Capt. Anthony Capriccio new owner of TowBoatUS Santa Cruz
by BoatUS 25 May 17:19 BST
Capt. Anthony Capriccio, new owner of TowBoatUS Santa Cruz © Boat Owners Association of The United States
A former employee and captain for TowBoatUS Santa Cruz, an on-water towing and assistance company for boaters, has stepped up into the ownership role at the company. Capt. Anthony Capriccio, who has been working for the former owner, Capt. Monte Ash, for the past six years, is the new owner of the company that provides 24/7 on-water towing, soft ungrounding, battery jump and fuel drop-off services to boaters. In a reversal of roles, Capt. Ash remains with the company as well, helping to respond to boaters in need of routine on-water assistance.
"Monte and his wife, Jeylene, have taught me well in how to run a successful on-water towing and assistance company, and I'm excited to step up," said Capriccio. "It's a combination of opportunity and timing that was right for us, and I'm ready to have more responsibility." TowBoatUS Santa Cruz is Capriccio's second company. He also owns PAC Captain Services, a SAMS-accredited marine survey, boat delivery and on-water boat handling training company.
TowBoatUS Santa Cruz is part of nationwide network of more than 300 TowBoatUS locations - with 17 in the Golden State alone. The company has two red 28-foot response vessels with "TowBoatUS" in big white letters on their sides stationed at Santa Cruz Harbor. The port is ACAPT-certified, which recognizes professionalism and high standards of service, training and equipment. All of the company's captains are U.S. Coast Guard-licensed. Separate from BoatUS on-water towing, the company also offers boat salvage services.
Much like an auto club for recreational boat owners, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) offers on-water Unlimited Towing Memberships for saltwater boaters and anglers for just $175 per year. Membership comes with more than 25 valuable BoatUS benefits, including a subscription to BoatUS Magazine, free DSC-VHF radio registration and more.
To request on-water assistance, boaters can call the BoatUS toll-free 24/7 Dispatch Center at 800-391-4869, call the port directly at 831-359-0702, or hail on VHF radio Ch. 16.