Our History
Founded in 1979, Anacortes Yacht Charters was started by Jim and Lois Shea. It was Jim’s second career and they operated it as a family business for almost 10 years.
In 1989, Dan and Sherrie Meyer bought AYC when Jim and Lois were ready to retire. With a passion for boating and a pure love for the Pacific Northwest, the Meyers took an active ownership role and grew the fleet to an impressive size.
Ready for retirement themselves, Dan and Sherrie sold the business to their daughter and son-in-law Kristin and Mike Lovell in 2005.
In 2024, the AYC team celebrates the company’s 45th Anniversary of providing bareboat and skippered charters in the beautiful waters of the Pacific Northwest.
Mike and Kristin. The early years.
Also in early 2024, AYC acquired Crown Yacht Charters following the untimely passing of Larry Dent, CYC’s owner/manager. The AYC team is honored to work with Larry’s family and friends to help maintain an enduring legacy that celebrates his lifelong passion for sailing and exploring the San Juan Islands.
Our Mission
Among those who know charter companies, there has been high regard for AYC since its inception in 1979.
Today, our mission is to continue setting the standard for bareboat chartering in the areas of service, boat quality, innovative, streamlined procedures, and attention to detail.
Most notably, AYC’s customer service is second to none. We are proud of our history as a family-owned yacht charter company, but we are hardly a “mom and pop” business.