Today we’d like to introduce you to Richie Mahoney. Them and their team share their story with us below:
During the 1998 Orange Bowl in Miami, members of the University of Tennessee Marching Band were given 2 options to spend a “free day” in Miami: Go to Key West or hang out at the band’s hotel pool. So, Richie chartered a 47-foot sailboat on Biscayne Bay and took several of his classmates sailing for the day. Not only was it fun, but he was able to see firsthand how rewarding it was to introduce people to sailing that otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity. Over the past 20 plus years, Captain Richie has exposed thousands upon thousands of guests to the magic of sailing on a multitude of vessels spanning the entire Gulf of Mexico, Eastern Seaboard, Bahamas, and the Caribbean.
Captain Richie holds a 1600 / 3000-ton Master’s license from the United States Coast Guard. He began his sailing career at the age of 4 on the mountain lakes of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. He has sailed on the collegiate level, done extensive coastal cruising and made ocean passages, and well as skippered in several high-profile regattas. Professionally, he has captained a wide array of vessels from the offshore oil and gas industry to offshore tug boats to high-capacity passenger vessels and everything in between.
The concept for Suncoast Sailing started as being more than just another charter boat company. He envisioned an avenue where he was able to expose as many as possible to another world on the water, under sail. Suncoast Sailing currently operates from Treasure Island, Florida, and has been recognized as one of the top attractions and experiences in the area. The organization currently has a staff of 9 Captains and Crew that share Richie’s passion for sailing and exposing Suncoast Sailing’s Guests to the magic of the water.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The sailing business is riddled with obstacles. Environmental factors, weather, mechanical, the list could go on and on. Things are going to happen and that is all part of operating with the various variables we are presented with. Richie uses the phrase, “This is the real world, not Sea World…” to convey the message that what he offers with Suncoast Sailing is a very real sailing experience. It is not contrived and every trip is different from the previous.
How Suncoast Sailing manages constantly changing variables starts long before a Captain or Crew even steps aboard the boat for the first time. We seek individuals that are natural problem solvers and have the natural ability to think quickly to address a potential problem and enjoy the challenge. This is one of the many unteachable characteristics that is easy to explain the mechanics of but cannot be taught.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Suncoast Sailing?
Suncoast Sailing is a sailing charter company located in Treasure Island, FL that offers a hands-on sailing experience to their guests. Suncoast Sailing has quickly become one of the top-rated activities in the area and also become one of the highest reviewed.
How do you think about luck?
Suncoast Sailing was hit with bad luck early on, having opened just weeks before being shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization was able to quickly rebound and sought the niche of travelers and locals seeking something to do outdoors and in very small groups.
Pricing:
- 2 hour Day Sailing: 54.99/pp
- 2-2.5 hour Sunset Sailing: 59.99/pp
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.SailSuncoast.com
- Instagram: @sailsuncoast
- Facebook: facebook.com/sailsuncoast
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/suncoast-sailing-treasure-island
Image Credits
Michael Martin
Terry Williams
