IYC OWNERS

Skip King, President

Posthumously:  It is with the utmost sadness that we announce the passing of Skip King, the president and owner of IYC for the past 46 years.  Skip passed away on July 23, 2024, after a very unexpected diagnosis and a courageous battle with cancer. 


Skip transplanted to the Virgin Islands from Norfolk VA in 1977 and began working for IYC in 1978. Skip was a graduate of Matthew Fontaine Maury High School and Old Dominion University in Norfolk VA where he received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Prior to his work in the marine industry Skip was an activities therapist for a private psychiatric hospital. The skills Skip acquired in this field contributed greatly to his work aboard our yachts and his dealings with the varying personalities of our charter guests. Always the southern gentleman, Skip had a unique, kind and genuine approach with each guest, his employees and his yacht owners.  His love of sailing, and the Virgin Islands, was infectious.     


Skip was a very successful yacht racer, having won his class in two Rolex International Regatta’s as well as the St Thomas Yacht club summer series champion for several years.  Skip was an avid tennis player, certified diver and a licensed Coast Guard captain. He was a highly respected leader in the USVI marine industry, an extraordinary yacht broker, and an inspirational teacher to many sailors over many decades.  Skip ran iyc with the utmost integrity and genuine love for his profession.  Through his incredible work ethic and his good-natured approach to business, Skip earned an enviable level of respect from his industry colleagues.  Even more rare in the business world today, are the hundreds of friendships Skip gained with his customers and business associates.  Skip was above all, a genuine soul, full of a love for life.  He thought of himself as a life-long student, always seeking more knowledge to improve his skill-set.  Skip's legacy will live on as his wife and business partner Andrea King is honored to take over the role of President at Island Yachts.  Andrea will lead a team of exceptional marine industry professionals as they carry on Skip's legacy and vision into the future.   


A Tribute to Skip

Andrea King, Vice President/Secretary

Andrea moved to the Virgin Islands in January 1985. She is a native of Attleboro MA and a graduate of Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro and Westfield State College in Westfield MA where she was a starting guard for the WSC fighting Owls women’s basketball team.


Andrea holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications. Prior to her career as a yacht broker and business owner, Andrea was a television producer and editor, having worked for two NBC affiliates and a private production company.


Andrea started her career with IYC in 1989 after hurricane Marilyn hit the island, and the power was lost for nearly three months. Her work with Skip picking up the pieces after the storm was to be temporary until television was back online, however, a career change was imminent.  Andrea then began her full-time career with IYC. Skip and Andrea have run IYC together as partners, and as best friends, for 35 years. 


Andrea has been an equestrian and horse owner, is an avid mountain biker and a sailor.  Andrea & Skip are the proud parents of Nathan and Grace King.

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Vacation Properties

Alongside the King’s sailing charter business is Virgin Heart Villas – a collection of their family-owned properties, located in the beautiful Virgin Islands and southern Massachusetts. Whether you are planning a getaway, or you are looking for the perfect location for an intimate gathering of family or friends, they invite you to be their guests for an unforgettable land vacation!

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