Mark was born on Long Island and left at seventeen to join the USAF. Until age thirty, he was stationed on various islands in the Pacific, South China Sea and Iceland. His last assignment was in the Sonoran Desert near Phoenix. Definitely not an island. Ironically, that's where he learned to sail.  Hobie Cat racing filled the void left by aviation and became his passion.  He competed on numerous lakes of Arizona and the Sea of Cortez, along the Baja.

Mark graduated to ocean going cats in 1990.  He holds a 50-ton Master's license and has sailed about 180,000 miles.  He crossed the Atlantic from England to Miami visiting 16 countries along the way.

He has taken guests to most major ports and numerous lesser ports of the Eastern Seaboard and Gulf Coast, USA.  His favorite cruising grounds are the beautiful waters of the Bahamas and the quaint coastal islands of New England.

Mark likes the adventure of going to new places and experiencing different cultures, but most of all he enjoys meeting new people. He has hosted charter guests from all over the world and enjoys sharing new adventures with them. Whether your interests be learning to sail, converting to multihulls, bare boat training, gaining live aboard knowledge, or just polishing your skills, Mark delights in teaching.

Mark received training as an EMT II and holds an AA in Meteorology, a BS in healthcare sciences and an MBA. He spent five years flying as a rated flight engineer on heavy jets and about one year as a GIB (the guy in the back) of an F4E Phantom. He spent several years managing his own, medical practice management consulting firm. Though he enjoyed his time flying, blazing new trails as a single parent (such as cooking for critics) and operating a successful business, now he is living his dream!

Mark keeps his vessel in top condition and will safely sail you to any destination worldwide.  Snorkeling is a favorite sport and he can show you the wonders of the reefs. It is likely there will be fresh fish on the menu, caught by spear or trolling with line and pole while sailing from island to island.  He likes to make people around him feel good about themselves and their abilities.  His soft spoken and capable style will put you at ease, and his enthusiasm for sailing will surely make your dream charter one to remember.

Below is a note from one of Captain Mark's adoring fans.  A charter aboard Stray Cat is a child's dream come true - their eyes are opened to whole new world, and they like it !!