Liz Little, having been a life long boater and the daughter of Capt Jerry Webb (see below) is also an integral part of the LYS team and is co-owner of LYS.
I love boats…everything about them. I enjoy being on the water, the feel and the visual.
I have owned a boat of one size or another since I was 18 years old. I purchased my first boat, a used 14ft Sears Gamefisher trihull, with funds from working at a grocery store. Through the years, I have progressed up in the size of boats but that feeling of boat ownership has never changed. I have many years of practical knowledge gained by owning sailboats and power boats. I have cruised the Texas gulf coast in my 34 Oday sailboat. I currently own a 40’ trawler that I have lived aboard on and off for 9 years. Over the past 9 years, I have had the opportunity to cruise my trawler through the entire gulf coast, Florida Keys, and the Bahamas.
If you are interested in Trawler style boats for cruising the Great Loop, Bahamas, or a comfortable liveaboard, I have a wealth of information to share with you.
If you are looking at sailboats for local coastal cruising or heading to the islands, I also have a wealth of information to share with you.
If a new sailboat is in your future, we represent Catalina and Lagoon, two of the most popular manufacturers in sailing today. With Catalina’s new line of True North power boats, we are excited to now bring new powerboats to the market along with new sailboats.
If you are looking to sell, I would like the opportunity to represent your boat with Little Yacht Sales. Let me put my experience and passion for boats to work for you.
It is my goal to share my love and knowledge for boats, cruising, and the boating lifestyle. I want to help you find the right boat while making the process educational, enjoyable, and stress free.
Betty Polk is the Office Manager for Little Yacht Sales. In every business there is someone who ties everyone together and takes care of the loose ends. That is Betty Polk. We are fortunate to have her and she is a real team player. She can be reached at:
I’m a retired Accredited Marine Surveyor with over 20 years of experience inspecting all types of sailboats, (monohull, catamaran and trimaran) and power boats ( Express Cruisers, Motor Yachts, Trawlers, Performance racing boats, Sport Fish, and Yachts up to 98 feet). After boating on Lake Texoma in North Texas for many years, I purchased a passage making 46 ft blue water sailboat in Seattle. From there I sailed to Canada then down the west coast of the United States to Mexico, transited the Panama Canal and ended up on the east coast of Florida.
In 2013 I moved to Sarasota, Florida and have enjoyed the southwest coast of Florida for the last nine years. I teamed up with Little Yacht Sales in 2017 to serve the southwest coast of Florida and beyond selling all kinds of boats while representing both buyers and sellers. I look forward to assisting you in selling your boat or in finding your first boat or a replacement boat. I have experience working directly with boat manufacturers like Catalina Yachts and Nordhavn, broadening my experience and knowledge in the sailboat and trawler markets.
I am confident my 20 plus years of experience as a marine surveyor along with your input will allow me to assist you in finding the right boat for your intended use. My time in the boating industry and knowledge of most all boats, power and sail, will serve you well when it comes time to sell your boat.
I look forward to the opportunity to earn your business, but more importantly I look forward to getting to know you and spending time on the water with you to make your boating experience a great one!
A lot of you will know Capt Bill Olson as he has worked for LYS as a delivery captain moving our clients boats around the globe for over 10 years. Bill is going to head up a Florida division of LYS just north of Fort Lauderdale. “Captain Bill”, as everyone calls him, also has his Florida Brokers License under our LYS brokerage license-#1815.
Bill will be listing and selling boats for us there as well as still handling his and our clients boats for Captain Deliveries as well as sailing and power boat lessons.
Having a broker in Florida will also allow our client base who are keeping boats in Florida or returning from cruising to leave their boats in Florida but still have them listed with LYS.
Captain Bill, a former Computer Design Engineer, has over 30 years experience sailing the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. He currently holds a USCG 100 ton Masters License for the operation of Steam and Motor Vessels, with a 100 ton Sailing endorsement. Since acquiring his Captains License over twenty years ago, Bill has been captaining sailing charters, delivering both sail and power boats and teaching sailing lessons and powerboat handling to students of all ages. He also has the US SAILING Basic Keelboat Instructor certification.
Profile coming soon….
Captain Steve lives and boats in Sarasota area of Florida. He has his 100T Masters License along with the towing, sailing and STCW endorsements. Steve teaches sailing for ASA and power boating for BoatUS/NSBC. He also conducts regular charters for groups and is seen lounging in Croatia, in the above photo. Steve grew up sailing in the UK and came to the States when he was 23. He is retired from the US Army and San Antonio Police Department. He currently owns a Catalina 36. He completed “The Loop” 6,500 NM in 2014 aboard a Nordic Tug, 32 and subsequently did another 7,500 NM on that boat taking her all the way to Brownsville, TX and back up to Knoxville, TN. He owned and lived on two different Narrow Boats on the UK
canal and river systems. Steve loves the water and boat life. He has two sailing rules, Never approach anything faster than you are prepared to hit it. Never ever let the truth get in the way of a great sailing story. Please contact Captain Steve if he can help you with your sailing story or your next dream.
Profile coming soon….
Profile coming soon….
Gene Gammon is well known world wide as ‘the Irwin Guy’, and has created www.irwinyachts.com as a source of all types of information for Irwin owners, buyers and sellers. Gene was Project Manager supervising all aspects of the 52′ Irwin yachts and is a specialist for the 52′, 54′, 65′, 68′ and knows most all of the Irwins inside and out. His knowledge and experience is not just limited to the Irwins as he has been hired as a consultant, manager, delivery captain, etc., for top name sail and power boat manufacturers, plus owning yacht sales companies of his own. He maintains a 100-ton Master License, continues to specialize in the resale of Irwin yachts and all types of sail and power yachts. We are pleased to have Gene as one of our top sales associates and can assure you that his knowledge, and loyalty to his clients, both old and new is a great combination for customer satisfaction.
We are excited to announce that Josh Johnson has joined our team as our Senior Broker. Josh is an extremely well-known area broker and has been selling boats in the Clear Lake Area for over 37 Years. In fact so long that a lot of the local brokers in the area bought boats from him before they were brokers!! You can hardly go down a pier in any marina in Clear Lake and not find a boat that Josh didn’t sell at one time or another.
Josh is also a Certified Professional Yacht Broker (CPYB) and has extensive knowledge of boats both power and sail and is well known for taking care of his clients before, during and after the sale. We are super excited and happy to have him aboard as he brings to LYS yet another level of expertise for our customers and clients.