Michael grew up in northern New Jersey and started sailing Thistles on Lake Hopatcong at age 13. He spent time in Maine sailing daysailers and
classic schooners. During winters, Mike sailed lasers and sunfish in the Florida Keys. After working in the music recording industry in New York
for several years, Mike moved to Key West and  ran sailing charters aboard an IRWIN 54’, COLUMBIA 50’, and IRWIN 68’. He also captained a
56’ custom jet-drive dive boat, and the classic schooner AMERICA, a 140’ a replica of the first boat to win the America’s Cup. In 2001, Mike began
running commercial ferry boats in New York harbor while working part time for Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club.

Mike holds a USCG 100T Near Coastal Master license with an Auxiliary Sail Endorsement, PADI dive instructor certification, and US Sailing instructor
certification in Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising and Bareboat Cruising. Since January, 2004, the WaterFront Center his benefited from Mike’s
extraordinary professionalism, coupled with his wonderful sense of humor.