While Michigan isn’t the national hub of saltwater sailing, it is conveniently situated for a person who wants to build and race all kinds of boats. Such was the case for Eric Pomber who grew up in Michigan and built his first boat with his father. Eric was raised amidst all manner of boatbuilding projects and participated in them. His dad was “a prolific boatbuilder,” Eric says. He and his dad built hydroplanes, ice boats*, sailboats, and keelboats.

Eric is a sailor like many of our BBY crew members. In his youth, he raced everything from dinghies, to hydroplanes, to keelboats. Through this long-standing history of self-teaching, racing, and family legacy, Eric has learned every facet of boat service, though he points out that electrical systems are not his forte. 

After school, Eric bounced all along the eastern seaboard working at boat yards where he continued to practice and grow his skillset. He worked mostly as a rigger and carpenter, but he admits he’s always been willing to tackle “just about anything.” 

After traveling throughout the yacht-centric region of the Atlantic coast, he landed at Brooklin Boat Yard three years ago, where he started as a rigger. He also accepted additional responsibilities within his capacity- boat moves, spar repair, and other service work. He gradually showed he was capable of more, though, so he was given more responsibility. As time grew, it was clear Eric was capable of managing his own service projects, so Nick Bellico gave Eric the title of Assistant Service Manager. 

I ask Eric what he likes about his position. One of his favorite parts is working on the waterfront; an essential part of his job description is moving boats, mooring work, deliveries, etc. “Why work at a boat yard if you can’t be on the water?” he asks. About the management portion of his job, Eric says he likes the ability to work autonomously and that it feels good to be trusted and be able to figure out things on his own. He says, “To work on wooden boats is the coolest way to spend one’s time.” When asked what his favorite thing about working at BBY is, Eric says, “There’s a ridiculously high proportion of cool boats here.” I ask for an example. Eric says, “Cirrus. Being involved with a boat like that- it epitomizes what a classic yacht should be.” 

Eric’s Favorite Wooden Boats are Martha and Grace

*An ice boat is a sailboat that moves on ice using metal runners instead of water. They can exceed speeds of 50mph.