ST. BARTS - Key Persons


Alex Atamaniuk

Job Titles:
  • ASSISTANT
  • SERVICE MANAGER
  • Contact ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER

Andy Lee

Job Titles:
  • BROKER
  • BROKER / Jacksonville
Andy started sailing when he was seven years old on a sunfish in Indiana. His family then purchased a series of Hunters from 20 - 30 feet and sailed on Kentucky Lake every weekend for many years. In 1983, at the age of 13, Andy's parents moved the family aboard "Delilah", a 43 foot Hans Christian, and set off to cruise the world. They sailed from the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal, across the Pacific Ocean, down to Australia and New Zealand, then up through the Red Sea to the Mediterranean. They traveled for 6 years and visited 47 countries. After sailing 50,000 miles, his parents decided to settle in Singapore. At age 20, Andy wanted to finish college in the US so he sailed "Delilah" across the Atlantic Ocean, back to St. Augustine, where the trip began seven years earlier! He is the only one in his family to complete the circumnavigation. Back in the U.S., Andy attended Flagler College while living aboard "Delilah" and eventually earned a Commercial Construction degree from UNF. Andy grew up on the water and has sailed most of his life. In addition to being a sailor, he has captained motor yachts up and down the Eastern seaboard. Now, with two young daughters, Andy sails with his own family on a Hunter 35. We are excited to have Andy on our team! Andy, I want to thank you for the level of professionalism and support in maintaining Sea Breeze and handling the sale of her. You proactively addressed any maintenance issues and provided me with options for correcting any deficiencies or problems with the systems and engine on her. You Sea Breeze was priced at the high end of the sailboats listed for sale and your advice and negotiating savvy helped me sell her at the price I wanted to. Thanks again and I look forward to working with you when my wife and I start our search for a live aboard sailboat. Regards Peter Me and my wife purchased our first boat from Andy Lee. Being new to the market and the ways of the boat world I didn't realize just how lucky we got having Andy as our broker. Every step of the way it felt like I gained a family member that knows the business. We bought the boat in Jacksonville, but live in Charleston. Andy kept us informed and updated on boat progress, helped expedite the process with an experienced finance team, and played a key role in boat delivery finding us a wonderful captain for delivery to Charleston. When we upgrade in the future and have friends that want to join in the boat world, you will always get our business. Cheers good sir! Christopher Enlow Just a note regarding Andy Lee and how satisfied we were with his service, professionalism, thoroughness and promptness in returning emails, texts and phone calls during the entire process of selling our boat. Andy completed the sale of our 45 ft sailboat Wind Warrior 1 within approx 3 months from the time we listed it at the height of the Covid 19 pandemic. We first emailed him from the Bahamas about a possible listing and he continued to follow our progress back to Green Cove Springs and met with us within a couple days at Reynolds Yachting Center. His knowledge, openness and friendliness is superior to other brokers we have dealt with over the years and greatly appreciated. We will not hesitate to refer others to him, knowing he will work as diligently for them as he did for us. Andy is a definite asset to your company. Thanks again Andy. Ron and Jan Sabadash Andy Lee has earned my highest recommendation for a boat salesman. I was not an easy customer. I purchased the boat by doing "online shopping" over 1,000 miles away. He earned my trust and told me of the quality of boat. He setup a conference call to describe the boat's positives and honest flaws from life on the water. He sent me numerous pictures and videos. My wife and I decided we didn't need a trip to see the boat. (This decision is important because flights, a rental car, and a hotel all take away from the boat budget.) He patiently answered all my contractual questions so I understood the process. Andy Lee was present to ensure the boat inspection was done properly and all equipment was accounted for properly. Andy Lee sent me contacts for shipping the boat via water or land, and allowed me to figure the best for me. He was there to make sure the boat was properly loaded on the truck, and send a video of the boat on the way. This online sale was made by trust and hard work. Andy Lee knows and loves boats. It shows on his sailing resume, but more important you can hear it in his voice when talks about boats. It was a pleasure working with him. Most important, it was his eagerness to ensure everything was done properly that made the sale work seamlessly. Nicholas Gill - Design Engineering To Whom It May Concern: If you are considering the guidance of a professional broker or maintenance on your boat you would do well to strongly consider the services of Capt. Andy Lee. My experiences have been impeccable and I expect that yours would be also. First of all it should be noted that Andy Lee is a very seasoned boater. It only makes sense that he would find a career in what is his passion. Andy listened to what our objectives were showed us several boats and was most helpful every step of the purchase process, additionally he helped with the delivery, and personally either did, or obtained subcontractors for specialty work. I continue to hire or consult with Andy on any need that I have. He is responsive, prompt and is sensitive to the fact that I am not a money is no object person. He gives me, and others who I know he has done work for, the most reasonable options consistent with the safe operation of the cruising vessel that I obtained through him. Sincerely, Jack R. Melvin, President, Keyboard Connection Andy, I want to thank you for the level of professionalism and support in maintaining Sea Breeze and handling the sale of her. You proactively addressed any maintenance issues and provided me with options for correcting any deficiencies or problems with the systems and engine on her. You Sea Breeze was priced at the high end of the sailboats listed for sale and your advice and negotiating savvy helped me sell her at the price I wanted to. Thanks again and I look forward to working with you when my wife and I start our search for a live aboard sailboat. Regards Peter Me and my wife purchased our first boat from Andy Lee. Being new to the market and the ways of the boat world I didn't realize just how lucky we got having Andy as our broker. Every step of the way it felt like I gained a family member that knows the business. We bought the boat in Jacksonville, but live in Charleston. Andy kept us informed and updated on boat progress, helped expedite the process with an experienced finance team, and played a key role in boat delivery finding us a wonderful captain for delivery to Charleston. When we upgrade in the future and have friends that want to join in the boat world, you will always get our business. Cheers good sir! Christopher Enlow

Chuck Laughlin - President

Job Titles:
  • PRESIDENT
  • PRESIDENT / Charleston
The name Chuck Laughlin is synonymous with St. Barts Yachts. After graduating from the University of Illinois, Chuck spent 10 years in the Middle East and Far East working for Schlumberger in the oilfields. In 1986 he returned to the US to start a development company. In 1987, while building Harborgate Marina in N. Myrtle Beach, SC, Chuck decided to open a yacht brokerage and teamed up with the newly built Beneteau Marion factory. In the first ten years St Barts expanded their dealership territory from Horry County to SC, NC, GA and TN. In the fall of 1996 St Barts relocated to Charleston, SC with the move of Beneteau corporate. Soon after Chuck opened locations in Oriental, NC and Jacksonville, FL to better represent his Southeast clientele. After almost 30 years, Chuck still loves the yachting business. As an engineer he derives great satisfaction from putting a boat together well, from just the spark of an idea to the final commissioning details. He takes great pride in the relationships he has formed over the years with boat owners, watching them enjoy their new boats. Chuck is an avid sailor and boater. He is just as happy taking his wife Lisa and their 2 kids sailing as he is taking his ten closest friends out motoring in Charleston harbor. When not at work, you can often find Chuck relaxing at the James Island Yacht Club. DearChuck, We would like to thank you and your staff for providing such excellent service to our Beneteau First 42s7 named "Wave Equation," formerly known as "Vivace." The trip from her home in Jacksonville to Charleston was richly rewarded. The lengthy list of repairs, improvements, and maintenance projects was completed in a manner and beyond our expectations. We particularly have appreciated the hand holds added to the the forward cabin. The work done at St Barts Yachts added greatly to our confidence, safety, and enjoyment during our recent two month sojourn in the Bahamas, traveling as far south as Long Island and Georgetown in the Exumas. We especially would like to thank Jean-Michel Morisson, Phil Denick, and Eddie Brown. Each of them made their own unique contribution. They were personable, attentive, responsive, and tolerant of us. At the same time, we very much enjoyed their individual personalities and nationalities! We had hoped to see Wayne Burdick again on bis beautiful Beneteau 411 in the Abacos but our paths did not cross this year. We wanted to personally express our thanks to him for the service provided at St. Barts Yachts. Our experience there has made us loyal Beneteau owners. We hope to see the St. Barts family at the Annapolis boat show in October. Sincerely, Don Beeckler and Beth Novinger Chuck: On behalf of the organizing committee of the Southern Collegiate Offshore Regatta and the Charleston Ocean Racing Association, I would like to express our extreme gratitude to you and St Barts Yachts for your generosity in lending your vessel for our collegiate event. Your hospitality made our event a truly wonderful experience for the college sailors and the CORA boat owners. CORA DearChuck, We would like to thank you and your staff for providing such excellent service to our Beneteau First 42s7 named "Wave Equation," formerly known as "Vivace." The trip from her home in Jacksonville to Charleston was richly rewarded. The lengthy list of repairs, improvements, and maintenance projects was completed in a manner and beyond our expectations. We particularly have appreciated the hand holds added to the the forward cabin. The work done at St Barts Yachts added greatly to our confidence, safety, and enjoyment during our recent two month sojourn in the Bahamas, traveling as far south as Long Island and Georgetown in the Exumas. We especially would like to thank Jean-Michel Morisson, Phil Denick, and Eddie Brown. Each of them made their own unique contribution. They were personable, attentive, responsive, and tolerant of us. At the same time, we very much enjoyed their individual personalities and nationalities! We had hoped to see Wayne Burdick again on bis beautiful Beneteau 411 in the Abacos but our paths did not cross this year. We wanted to personally express our thanks to him for the service provided at St. Barts Yachts. Our experience there has made us loyal Beneteau owners. We hope to see the St. Barts family at the Annapolis boat show in October. Sincerely, Don Beeckler and Beth Novinger Chuck: On behalf of the organizing committee of the Southern Collegiate Offshore Regatta and the Charleston Ocean Racing Association, I would like to express our extreme gratitude to you and St Barts Yachts for your generosity in lending your vessel for our collegiate event. Your hospitality made our event a truly wonderful experience for the college sailors and the CORA boat owners. CORA

Donna Chace

Job Titles:
  • COMPTROLLER
  • COMPTROLLER / Charleston
Donna was born in New England and began moving soon after as the youngest daughter of a Navy Veteran. In 1980 she began her accounting career in Rhode Island. Eight years later she moved to Charleston, SC and never left. She loves working in the yachting industry and has learned so much since starting at St. Barts in 2008. Outside of work, Donna loves spending time with her husband Oren of 32 years, their grown children and two rescue dogs. In her spare time, she enjoys boating with friends, spending time at the beach, live music and gardening.

Eddie Brown

Job Titles:
  • RIGGING SPECIALIST
  • RIGGING SPECIALIST / Charleston
Eddie Brown has a long history with Beneteau which began in Marion, SC. As a native of Marion, it was only natural that he would get a job at the local factory back in 1986. He quickly learned the ropes and was promoted to Lead Rigger. In 2000, Chuck Laughlin recruited him to St. Barts Yachts. Altogether, Eddie has commissioned and rigged over 1500 boats. He received the prestigious Top Gun Award from Beneteau and … In his off time you can find him tailgating at the Game Cocks football games.

Jack R. Melvin - President

Job Titles:
  • President

Jean-Michel Morisson

Job Titles:
  • SERVICE MANAGER
Considered The Authority on Boat Repair, Jean-Michel has been working with Beneteaus for 33 years. Born in Normandy, Jean-Michel spent his childhood sailing in the Channel with his father. Right out of the Navy, he got a job at the local Beneteau factory in Croix-de-Vie in Vendée, France. After 5 years Beneteau recruited him to the Marion, SC factory which opened in 1986. In 2000 Jean-Michel came to work at St. Barts and has been an invaluable resource ever since. I had to replace my starter twice in two weeks. Despite doing so, I could not get my engine to start. Needless to say I phoned Jean-Michel and after diligently troubleshooting for about 2 hours we were able to get the engine started. It was discovered that it was a bad relay switch. Seemingly, Jean-Michel was the only person that could figure this out and did so immediately. He is a walking encyclopedia of Beneteau. Hats off to him. He was extremely patient. He provided much needed text book guidance In a systematic step by step approach. Despite my multiple phone calls., he is always available, always kind and always helpful. He is a diamond in the ruff and his help was invaluable. We would have been in deep trouble without Jean-Michel. I just wanted to let you know and also wanted to personally thank you. Anytime I know of someone who wants to purchase a boat, I will make sure to send them your way. David Jean-Michel is the most valuable asset in the boating industry. Although the value of a new fleet of boats is considerable, it doesn't compare to the experience, wisdom, expertise and helpful attitude that Jean-Michel brings to the table. He has talked me through 3 issues on my boat since I took ownership and he has encouraged me and given me the confidence to solve the problem the right way every time. He has saved me hours of research and every time he picks up the phone, I am extremely grateful! He is the definition of a wealth of knowledge. Purchasing my boat through St. Barts was one of the best decisions I could have made, the service from the rest of the company is always friendly and helpful, and together with Jean-Michel, it's unbeatable.

Lauren Mainguy

Job Titles:
  • BROKER
  • BROKER / Charleston
Lauren first learned to sail aboard her parents' Catalina 36 on the Tred Avon and Choptank rivers of the Chesapeake Bay, in Oxford, Maryland. Lauren and her family enjoyed many trips up to the Elizabeth Islands, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, and Cape Cod region of Massachusetts, and down to Charleston, SC in their family sailboat. In 2013 Lauren's parents sold their sailboat to purchase a 50' Jefferson Pilothouse Motor Yacht. This move expanded the family's cruising territory as far north as Maine and as far south as the Bahamas. From 2018 to 2020, Lauren worked as delivery crew aboard sailing and motor yachts, including catamarans and monohulls, of various sizes up to 75' along the East Coast of the United States. In 2019 Lauren had the opportunity to join the delivery crew of a new Fountaine Pajot Saba 50 Catamaran from La Rochelle, France, to Annapolis, Maryland making this her first Transatlantic Passage. Immediately following this Transatlantic passage, Lauren went to Scotland and Northern Ireland where she studied navigation and seamanship at the Royal Yacht Association. From 2020-2022 Lauren worked as a Yacht Broker and Dockmaster on the Rappahannock River and Chesapeake Bay region of Virginia, where she also volunteered as a director on the board of her local Yacht Club. In 2022 Lauren moved to Charleston to join St. Barts Yachts and represent the Beneteau brand. Lauren is very passionate about both power and sailboats and loves to share this passion with others.

Maura Mulcahy

Job Titles:
  • BROKER
  • BROKER / Oriental, NC
  • Contact BROKER
Maura (Mo) Mulcahy recently joined St. Barts Yachts in Oriental, NC from New England. She founded and operated an American Sailing Association (ASA) School and sailboat rental business in Maine for 20 years. In addition, she and her husband, Mike, ran a Hobie Cat, Kayak and SUP retail operation. Mo, being an athlete and coach of several sports over the years, was a natural in the boat and loves sharing her passion with others. "I loved coaching sailing, the look in someone's eyes when they finally ‘get it' and see their confidence bloom is very rewarding". For fun, she enjoys tennis, golf, reading, cooking, and spending time with her 17 yr. old long haired dachshund - Harley. Mo and her husband spent 15 winters living aboard their Allied Mistress ketch for 3-6 months each winter with Harley and his (over the bridge) brother Dylan. Prior to joining the St. Barts team Mo enjoyed a successful career in technology in the Boston area.

Mike Thoney

Job Titles:
  • BROKER

Scott Williman

Job Titles:
  • BROKER
  • BROKER / Charleston
Scott is an avid boater; both power and sail, and is eager to bring his expertise to the yacht sales industry. He has been an active member of the marine trade in Charleston for over two decades. Early on Scott was a ship chandler calling on cargo vessels up and down the east coast. After a few years he moved on to a sales management position with a major marine hardware manufacturer. Most recently Scott owned and operated a mobile yacht rigging business. Scott's experience with both power and sail will be a great value as he works with prospective owners to find the perfect yacht for their needs.