New shores at Seaduction Yacht Charters! The converging of two seas.
Abby Young, founder of Seaduction Yacht Charters, is an exceptional entrepreneur. Venturesome, aspiring to create her own business with her signature, singular values, passion, and determination, she wishes to serve her customers par excellence. Now it's time to get to know the CEO better, how she brought Seaduction Yacht Charters to light, and to which shores the winds are leading her company!
Abby originates from the state of Michigan, in the United States. She often vacationed in the Caribbean, adding much-appreciated sunshine and warmth to otherwise harsh winter months. Growing up, her parents were entrepreneurs, planting the seed that would inspire Abby to become an accomplished businesswoman. Indeed, she studied business and partnered to establish a yoga studio in Michigan. In time, she felt that a few Caribbean weeks each Winter did not suffice: it was time to move there. Enchanted by the beauty of the British Virgin Islands, Abby Young settled in Tortola. There, she began a partnership with Breeze Paddle Surf in Cane Garden Bay, one of the most popular BVI beaches. As a yoga enthusiast and a motivated entrepreneur, she thrived. Leading an active social life, she soon frequently participated in cruises to magnificent islands. She seized the opportunity to sail to Jost Van Dyke, Anegada, Norman Island, and more; joyfully discovering the wonders of sailing.
Opportunity Knocks and a new business emerges:
In 2014, Abby was offered a job related to her new passion as a luxury yacht charter broker. She accepted, then began her new career in the yachting industry, learning the ropes in no time. In 2015, she had become one of the top 10 Caribbean luxury yacht charter brokers. Abby continued to develop her knowledge of the yachting industry and broaden her Caribbean network. However, major events altered the course of her life: Hurricane Irma hit the Virgin Islands in 2017. Her son, Leo was born that same year. But Abby didn't falter. With her characteristic positive mindset, she rebooked and rescheduled the charters for which she was responsible. Following Irma, she continued rebuilding the BVI chartering business. 2020: global pandemic! This was a turning point. It was time to make her own mark in the industry and return to the U.S. with Leo. Thus, Seaduction Yacht Charters was launched in the Spring of 2020.
Abby Young with son - Founder of Seaduction Yacht Charters
Living the present moment fully while faithfully following her dreams was essential in helping Abby make her business flourish. Her confidence and drive were instrumental in her success, despite pandemic-linked challenges. Her love for the sea, her outgoing attitude and unmatched charisma contributed to developing strong bonds with people she had met over the years. All of these elements contributed to the foundation of Seaduction Yacht Charters.
Abby's dedication towards her customers, her passion for sailing, and her entrepreneurial mindset are all elements that made Seaduction Yacht Charters the company it is now. Since the end of 2022, Abby had been considering adding new listings to the destinations offered by Seaduction. By chance, Abby met Lesliana through a common friend during a video call concerning a business venture. Several meetings later, they became better acquainted, discovering common interests and values. As Abby had already been considering expanding her choice of destinations and adding European countries to the list of areas represented by Seaduction Yacht Charters, she discussed the idea with Lesliana, also a professional in the yachting industry.
The pieces come together and a partnership forms:
Lesliana is a Swiss-Canadian national with a decade of experience in the yachting industry. She speaks 5 languages fluently and has a solid background in running businesses. Lesliana's love for the sea and navigation has naturally led her to pursue a career in the yachting industry. She began working as a chef on yachts in Greece. Then, during Caribbean winters, she was employed on catamarans as a deckhand and chef. She worked on yacht deliveries between Caribbean destinations and took part in a transatlantic delivery. She also crewed on superyachts for several years. Having gained valuable experience, she started organizing her own sailing trips. Lesliana has earned her RYA Yachtmaster Offshore captain's certificate in Scotland and has sailed more than 10'000 NM - and counting. Lesliana feels so much at home at sea, that she has opted to pursue a career in the yachting world.
Lesliana Guye-Vuillème - Mediterranean Charter Broker
Abby couldn't believe her luck in finding such a perfect match for her company’s expansion and Lesliana, was also very glad to join a team led by such an inspirational personality. Abby and Lesliana’s shared passion, venture oriented spirit and common values quickly made them realize that they would be a fitting team. Lesliana was accustomed to organizing sailing tours in Greece and other countries, she has the required experience to assist customers in choosing the most suitable yacht. Her multilingualism gives her the upper hand when it comes to navigating inquiries from all over Europe. Her background in sales and marketing provides her with the necessary tools to understand the intricacies of the industry.
Since Abby and Lesliana have decided to work together, they have begun to add new exciting destinations to Seaduction Yacht Charters. These include Greece, Turkey and Croatia. Enthusiastic about expanding the business, they are looking forward to welcoming new customers and handpicking yachts to match their requirements … and those of their friends and families!
