About Us
Captain Steve McAbee
Captain
Steve grew up on the water and some say it runs in his veins. An accomplished
and experienced boat handler, “El Capitan” has operated recreational,
fishing, and charter vessels of varying sizes in the Northwest, Alaska, and
Hawaii. He is a US Coast Guard-licensed captain with sail and towing endorsements
and is a NAUI-certified diver. Steve’s lifelong experience with power,
sail, recreational, and commercial vessels on inland, coastal, and open waters
ensures a safe and comfortable journey for both crew and guests.
First Mate Pamela Olson
Pamela
is a Northwest native who spent much of her life boating, fishing, and water-skiing
on Puget Sound with her family. She learned to sail in the Aleutian Islands
and made a 2,000-mile blue water transit from Dutch Harbor, Alaska to Kauai,
Hawaii with Captain Steve and son Zach on the ketch Celtic. After several
years of sailing in Hawaiian waters, Steve and Pam went on to explore Palmyra
Atoll, Samoa, and Tonga before returning to the Pacific Northwest.
What ‘El Capitan’ has to say:
Some say life is a river that pulls you down its winding course. Others say it’s more like a blacksmith’s forge where fire and anvil shape our destiny. If I were bobbing along on the current of some great stream, I’d want to be on the decks of Tusitala and let my story be told in style and comfort. And if I was being shaped and tempered in a fiery forge, I’m sure I’d be dreaming about the cooling waters of Puget Sound.
Fire and water: two distinct elements brought together by another essential element of life, which is love. Love certainly binds Pamela, Tusitala, and I – love of the sea, love for each other, and love for the magnificent wildlife and scenery of the Pacific Northwest and Puget Sound. And respect for the history of each.
I’m an old ‘sea dog,’ and I’ve been known to spin a tale or two also! I’ve sailed the breast of the briny deep from Washington to Alaska and across the Pacific from the Aleutian Is-lands to the South Sea Islands. I’ve learned a lot along the way, and I know there’s no place I’d rather be than here, sharing life with my mate, aboard Tusitala on my home waters. It’s time for Tusitala to weave a tale to remember for you. Come, let us write a chapter into your life! - Captain Steve