Sailing into retirement

A fond farewell to Jay "Woody" Durham: The man behind USA East Coast yacht transport.

After 16 years of dedication, leadership, and friendship, it's time for us to say farewell to our beloved colleague, Jay "Woody" Durham, as he sets sail into retirement. Jay has been an integral part of Sevenstar Yacht Transport, becoming much more than just a team member—he's been a mentor, a friend, and, as many of us would say, the father figure of our team.

Jay's journey with Sevenstar started in a way that reflects his no-nonsense, get-things-done attitude. After selling his own business and looking for a new challenge, Jay, a man with a lifelong love for the sea, stumbled across the world of yacht transport. He sent out a few emails, and before he knew it, he was on a plane to Amsterdam to meet with Richard Klabbers. That was the beginning of what would become a 16-year adventure, filled with success, hard work, and unforgettable memories.

Jay’s approach to his work has always been rooted in relationships, not just transactions. His clients became friends, and his colleagues became family. He’s handled everything from commercial fishing boats to iconic race yachts, including the entire America's Cup fleet from Auckland to Florida. Jay’s ability to juggle the complex logistics of shipping multiple yachts on one vessel, coordinating payments, customs, and captains, was nothing short of masterful—like "herding cats", as he would say.

Throughout his career, Jay’s warm personality and genuine care for his clients and colleagues earned him deep respect and trust. Whether it was ensuring a smooth yacht transport or simply being there to share a laugh over a cold beer, Jay has left a lasting impact on everyone he's worked with.

Jay's famous nickname, "Woody," has a legendary origin—he earned it from Richard after sharing that he attended the original Woodstock concert in 1969. In fact, Jay still carries the concert tickets in his wallet as a cherished memory of that historic event. His love for adventure doesn’t stop there; Jay and Jan Maarten also created unforgettable memories during their legendary trip to Taiwan in 2009. Jay later returned to China to visit several shipyards, further solidifying his role as a key figure in Sevenstar's global operations. His stories from these travels have become part of Sevenstar's rich history.

As Jay prepares for his well-deserved retirement, he’s excited to spend more time with his wonderful wife, Tally, their children, and six grandsons. Together, they plan to travel more—Greece, a bucket list destination, is high on their agenda. While he’s leaving behind the world of yacht transport, Jay will always carry with him the incredible relationships and experiences he's built over the years.

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show will be Jay’s final event with Sevenstar before he officially embarks on his next adventure. It’s only fitting that we’ll get one last chance to raise a glass with him, share stories, and celebrate his remarkable career. So, if you’re at FLIBS next week, don’t miss your chance to say goodbye to Jay in person! Swing by our stand, share your favorite memories, and let’s give Jay the send-off he deserves.

Thank you, Jay, for all you've done—you’ll be missed, but never forgotten!