Employee Spotlight – Susan Restauri
At Waypoints Yacht Charters, our commitment to exceptional service is brought to life through team members who combine deep industry expertise with a genuine passion for creating unforgettable sailing experiences.
We are delighted to spotlight Susan Restauri, our Senior Project Manager. With over 20 years of experience in customer relationship development and sales, Susan brings a unique blend of corporate expertise and sailing passion to her role.
As an active member of the Charter Yacht Brokers Association (CYBA) and an experienced sailor who charters annually to stay current with our fleet and destinations, Susan embodies our commitment to excellence in every aspect of the charter experience.
Can you share a bit about your background and how you came to join Waypoints Yacht Charters?
I was a Management Consultant with Ernst and Young and worked with educating consultants. After many years of working with these guys, I decided that I needed a change. I started with Sunsail in the charter sales division and then moved over to VOYAGE charters, where I settled in and really learned the business. Unfortunately, I was affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria and had to pivot. Luckily, I had met Chris Bent, then the owner of Cruise Annapolis, and he offered me a position in charter sales/base operations.
When Waypoints was formed, I began working with Kirstie Palmer, starting as the Charter Sales Manager, then moved over to the Corporate Team as a Senior Project Manager, which is my current role.
What drew you to the yachting industry?
I am a sailor and I went on my first charter in the BVI and then when I returned, decided it was time to change my life. Instead of working 60+ hours traveling and living in a suitcase, I figured, why not work with boats, as I loved being on and around the water. Best decision I ever made!
What does a typical day look like for you as a Sr. Project Manager across multiple locations?
In my role as a Senior Project Manager, there really isn’t a ‘typical’ day. I work closely with Kirstie, and we handle a variety of projects ranging from straightforward tasks like drafting owner statements to more complex ones like creating and deploying a CRM for the company.
It involves a broad spectrum of activities. I often feel my title doesn’t fully capture what I do. If I could rename it, it might be ‘The Detective’ because I’m usually the go-to person for solving issues, whether it’s stepping in as a backup salesperson when the sales team is overwhelmed, or managing technical implementations.
Recently, I oversaw the implementation of our new reservation system. While I’m not a programmer, I coordinate between IT, marketing, and sales teams to utilize the tools we need. It’s all about supporting the teams and ensuring everything revolves around the owners.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is when I finish working on a project and see it make a positive difference within our teams. I wear many hats in this job, which is ironic since I’m not fond of wearing actual hats. But in the boating industry, it’s essential to be versatile.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you? I live in an RV full time with my two chocolate labs Harley and Nala, along with my own personal Captain — Michael. I consider my RV a land yacht. Like boating, RV living appeals to those who enjoy a mobile lifestyle.
I love it because it allows me to live freely, even though I haven’t moved my RV in two years. I have a drivable RV as well, and since I can work from anywhere thanks to Starlink and mobile internet, I travel across the US during the summer months. I’m hoping to explore the Western US in 2025.
Do you have a favorite charter destination or personal favorite boating memory?
My love for sailing in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) began about 23 years ago with my first charter experience there. It was unforgettable, and I’ve been drawn back repeatedly, introducing new friends to chartering.
What makes BVI special is its ‘line of sight’ sailing—ideal for those, like me, who prefer shorter sailing durations. You can motor from one island to another in about 30 minutes or enjoy sailing up the Sir Francis Drake Channel, tacking back and forth for the sheer thrill of it, before setting down the sails and relaxing at your next picturesque destination.
It truly is like choosing your own adventure. I’ve introduced many new people to sailing by bringing friends and family along on trips to the BVI. Over the years, about 25% of them have become either boat owners or long-term charterers themselves. I used to sail twice a year, thanks to the great deals I got through my employers. Now, even once a year would make me happy.
However, sailing the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland has always been a favorite place for me. Sailing to St Michaels, Oxford, and other sleepy little towns in that cruising area has created many wonderful memories for me.
What’s your favorite local spot in either BVI, USVI, or Annapolis that you’d recommend to visitors?
I have so many favorite spots, but to pick one will be sitting on a Mooring Ball in front of Saba Rock watching the sunset.
If someone new wanted to start yachting, what advice would you give them?
Take ASA sailing lessons and practice, practice, practice! The more you do under the direction of a seasoned professional, the better you will be. Stay Calm and Charter on! For those new to chartering, choose a boutique company known for the excellent maintenance of their boats, like Waypoints.
This ensures your first experience is trouble-free, whether you sail yourself or hire a captain. It’s crucial to select a well-maintained boat from a reputable company so you can fully enjoy your vacation without concerns.
What do you envision for the future of Waypoints Yacht Charters and its operations?
I envision the WYC expansion of our bases worldwide filled with a modern and sustainable fleet. I think increasing our presence in the US is essential. Annapolis is a great location, but we need more bases across the country. I’d also love to explore sailing on the West Coast, which I haven’t done yet.
And of course, any new destination in the Caribbean would be exciting for me.
What do you think sets Waypoints Yacht Charters apart from other charter companies?
Our team first and foremost! I truly believe we have the best in the industry working for Waypoints. Our strength lies in the culmination of experience, personality, and knowledge within our team. We have industry leaders known for their relationships with charter clients and local vendors. People like Jay Pennington, US Base Operation Director, and Anthony Rameshar, our base manager in the BVI, are examples of the outstanding reputation we uphold. Our sales team is second to none, and under Kirstie’s leadership, we are training new team members to continue our legacy of excellence. It’s the combination of these qualities that makes our team so effective.
Any last thoughts on chartering you’d like to share?
I still feel a thrill discussing chartering with newcomers. Our team shares this passion, which helps instill confidence in our clients, especially since chartering is a significant investment. My advice is not to skimp on quality for cost. It’s better to spend a bit more to ensure a fantastic experience.
Plan Your Next Adventure with Waypoints Yacht Charters
Susan’s expertise and passion for sailing make her an invaluable resource for both first-time charterers and experienced sailors alike. Her commitment to staying current with our fleet and destinations ensures that every client receives personalized, knowledgeable guidance in planning their perfect charter vacation.
With Waypoints Yacht Charters, we’re dedicated to sharing our team’s passion and expertise with you. So whether you’re dreaming of exploring the crystal-clear waters of the British Virgin Islands, discovering the historic charm of the Chesapeake Bay, or venturing to any of our other stunning destinations (like just-announced Belize!), our team can help craft your ideal sailing experience.Contact our Waypoints Yacht Charter Specialists today to begin planning your next unforgettable journey on the water.