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OUR CREW

Our crew members are experienced, local mariners who have lived in the Newburyport area for many years. Most of them return year after year to share their knowledge with our patrons and enjoy a relaxing life on the beautiful Merrimack River and its coastal waters. They will make your trip with us an experience to remember!

Man in blue shirt sitting on a boat, looking sideways during sunset.

Captain Jim Hughes

Retiring after over 35 years as a firefighter, I wanted to put my boating experience towards becoming a boat captain. Now I am able to share my love of history and boating on the Merrimack River with everyone!

Person in sunglasses smiling on a boat with water and another boat in the background.

Lynn Hughes

After retiring from the New England Aquarium I decided that a fun way to spend my time would be working as a mate on the Yankee Clipper! What better way to meet people from all over and enjoy being on the Merrimack!

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Captain Fred Latta

Fred has been a licensed 100 ton Masters captain since 1986 and has worked aboard commercial fishing boats, offshore tug boats and various tour boats in Florida, Alaska and New England. Fred lives in Southern Maine and joined our crew in 2021.

Person in cap and sunglasses smiling near the ocean wearing a nautical-themed shirt.

Launch Captain Lisa Christie

I have been a First Mate on the Yankee Clipper since 2017. I love being out on the Merrimack & seeing the beauty and power of the river. It is so fun to meet people from all over who come out with us and to share information with them about the environment & local maritime history.

Man in sunglasses and visor smiling on a boat, with a child sitting in the background.

“Johnny Pleasant”
John McLaughlin

John has been on our crew for roughly 92 years. He is a retired firefighter and fire inspector, and he teaches aspiring firefighters at the Fire Academy in central Massachusetts. John lives at Salisbury Beach, fishes as often as possible, and enjoys bird watching. We promise he will leave you laughing!

Man smiling on a boat at sunset with trees in the background.

Jim “Lou” Lucci

Lou has been a part of the Yankee Clipper crew since 2020, serving as a First Mate. He is a long-time Newburyport resident, a UNH grad, and has spent most of his career as an environmental consultant. Being on the water and educating the passengers with his local knowledge are the highlights of his day.

 

Man in blue cap and jacket outdoors with trees and mountains in background.

Captain Paul Aziz, M.S., M.Ed.

Paul has been a commercial mariner since 1994 when he began working in the marine salvage and towing industry with TowBoat U.S. In 2001, Paul was part of a group that built and launched the 48’ commercial sailing catamaran “Ninth Wave” in Newburyport. He spent five years aboard Ninth Wave, then acquired “Yankee Clipper” in 2006.

In 2022, he added the company’s second vessel, “Rachel Carson” to service the Haverhill section of the Merrimack. Paul’s tours are a balance of maritime history, marine science, and environmental education for all ages. He teaches high school Biology and Environmental Science at Topsfield Vocational Academy.

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Captain Dan Cody, M.Ed., C.A.G.S.

Dan is a middle school science teacher when he’s not on the water. He’s a lifelong boater who enjoys sharing his extensive knowledge of the Merrimack River and the science behind what makes it such an important waterway. In addition to Yankee Clipper Tours, Dan has skippered for Ninth Wave Sailing Charters and Newburyport Whale Watch.

Smiling person with short hair at a beach, cloudy sky background.

Tim Osgood, M.S., CAGS

Tim is a high school history teacher who has had a love for boating ever since he got his first 12 foot aluminum Jon boat as a child. He spends his summers at the beach or at the lakes of NH with his wife and children. He hopes to share his passion for history and boating with you on every trip!

Captain Steve Whitmore

Captain Steve is a seasoned mariner who has spent decades sharing the beauty and history of New England’s coastal waters with passengers. A longtime Newburyport resident and boater, Steve’s passion for boating began at age five, when he and his family would explore the coast of Martha’s Vineyard Island aboard a 13-foot Boston Whaler. Steve previously operated Boston Harbor Cruises’ Water Taxi fleet.  He also teaches boat handling skills in Salem Sound and Beverly Harbor.

Person in sunglasses and cap smiling on a boat with water and sky background.

 

Captain Sandi Linatsas

Sandi prefers being on or near the water and works part-time as an Assistant Harbormaster in Salisbury and Newburyport. She’s previously taught Marine Science, worked as a salvage diver, and assisted with green sea turtle research. Currently she works as Managing Director for a company that manufactures air quality instrumentation. Outside of work, she spends her time fishing, surfing, rowing, traveling, or riding her motorcycle.

Woman smiling on beach with flamingos and palm trees in the background.

 

Lindsey Theberge
Lindsey is a Newburyport native who teaches high school math at Topsfield Vocational Academy. Her favorite things are her family, ANY and all dogs, and any time she can spend in her island paradise of Aruba, where she goes every chance she gets. Having spent most of her life in the area, Lindsey can recommend the best places to dine, stay, and enjoy in the area. Lindsey is a First Mate on both the Newburyport and Haverhill boats.

Man in sunglasses steering a boat on a sunny day.

 

Captain Henry Hughes
Henry is a Newburyport resident and a Newburyport Firefighter. He recently joined our team with a 100 Ton Master’s license after spending 15 years operating the transit boats for Boston Harbor Cruises. Henry looks forward to showing our patrons the beauty and wildlife of the Merrimack River.