Fleet Manager: Stephen Lee
Stephen has been employed by BYC as Fleet Manager for 15yrs, and has overall responsibility for inspection and maintenance of our owner’s yachts.
Originally from Guernsey, England, Stephen went to Hamble School of Yachting for two years, doing his Yacht Masters and working as a Bosun. He then completed an apprenticeship involving five years in joinery, boat building and manufacturing, also at Hamble School of Yachting.
Steve then worked for Fisher Pander Generators for two years. He then went on to Palzared in the UK, building both power boats and sailboats. He also worked with Carbospars in the Hamble as a laminator and rigger. Having built his own yacht, which he now keeps here in the Grenadines, Steve worked for Fairview Sailing, Nauticat UK, and Transworld Yachts before crossing the Atlantic with his wife Caroline, in search of Paradise. He says he found that here in St Vincent!
Quality Control: Andrew Joachim
Andrew has been Barefoot’s Deputy fleet and quality control manager for 5 years now. Born and raised on St. Vincent, Andrew started out working in the scuba dive industry with Indigo Dive, one of the only 2 dive operations on the island at the time. Within 5 years, he progressed from open water diver intern to a PADI Speciality Instructor/ EFR Instructor, ending up as General Manager.
Five years ago, Andrew saw an opportunity with Barefoot Yachts, where he has similarly progressed rapidly to assume ever-greater areas of responsibility.
While proficient in practical skills including boat-handling, rigging and outboard maintenance, his current role involves working alongside Stephen Lee to oversee inspection and maintenance of the fleet, briefing charter clients on safe and efficient operation of the yachts, and generally doing whatever is necessary to provide an enjoyable experience for BYC’s clients and owners.
Chief Engineer: Gabriel (Vergil) Joseph
Vergil’s role is Barefoot’s Chief Engineer and Mechanic. From the island of St Lucia, Vergil has worked 38 years in the marine industry. He started with Native Knowledge, a Caribbean schooner, owned by the Casthtane family of St Lucia. He then maintained private luxury power boats for five years. Vergil then joined the merchant marine, working on three freighters over a period of four years.
After 18 years with the Moorings company, Vergil joined Barefoot 14 years ago and has been our go-to man for engines, electronics and refrigeration, ever since. Vergil holds a certificate from Perkins engines, and another from Sea Frost marine systems.
Woodwork specialist: Osborn Phillips
Osborn has been with Barefoot for over 20 years. He began as an apprentice joiner and after 5 years took over the woodwork and joinery department at Barefoot. He has seen it all.
Head dock attendant: Garfield (Charky) Roberts
Charky has been with Barefoot for 20 years. He started out in construction building houses and bars on various Grenadine islands. At BYC he started as a dock boy and is now head dock attendant/ head deck hand. Charky has ASA 104, excellent boat handling skills, and is very experienced on all the boats in the fleet.
Fibreglass and paint specialist: Giger Payne
Giger started out working at Ottley Hall Marina in SVG as a free lance boat finisher. After training in megayacht cosmetic finishing at Valdatro Ship Yards in Italy under a 6 month government training program, he returned to Ottly Hall for 5 more years before joining Barefoot in 1998.