Marti McMahon-Diamond, Owner
Marti’s fascination with boating began with a 21-foot family boat she helped to restore while living in Chicago. This led her to renovate other boats needing attention upgrading in size and making every vessel better than the last. When the family moved to the Bay Area her hobby combined with her love for entertaining and cooking gave birth to her dream of launching a business that would combine all her passions.
Over the years, Marti’s vision of a premier yacht charter company did become a reality as she went on to acquire a fleet of four. She designed and built two of her former fleet, the 130 passenger California Spirit and the 700 passenger San Francisco Spirit.
By the year 2000, Marti decided to move into a new phase of her yachting dream. She downsized from a fleet of four yachts to just one she could enjoy as well and christened her Yacht Lady. Never one to stand still for long, she re-acquired the California Spirit, lovingly restoring it to the highest standards. Today the Yacht Lady and California Spirit are hailed as the Premier Charter Fleet on the Bay boasting staff and crew who are passionate to give guests aboard an unrivaled experience.
“I have been given a gift for creating events with detail, warmth and surprises. My fulfillment comes from sharing this gift with clients, staff and crew so everyone feels exceptionally happy to be present. The Bay offers an experience not to be missed! I am energized after each flawless event knowing I was a part of the smiles of all on board. I returned to the Bay because I missed this and there was a need for an upscale market that offers affordable luxury.” –Marti McMahon-Diamond
Member of:
St. Francis Yacht Club, Pebble Beach StillWater Yacht Club, Beach and Tennis Club – Pebble Beach and SF Travel
Keith McMahon, General Manager
Keith McMahon (no relation to Marti!) is a master of diversity. Over 15 years of Maritime Management and former Executive Chef in hotel and restaurants, he is well placed at YCI wearing different hats as the need arises to execute our VIP charters. This suave gentleman can fix anything with a butter knife and a roll of string. At a previous boat charter company he saved a vessel from spiraling out of control utilizing a length of wire from a flower arrangement, and successfully guided a 450 passenger vessel to the dock mooring using a walkie-talkie in the engine room dressed in a tux. As one of the key leaders of our “A Team” Keith is loved by the crew for his calmness and friendly personality and clients relax knowing they are in competent hands. He serves as Representative to the Contra Costa Airport Advisory Committee and is past CEO of the Greater Concord Chamber.
Keith his wife, Karen and their daughter, June, live in Concord with their two dogs and cats. They are Girl Scout leaders and actively involved in their local schools.
Captain Bill Nadauld
Captain William “Bill” Nadauld is the perfect poster Captain. His life-long interest in boats began at the tender age of ten with the construction of his first motorized vessel. He has been operating cruise vessels on the San Francisco Bay for many years and has been Port Captain for Yacht Connections for several years. His professional sea time includes commercial fishing in Alaska, charter vessels off the Washington coast, and as a riverboat Captain on several U.S. inland bay, sound and river waters.
He brings nearly 45 years of direct, hands on experience with marine engine, navigation, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and emergency fire and life saving systems. Guests are awed by his nautical experience and his knowledge of historical facts of the Bay and beyond. Brides request for him to officiate their on board wedding. Knowing that maintenance is second only to proper crew training, Captain Bill shares a large dose of common sense and real world experience essential in extracting the best possible performance from all of us at Yacht Connections. We are proud to be part of his crew!
Captain Geoff McCreary
A summer job turned into a career of passion for our happy and efficient Captain. Geoff has piloted some of the largest and most interesting vessels on the West Coast, from historical boats to giant passenger vehicle ferries to even freight trains. His passenger vessel experience and skills along with his winning smile and can do attitude brings rave reviews from our clients. If you can’t find Captain Geoff at the helm in the wheelhouse, he may just be the Cruise Director for your event. He wears many hats within our organization making him part of our dedicated “A Team”. He ensures that the smallest details are handled creating the perfect event for our clients. His interests include backpacking, hiking and swimming.
Lindsey Rutan, Executive Sales Assistant
The first to answer the office phone is our bubbly Lindsey who has quickly become a jewel at YCI. She is also the Wedding Planner that Brides are eager to speak to for that “special day”.
Her professional experience includes Hospitality, Weddings, Catering and Boat Charter industries. Lindsey coordinates details with our clients providing the link with office and crew to ensure that the charters will run flawlessly. Often, she will be on site to help with final arrangements or ride along with the cruise because she loves what she does.
Being brought up in Ohio, she has the Midwest charm – infectious smile, warmth and sincerity. Lindsey’s hobbies include cooking, kayaking, hiking and good wine.
Amy Karpowicz, Marketing & Promotions Assistant
The newest addition to our team, Amy has jumped on board with fantastic energy and enthusiasm. After obtaining her BBA in Marketing from Loyola University of Chicago, she hoped a risky move across the country would jumpstart her career. Fate placed her in Marti’s path, proving that her gut instinct was the right instinct.
With experience ranging from public relations to event coordination, she has a passion for creativity and an eye for aesthetics. You may find Amy in our Brisbane office, at networking events throughout the city or behind a camera during events onboard. She is responsible for advocating our services to the city of San Francisco and for the creation of our rare and special public cruises.
Her genuine personality, combined with people skills and an aptitude for critical thinking create a world of opportunity for us on the San Francisco Bay.
Duncan Diamond, YCI Office Mascot
Our beloved mascot Duncan, is an SPCA rescue dog who is approximately 17 years old. He comes to the YCI office every day and recently served as ring bearer for Marti & Steve’s wedding aboard the California Spirit. If your pet is important to have at your celebration, discuss your request with us.