Cruising with Captain Katie: A Unique, South Shore Experience

My grandfather, an erstwhile oysterman, instilled a love of our waterways in my father. Hoping I’d share the same enthusiasm, Pop often took me out on his boat, conveniently docked at , when I was a kid. Though I never really got my sea legs—and could often be found “feeding the fish,” as my dad so vividly put it—I enjoyed those outings. For me, they represented family time and Long Island summers. And Dramamine. Lots of Dramamine.

Recently—through blogging for Patch—I met a unique lady who gives locals and out-of-towners the chance to appreciate the South Shore the way I got to as a young girl. You know, minus the nausea and vomiting.

Captain Katie’s 30-plus years of experience, certification as a N.Y.S. Safe Boating Instructor and bubbly personality would have been enough to get me on deck. But bonus! The long time Merrick resident also offers a bounty of intimate, specialty charter cruises—from spirited girls’ night out excursions to buoyant birthday parties—aboard the very lovely Maggie’s Wish. It is, most definitely, not your (or my!) father’s boat.

A 40-foot Silverton Motor-Yacht, Maggie’s Wish boasts a tastefully-appointed living room, beautiful kitchen, two gorgeous bedrooms and bathrooms, and a sunroom with pretty—and super comfy—wicker furniture. What’s more, it has central air-conditioning, a huge bow that’s perfect for lounging, state-of-the-art stereo system, fully stocked bar and several other amenities. I want to live on this thing!

Two elements that set Katie—a U.S.C.G. Licensed Maritime Captain—apart are her distinctly feminine touch and attention to detail. Having spent many years in both the restaurant and party planning industries, she understands the major impact that even the most minor details have on guests’ experience. To learn a little more about her and the services she offers, I joined Captain Katie for an early morning natter.

Bobbi: You’re the first woman captain I’ve ever met. What inspired your passion for boating?

Captain Katie: I’ve been around boats for as long as I can remember. I was one of eight kids who grew up on the water—on Mermaid Avenue, actually—in Wantagh. Between my brothers and sisters, neighbors and friends, there were plenty of boats to go around and someone always took me out with them. As I got older, I started going out on my own. Back then we didn’t have GPS chart plotters, radar and some of the other technology that exists today. Much of what I learned was based in nature, from how the tide runs, to the color changes of shallow water, to the way the wind blows. It was totally experiential.

Bobbi: So you were hooked from an early age.

Captain Katie: Absolutely. To me, a boat is a little piece of floating paradise. My first was basically a bathtub with an engine. Then I got the affliction.

Bobbi: The affliction? What’s that?

Captain Katie: It’s a condition familiar to many boaters. Some people call it twofootitis. When you have a 20-foot boat, you want one that’s two feet longer. Then when you get it, you want a 24-footer, and so on.

Bobbi: Ah, I understand. Does your family share your passion?

Captain Katie: I married a wonderful man who is my soul mate. We met at the beach—he was blond, tan, athletic, and drove a convertible Corvette. He was the very picture of someone who’d be at home on the water…which is why I was surprised when he told me, “I don’t do boats!” Still, as our family blossomed, it was a given that our children would be going out with Mom on the weekends. I wanted to give them the same experience growing up that I’d had. As our family matured, surprisingly, Dad started to join in the fun. Then we added two jet skis to the mix and it’s become a true family passion. Now, we are the proud parents of a nine-week-old Golden Retriever named Dannen that loves the salt air and swims like a fish. He sits at the helm seat like he owns it!

Bobbi: Wow—how cool! Tell me, why is your vessel called Maggie’s Wish?

Captain Katie: It’s named in honor of my sister, Maggie, who lost her battle with cancer in 2004. She knew I had my eye on a Fly-bridge boat for a long time, but it was beyond the range of what I could afford. Still, Maggie kept telling me, “You’re going to have that boat.” I kind of dismissed the notion and she said, “No, I’m serious. Whether I’m here or not, someday you‘ll get that boat.” Two weeks after she passed away, the opportunity to buy that boat, for a song, fell into my lap. What else could I have named it? I know Maggie is always around the boat—I feel her presence when I talk to her as I’m pulling out of my dock. It’s my own personal prayer of protection between “us girls.” This boat is the most reliable, well-rounded that I’ve ever owned. It’s always good to me and has a fabulous energy, just like my sister.

Bobbi: How did you get into offering personal charters?

Captain Katie: As with any boat I’ve owned, it has given me great pleasure to entertain as many people as it can safely hold. There has always been good company, food, music and laughter on board. So it wasn’t a far stretch to do what I’ve always done, but in a more professional way. To boot, I never needed to advertise. All of my clients come to me through word of mouth and referrals, and people just keep coming back. I have been incredibly blessed to have a career that incorporates my passions. Not very many people can claim that. I never have a bad day at work!

Bobbi: I believe that—the enthusiasm you have for what you do is contagious! I’d love to hear about the range of specialty cruises you offer.

Captain Katie: No excuse—or reason—is needed to have a party on the boat. I am happy to cater to whatever a client wants. I have entertained people celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, girls’ nights and other momentous occasions. Some people have booked charters for memorial ash scattering—for loved ones as well as for cherished pets. Others enjoy sunset cruises, between 5:30 and 8:30 pm. I also offer overnight cruises out to Fire Island. I have several large blow-up rafts, “islands” that could comfortably seat a dozen people, and some fun toys we can drop into the lagoon, along with a dingy. Our waitress will come out to the stern to serve blended drinks and more, lending nicely to the tropical luxury theme.

Bobbi: How many guests can Maggie’s Wish accommodate?

Captain Katie: Up to ten guests, in addition to my first mate, the waitress and myself.

Bobbi: From where do you hail…or set sail?

Captain Katie: The boat is docked at in Merrick, a fairly new, full service, beautiful yacht club. It’s very easy to find and situated next to The Sand Bar, a fun, seasonal restaurant with a cool Tiki Bar outside. Many of my clients hit the restaurant after returning from a cruise.

Bobbi: How long is a typical excursion and what does it include?

Captain Katie: I’m always compelled to tell everyone that Maggie’s Wish is not a fishing boat; it’s a luxury motor yacht. Most of my clients enjoy going to the lagoons and anchoring out because they can have free range of motion and use of the entire boat. Usually, we’ll spend three hours there, so figure roughly up to four hours to include travel time. When we’re underway, everyone has to be seated. But if someone, for example, wants to cruise the South Shore and go to Freeport where the restaurants are, I can do that as well. But food is part of the personal charter experience, too. We offer gourmet hot and cold appetizer choices and a range of beverages—frozen Margaritas, daiquiris, beer, wine and soft drinks. Guests have the opportunity to review menu options and choose what will work best for them.

Bobbi: When can people take one of your luxury cruises?

Captain Katie: They are strictly weather permitting. But there are no hours of operation—whatever works best for my clients. We have a short season on Long Island. It runs from May to October, so I need to have that flexibility for my guests.

Bobbi: What do you do in the winter and early spring?

Captain Katie: I’m also a nurse so I work per diem for an agency when I’m not running private charters. This gives me further flexibility to work when I choose to.

Bobbi: You get to enjoy two distinct and rewarding careers—how awesome! For a number of years, I was the managing editor of Healthcare Traveler, which is geared toward travel nurses and allied health professionals. Such a great, dedicated group of people.

Captain Katie: I worked in publishing for many years as the editor-in-chief of Modern Sage magazine.

Bobbi: Ha—so we have something else in common! Your vast areas of expertise must enhance your role as an instructor. Tell me, what do your classes entail?

Captain Katie: I am an instructor for the N.Y.S. boating certification course. It’s a mandatory education requirement for people who want to operate a jet ski here in New York. I teach men and women alike, and offer instruction on everything from docking to basic navigation as well as boat deliveries. Everyone leaves with a plethora of knowledge. A lot of my female students have come to me for a calm, stress-free learning environment with no pressure. I think my classes are also valuable for women who frequently accompany their husbands and significant others on boats. What if something were to happen to the boat’s operator while they’re out on the water? I tell them, “You don’t need to muscle anything on a boat, it doesn‘t require brute strength. It will do whatever you want it to do, but you have to know how to operate it.” In addition, I give new jet ski owners an opportunity to learn how to operate their new investment and teach them the “rules of the road.” Jet skis are far from “get on and go” vessels. They are motorcycles on the water that are extremely fast and lots of fun, but also pose a danger in the wrong hands and to other boaters sharing our waterways. One needs to know precisely what you can and cannot safely do. There is much to learn on both a jet ski and a boat. I quickly became the go-to person on South Shore Long Island for women—and men—interested in the boating lifestyle.

Bobbi: I understand Jimmy Buffett can often be heard aboard Maggie’s Wish. Please tell me Squeeze—my favorite band—could be worked into the rotation, too.

Captain Katie: Jimmy’s music fits in nicely with the concept of a tropical luxury charter. But rest assured, I have a wide variety of party music and always let clients know they are welcome to bring their own CDs aboard. I also have an iPod docking station so guests can bring their iPods, and we’ll pump their music through our sound system.

Bobbi: How can those interested in a cruise get in touch with you to inquire about your charters?

Captain Katie: There are a number of ways people can get a hold of me. I like to communicate with potential clients to give them an overview of the services I offer and learn about what they’re looking for as well. Then I can present them with the appropriate options. My phone number is (516) 867-6666 and my e-mail address is Modrnsage@aol.com. People can also learn more about me through my website, www.captainkatie.com, and “like” me on Facebook. Also, I can provide references for anyone who would like them.