Biography of Michael Quantrell
Michael Quantrell is a seasoned Captain with more than 20 years of experience in yacht engineering, estate management, and competitive racing. His professional path includes overseeing multimillion-dollar yacht refits and managing vessel deliveries along the East Coast. Throughout his career, he has maintained a steady leadership approach, guiding crews and vessels through both routine operations and challenging situations.
One of the more difficult moments in his career came in 2017, when he navigated through the impact of Category 4 Hurricane Irma in Florida, managing operations under extreme and dangerous conditions
Love of the Water Began Early
Growing up in Camden, Maine, Michael developed a passion for the water from a young age. Much of his time was spent sailing or skiing, with both activities shaping his competitive spirit As a young sailor, he earned three medals at the Junior Olympics, including a bronze and a silver in the Laser Class Division of a youth sailing competition.
He later took part in professional sailing programs in New Zealand, New England, and England Skiing was also a strong focus in his early years, and in high school, he became a dominant competitor in the sport He continued to compete for ten years in Friday night lights skiing events in Maine
While living in Florida, Quantrell traveled north to participate in the Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge, a ski and snowboard race series held in the Northeastern United States. During that time, he won all three qualifying events Over the years, he also secured victories in several smaller competitions
Professional Career
At just 18 years old, he began his professional career as a yacht Captain. Michael has managed vessels ranging from 20 to 120 feet and captained yachts up to 112 feet in length, most recently coming from a 100-foot vessel His work has involved directing extensive multimillion-dollar refits, ensuring that each vessel was both functional and well-presented.
His responsibilities have included transporting yachts from Mexico, navigating waters around Florida and the Bahamas, and making deliveries up the Eastern Seaboard.
Owner, Ox Eye Marine Corporation
For nearly five years, Quantrell has owned and operated Ox Eye Marine, overseeing multiple yachts between 40 and 112 feet. The company manages vessels along the eastern seaboard, throughout the Bahamas, and in the Caribbean
Ox Eye Marine provides complete yacht management solutions, including project oversight, crew placement, delivery arrangements, systems analysis, major and minor refits, overseas freight shipping, vessel sales, and boat show preparation Each service is designed to meet the individual needs of owners and the specific technical requirements of their vessels.
Captain, Motor Yacht (M/Y) Crown Jewel 96’ Broward
For about 18 months, he led operations for this vessel during a transition in captains. His duties included ensuring the safe navigation of the yacht, compliance with maritime laws, oversight of vessel maintenance, and direction of crew tasks Michael also managed travel logistics, arranged dockage, and handled Customs documentation.
He supervised a $300,000 refit at LMC, although the yacht was ultimately not shipped. In a family-run program, he captained the vessel from Florida to the Bahamas Additionally, he managed financial accounts, assisted in preparing the yacht for sale, and organized its participation in the Palm Beach International Boat Show. He also oversaw the complete process for the vessel’s 501(c)(3) donation
Captain, Motor Yacht Remedy 90’ Offshore
For two years, Quantrell served as Captain and Project Manager for this vessel, performing similar responsibilities to those held on the M/Y Crown Jewel. One of his most notable achievements was directing the multimillion-dollar refinance and refit of the yacht, which was formerly known as Drumbeat.
The project began with his consultation during the purchase by a California client The yacht was relocated to Mexico, then shipped to Florida for a complete mechanical overhaul. After spending several months cruising in the Bahamas, it returned to Safe Harbor Rybovich for an extensive refit The transformation of the vessel was a major success and a highlight of his career.
Additional Professional Experience
His work has also included serving as Delivery Captain for a 112’ Westport yacht, operating under USCG guidelines for offshore voyages longer than 24 hours, with multiple deliveries completed along the East Coast.
In another role, Michael was Estate Manager and Captain for two vessels in Palm Beach. His responsibilities included conducting day trips, managing all vessel operations, coordinating property repairs, supervising staff and contractors, and preserving the historic integrity of the estate.
He has also served as Captain or Engineer on other yachts, including a 78’ Cheoy Lee, a 65’ Outerreef, and another 65’ Outerreef with live-aboard owners.
Toward the end of his racing career, Quantrell managed a 59’ Herreshoff sailing yacht, overseeing bow and deck operations during the racing season, training crew members, managing logistics, and directing deliveries