To mark SAIL’s 40th anniversary, the editors highlighted 40 sailors who have had the greatest impact on the sport in the last four decades. Among them are Charlie and Ginny Cary, founders of The Moorings.

The magazine stated that “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.”

Charlie and Ginny began sailing recreationally, establishing 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.

Charlie said, “I knew it was the end of the line. That’s when we decided to look into making our hobby our vocation.”

Aboard their 44-foot yawl, the Cary’s followed their dreams to the BVI. Upon arrival, they sought opportunities to open a charter business and later established The Moorings on July 4, 1969 with six 35-foot Pearson yachts.

Over the next decade, the Cary’s collaborated with 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 remains The Moorings flagship base.

According to Lex Raas, President and CEO of The Moorings, lamented that the Cary’s were passionate sailors who sought to share their love of the ocean with others. They aspired to build a company that created unforgettable customer experiences by providing 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,” Raas stated.

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. Tania Aebi, the youngest female and first American woman to complete a solo circumnavigation was also listed by SAIL.

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