Frank De Varona
Frank De Varona’s passion for boating began as a child in Puerto Rico, where he worked on boats as a mean to fulfill his passion. He left Puerto Rico to attend post secondary education in New England, where he obtained a Masters Degree in Science from Western New England College. He continued to foster a love affair with the sea by becoming a Dive Master for the Search and Rescue Team, and eventually attaining 100-ton Master’s license. After captaining several charter and private vessels in Boston Harbor, family commitments brought his family to South Florida, where he began his career as a Yacht Broker.
Frank actively served on the board of the Florida Yacht Brokers Association, FYBA, as their first Hispanic Director from 2010 through 2014. While involved with FYBA, he promoted membership in the Association and oversaw the Miami Boat Show Kickoff Party to benefit Shake A Leg, Miami; a non-profit organization that offers individuals with physical and social limitations the ability to enjoy the many amenities our waters have to offer.
*With an excess of 30 years serving the industry in various capacities, there is very little Frank is not familiar with. “I believe in education”, you will hear him say over & over again. Potentially the first hispanic Certified Professional Yacht Broker, he believes certification, education and diversity are what set him and Yachting Experts apart from other firms that service our region.
His gregarious personality paired with a desire to learn has led him to visit numerous shipyards worldwide. He is no stranger to Europe, Turkey, Latin America, & Asia. If it floats, it is very likely he will know of them, about them, and even have their builder on speed dial.
If you ask him what he likes most…He enjoys projects! New Construction, re-fitting, building on dreams and seeing them become reality.
On his time off he enjoys boating, fishing, farming and is currently pursuing his private aircraft license. He calls Miami home with his wife and 3 children, Frankie, Sebastian & Zoe, to whom he instills a clear understanding of work ethics, professionalism and integrity.
The Yachting Experts Team
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Betty De Varona
Principal, Marketing & Sales, CPYB
Before founding Yachting Experts, Betty excelled as a sales and marketing manager for BellSouth. Taking her 13 years of corporate marketing experience she transitioned to the boating industry where she could combine her extensive advertising READ MORE
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Frank De Varona
Vice President, Sales, CPYB
Frank De Varona’s passion for boating began as a child in Puerto Rico, where he worked on boats as a mean to fulfill his passion. He left Puerto Rico to attend post secondary education in New England, READ MORE
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Bric Peeples
Growing up in South Florida gave me my taste of boating at an early age. My first trip to the Bahamas was at age two, and I landed my first Captain job aboard a 53’ Hatteras at age 17. READ MORE
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Greg Morrison
Greg has made boating a part of his life ever since he could walk. He grew up in the Marshall Islands where he would spend his days offshore fishing, spear fishing, and wake boarding. READ MORE
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Ernesto Garrido
Born and raised in South Florida, I come from a long line of experienced boaters. Both my father and brother were boat captains and our endless summers consisted of island hopping in the beautiful Bahamas. READ MORE
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Mason Waters
Mason Waters. Born and raised in Jacksonville, FL. Since I was 5 years old, I have been on a boat. The love and passion all started when I first went to the keys back in 1998! Ever since that first trip, I have had this constant obsession with the ocean and all that comes with it. READ MORE
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Mike Catania
Mike has been on the water since 1973 starting on fishing boats in Southern California. At the age of 19, he obtained his USGC 100 ton license. Since this time he has upgraded to and has held for the last 25 years his 3000 ton master oceans USCG license and also obtained his MCA 3000 ton Master license. READ MORE