Velina Barnes

Broker

Email: velina@swiftsureyachts.com
Cell/text: 510.697.1418

I grew up in Florida and spent every minute I could on the water — swimming, scuba diving, water skiing, fishing, or sailing. To me there is nothing that can fill me up more than the beauty and power of the wind and ocean. I explored the west coast of Florida and the Keys with my dad, grandfather, and sisters as a child. I believe it is in my DNA to be on and around the water. I have loved studying the weather since I was a child and can tell my husband when the wind is coming two days out.

After college I ended up in Austin, Texas, which was a short stay because I missed the ocean and the beautiful sunsets over the water. When I decided to consider California as my next home, I came out to southern California for some interviews and took a sail with a group of people I barely knew to Catalina on an 82-foot schooner. Coming back into Dana Point at sunset, I knew my next home was near the sea again. I accepted the job the next day.

From there I eventually moved to northern California and met my husband and began sailing on San Francisco Bay.  We raced together and sailed on his Tartan 30, and a couple of years ago we bought our Saber 426, Second Wind. We have sailed from Washington to Santa Barbara on the Pacific Coast and look forward to taking Second Wind south for a much longer journey in 2024, starting with the Pacific Cup.  There are no words to describe how the wind, waves, whales, and blue water ocean can be so fulfilling.

With all I have done off the water (golfer, competitive tennis player, skier, equestrian), I have always been drawn back to the marine world with a desire to make my living on and around the sea. I truly value investing in long term relationships that often turn into long term friendships. This aligns well with Swiftsure Yachts’ mission to continue to be a long-term resource solution for clients around the world.

It is a privilege and a blessing to help consult clients in finding the right boat for their particular requirements and needs. I am honored to work with such an amazing crew like Swiftsure Yachts that has so much mastery of the world of boating.