Brewer Street Boatworks (401) 847-0321 222 Connell Highway, Newport, RI 02840
About Our Staff
Brewer Street Boatworks President, Jay “Skip” Helme, Jr., began his formal marine trade’s career as a Service Manager for Nautor’s Swan, one of the world’s premiere production sailboat builders. During those years and ever since, Helme has kept the focus at Brewer Street Boatworks, which he founded in 1987, squarely on first-class service. He and his staff understand owners’ exacting standards for work performed on their vessels, and carry out each repair or service job—regardless of the work’s scope—with absolute commitment, integrity and a sharp eye for detail.
Helme is himself an accomplished sailor, having won world and national championships in sailboat racing in both offshore and one-design arenas. He is also an avid fisherman on both the inshore and offshore grounds.
In the community, Helme is a former member of the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association Board, a current member of the Rhode Island Tall Ships Advisory Committee, member of Sail Newport, the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association and Ida Lewis Yacht Club. He is also a dedicated family man who has contributed countless hours to the Newport Youth Hockey Association as a coach and former board member.
Brewer Street Boatworks Service Manager, Randy Both is in his twelfth year with the company. He and his wife Lara moved back from the Caribbean in 1997, where Both spent 10 years as a service technician in the charter boat industry. He has extensive sailing background on tall ships and is an avid fisherman. His considerable technical credentials include Five Star Certified Service Manager by Yamaha Motor Corporation, Raymarine Certified Installation and Service Technician, and Suzuki's DF300 training module certification.
The Office Manager, Heather Hammerbeck, has experience in office management and administrative assistance for various marine related firms. Prior to joining the BSBW team, she lived aboard a sloop in the Virgin Islands and worked briefly in the charter boat trade. She has a B.A. in Linguistics from the University of Colorado.
Our bookkeeper and Director of Marketing, Nancy Helme has over 20 years experience in the marine trades. She served as an event/marketing coordinator for Sail Newport and the New York Yacht Club. She has been an avid sailor and boater since her childhood. She grew up cruising on Lake Erie with her family.
Ron Pearl is responsible for direct sales of boats, motors, and trailers. He has extensive experience in the marine trades. For over 30 years he owned and operated a marine manufacturer’s representative company. He is also an avid boater who has spent many of his years cruising Long Island and Block Island Sounds.
Helme is himself an accomplished sailor, having won world and national championships in sailboat racing in both offshore and one-design arenas. He is also an avid fisherman on both the inshore and offshore grounds.
In the community, Helme is a former member of the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association Board, a current member of the Rhode Island Tall Ships Advisory Committee, member of Sail Newport, the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association and Ida Lewis Yacht Club. He is also a dedicated family man who has contributed countless hours to the Newport Youth Hockey Association as a coach and former board member.
Brewer Street Boatworks Service Manager, Randy Both is in his twelfth year with the company. He and his wife Lara moved back from the Caribbean in 1997, where Both spent 10 years as a service technician in the charter boat industry. He has extensive sailing background on tall ships and is an avid fisherman. His considerable technical credentials include Five Star Certified Service Manager by Yamaha Motor Corporation, Raymarine Certified Installation and Service Technician, and Suzuki's DF300 training module certification.
The Office Manager, Heather Hammerbeck, has experience in office management and administrative assistance for various marine related firms. Prior to joining the BSBW team, she lived aboard a sloop in the Virgin Islands and worked briefly in the charter boat trade. She has a B.A. in Linguistics from the University of Colorado.
Our bookkeeper and Director of Marketing, Nancy Helme has over 20 years experience in the marine trades. She served as an event/marketing coordinator for Sail Newport and the New York Yacht Club. She has been an avid sailor and boater since her childhood. She grew up cruising on Lake Erie with her family.
Ron Pearl is responsible for direct sales of boats, motors, and trailers. He has extensive experience in the marine trades. For over 30 years he owned and operated a marine manufacturer’s representative company. He is also an avid boater who has spent many of his years cruising Long Island and Block Island Sounds.
Our experienced staff of technicians include:
Charles Anderson:
Inboard Mechanic (5 years of service)
Steve Bradfield:
Outboard (4 years of service)
Joe Coleman:
Paint (4 years of service)
Jim Depietro:
Outboard (4 years of service)
Zach Freeborn:
Rigging (8 years of service)
Chris Hornick:
Marine Carpentry (14 years of service)
Chris Skrzypiec:
Paint (11 years of service)
Mark Tckas:
Electronics and Carpentry (4 years of service)
