Michael Quantrell

Michael Quantrell is an accomplished Captain with more than 20 years of experience in yacht engineering, estate management, and competitive racing. His career has involved overseeing multimillion-dollar yacht refits and managing vessel deliveries along the East Coast. Known for his consistent and steady leadership, he has navigated teams and projects through both routine operations and challenging circumstances.

One of the most notable challenges he faced was in 2017, during Category 4 Hurricane Irma in Florida, where he successfully managed through the extreme conditions with composure and skill.

Love of the Water Began Early

Growing up in Camden, Maine, he spent much of his youth either on the water, sailing, or skiing competitively. His early achievements include winning three medals at the Junior Olympics, earning bronze and silver in the Laser Class Division of a youth sailing competition.

Michael also competed professionally in various sailing programs while living in New Zealand, New England, and England. Alongside his sailing pursuits, he excelled in skiing during high school and went on to participate in Friday night lights skiing in Maine for ten years.

While living in Florida, he continued traveling to the Northeast to compete in the Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge, a casual ski and snowboard race series. During this time, he won all three qualifying events. Over the years, he also achieved victories in several smaller competitions.

Professional Career

At 18 years old, he began his professional career as a yacht Captain. Over the years, he managed vessels ranging from 20 to 120 feet and commanded yachts up to 112 feet in length, most recently coming from a 100-foot vessel. Quantrell has overseen multimillion-dollar refits, ensuring that each yacht was meticulously maintained and restored.

His responsibilities have included transporting vessels from Mexico, navigating throughout Florida and the Bahamas, and delivering yachts up the Eastern Seaboard.

Owner, Ox Eye Marine Corporation

For almost five years, Michael has owned and managed Ox Eye Marine, a company that oversees multiple yachts between 40 and 112 feet. His operations extend along the eastern seaboard and throughout the Bahamas and Caribbean. Ox Eye Marine handles all aspects of yacht operations, including project management, crew placement, delivery logistics, systems analysis, large and small refits, international vessel shipping, sales, and boat show preparation. Each service is tailored to meet the specific needs of the owner and the unique requirements of the vessel.

Captain, Motor Yacht (M/Y) Crown Jewel 96’ Broward

For approximately 18 months, he took over the responsibilities of this vessel during a change in captains. His duties included ensuring safe navigation, following maritime regulations, overseeing maintenance, and managing crew assignments. Quantrell also handled travel planning, secured dockage, and prepared Customs documentation.

He supervised a $300,000 refit at LMC, though the yacht was ultimately not shipped. As part of a family-run program, he captained the vessel from Florida to the Bahamas. Additionally, he managed the yacht’s financial reporting, assisted with its listing for sale, and coordinated its presentation at the Palm Beach International Boat Show. He also oversaw the whole process of the yacht’s 501(c)(3) donation.

Captain, Motor Yacht Remedy 90’ Offshore

For two years, Michael served as the full-time Captain and Project Manager for this vessel, with responsibilities similar to those he held on the M/Y Crown Jewel. One of his most significant accomplishments was managing the multimillion-dollar refinance and refit of the yacht, which was formerly named Drumbeat.

The process began with his consultation during the purchase by a California client. After the yacht was moved to Mexico, it was shipped to Florida for a complete mechanical reset. Following a period of cruising in the Bahamas, it returned to Safe Harbor Rybovich for a major refit. The transformation was extensive, making it one of his most rewarding career projects.

Additional Professional Experience

Quantrell has also served as Delivery Captain for a 112’ Westport yacht, operating under USCG regulations for offshore voyages over 24 hours and completing multiple deliveries along the East Coast.

In another position, he worked as both Estate Manager and Captain for two vessels in Palm Beach. This role involved conducting day trips, overseeing all vessel-related operations, managing household repairs, supervising staff and contractors, and ensuring the preservation of historical features on the property.

His other experience includes roles as Captain or Engineer on various yachts, such as a 78’ Cheoy Lee, a 65’ Outerreef, and another 65’ Outerreef that was owner-occupied.

In the later stages of his racing career, Michael managed a 59’ Herreshoff sailing yacht, handling bow and deck operations during the racing season, training crew members, coordinating logistics, and overseeing deliveries.

Personal Interests

Outside of his professional commitments, his life remains closely connected to the water. He enjoys outdoor activities, spending time with his dogs, and being with family. These personal pursuits align with his lifelong dedication to maritime life.

From his early days sailing and skiing in Maine to managing complex refits and leading long-distance vessel deliveries, Michael Quantrell’s career reflects a commitment to skillful seamanship, precise management, and reliable leadership on the water.