I have been sailing on the Chesapeake Bay as long as I can remember. Growing up, trips to Havre de Grace, MD were the norm. Most of my memories are on my parents Sabre 28, now I am making memories with my own family aboard out Beneteau 50, Sol Searcher. In a previous life, I started a company doing validation work in the pharmaceautical/biotech/medical device world. Primarily servicing the need of these companies to comply with FDA regulations. Essentially creating the testing protocols and documentation to verify facilites/equipment, processes, cleaning, and computer systems could produce the desired product. That sounds sexier than it is, but I didn’t want to just skip over 15 years of my life. Chasing clients, dealing with employees, shareholder disagreements…it seized to be fine, I moved on. Starting small, sunfish, el toro, hobie cats, I never did take a sailing class. I learned everything early on from my dad. I never remember a contractor coming to our home or working on the boat. My dad fixed everything. Those hobie cats were other peoples yard pediments. One had a hole in the side and clearly would not float. Learning fiberglass is a necessity if you are young and broke. Precision 23, Grady White 25, I don’t discriminate power boats are fun too. As I got older, the boats become more complex, more electronics bigger engines. Sabre 38mkII, my dream boat. I loved this boat. New sails, full electronic installation, pull and rebuild engine, I even taught myself how to sew canvas. I would sail her up and down the east coast twice. So what? So I did this all through my own love of sailing, being on the water. Along the way I got a 50ton master license, I’ve taken both ABYC and NMEA courses. Sailed with a very competitive J/109 team, and I can say I learned a lot with them. I take charters on my own boat as well as others, do deliveries on the east coast, and work with owners honing their skills. And yes, the boat is even more complicated maintaining generators, bow thrusters, air conditioning systems, AIS…. I love people, and I work well with people to shorten the time between now and attaining their dream. Mitigating mistakes and downtime along the way is key to getting there, where ever there may be.

My name is Mark Blackwell. I’m a follower of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I’m a husband, father, abolitionist and homesteader. I have 14 years of experience in counter human trafficking work as the executive director of Justice Ministries. We operate primarily in the Carolinas with a focus on assisting survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation. Our organization was featured on the National Geographic Channel in a documentary about sex trafficking in America. With my background in counter human trafficking and other areas, I’ve had the opportunity to assist many individuals with crisis management, sensitive communication strategies and how to navigate complicated relationship dynamics. As a homesteader, I can share from my experience operating Black Pine Ranch. We raise pigs, chickens, goats and Goldador dogs. From fresh gravel to muddy trails, I’ve operated a variety of equipment and towed a variety of trailers under a wide range of conditions. I have over 20 years of public speaking experience and have served in leadership positions most of my life. I listed oceanography as a category because at the time I set up my account, there wasn’t any experts listed under oceanography … I did take a course in oceanography at UNC Wilmington (where I served two terms as Student Body President) and I enjoyed the course. I tend to find myself serving and leading in areas where there is a need and/or lack of leadership… so why not oceanography until a more qualified candidate joins the category. 😎 I love God and I love people. If I can help you, please reach out. Not sure what questions to ask or what you need help with, but you know you need some assistance? I’ve worked with many individuals in uncertain and complicated situations, let’s see if we can work towards some solutions together. God bless!