Yacht Connections International has been a premier provider of luxury charter yacht experiences on the San Francisco Bay for over 45 years, showcasing the city’s iconic views from the comfort of an elegant private yacht. Today, the Diamond Seas is the signature vessel for hosting intimate personal and corporate events on the San Francisco Bay and beyond.

The Diamond Seas is personally owned by Marti Diamond, founder of Yacht Connections International. She takes pride in offering a private yacht experience defined by discretion, craftsmanship, and exceptional service.

MARTI MCMAHON DIAMOND •
President, Founder

Phone: (415) 225-8888
Email: [email protected]

Marti Diamond is an innovative yacht designer, builder, and owner. Her vision is to create intimate, special-occasion experiences aboard the most elegant private yachts available for charter on the San Francisco Bay.

Marti’s fascination with boating began with restoring a 21-foot family boat while living in Chicago. That passion grew into renovating multiple vessels, upgrading in size and improving each one along the way. When her family moved to the Bay Area, her love of entertaining and cooking inspired her to build a business that would unite her passions.

Over the years, Marti’s vision became a reality as she acquired a fleet of vessels on the San Francisco Bay and commissioned custom builds that became meaningful milestones in her career. Today, Marti is the owner and operator of the Diamond Seas and remains hands-on in ensuring every charter reflects the highest standard of care.

Member Of:

St. Francis Yacht Club, Stillwater Yacht Club, Pebble Beach and Tennis Club, Tehama Golf and Social Club, and the Carmel Woman’s Club (Carmel-by-the-Sea).

BILL NADAULD • Captain

Captain Bill Nadauld brings deep experience across both maritime operations and guest hospitality. He has spent 30 years working commercially on the water, 28 years in hospitality, and 18 years with Marti at Yacht Connections. While underway, Bill is responsible for the safe operation of the vessel, including routing and navigation, crew and guest safety, seaworthiness, maintaining USCG radio guard and reporting, fulfilling onboard medical officer responsibilities, and leading and directing the crew.

He believes every day a cruise on the San Francisco Bay is an adventure, and he is proud to create a calm, confident environment that allows guests to fully relax and enjoy an exceptional experience on the water. One of his most meaningful moments on board was having the honor of performing the marriage of Steve and Marti Diamond aboard a yacht designed and built by Marti, the California Spirit. Bill officiates weddings on board upon request.

DEREK WARNER • First Engineer

Derek Warner has served as First Engineer on board Diamond Seas for the past several years. responsible for keeping every working system on the yacht operating smoothly, from the engines to the sinks. Originally from Spirit Lake, Iowa, Derek’s passion for boating began almost immediately. He was on a boat just days after his birth and was operating a small motorboat by age nine.

Growing up, nearly everyone in Derek’s family was involved in the water sports industry in some capacity, including racing, fishing, and boat repair, which helped shape his practical skill set and steady, hands-on approach. Derek loves being underway and shares the same excitement as guests when the yacht is out on the Bay, something he feels is evident in the care and pride he brings to the vessel. Outside of work, his hobbies include stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and hiking.

CHRIS NININGER • Deck/Steward

Born into a Navy family, Chris Nininger grew up on the water and developed a lifelong passion for the ocean, both above and below the surface. With more than 15 years of experience working on the water, primarily aboard vessels and as a certified Dive Master, Chris has spent countless hours at sea, including working with great white sharks just outside the Golden Gate Bridge.

Aboard Diamond Seas, Chris is known for his versatility and exceptional attention to guest hospitality, whether serving as a steward, deckhand, or bartender. His love for life on the water recently led him to earn his Captain’s license, with aspirations of crossing oceans in the years ahead. Chris especially enjoys hosting guests on the San Francisco Bay, sharing iconic sights like Alcatraz and pointing out local marine life. One of his most memorable moments onboard was Fleet Week, when whales appeared in the Bay, including a massive breach just off the bow beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Outside of work, Chris enjoys camping, motorcycles, hiking, traveling, and spending time with loved ones.

JOHN WHITE (JD) • Bartender/Steward

John David has been part of Yacht Connections International since 2015, serving in roles across the Diamond Seas crew, including steward, bartender, and deck support, with a steady focus on keeping the yacht polished, guest-ready, and impeccably presented. Originally from New England and raised around boats, John brings a natural ease on the water and takes pride in creating a warm, memorable experience for every guest. He loves sharing the magic of the San Francisco Bay, pointing out iconic landmarks, local wildlife, and the best views from the deck.

John holds a Boater Safety Certification and is CPR trained, and he also maintains Food Handler and Responsible Beverage certifications.