The Moorings Founders, Charlie & Ginny Cary, Named

To mark SAIL's 40th anniversary, the editors sought to highlight those 40 sailors who have had the greatest impact on the sport throughout the last four decades. As the magazine describes, "Charlie and Ginny's Tortola-based bareboat company was not the first of its type, however, The Moorings took bareboat chartering and charter yacht ownership to a whole new level." Other illustrious sailing figures joining this influential group include media mogul Ted Turner, skipper of the 1977 America's Cup defending boat Courageous and America's Cup Hall of Fame inductee, as well as Tania Aebi, the youngest female and first American woman to complete a solo circumnavigation.

The Cary's founded The Moorings on July 4, 1969 in the British Virgin Islands with six 35-foot Pearson yachts. Years before, Charlie and Ginny began sailing recreationally, and this hobby established the foundation for their lifelong enthusiasm for the water, exploration and boats. Before his 50th birthday, Charlie's career was advancing and he was offered a promotion in the Northeast. After visiting their prospective home during a blizzard, Charlie declined the opportunity to build the company he and Ginny always imagined. In Charlie's words, "I knew it was the end of the line. That's when we decided to look into making our hobby our vocation."

Sailing the Caribbean aboard their 44-foot yawl, the Cary's followed their dreams to the BVI. Upon arriving, they sought opportunities to open a charter business and soon after, established The Moorings.

Through the next decade, the Cary's collaborated with respected Florida yacht builders and Beneteau, a world-class yacht builder in France, to produce the industry's best charter fleet. They also purchased a prime piece of waterfront property in Tortola's Road Harbor, which still remains The Moorings flagship base.

Reflecting on his years of friendship and work with Charlie and Ginny, Lex Raas, President and CEO of The Moorings, commented, "The Cary's were passionate sailors who sought to share their love of the ocean with others. More importantly, they aspired to build a company that created unforgettable customer experiences by providing both the utmost in service, and a means for charterers to explore the exotic locales across The Caribbean, North America, Mediterranean, South Pacific, Far East, and Indian Ocean. Their vision and leadership plotted the course for The Moorings to become the industry-leading Bareboat Sailing, Power, and Luxury Crewed Yacht charter company with yachts in over 25 global destinations. Their legacy is one that we at The Moorings will proudly carry forth to ensure on-the-water enjoyment for charterers worldwide and generations to come."