Directors and Associates

Managing Directors

Mark S. DeStefano
Sales Service Administrator

Paul D. Gardiner

Each of our Associate Members are respected marine industry professionals, who have shown an exemplary commitment to quality, and the highest level of integrity. They are chosen by the Managing Directors, and their association with Yachtman is by mutual consent. This talented network of consultants and contractors provides Yachtman with an unlimited resource for the best marine related services available.

Paul is a life long sailor and Captain with nearly 200,000 miles behind him and holder of a USCG masters license for 22 years. As a former yacht owner and broker for larger vessels, Paul understands the clients perspective before entering into any new construction or refit project. Paul has managed several notable projects and has proved instrumental in the management of upwards of 30+ contractors, all with client satisfaction. Classic power and sail yachts are Paul's speciallty, and he has a thorough understanding of yacht construction, marine joinery and today's complex onboard systems.
Our Corporate Affiliations

Tim Leary
Rigging services

Jay Sheehan
Shipwright

Steve Thurston
Sailmaker
Thurston Sails

Stephen T. Morrissey
Legal services

John Wicks
Marine engineer

Daniel Briggs
Marine surveyor

Associate Members
Jono Billings
With over 30 years experience in the marine industry, Jono Billings has developed a worldwide reputation as an expert in composite construction, marine repairs, and boatbuilding. Jono has served on the Board of Directors of the American Boatbilders and Repairers Association, the Rhode Island Marine Trade Association, the technical board of the American Boat and Yacht Council, Chairman of the Marine Board of the Society of Mechanical Process Engineering, and is currently on the Advisory Board of the Landing School of boatbuilding.  Jono also holds a USCG 100 Ton Master's license, with sail and towing endorsements, and his wealth of knowledge and experience provides our clients with an in-house resource unparalleled in the marine industry.

Patrick Griffin
Boat Shipping International

Phillip Allen
Diesel engine specialist

Steve White
Boat builder
Brooklin Boat Yard

Kim Cavros
Marine Loan Specialist
(web link)

Tom Wolstenholme
Wooden boat restoration
(more)

Andy Berry
Marine power consultant

Steve Vaitses
Classic yacht consultant

Capt. Don Carroll
(more)

◄ Refits and Installations
◄ New Construction Management
◄ Worldwide Deliveries
◄ Surveys, Appraisals, Consulting
◄ Headquartered in New England

A SAMS Corporate Affiliate

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Al Catelli
Diesel Mechanic & Fiberglass Repair

401-675-2000

Capt. James Marshall

Capt. Andrew Cook
Marine Surveyor

Capt. Bob Cook
Ocean-Pro.com
Weather Routing

Mike Salafia

A native to the Newport RI area, Mike began sailing at an early age. He began his marine career in 1978 as a power & sailboat broker for the RI Uniflite Dealership. He has held a USCG Master Power & Sail license since 1986. His diversified captain experience includes everything from traditional charter schooners to deep water modern sport fishing battlewagons. Mike is our yacht financing expert. Thru his relationships with local banks and international lenders he can provide sound advice for small boat loans, or structure financing for mega yachts up to $10m. His project management skills were developed at his former company where he oversaw 35 employees in 3 locations. He is a member of the RI Marine Trade Association & a board member of the RI Real Estate Commission.