Captain: David Gies

Captain: David Gies

With over 20 years of yachting experience, David brings unparalleled expertise to the helm of M/Y Blue Time. His career has taken him across enough miles to circumnavigate the globe eight times, with extensive cruising aboard charter yachts in New England, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the Bahamas, and Alaska.

Originally from Spokane, Washington, David now calls Lighthouse Point, Florida, home, where he lives with his wife and son. Known for his casual personality and easy-going attitude, David fosters a happy, team-oriented environment onboard. His commitment to detail, safety, and fun ensures that every guest enjoys the ultimate charter experience.



Chef: Paul “Apollo” Craddock

Chef Apollo is a culinary innovator and global tastemaker with over a decade of experience creating exceptional dining experiences that blend culture, wellness, and flavor. Having spent seven transformative years living and working across Asia, he seamlessly integrates diverse culinary traditions into his work.

Trained in Switzerland with a focus on European precision and in Mexico to master vibrant, authentic flavors, Apollo’s expertise spans from Mediterranean and East Asian Blue Zone cuisines to elevated homestyle dishes. His commitment to holistic wellness informs every ingredient and technique he uses, crafting meals that are as nourishing as they are unforgettable. A true artist in the kitchen, Apollo’s passion for hospitality, travel, and cultural connection is reflected in every perfectly executed dish.



First Mate: Andrew Baar

Born and raised in South Dakota, Andrew spent his childhood exploring the outdoors—camping, fishing, hunting, and boating throughout the Midwest. A natural athlete, he competed at the Division 1 level in soccer and wrestling throughout high school and university.

Despite his inland roots, Andrew always knew he was destined for a life at sea. At 25, he secured his first deckhand position aboard the 60m Lürssen Avanti. Over the past six years, he has gained extensive experience cruising diverse regions, from the Galápagos Islands to Norway and everywhere in between.

Andrew currently holds a Chief Officer <3000GT license and is actively working towards his Master <3000GT certification.

Beyond his professional maritime career, he is an avid deep-sea fisherman with a passion for targeting pelagic species. Whether bottom fishing or deep-sea trolling, he thrives on the challenge and excitement of open-ocean fishing.



Chief Stewardess: Michelle Horton

Michelle was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. She moved to Santa Barbara where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Economics from UC Santa Barbara. Michelle worked a full-time serving job at the Ritz Carlton, Bacara, where she found her passion for exceeding guest expectations and enjoyed meeting people from all around the world. After graduation, she moved to San Francisco to start her career at UBS as a Client Service Associate. After 2 years, Michelle decided to pursue her dream working in the yachting industry. She packed her life in a 90 pound suitcase, booked a one-way flight to Florida and never looked back. Michelle enjoys traveling, hiking, exercising and anything water-related. Michelle’s bubbly and outgoing personality, combined with her passion for hospitality makes her a very valuable crew member on board Blue Time.



Second Stewardess: Roxann “Roxy” Whitney

Born and raised on a cattle farm in Winter Haven, Florida, Roxy spent her childhood four-wheeling through the mud and tubing on the lakes, embracing adventure and cultivating her spunky, down-to-earth personality. Known for her humor and memorable character, she brings energy and expertise to her role—crafting exceptional cocktails and keeping the interior shipshape.

Since joining the yachting industry in 2022, Roxy has gained experience throughout Florida and the Bahamas, with a highlight being her Atlantic crossing to Barcelona in 2023. When she’s not onboard, she enjoys beachcombing, doting on her kitten Rover, and planning her future dream: building a home on her family’s property, raising cattle, and opening her own daycare.



Deckhand: Nick Vincent

Nick was raised in a small suburb of Minnesota, just an hour north of the Twin Cities. Growing up on the lake, he spent his summers fishing, playing water sports, and adventuring outdoors with friends. Winters were filled with pond hockey, snowboarding, and snowmobiling, all while balancing his passion as a competitive gymnast year-round.

Nick’s love for the ocean was inspired by his travels through Costa Rica, exploring its national parks and stunning coastlines. This connection to nature and adventure ultimately led him to pursue a career at sea, where he brings enthusiasm, hard work, and a passion for life on the water.



Enginner: Robert “Robbie” Palazzo

Hailing from Connecticut’s Long Island Sound, Robbie’s lifelong passion for the water led him to pursue a dynamic career in the marine industry. A graduate of Lasell College in Boston, where he played Division III lacrosse, Robbie furthered his education by completing the Marine Systems program at the IYRS School of Technology & Trades in Newport, Rhode Island, earning multiple industry certifications and a 100-ton USCG captain’s license.

Since 2018, Robbie has built an impressive yachting career, starting with marine experience gained in high school. His roles have spanned yacht clubs, a Boston ferry company, and hands-on work as a marine technician in shipyards.

When he’s not on the water, Robbie enjoys snowboarding, fishing, hockey, and spending time in Cape Cod and New Hampshire.