Real people, real life, and real adventure!

Join the adventure!

Welcome Aboard!

I’m chasing island dreams one wave (and disaster) at a time—restoring my old yacht, living a life less ordinary, and figuring it out as I go. It’s messy, it’s magical, and it’s all real. Glad you’re here to share the ride!

Cheers
Shay

Meet the Crew!

Motor Yacht Shay la Vie

AKA the Mean Girl

Shay la Vie is a 1981 70' Hatteras Cockpit Motor Yacht. She started out as a 61' Motor Yacht and had an extension in the 90's to make her a 70' Cockpit Motor Yacht. She was a donation boat, so she needed a lot of work and I often called her the Mean Girl because she kicked my tail end the first few months. Now, after 1.5 years, she's really starting to come together.

She has 4 cabins, 4 heads, a full size galley up, huge salon, a large aft deck with seating for 8 and seating for 10 up top on the fly bridge. The cockpit is great for fishing and she has outriggers and rod holders. The lazarette holds a dive compressor and 8 tanks. With the 14' Tender as well as some kayaks and paddle boards to play on, she's ready for fun on the water!

Jacques

Chief Security Officer

I adopted Jacques from the pet shelter in Plano, Texas when he was 9 months old. He had a rough start to life- in and out of doggie jail, abused and scared of everything. Three years later you wouldn't recognize him! He's turned into a well trained, super sweet companion who vigilantly keeps watch over me and the boat.

He spends his time chasing pelicans and iguanas off the boat and playing with all the other dogs at the docks. And of course, he always has time to snuggle with me on the aft deck or in our favorite chair.

Shay

AKA the Noob

Between May of 2022 and February of 2023 I had a series of health issues that made me step back and take a hard look at my life and lifestyle.

I was big as a house, unhealthy and so depressed I couldn't see straight. I knew I needed to make a change, but literally nothing sounded good. Then a customer sent me a picture of a sunset off the side of his sailboat and I thought to myself, I want to do that. So I tossed my laptop and my dog in the car and came to Fort Lauderdale Florida and bought a boat!

I figured I'd fix the boat and the boat would fix me! So far, it's going great. We're whipping each other into shape and have a lot of fun!

Special Guests!

Maybe you?

I can't do this alone, so I'm always looking for folks that want to come and help or just go along for the ride! If you are interested in being a guest, please reach out and let me know! [email protected]

Tell me more!

Check out the Frequently Asked Questions!

I've made a list of the most asked questions and put the answers there! If I missed one, please message me at [email protected] and I'll add it to the ever growing list!

Frequently Asked Questions

Special Thanks!

Some of the companies that have helped make this dream come true!

Boost your brand by teaming up with Shay La Vie!

When you partner with Shay la Vie, you connect with a passionate community of boating enthusiasts and highlight your products in real-time as we dive into marine upgrades and long term cruising. Drop us a line for a media kit!