Jerry Pearson was born in Miami, FL and raised in the suburbs of Fort Lauderdale. Being fortunate to have grown up in a family that was highly involved in boating, he was exposed to the water from a very young age. At the age of 9, he was fishing in Bimini on a 54’ Rybovich, which led to involvement in competitive fishing tournaments. He very quickly fell in love with the lifestyle and knew that it was what he wanted to spend his life doing. His family spent most of their summers fishing and traveling the islands of the Bahamas.
Jerry attended Florida State University, where he obtained a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance and Real Estate. He was also a member of the Track and Field team during his years in Tallahassee.
After graduation from college, Jerry returned to South Florida to pursue a career in the yachting industry. Using the skills learned throughout his lifetime, he obtained his first Captain’s position on a sportfish which allowed him to continue his passion for fishing, diving and the outdoors. Jerry expanded his experience as a captain, running multiple yachts throughout his tenure.
Jerry’s enjoyment of showing guests new places and experiences has allowed him to excel at his job as a maritime professional. Outside of boating and fishing, he is an avid hunter, golfer and outdoorsman.
Stewardess – MaryKate Ilyankpoff
MaryKate Ilyankoff was born in Key West and raised in South Florida. She spent much of her childhood on the ocean boating and traveling with her family. Her first day on the water was her third day of life, aboard her father’s lobster boat. At age five MaryKate cruised the Bahamas for the first time. She spent most of her summers and any off time on adventures around the water.
She studied at Florida Atlantic University and graduated with a degree in Psychology. After graduation MaryKate became an Elementary teacher at a school for special needs children.
In the midst of her teaching career, she was offered a summertime Stewardess position. After accepting this opportunity, she was immediately drawn to the lifestyle that working in the yachting industry offers and she decided to pursue it full time.
Her love for the water and the marine industry makes her excel at what she does. She loves to bring out the smile in her guests with her bubbly personality. On her time off she enjoys spending time in nature; including boating, fishing, camping and traveling.
