Portland Yacht Services, Inc.

PYS Crew

Front Office

Jason Curtis

Following his initial work experience as an outboard motor and snowmobile technician, Jason joined the U.S. Air Force in 1991. It was while in the service that he received arguably his most technologically advanced training. As the top graduate in his electro-environmental systems class, Jason showed a significant amount of promise. The Air Force subsequently assigned him to Beale Air Force Base in Marysville, CA where he worked on advanced aircraft such as the U-2 spyplane.

After leaving the service in 1995, Jason returned to the marine industry where he worked first as a technician and then later as a service manager in regional boatyards. At PYS Jason worked his way up from technician to service manager before assuming his present responsibilities as Operations Manager in 2005.

Justina Marcisso

Prior to her arrival at PYS, Justina worked as office manager and dispatcher at New England College's department of security. This experience provided Justina with the tools to manage the flow of information, visitors and work orders through the PYS office, no matter what time of year or how busy the yard becomes.

Outside of work Justina is active in the community. She has served as the assistant director of the Old Port Festival and is a member of the Adams School Re-use Committee.

Rob Benson

After graduation, Benson worked as a draftsman at John Gilbert Associates Naval Architects before returning to the Landing School as Facilitator of Marine Systems from 2000-2001.

It is Benson's wide-ranging experience and professional demeanor which make him such a valuable part of the PYS team. As an enthusiastic yachtsman Benson understands the concerns of boaters, but has the technical background to explain maintenance and service issues in a clear and concise style.

Parts Department

Kerry Getchell

Since 2002, Getchell has brought his parts management experience to bear in the Portland Yacht Services parts department. This move allowed him to combine a lifelong affinity for boating with his professional career. While at PYS he has dedicated himself to streamlining inventory and developing more opportunities to distribute marine parts.

In his spare time, Getchell serves in the US Army Reserves and rebuilds vintage muscle cars.

Joe Glantz

It was while he was employed at Chase Leavitt for more than 20 years, that Joe learned the intricacies of the most common of marine auxiliary engines. During Joe's tenure, Chase Leavitt became known locally as the place to go for parts for Universal, Westerbeke and Yanmar engines. Not only was Joe surrounded by the company's stock of replacement parts and service manuals, but Chase Leavitt sent him to a series of technical schools offered by the manufacturers.

When Chase Leavitt closed their service department in 1999, Joe brought his training and experience to PYS. Since then, PYS has moved and expanded its parts department, but Joe is still at the center of our operations.

In his spare time, Joe enjoys camping, hiking, working with his church and refinishing furniture.

Marina

Tim Grover

When he returned to Maine in the 80s, Tim shifted to the construction industry where he was to work for the next 15 years. During this time, Tim became adept at a wide range of carpentry jobs from new house construction to apartment renovation. For five years during this period, Tim owned his own carpentry business.

Ultimately, however, Tim returned to the marine industry, briefly working for Sabre Yacht before shifting to full-service boatyards. In 2005, Tim came to PYS where he has become a versatile member of the crew. While his background has allowed him to help several departments at PYS during the off-season, Tim's schedule becomes much more specific during the spring and fall when he directs the hauling, launching and movement of the many different sizes and variety of boats stored at PYS.

Mechanical Shop

Bernie Smith

After four years as an automotive technician, at Palmer Volkswagen and Maine Mall Motors, Bernie turned to the marine field. With 13-years as a marine engine technician at area boatyards under his belt, Bernie arrived at Portland Yacht Services in 2004 with a variety of experience. Over time he had also received training from a number of marine companies including Mercury, Volvo and OMC (now Bombardier).

In his spare time, Bernie pursues his love for music, woodworking, repairing, maintaining and riding motorcycles.

Bud Parson

Dave Delapp

Once out of the Coast Guard, Delapp who had now settled in the Portland area, worked for a year at Casco Bay Diesel. He then spent five years as an inboard engine and marine systems technician at PYS before becoming manager of the mechanics' shop in 2005. Delapp's extensive experience allows him to interpret electrical and mechanical issues in a clear and concise manner for PYS customers.

In his spare time, Delapp enjoys camping, fishing and a variety of woodworking projects.

Shawn Hutchins

Shawn left PYS briefly in 2004 to work for Formula 1 Dyno, a company specializing in high performance auto tuning and modification. While there he worked on a series of exotic sports cars and highly modified vehicles which bordered on racing car performance.

Ultimately, however, Shawn came back to PYS where his experience with high performance engines and his ability to diagnose made him an important member of our mechanical staff. Since his return, PYS has sent Shawn to a number of service school such that he is now one of our most thoroughly trained technicians.

In his spare time Shawn continues to pursue his interest in high performance engines whether they be in cars, motorcycles or boats.

Willie Lewis

After leaving the service, Willy opened a foreign car repair shop in Yarmouth. Over the next two decades Willy split his time between his car repair shop and the sports car racing circuit of New England. In 1983 Willy began racing professionally and by the late 90s had won five national championships with a variety of manufacturers. In 1997, however, he retired from racing and spent the next seven years focusing on his foreign car repair business. Two years ago, Willy sold his share of the automotive business and has spent much of his time since working as a basic flight instructor and flying an amphibious ultra light aircraft of his own design.

Willy's skills as a machinist and technician have made him a key member of the PYS team.

Paint Shop

Eric Thibodeau

Lee Latorre

After five years in Europe, however, Lee returned to the U.S. in the fall of 2005. Since his arrival at PYS, Lee has become a vital part of the Paint, Varnish and Fiberglass Shop where he has proven himself adept at everything from major structural repairs to minor gel coat or paint touch-ups.

Away from work, Lee finds time for kayaking, surfing and snowboarding.

Woodworking, Cabinetwork, Brightwork

Dave Smith

In 1995, Dave moved to Peaks Island where he focused on house carpentry and renovation for four years. In 1999, Dave came to PYS to supervise the reconstruction of the Lion's Whelp. For the next four years Dave and a crew, which ranged from two to five, gutted the 65-foot John Alden designed schooner and rebuilt her entirely to her current high standard. Since then Dave has been active supervising the woodwork on a number of large projects at PYS. These include the reconstruction of the -foot fishing boat Emma Rae which had been heavily damaged by fire and the renovation of Far Horizons, a ---foot steel sloop for global cruising.

Away from PYS, Dave is a commercial beekeeper with several hundred hives spread over southern and central Maine.

Steve Higgins

At PYS Steve became a key member of the crew completing the 65-foot schooner yacht Lion's Whelp. Steve found himself working on virtually every element of the boats completion from interior fittings, to laying the teak deck. Once the Lion's Whelp hit the water in August of 2003, Steve found himself engaged in a variety of woodworking projects at PYS. He replaced toe rails, hand rails, on several boats, built new lockers in the catamaran yacht Heron and was part of the crew which refitted the steel sloop Far Horizons for global cruising.

In his spare time, Steve is an avid skier and sailor.



	Marina Storage Calculator Rates & Contracts Sales Power Boats Sail Boats Trailers Motors Services Testimonials Projects Parts About Crew Giving Back to the Community Marine Learning Center News & Events Contact Careers Portland Yacht Services 58 Fore Street Portland, ME 04101 207-774-1067	PYS Crew Front Office Jason Curtis Portland Yacht Services' operations manager, Jason Curtis is also one of the company's longest serving employees. Hired as an outboard motor technician in early 1999, Jason was by then experienced as both a service department manager and motor technician. Following his initial work experience as an outboard motor and snowmobile technician, Jason joined the U.S. Air Force in 1991. It was while in the service that he received arguably his most technologically advanced training. As the top graduate in his electro-environmental systems class, Jason showed a significant amount of promise. The Air Force subsequently assigned him to Beale Air Force Base in Marysville, CA where he worked on advanced aircraft such as the U-2 spyplane. After leaving the service in 1995, Jason returned to the marine industry where he worked first as a technician and then later as a service manager in regional boatyards. At PYS Jason worked his way up from technician to service manager before assuming his present responsibilities as Operations Manager in 2005. Justina Marcisso Typically the first person customers meet when they come to Portland Yacht Services, Justina Marcisso has worked in the front office of PYS since 2000. Since then Justina's organizational skills and ability to remain calm under stress, have made her a vital part of our efforts. Prior to her arrival at PYS, Justina worked as office manager and dispatcher at New England College's department of security. This experience provided Justina with the tools to manage the flow of information, visitors and work orders through the PYS office, no matter what time of year or how busy the yard becomes. Outside of work Justina is active in the community. She has served as the assistant director of the Old Port Festival and is a member of the Adams School Re-use Committee. Rob Benson Portland Yacht Services' service manager, Rob Benson began working in the marine industry shortly after he graduated from Maine Maritime Academy in 1981. After several years working variously as a sailing instructor, mate on an offshore supply vessel and as a yacht delivery captain, Benson returned to school in the late 1980's. In 1990 he graduated from the Landing School of Boatbuilding and Design. After graduation, Benson worked as a draftsman at John Gilbert Associates Naval Architects before returning to the Landing School as Facilitator of Marine Systems from 2000-2001. It is Benson's wide-ranging experience and professional demeanor which make him such a valuable part of the PYS team. As an enthusiastic yachtsman Benson understands the concerns of boaters, but has the technical background to explain maintenance and service issues in a clear and concise style. Parts Department Kerry Getchell Kerry Getchell began his career as an automotive parts technician in the mid-1980s. The end of the decade found him managing the Portland branch of Steego Auto Parts thanks to his dedication to customer service and scrupulous maintenance of inventory. Getchell stayed on as manager even after Steego was acquired by Carquest and over the years developed a reputation locally as an authority on auto parts distribution. Since 2002, Getchell has brought his parts management experience to bear in the Portland Yacht Services parts department. This move allowed him to combine a lifelong affinity for boating with his professional career. While at PYS he has dedicated himself to streamlining inventory and developing more opportunities to distribute marine parts. In his spare time, Getchell serves in the US Army Reserves and rebuilds vintage muscle cars. Joe Glantz Having worked for several marine parts suppliers in the area, Joe Glantz can boast of extensive experience in his field. Joe began working on the Portland waterfront in the early 1970s for Harris Company, a marine supply company then known for supplying everything from paint and marine hardware to tools. Joe later moved on to Chase Leavitt and Company on Dana Street in Portland. It was while he was employed at Chase Leavitt for more than 20 years, that Joe learned the intricacies of the most common of marine auxiliary engines. During Joe's tenure, Chase Leavitt became known locally as the place to go for parts for Universal, Westerbeke and Yanmar engines. Not only was Joe surrounded by the company's stock of replacement parts and service manuals, but Chase Leavitt sent him to a series of technical schools offered by the manufacturers. When Chase Leavitt closed their service department in 1999, Joe brought his training and experience to PYS. Since then, PYS has moved and expanded its parts department, but Joe is still at the center of our operations. In his spare time, Joe enjoys camping, hiking, working with his church and refinishing furniture. Marina Tim Grover Tim Grover got his start in the marine industry immediately after high school when he began working for Florida-based boatbuilders. Over the course of a decade, he worked for Island Packet, Gulf Star and Viking. When he returned to Maine in the 80s, Tim shifted to the construction industry where he was to work for the next 15 years. During this time, Tim became adept at a wide range of carpentry jobs from new house construction to apartment renovation. For five years during this period, Tim owned his own carpentry business. Ultimately, however, Tim returned to the marine industry, briefly working for Sabre Yacht before shifting to full-service boatyards. In 2005, Tim came to PYS where he has become a versatile member of the crew. While his background has allowed him to help several departments at PYS during the off-season, Tim's schedule becomes much more specific during the spring and fall when he directs the hauling, launching and movement of the many different sizes and variety of boats stored at PYS. Mechanical Shop Bernie Smith Bernie Smith has perhaps the largest ship experience at Portland Yacht Services, having served on the U.S.S. Enterprise while in the U.S. Navy. Once out of the navy, Bernie used the G.I. Bill to finance an associate's degree in computer science from Andover College. After four years as an automotive technician, at Palmer Volkswagen and Maine Mall Motors, Bernie turned to the marine field. With 13-years as a marine engine technician at area boatyards under his belt, Bernie arrived at Portland Yacht Services in 2004 with a variety of experience. Over time he had also received training from a number of marine companies including Mercury, Volvo and OMC (now Bombardier). In his spare time, Bernie pursues his love for music, woodworking, repairing, maintaining and riding motorcycles. Bud Parson With a lengthy history in technical systems maintenance and repair Bud brings the discipline of a military career and several decades worth of technical work in the private sector to Portland Yacht Services. A Maine resident for nearly 20 years, Bud began his career servicing film production equipment at Polaroid in Waltham, MA. After four years in the United States Air Force maintaining and repairing Minuteman Missile Silos, Bud rejoined the private sector in the mid-1970s. By the end of the decade he had rejoined the military for a three-year period, working on helicopter communications and avionics equipment at the US Army depot in Sacramento, California. Bud then moved back to the East Coast for good in the mid-1980s where he was employed by Tycom Global Ocean Systems in production research and development of trans-oceanic communications equipment. Dave Delapp After 20 years in the Coast Guard, Dave Delapp came to Portland Yacht Services in 2001. In the Coast Guard Delapp was stationed all over the east coast beginning in Miami on a 210-foot cutter. Later he found himself in the New York area serving first in an oil pollution abatement detail in New York City and later attached to a search and rescue unit at Montauk, NY. By the time Delapp ended his Coast Guard career in Portland as a Chief Engineer on a 110-foot cutter, he had also served on a 270-foot cutter in Boston. Once out of the Coast Guard, Delapp who had now settled in the Portland area, worked for a year at Casco Bay Diesel. He then spent five years as an inboard engine and marine systems technician at PYS before becoming manager of the mechanics' shop in 2005. Delapp's extensive experience allows him to interpret electrical and mechanical issues in a clear and concise manner for PYS customers. In his spare time, Delapp enjoys camping, fishing and a variety of woodworking projects. Shawn Hutchins Shawn Hutchins began working at Portland Yacht Services in 2002. Hired initially as an outboard motor mechanic, Shawn quickly proved himself adept at tuning and troubleshooting a wide range of engines and motorized equipment. Shawn left PYS briefly in 2004 to work for Formula 1 Dyno, a company specializing in high performance auto tuning and modification. While there he worked on a series of exotic sports cars and highly modified vehicles which bordered on racing car performance. Ultimately, however, Shawn came back to PYS where his experience with high performance engines and his ability to diagnose made him an important member of our mechanical staff. Since his return, PYS has sent Shawn to a number of service school such that he is now one of our most thoroughly trained technicians. In his spare time Shawn continues to pursue his interest in high performance engines whether they be in cars, motorcycles or boats. Willie Lewis One of the more recent additions to the Portland Yacht Services crew, Willy Lewis has nevertheless has had a long and highly rewarding career in the mechanical and marine trades. Willy's career began in a big way during the Vietnam War when he served as a machinist's mate on the aircraft carrier US Yorktown. After leaving the service, Willy opened a foreign car repair shop in Yarmouth. Over the next two decades Willy split his time between his car repair shop and the sports car racing circuit of New England. In 1983 Willy began racing professionally and by the late 90s had won five national championships with a variety of manufacturers. In 1997, however, he retired from racing and spent the next seven years focusing on his foreign car repair business. Two years ago, Willy sold his share of the automotive business and has spent much of his time since working as a basic flight instructor and flying an amphibious ultra light aircraft of his own design. Willy's skills as a machinist and technician have made him a key member of the PYS team. Paint Shop Eric Thibodeau The head of Portland Yacht Services' Paint, Varnish and Fiberglass Department, Eric Thibodeau has refined his craft in a number of boatyards in Maine and Florida. Originally joining the PYS staff in 2003, Eric quickly established himself in the paint and varnish shop as a man with wide-ranging skills. He also brought a new emphasis on fiberglass and gel coat repair and reconstruction. Eric began his career in boat repair at Sailor's Wharf in St. Petersburg, FL in 1994. After two years there, he moved on to Maximo Marina, also in St. Petersburg. Maximo, a yard specializing in larger yachts, afforded Eric the opportunity to work on boats over 50 feet in length and to hone his skill with gel coat and Awlgrip. In 1997, Eric left Maximo Marina to start his own company, Superior Boat and Yacht Detail. Eric eventually found himself in Maine, however, working at a Casco Bay area boatyard where he not only painted and reconditioned gel coat and Awlgrip, but also operated the yard's travel lift. Lee Latorre Lee spent more than 11 years in the U.S. Army, posted around the globe. When he left the service in 1993, he shifted to the marine industry, working for Sea Ray boats in Merritt Island, Florida. While with Sea Ray, Lee began working for a surfboard manufacturer in Cocoa Beach, Florida. In 2000 Lee turned those new skills as a surfboard fabricator into an opportunity to travel again and moved to Europe where he worked for a Portuguese firm, C.P.L. After five years in Europe, however, Lee returned to the U.S. in the fall of 2005. Since his arrival at PYS, Lee has become a vital part of the Paint, Varnish and Fiberglass Shop where he has proven himself adept at everything from major structural repairs to minor gel coat or paint touch-ups. Away from work, Lee finds time for kayaking, surfing and snowboarding. Woodworking, Cabinetwork, Brightwork Dave Smith Dave Smith began his boat career in the early 1970s shortly after graduating from Washington County Vocational Technical Institute's Boatbuilding Technology program in 1970. Shortly afterward he opened his own boat shop in Yarmouth. In 1980 Dave moved to Camden to rebuild a schooner. Once work on the schooner was complete, Dave opened another shop, stayed in Camden and spent the next dozen years working on projects including the reconstruction of a 28-foot Alden Triangle sloop and a 33-foot Casey Cutter. In 1995, Dave moved to Peaks Island where he focused on house carpentry and renovation for four years. In 1999, Dave came to PYS to supervise the reconstruction of the Lion's Whelp. For the next four years Dave and a crew, which ranged from two to five, gutted the 65-foot John Alden designed schooner and rebuilt her entirely to her current high standard. Since then Dave has been active supervising the woodwork on a number of large projects at PYS. These include the reconstruction of the -foot fishing boat Emma Rae which had been heavily damaged by fire and the renovation of Far Horizons, a ---foot steel sloop for global cruising. Away from PYS, Dave is a commercial beekeeper with several hundred hives spread over southern and central Maine. Steve Higgins When he began working at Portland Yacht Services in 2002, Steve Higgins was actually beginning his second career. A surveyor for 35 years, Steve had worked both in the private sector and for the Maine Department of Transportation. Shortly before he came to PYS, however, Steve got a taste of his future career when he took a bare 26-foot Morris Yacht hull and finished it to his own specifications. When he needed a tender for his boat, he built his own seven-foot pram. At PYS Steve became a key member of the crew completing the 65-foot schooner yacht Lion's Whelp. Steve found himself working on virtually every element of the boats completion from interior fittings, to laying the teak deck. Once the Lion's Whelp hit the water in August of 2003, Steve found himself engaged in a variety of woodworking projects at PYS. He replaced toe rails, hand rails, on several boats, built new lockers in the catamaran yacht Heron and was part of the crew which refitted the steel sloop Far Horizons for global cruising. In his spare time, Steve is an avid skier and sailor.
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