12/20/2023
The sun has set on the 12th sailing season of Narwhal Yacht Charters!
As always, many thanks to my customers, both new and repeat, who have turned my dream to sail for a living into a reality! It’s hard to believe that I’ve been making a living as a sailboat captain for 12 years now!
To be honest, this year was the first year my business has not grown when compared to the previous year. Despite not meeting my revenue goal, I would argue that this was still my best sailing season yet. Not having to grind long hours for consecutive days and not having to be away from my family for days at a time allowed me slow down and put things in perspective; spending more time with my supportive wife and precious daughter was truly a gift!
The Genesis and her captain witnessed a plethora of wonderful moments this season; here are some of the highlights behind those smiles:
• Over 4,800 miles were sailed aboard the Genesis this year and over 55,400 miles since starting 12 years ago. That’s equivalent to over 2.5x the circumference of the Earth!
• 92 more reviews, all of which were FIVE stars, were written by very happy customers in 2023. The 12 year review total is now 1,386 reviews, 1,383 of which are five stars and 3 of which are four stars. Narwhal Yacht Charters remains NYC’s top rated boat charter company on Yelp. Furthermore, Narwhal Yacht Charters has now received nothing but five star reviews for 9 straight seasons. What a feat!
• 12 more couples became engaged and one couple married aboard the Genesis this year, bringing the 12 year total to 142 proposals and 8 weddings (all said “yes”)!
• In 2023, Narwhal Yacht Charters was named “Charter Company of the Year” by Travel and Hospitality Awards, named “Charter Company of the Year” by Luxury Travel Guide, named a “Best Charter Boat in New York City” by Expertise.com, mentioned in TimeOut as one of the best cruises in NYC, and received the “Travelers’ Choice Award” from TripAdvisor, which means my company is in the top 10% of attractions worldwide.
The highlight of my season was taking my wife and daughter on a four day trip to Croton-on-Hudson. Seeing my daughter (who was not even 20 months old at the time) fearlessly stand on the bowsprit with the Genesis under sail made me extremely proud (and my wife equally as nervous). We anchored for the first night and enjoyed a gorgeous sunset in a protected cove, far away from the bustling boat traffic of NYC. The next two nights we berthed at Half Moon Bay Marina, which allowed us to explore the quaint seaside town and host good friends aboard our sailboat. These trips are special because they remind me of the sailing adventures I had with my parents and siblings while growing up aboard the original Genesis. Creating new memories like this for my immediate family is a fitting way for me to honor my parents for my wonderful childhood they made possible.
Thanks to my customers, family, and friends for all the love, support, and motivation along the way! The Genesis and her captain will get some much needed rest this winter but are already eagerly awaiting the 2024 sailing season and the thousands of miles and smiles that will greet us along next year's journey!
