Why Owners Stay: Meet the People Behind Your Moorings Yacht Ownership Journey
Owners stay with The Moorings not just for the yachts or destinations, but because of the dedicated team making yacht ownership a reality.
It’s the familiar, knowledgeable voices who provide guidance, the reliable support when challenges arise, and the assurance that someone is always there to help. Behind every Moorings yacht ownership experience is a dedicated team quietly working to ensure each owner feels confident and cared for. They answer questions before delivery, follow up long after, and offer insights that only come from decades of experience and trusted relationships.
In this short video series, we introduce two of these team members: John Keyes and Richard Vass. Both have spent decades shaping the Moorings Yacht Ownership program and supporting owners at every stage of their journey. They share how they found their way to The Moorings, what keeps them there, and why working with owners continues to be the most rewarding part of their work.
It’s a glimpse into the people you may not always see, but who are always there, making yacht ownership feel supported, familiar, and personal. Because at The Moorings, it’s never just about the yacht, it’s about the relationships that come with it.
John Keyes: The Familiar Voice Many Moorings Owners Know By Name
John Keyes has been part of The Moorings family for 27 years and currently serves as an Owner Booking Agent, helping yacht owners make the most of their ownership experience.
His journey began in the charter world, working as both a captain and base manager in Florida. When the charter company he was with closed, John applied to The Moorings and joined the team, beginning a career that has now spanned nearly three decades.
“What has kept me here all these years is the people, and the global support network that ensures owners receive expert assistance wherever they cruise,” And for John, delivering that level of service is central to the Moorings Yacht Ownership experience, and one of the most rewarding parts of his role is reconnecting with long-time owners: “I’ll hear from someone I haven’t spoken to in 10 or 15 years, and they’ll say, ‘Guess what? We’re buying another boat! It really does feel like family being part of The Moorings and seeing the same faces and voices for decades.”
Over the years, John has also seen the fleet evolve dramatically. From early yachts without air conditioning or watermakers to today’s modern, fully equipped sailing and power catamarans. But through every change, the focus on owner service, trust, and long-term relationships has remained constant.
Watch the full interview with John Keyes to hear his perspective on why The Moorings Yacht Ownership Program continues to inspire confidence and loyalty, and why so many yacht owners return to The Moorings again and again.
Richard Vass: Two Decades Of Understanding Yacht Value And Resale At The Moorings Yacht Brokerage
When it comes to yacht ownership, experience, stability, and trust matter, and few people embody those qualities better than Richard Vass. Richard joined The Moorings in 2003, but his connection to the brand began years earlier. He first arrived at the British Virgin Islands base in 1999 as a Sunsail flotilla skipper, expecting a short gap year. And now, over two decades later, he’s still part of the Moorings family.
Today, Richard works as a Yacht Broker, specializing in the sale of used charter yachts. This role gives him a deep understanding of fleet quality, resale value, and the long-term performance of Moorings yachts, a perspective that owners find invaluable.
When asked what initially drew him to The Moorings, Richard points to the BVI base itself: “This base is not only the crown jewel of The Moorings, it’s by far the best and biggest charter base in the world.” Beyond its scale, the base impresses with its facilities and infrastructure. From the boatyard and parts department to on-site accommodations, restaurants, and owner support services. Everything is designed to keep yachts running smoothly and owners sailing with confidence.
Richard credits this environment and the culture behind it for the longevity of so many Moorings careers: “When you work for The Moorings, it’s like working for one very big, happy family.”
He also highlights the resilience of the business itself. Over the years, The Moorings has weathered major hurricanes, industry downturns, and even a global pandemic that temporarily halted tourism. While many companies struggled, The Moorings emerged stronger each time. “It’s an incredibly robust business, and it’s not going anywhere.”
Careers lasting decades don’t happen by accident, and Richard points to The Moorings’ world-class global facilities and a deeply rooted culture built on teamwork, stability, and resilience as the reason so many team members build long-term careers with The Moorings. Together, these elements create an environment where people stay and where owners benefit from working with a team that truly knows the business inside and out.
Watch the full interview with Richard Vass to hear more about his journey and why The Moorings Yacht Brokerage and Ownership Program continues to stand apart, both for owners and the people who support them every step of the way.

Behind Every Moorings Yacht Is a Team That Cares
For current and prospective owners, these interviews offer more than a behind-the-scenes look; they reveal the heart of The Moorings Yacht Ownership experience. It’s about continuity, expertise, and people who genuinely care about the owners they support.
Decades-long careers don’t happen by chance. They reflect a culture built on trust, resilience, and long-term relationships, the very same qualities that make owning a Moorings yacht feel effortless, personal, and rewarding. The team isn’t just managing logistics, they’re partners in your journey, guiding and supporting you at every turn.
Whether it’s your first yacht or your fifth, one thing is clear: at The Moorings, continuity and care are part of what defines ownership at The Moorings. The familiar faces helping you today are likely to be there tomorrow and for decades to come, ready to share their experience, celebrate milestones, and ensure your ownership journey is smooth and enjoyable.
Explore The Moorings Yacht Ownership and meet the team who make it all possible before, during, and long after you take delivery.
Hanrie Bosch
Guest blogger, Hanrie Bosch, is a professional yacht chef. Based in the Caribbean and Bahamas, since 2013, she has worked on boats ranging from 48 ft Leopards to 160 ft superyachts.
Related Articles