Chris Upton ISAF Cat. 3 (Professional)
(203) 340-1226
I have been working as a delivery Captain since 1989. My range of deliveries run from Montreal to the Caribbean. Sizes range from 25’-90’ in power and sail. I have extensive experience in Long Island Sound, Newport and Marblehead sailing venues.
Previously I worked as Fleet Captain for a private individual managing and operating 6 boats: a classic 46 foot wood sailboat in museum condition, a Fleming 65 expedition yacht, a Venetian water taxi, L&H 33 fishing boat and a medium and small tender. Boats are located at diverse locations from Maine to Florida.
In 2011-14, I was the Captain for a private family aboard their first yacht. During their first 6 weeks of ownership they had five prior captains. My focus on seamanship and safety first followed closely by enjoyment on the water made the remainder of their season “the most relaxing summer they’ve had.” Significant time was spent resolving deferred maintenance and damage from the previous owner without impacting the heavy usage schedule.
I have been sailing and racing throughout the east coast and Caribbean, sailing blue water from the St. Lawrence to the Caribbean and coaching in New England. My main areas of racing expertise are program optimization, foredeck, headsail trim and pit. I have extensive experience in blue water voyaging dating back to 1986 aboard both power and sail.
During my ten years racing Courageous, I developed volunteer training programs as instructor and manager, developed a new captain in his positions as captain and bowman and led guest charters and handicap crew events through winning five North American Championships and the 2005 World Championships. Courageous is in her 1977 trim with no accommodations made for comfort or cruising. She still has not been fitted with an engine or lifelines. Won numerous regattas with Syndicate and Ted Turner’s America’s Cup teams. I have been part of six 12 Meter Class campaigns.
My experiences include PRO for Sail Newport’s Monday Night Madness match racing, regular crew aboard six 12 Meters, coaching (on a volunteer basis) and developing volunteer programs for Courageous. I have done many offshore deliveries and uncountable coastal deliveries as captain and crew.
Recreational racing and cruising is done as part of the Xcelsior team on an IMX45.
Non sailing experience:
Started six businesses in finance, software, advertising, photography, insurance, Yacht management and wine importing. Professional cooking experience in upscale restaurants, including Newport’s White Horse Tavern and La Petit auBerge.
