Meet The Team
Walter is a one of the top sailors in the country where he’s won numerous national and local championships as well as may ocean races. From Harbor 20’s, Lido14’s, Cal 20s, Big Boat Racing to Offshore Racing, he’s an avid competitive sailor. He’s won Newport to Ensenada more times than most as well as the first sailor to win the Harbor 20, North-South/East-West regattas in the same year and was crowned as the first Harbor 20’s National Champion.
Walter was the skipper and navigator on Karakoa, an Andrews 53 in the Philippine Centennial Regatta, to retrace Magellan’s Adventure from Acapulco to Manila, 9600 miles where he finished first and set the course record for sailing across the pacific.
Walter was the youngest skipper in the 1989 Transpac and the first skipper to successful ly complete the Newport to Cabo San Lucas race in a 30’ sailboat.
Walter gives back to the sport which has given him so much. He chaired Lido 14 60th Classic Champs, he is a former board member, director and fleet captain, for the Balboa Yacht Club as well as the Lido Isle Yacht Club. Walter is one of 12 people to have both sailed in the US Sailing Championship of Champions Regatta as well as being the Chair of the 2020 Champion of Champions event. He has always been a huge supporter of woman’s sailing throughout Southern California. Walter has also been a supporter and driver of many yacht club owned boat programs where the focus has been to get people out boating.
Avid competitive sailor and boater, Walter acts as the broker of record for Engel and Volkers Yachting. Walter is a CPYB (Certified Professional Yacht Broker) and is brokered in both Florida and California. Walter is always working to raise the bar of professionalism in the industry. Besides boating, he has always been a team builder and also has had a successful real estate development career, which sparked the idea to develop an industry leading Yacht to Real Estate and Real Estate to Yacht Referral Network.
Leeann Iacino has extensive experience as a senior level executive with strategic and tactical responsibilities in restructuring, reorganizing, branding, and building engaged, talented teams.
With her proven leadership experience and high degree of integrity, Leeann has consistently innovated and kept brands engaged with their consumers in the marketplace. She has a broad knowledge base in numerous areas while maintaining sharp insight and excelling in the real estate industry. Leeann is passionate about branding and marketing with proven industry results. Her success comes from being a top production realtor combined with running the operations for a Fortune 500 real estate company. Leeann’s passion and success in real estate speaks for itself.
Mark’s remarkable career in the marine industry goes beyond his impressive roles and leadership positions. His recruitment efforts have been a cornerstone of his success, bringing together countless families with their dream boats and yachts. With a keen eye for matching clients with the perfect vessels and a deep understanding of the industry’s intricacies, Mark has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor in the world of yachting. His commitment to excellence and his ability to foster lasting relationships have made him a sought-after figure in the marine community. Whether guiding clients towards the boat of their dreams or contributing his expertise to industry associations, Mark’s dedication to recruitment and customer satisfaction remains unparalleled.
Newport Beach, California
Chris was introduced to sailing by his father at an early age, and his family cruised primarily in England, Europe, and the Caribbean.
When his family moved to San Diego in 1980, Chris caught the racing bug and began to actively campaign in the Santana 20 Class. Later, he started crewing and skippering boats in the IOR, MORC, and PHRF Fleets. Since then, Chris has racked up 13 National titles, 6 North American Championships, and placed at several World Championship events. In 2002, he was awarded the San Diego Association of Yacht Clubs, ‘Yachtsman of the Year’, and was awarded ‘Sailor of the Year’ in Seattle in 2006. He is an active member of Mission Bay Yacht Club where he works with the board to promote events and bring more people into the boating family.
Gene Prizer began his sailing life in Marina Del Rey and San Pedro at the age of 13.
This was the start of an obsession that has defined much of his life. Due to his passion and his focus on performance, Gene’s racing resume includes countless West Coast regattas as well as offshore races to Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada (1st in class – 6 times), Manzanillo, Mazatlan (1 st in class), Puerto Vallarta, and Honolulu. Gene also has a passion for introducing new people to sailing and the wonderful lifestyle that comes with it. He is grateful for the extraordinary experiences that sailing has brought to his own life and is always enthusiastic in sharing his knowledge with others. He holds several ASA instructor certifications and is a USCG licensed captain.
In addition to real estate, I currently work within the yachting industry managing charters, crew services and sales.
My first experience in yachting took places years ago as a close friend reached out for help managing the family’s mega yacht for charter. I discovered my aptitude for facilitating charters and turned the private yacht into a million-dollar business in less than a year. I’ve managed more than 200+ charters that range from private parties, corporate meetings, music videos, film productions, day trips, weekly charters and much more. Being on the water is an experience everyone should enjoy, start your experience today. If you’re looking for A+ service, someone who is always available, give us a call and let us take on your next boating adventure.
Jeff is a native Californian from Huntington Harbor where his family started boating at the early age of 6 years old, sailing his Sabot and Lido14.
As a teenager, Jeff bought himself a P-Cat Catamaran and proceeded to become the first 3-time National Champion. Over the years, Jeff has participated in many yacht races including 6 Trans-Pacific Yacht Races and countless Mexico races. In 2003, Jeff became the Commodore for Huntington Harbor Yacht Club and was on the PHRF area C Board of Directors. Jeff currently races Catalina 37’s and cruises the HH waterways on his Duffy. Jeff’s many years of experience in the marine and service industries make him the right broker to help find the special powerboat or sailboat you’ve been looking for.
joshua.alexander@evyachting.com
Josh was born in Newport Beach and moved to San Francisco at the age of seven.
When he was ten years old, his love of sailing began at the San Francisco Yacht Club in Belvedere, CA.
His competitive racing career began in the notoriously challenging Berkeley Circle and along the San Francisco waterfront. He frequently returned to Newport Beach over the years for the Governor’s Cup at the Balboa Yacht Club and participated in other youth championships at the Newport Harbor Yacht Club. Josh began sailing internationally at the age of fifteen as a member of the St. Francis Yacht Club team, participating in the NutraSweet/Diet Pepsi Youth Match Racing World Championships in Auckland, New Zealand, in which they took 2nd place. The team also represented the St. Francis Yacht Club team racing Lasers in Australia. In his 20s, Josh was a team member participating in the 11-meter Sports Channel Citibank Cup qualifying for the Brut by Faberge/Audi pro match racing series, at the time the largest pursed race in yachting. They finished as the top U.S. team, taking down some of the biggest names in match racing. Josh went on to participate in multiple world championship campaigns, in the Etchell and Melges fleets, as trimmer. Josh then began a career in culinary arts and graduated in 1997 from The Culinary Academy in San Francisco. His experience has included work as an executive chef and senior manager in a number of well-known restaurants in Northern and Southern California. Life on the water lured Josh back in 2004 when he attended the California Maritime Academy and became a USCG licensed captain, subsequently working through 2014 as a tugboat captain on multiple dredging and marine construction projects on the San Francisco Bay, the California Delta, Newport Harbor, and the Back Bay. Josh moved back to Newport in 2015 to enjoy and live his best life. He believes that this is the premier place to put his vast yachting experience to best use. He also has a strong mechanical background in gas and diesel systems. Josh is eager to help you find the best fit to fulfill your needs, whether it is practical cruising, racing, or finding the luxury yacht of your dreams. He looks forward to translating your dream to reality.
michele.mccormack@evyachting.com
Michele McCormack is a Newport Beach native, long involved in the local boating community. She has been a member of Balboa Yacht Club since 1987 but her family membership dates back to the early 60’s. She sailed for the Newport Harbor High School Sailing team, competing in local regattas and lettering as a Varsity sailor, attending Nationals in Annapolis, MD. Michele currently sails Harbor 20’s with the BYC SkipHers on Monday evenings.
A passion project of Michele’s stems directly from experiences during her lifetime of boating; she believes that any woman should be capable and confident at the helm and actively encourages women of all ages to take time at the wheel, to seek crew opportunities and to be educated in all the facets of running their boat.
Professionally, Michele’s extensive sales experience, in a variety of roles and industries, has given her a unique grasp of all aspects of just what it takes to make her clients happy and keep returning. Her warmth, intelligence, approachability and honesty, puts people at ease. Her experience with a vast range of larger powerboats informs her discriminating taste and will support those who secure her services well. Her knowledge of the boats, the people, and the industry in Newport Harbor allows her to be aware of all and any opportunities in service of her clientele. Hire her, but you may need to go to B-1 at Whites in Catalina to find her.
Rico Stoll was introduced to boating by his grandfather while growing up in Germany.
Even though his life took him on another career path through the military service and as a professional Paramedic for 6 years, he always knew that Living the Nautical Lifestyle would be his life’s ultimate goal. After moving to the US he quickly found the passion for sailing and entered the Marine Business World. Rico was able to accomplish quite a bit in his relatively short Marine career: he has managed a Charter Company, got his Master Captain License (currently holding a 200-Ton License), and has captained a wide variety of sailing and motor yachts. Shortly after Rico started his own Yacht Management Company, which he since expanded to RJ Nautical: a dealership for Yamaha, Brig, Achilles, and Propulsion as well as the yacht management side of the business. He also co-owns one of the Top Ten Most Watched Nautical Youtube Channels, with his wife Victoria, called “Nautistyles” focusing on yacht walkthroughs and sharing their liveaboard lifestyles videos. The success of the YouTube channel has inspired Rico to get his broker’s license to be able to professionally help his customers and other boaters to sell and/or buy the right boat. His philosophy is: a day on the water is a day well spent!
Tiburon, California
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Kevin fully embraces and exudes the dichotomy of the local culture.
He seamlessly blends the trailblazing, hard work required for innovation with a lifestyle-focused, laid back personality. A lifelong entrepreneur (he started his first business in the 8th grade), he thrives in the exciting area where passion and business intersect, a remarkably similar area to yacht ownership. Whether founding the Bay’s premier yacht service company or helping you realize your yachting dreams, Kevin’s curiosity-driven and client-focused approach remain the same. This allows him to absorb and embody your aspirations, identify unforeseen opportunities, meticulously plan, and then execute the path to success. Kevin views his role as a humble guide in your story, not as an “expert” preaching salty opinions. Along the way, you will meet remarkable people, learn new skills, and find yourself at the beginning of an epic new chapter. This is your adventure, Kevin is here to increase the thrill and mitigate the risk so you can focus on living it.
Monica Costa, whose last name translates to “Coast” in her native Portuguese language, developed a deep passion for yachting after moving to the coastal town of Sausalito, where she currently keeps her 26 ft cruiser.
With an impressive background spanning over two decades in industries such as luxury fashion, automotive, real estate and yachting, Monica has become an integral part of our Engel & Völkers team. She has played a significant role in expanding the brokerage presence in the Bay Area, having previously held positions as Marin County Manager and VP of Sales in San Francisco. Monica’s diverse portfolio, combined with her Bachelor’s degree in International Business and Master’s in Marketing, has been instrumental in propelling her successful career as a global advisor. She has consistently exceeded her client’s expectations, from bringing multiple offers to sellers to successfully winning bids to buyers. Monica has built a reputation for achieving remarkable results in highly competitive markets. Transparency and integrity are at the core of her business practices, ensuring that her clients receive the utmost care and support throughout their journey. From classic down east cruisers to super yachts, Monica’ expertise is finding the perfect boat for your lifestyle.
Naples, Florida
Born and raised in Washington, D.C. Brian Press got a taste for maritime life at a young age on the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River.
With his increasing love for fishing, boating, and sailing, he made the move to south east Florida. When Brian is not tending to his commercial real estate and yachting clients, he can be found right back on the water. With Brian’s vast knowledge of being on the water, paired with 20+ years of sales and service, you will be in professional hands to help guide you to the perfect vessel that fits your lifestyle.
christian.fruin@evyachting.com
Lifetime mariner spending majority of my time on the water sailing in Southern California until moving to south Florida. After moving to south Florida I became an avid angler and cruiser in high school I spent my summers cruising the Bahamas or working on dive and fishing boats in the Florida keys. Eventually I decided to work on the water full time starting as a mate on larger yachts and working my way to captain. A majority of my time working on yachts was spent on charter vessels in the Caribbean where I strived to help guests and owners enjoy their vacation and time on the water to the fullest, I pride myself on helping them find the most practical and turn key experience. I have a unique insight to the vessels in the charter market working besides many of the most renowned vessels through the years. Working hand in hand with builders I’ve over seen multiple purchases of vessels for clients over the years from 30’ center consoles to 35m yachts. I have also been used as a consultant and surveyor for many other vessels to ensure the purchaser if getting exactly what they want in their new asset.
Eddie grew up on the water in Vero Beach, FL. Waterskiing in the river and offshore scuba diving and fishing. Boats and boating have always been a big part of his life. He has personally been through the process of custom boat builds, running and maintaining a vessel, and then the sale process. Eddie has run boats from Vero Beach to the Keys, Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas, and the Bahamas. As a private pilot Eddie was able to explore and access many of these remote locations and see them from a different perspective.
Swimming and triathlon have also kept Eddie in the water and around the yachting world. Having done events like the Hawaii Ironman, Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, Nice Triathlon on the French Riviera, and Swim around Key West. Going the extra mile for his clients is something he takes literally.
Eddie is a Luxury Real Estate Advisor for Engel & Volkers and is happy to be able to offer clients assistance with their Yacht and Real Estate needs.
Jason grew up far from the ocean but began boating, skiing, and fishing at a young age in the diverse waters of the Missouri Ozarks. He later became a lake sailor. When his passion for sailing outgrew the lake, he move his family aboard a sailing yacht near Amelia Island, Florida in 2019.
Florida’s First Coast is a yachting and sailing paradise with deep-water ports, beautiful barrier islands to explore, and laid-back towns to visit up and down the Atlantic Coast. Jason is a member of the Oyster Bay Harbour Yacht Club and the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs. A career in communications coupled with a passion for business development enables Jason to expertly list and sell your luxury yacht, sailing vessel or power boat to the right buyer for the best price. His passion for yachting and entrepreneurship enables him to assist in finding your dream yacht to meet your lifestyle and business goals.
Jesse Polson is a northern California native, who has a passion for fishing, kayaking, and boating. With a recent move to the Caribbean where he manages a charter fishing business in Puerto Aventuras, Mexico. His love for the water and impeccable customer service make him a perfect addition to our team.
kristen.robertiello@evyachting.com
Born and raised on the waters of the New Jersey shore, Kristen’s passion and knowledge for the world of boating is inherently heartfelt. As her fathers first mate, Kristen gained first hand experience in boat handling and ownership at a very early age and has used this experience to further her passion and endeavors.
Beginning her career as an executive at a Fortune 50 company and transitioning to successfully building two businesses, Kristen’s exceptional interpersonal skills combined with her extensive knowledge of the yachting industry, has made her a highly sought after broker. Clear communication and specialized attention to client’s needs have been the foundation of Kristen’s many successes.
Kristen concurrently resides in Naples, Florida and Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey and can happily assist yachting customers in both regions as well as nationwide.
marco.figueiredo@evyachting.com
Fluent in Portuguese and experienced in managing new builds and center console projects in both the United States and Brazil, Marco Figueiredo is a seasoned professional in maritime pursuits. With a deep love for the ocean and nautical sports, he has a strong connection to aquatic activities.
Marco is dedicated to providing excellent customer experiences. By combining his technical knowledge with a genuine passion for the sea, he helps people uncover their own maritime interests. Whether it’s navigating waters on a modern vessel or exploring the ocean, Marco is determined to turn dreams into reality. His name is synonymous with expertise, enthusiasm, and a strong bond with the maritime world.
Rico Stoll was introduced to boating by his grandfather while growing up in Germany.
Even though his life took him on another career path through the military service and as a professional Paramedic for 6 years, he always knew that Living the Nautical Lifestyle would be his life’s ultimate goal. After moving to the US he quickly found the passion for sailing and entered the Marine Business World. Rico was able to accomplish quite a bit in his relatively short Marine career: he has managed a Charter Company, got his Master Captain License (currently holding a 200-Ton License), and has captained a wide variety of sailing and motor yachts. Shortly after Rico started his own Yacht Management Company, which he since expanded to RJ Nautical: a dealership for Yamaha, Brig, Achilles, and Propulsion as well as the yacht management side of the business. He also co-owns one of the Top Ten Most Watched Nautical Youtube Channels, with his wife Victoria, called “Nautistyles” focusing on yacht walkthroughs and sharing their liveaboard lifestyles videos. The success of the YouTube channel has inspired Rico to get his broker’s license to be able to professionally help his customers and other boaters to sell and/or buy the right boat. His philosophy is: a day on the water is a day well spent!
I have a lifelong passion for boating, having grown up boating on the shores of Lake Erie and owning my first boat at the age of 22. Since moving to Florida, I continued to pursue my love for boating further by joining a sailing club, earning ASA certifications 101 and 103, and exploring the local boating and fishing spots with my own powerboat. With over 34 years of experience in the insurance industry, I have a deep understanding of the importance of risk management and financial planning, as well as the need for quality customer service. During this time, I also had the opportunity to train as a boat damage adjuster, developing a sharp eye for detail and a practical approach to solving problems. In addition to my insurance experience, I am a local realtor and certified personal fitness trainer. I bring a well-rounded perspective to the yachting division, combining my passion for boating and knowledge of the local real estate market.
Beyond my professional pursuits, I am committed to giving back to the community and the environment. I regularly participate and donate to local beach clean-up efforts and have help built oyster reef balls to help prevent shoreline erosion, demonstrating my commitment to environmental Conservation.
I am eager to apply my knowledge and experience to assist clients in buying and selling their boats. I pride myself on providing bespoke service and finding solutions tailored to each client’s needs.
Thomas is a native of South Florida, where he was born and raised. Growing up along the Fort Lauderdale beaches, he developed a deep passion for all things related to water. Over the past 15 years, he has become an avid boater and certified scuba diver, gaining extensive knowledge of Florida’s maritime life. In 2022, he obtained his captain’s license, further expanding his expertise in the field.
With a wealth of experience in sales, finance, and customer service, Thomas is highly skilled in providing exceptional service to his clients. He is committed to helping them find the vessel of their dreams, offering comprehensive and stress-free experiences throughout the buying and selling process. As a member of Engel & Volkers Yachting, Thomas is well-equipped to offer professional and personalized services to his maritime clients.
William is a lifelong boater from Long Island, New York, who spent over 35 years in the Information Technology industry.
From working with the newspaper on Long Island to owning his own Antivirus software and having his own offices overseas, he is well-versed in meeting and exceeding the needs of his clients. From the United States to Dubai and back, William knows how to please and get the job done. William’s relocating to the South Florida area allowed him to create his network of clients before joining Engel & Völkers Yachting team. Recreational boating, and deep sea fishing throughout the Atlantic and Florida seas, he has developed his love for boating, leading to his relocation to the South Florida area to enjoy more of the boating lifestyle.
Annapolis, Maryland
Chris loves everything about the water – the visuals, smells, touch, the feeling when you push off from the dock, the glorious wind and all the magnificent creatures in and about the water. This passion and love for the water and the boats that get you on the water began while growing up fishing and sailing in southeast Texas on Sabine Lake. For most of his adult life, Chris has been a highly regarded professional yachtsman. An accomplished racer, Chris’ adventures have taken him sailing across the Atlantic (France to Annapolis) and throughout the US East Coast and Bahamas/Caribbean.
Chris is also a former high school science teacher, having spent many years as a public-school teacher and continues sharing his vast yachting knowledge as a professional sailing coach. Chris’ experiences bring a unique and valuable perspective to your boat-buying and – selling experience. His tremendous knowledge and calm, straightforward professionalism are crucial assets at work for you. Chris truly loves what he does and looks forward to helping you with your next purchase and/or sale.
JP is an avid yachtsman with over 3 plus decades of experience in marina operations, yacht brokerage, charter, delivery, security, management & crew services. He has represented many clients acquiring yachts around the world and is equally adept at assisting yacht owners with complex refits or conversions. JP has worked with members of the US Navy, US Coast Guard & The Royal Navy with maritime projects and acquisitions. Additionally, he has worked for top companies in the industry and formerly served on the board of directors for the (ISS) International Superyacht Society.
JP believes in quality first. Quality in the yacht itself for the purpose of safety & resale value. Quality in service for yacht longevity & reliability. Most of all quality in his relationships with the owner, captain & crews. Whether you are interested in purchasing a large yacht or a tender – the process is met with high levels of service. When he is not serving his customers JP can be found on the water with his family exploring ports far and near or simply racing in regattas. If you have a passion for yachting then he wants to meet with you!
nicole.catalano@evyachting.com
Nicole Catalano is a Realtor® specializing in coastal properties in SC, Cape Cod and Nantucket, MA. She is experienced with onboard living, all things luxury and her talent as a mariner propelled her to luxury markets around the country as a yacht racing crew member, expanding her network and sharing her unique perspective. She fine-tuned her sales and marketing expertise at the 5 Star, award-winning, Chatham Bars Inn, often referred to as Cape Cod, MA’s “most beautiful address.” With over twenty years of sales and business development experience, Nicole provides exceptional service with integrity and proven guidance.
Boating has always been a big part of Nicole’s personal life too. She has owned several boats, including a catamaran, Mako, and Boston Whalers. In addition to boating with her family, Nicole has also been a freelance ocean yacht racing crew member since 2000. She has competed in various regatta series in different coastal locations, including Greenwich, CT, Newport, RI, Newport Beach CA, Charleston, SC, Hyannis Yacht Club, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Chatham, MA.
She has also lived aboard a 62’ John Alden design/wood motor sail vessel,‘Trade Wind’, making it their weekend home and when time allowed, Nicole worked as a freelance 1st Mate for motor and sailing yacht deliveries. Later on, becoming the Dockmaster and super yacht liaison for the 42-acre marina, previously known as, Charleston City Marina, in Charleston, SC.
Nicole has dedicated much of her life to the boating and maritime industry, whether it is on a personal or professional level, she truly lives the coastal lifestyle and loves to guide others on how to obtain this lifestyle as well. Her connections span from coast to coast, with an ever-growing referral network thanks to her results-oriented track record. Whatever you are seeking, Nicole is ready to be your trusted navigator for the coastal market.
Contact Us
— Newport Beach, CA
3636 East Coast HWY Newport Beach, CA 92625
— Tiburon, CA
1704 Tiburon BLVD Tiburon, CA 94920
— Olde Naples, FL
837 5th Avenue South Naples, FL 34102
— Annapolis, MD
138 West Street Annapolis, MD 21401
