Joe Dargavage - United Island & Yacht
Nov 24, 2025
In every corner of the superyacht world, certain people quietly hold the entire system together. They don’t speak the loudest, and they’re rarely the ones in the spotlight — but they’re the ones the captains call first.
For the U.S.–Bahamas–Caribbean corridor, that person is often Joe Dargavage.
Where others focus on yacht sales, design or spectacle, Joe specialises in something far more essential: making borders feel weightless. From customs to immigration, marina coordination to last-minute logistics, he works in the delicate space where timing, diplomacy, and operational discipline mean everything.
It’s not glamorous work.
But it’s the work that keeps the industry standing.
A Career Built on Real Experience
Joe grew up in Boca Raton, and the marine world became familiar long before it became professional. His early years included senior leadership roles in large organisations like Rick Case Enterprises — environments where precision mattered and pressure was part of the job.
But it was the Bahamas that shaped him. For almost a decade, Joe served as a partner at Romora Bay Resort & Marina, guiding visiting yachts through the maze of local regulations, weather challenges, guest needs, and seasonal demands. It’s here that he developed the calm that people talk about today — a steadiness that only comes from years on the frontline.
By the time he co-founded United Island & Yacht (UIY) in 2017, Joe wasn’t guessing at what the industry needed. He knew.A true operations partner in a world where timing, crew welfare, and guest experience depend on invisible, hyper-efficient systems.
“The Superyacht industry is growing quickly in the USA and surrounding region, and UIY is poised to become the leader in yacht agency services for these yachts. I’m thrilled to officially join UIY in a full-time capacity … we’re excited to continue providing exceptional service and innovative solutions to the yachting community.” — Joe Dargavage upon joining full-time Partner at UIY - Mentioned in the Triton News
“Our role is to take that complexity off the captain’s shoulders.” A recurring line from Joe — and the ethos UIY is built on.
UIY now supports vessels across Florida, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and key U.S. ports, offering concierge-level yacht agency services that make the crossing feel effortless. With five active locations and a growing team, the company has become a trusted name for captains who value smooth arrivals and reliable communication.
It's why industry partners describe Joe as:
“Professional.”
“Helpful.”
“A safe pair of hands.”
“Absolutely amazing.”
The praise isn’t loud — but it’s consistent. And in this business, consistency is everything.
Industry Recognition
Joe’s influence has naturally expanded beyond UIY. He serves as:
Advocacy Co-Chair of the U.S. Superyacht Association (USSA)
Former President of the Association of Bahamas Marinas
Contributor to the Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association
Supporter of Seafarers’ House at Port Everglades
These roles aren’t ceremonial. They reflect a career built on trust — the kind earned through decades of showing up, solving problems, and maintaining relationships across borders, agencies, and cultures.
Five Career Milestones: Joe Dargavage
1. Early Leadership Foundations
Senior executive roles at Rick Case Enterprises shaped Joe’s discipline and operational mindset — the backbone of everything he’d do later.
2. A Decade at Romora Bay
As partner at Romora Bay Resort & Marina in the Bahamas, Joe navigated high-pressure seasons, yacht traffic, and the complexities of island hospitality.
3. Founding United Island & Yacht (2017)
Co-founded UIY with Laura Garcia, creating one of the region’s most respected yacht agency service providers.
4. Expanding UIY Across the Region
Under Joe’s partnership, UIY grew into a multi-location operation across Florida, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Puerto Rico.
5. Leadership in Maritime Associations
His election as Advocacy Co-Chair of USSA reflects his standing as a respected voice in the industry.
The Real Story: A Man Built for Service
Joe doesn’t tell dramatic stories about yachts or guests or storms at sea. He talks about systems, teams, preparation, and the satisfaction of a smooth arrival. The things most people overlook.
In an industry built on spectacle, Joe’s reputation comes from something far more enduring — quiet competence, genuine relationships, and a career spent doing the work that matters.
