Gary has always loved boats, particularly sailboats. Growing up in southern New Jersey, he first learned to sail on his father’s 17’3” Redhead, manufactured by MFG. The Redhead was sailed in local waters around Southern Jersey, the Chesapeake Bay, Cape May NJ, and in Boothbay Harbor — Maine. Gary also raced and sailed a 14' Sunfish throughout the South Jersey area. After serving in the US navy for four years he settled in Orlando, Florida.

In 1993 he purchased a Helsen 22. The Helsen was sailed along the East-Central Florida coast. Gary upgraded to a Hunter 26 in 1995 and then to the Hunter 33.5 he sails today. He obtained his OUPV (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel) or “Captains” license in 1997 and began his "career" as a charter boat captain in 2003.