Captain Tony Raleigh carries a U.S. Coast Guard 50-ton master’s license with sailing endorsement.
He found his love for sailing on Lake Michigan many moons ago and has since sailed the Gulf Coast of TX to Florida’s east coast and throughout the Caribbean including BVIs, Bahamas and Cozumel on everything from a Sun Fish to 60’ catamarans and everything in-between. He relocates boats, captains private charters and has been active in the local race scene, sailing numerous offshore overnight regattas in the Gulf of Mexico.
Tony is an Nautic Ed and ASA instructor, receiving the 2020 outstanding ASA instructor award, and teaches private sailing lessons. Tony’s teaching method is one of patience, always working through challenges, be it in the marina with a spirited breeze or 100 miles offshore ensuring you are safely hanging off the leeward side of the boat as you feed the fish this morning’s breakfast. No judgement - only encouragement to conquer and become the mariner you want to be. He is well known locally as THE “go to” instructor if you’d like to master docking or sharpen your skills in foul-weather conditions.
Tony grew up on a dairy and hog farm in Jacksonville IL and knows that hard work pays off. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an Aircraft Hydraulics Mechanic. His first deployment took him to NAS Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico where he first developed his love for the Caribbean. While stationed in PR, Tony participated in special operations in conjunction with the USCG as an auxiliary security taskforce. Additionally, Tony participated in preparing and facilitated accommodation to receive the fallen Seamen of the explosion on the USS Iowa in 1989 that killed 47 Sailors. In 1990, Tony’s Navy career stationed him at NAS Cecil Field, FL where he was deployed to the CVN 69 Dwight D Eisenhower. Tony was on duty when “Ike” became the first carrier to conduct sustained operations in the Red Sea, in Desert Storm and only the second nuclear-powered aircraft carrier ever to transit the Suez Canal. Being stationed on Ike catapulted his love of blue water and the majesty of the ocean. As his enlistment came to an end with accommodation and honorable discharge, Tony returned to IL where he utilized the GI Bill to obtain his Bachelor of Science in Computer Aided Design and Marketing. Combining his mechanical skills, education, and Navy experience, Tony has spent his professional career in business development selling engineered solutions in the Energy business.
While Tony takes Captioning very seriously, he is also known for his “Don’t threaten me with a good time!” attitude. His love for adventure includes worldwide travel, canyoneering, backpacking, motorcycle riding. His love for SCUBA diving coupled with his sailing expertise has allowed him to take folks 100 miles offshore to the Flower Gardens National Sanctuary on a private yacht – a truly unique experience.
His love for developing solutions coupled with his love for sailing has charted Tony’s course to become a broker at the Catamaran CO. Tony is passionate and loves the servitude of developing solutions to ensure folks achieve their dreams on the water. Whether you are a new or seasoned sailor, Tony looks forward to the opportunity to match you with the perfect private yacht that exceeds your needs, allowing you to command your own vessel on local waters and beyond.