ROYAL POLARIS CREW Experience, Teamwork and Reputation are the hallmark qualities of the Royal Polaris Crew. When you review the crew's profiles, one of the things that really stands out is their length of service with the Royal Polaris and with each other. They have history together. This combination of skills and experience, which totals over 250 years, have made this crew unique in the industry. Their reputation speaks for itself.
The Wheel House
	Captain Frank LoPreste There is not much more that can be said about Frank LoPreste that hasn't already be told. He's visible in magazines ads, videos, trade shows and seminars. He is wherever fishermen gather. I guess you might say he's a fisherman's fisherman. Frank started his career at the age of 8 working as a "pinhead" doing all the mop and bucket work but all the while learning the trade. By the time he was 13, he knew that he would one day run his own operation. Frank continued his education earning a bachelor's degree from St. Mary's College and a Masters at Fullerton. He went on to teach High School, but still skippered in the summers. Then he met Bill Poole, who was instrumental in helping Frank get his start. The rest of the story is history in the making. Frank has three children Danielle, Gina and Tony who incidentally is now playing professional baseball in Italy. Frank is married to Brooke Loomis, Capt. Steve's sister and make their home in San Diego.
	Captain Steve Loomis Captain Loomis started his career in 1960 with Captain Bill Poole at Seaforth. Landing and has had his master's ticket for over 35 years. He has been with the Royal Polaris since 1975. Whenever he is not fishing he claims that his favorite pastime is golf and has a handicap that he described as, "about equal to the Royal's length". He makes his home here in San Diego with his lovely wife Thea and their two children. Both of whom carry on their dad's tradition of excellence. His 16 year old son is active surfing competitor and his 13 year old daughter competes nationally with her fast pitch softball team. When he's skipper of the boat, you'll certainly hear him say "Never give up and It ain't over till its over".
On The Deck
	2nd. Skipper Roy Rose Jr. Roy just grew up fishing, he started by working with his Dad when he was just 13 years old from the landing on Imperial Beach. Later he moved over to Seaforth before coming to Fisherman's Landing and the Royal. He has had his skipper's licenses for over four years. Its in the blood, as Roy's dad, although semi-retired, is a relief skipper on the Pacific Queen. Roy is married, he and his wife, Joanne, have two little girls. When on the beach he spends his time doing yard work and being with his family. His biggest thrill is just being there to share the moment when a new fisherman gets his first "big fish".
	2nd. Skipper/Engineer Billy Santiago Jr. Originally from Chicago, Billy considers San Diego as his home. Interested in fishing since his school days, he worked every summer until coming on full time in the fleet. He has 10 years of experience, his masters ticket for 8 years and has been on the Royal for over 3 years. Did I mention that football, next to fishing, is his passion? He is an avid "Raider fan" so be cautious when discussing this sport while on the boat. Billy and his wife, Claudia, make their home in San Diego.
	2nd. Skipper/Engineer Kevin Shelly Kevin hails from New Jersey but came to the west coast after serving a stint in the MSC, Military Sealift Command, which was comprised of civilians during the Viet Nam conflict. He was released in Alameda and just stayed here in California. With almost 30 years of working in the San Diego fleet, Kevin said that he's worked on just about all of the boats. More importantly, he has been with the RP for the past nine years. He and his wife Ruth make their home in Encintias and have two children. One is in college and the other is in Kindergarten.
	2nd. Skipper John Takata Fishing is what John is all about. He said as early as he can remember he's been fishing, starting first with his Dad and Uncle. Then, all through high school, working summers where he now has over 16 years of experience. He's been licensed for the past 10 years and part of the RP's crew for over 8 years. During the short summer season, John takes his talents to Alaska and is a fishing guide for one of the major resorts. John lives in Costa Mesa, and yes, ladies he is single. He claims to be a confirmed bachelor, but then that's only because he hasn't met the right "lady fisherman, or is that fisherperson". Did I say that right ?? Just trying to be politically correct.
	2nd. Skipper/Chief Engineer James Reed "Boots" is his nickname and he's been called that for so long that he's not sure how he got the handle. He thinks that it was when he first started working on the boats 15 years ago, that someone pointed him out to a passenger by saying "go see the guy with the boots ", and it just stuck. Its a good thing as there are already two other Jim's on board. Boots has been licensed for 9 years and has worked on the RP for over 2 years. Originally from Pennsylvania he came to California for a visit and just stayed here. He resides in Dana Pt. with his wife Vickie and one child. They enjoy camping, hiking and of course fishing.
	Dharyl Shelbourne He's your tackle expert when you need help. He's also the practical joker of the boat so beware. Since retiring from the Army, Dharyl has been part of the RP's crew for the past 7 years. He's also considered the "movie guru" so if you want a preview of any video on the boat just ask Dharyl he's seen them all. Several times. He comes from Oakland California but interestingly enough is a die hard 49'er fan. Want to have some fun, just say the magic word "football" when you see Dharyl and Billy together on deck. Dharyl and his wife Carol live in Peoria, Arizona.
	Greg Rowlinavage Greg hails from Irvine in Orange County and still makes it his home. He has been with the RP now for over 4 years. His favorite sport is golf and claims to have a 9 handicap and that it was still dropping. That's quite an accomplishment when he's always working on the boat. His shipmates all winked and said that he was also very good with a pencil and eraser. His other off time activities include working with his Church, and as I understand is "almost married" status.
	William Brown "BG" got his experience fishing in that other ocean that boarders his home state of Massachusetts. Being the "new kid on the block" he is quickly proving his skills, knowledge and background, all of which are quite impressive. He has had his skipper's license for 6 years and holds a degree in Fishing Technology and Aqua Culture. At home, he happened to see a video on long range fishing San Diego style, and felt this is what he needed to do. He sent his resume to Frank, who wisely snatched him up. His hobbies are surfing in "warmer waters", and fishing for giant Bluefin Tuna back east. "BG" is single and just feels he is in the "Right place at the Right time".
In The Galley
	Jim Guydt Jim might best be described as a "permanent fixture" with over 12 years of service on the RP. He's a graduate of the best school there is called "self taught" and when you work on boats its really the only way. He did do some "on the beach work" at the Hotel Del Coronado before recognizing that he belonged at sea. Its a real treat to have these guys, the two Jim's and Greg in the galley as they are constantly trying to outdo each other with their menus. Bon Appetite !! Much traveled, coming from a Army family, Jim considers San Diego his home town where he now lives with his wife Phyllis. They have 4 children and 2 grand kids. Jim's hobby is doing woodworking.
	Greg Muller Greg is one of the Polaris's newer members and has been on a short leave of absence. With only two years on the Royal, he is definitely not without his own credentials. Gaining valuable experience under a 4 star French Chef in Rancho Mirage, California, Greg has cooked for such notables as Presidents Ford, Reagan and Clinton. In between his work in the San Diego Fishing Fleet, he also shared his talents with the Hotel Del Coronado. Greg is married to Denise and make their home in San Diego. Fishing is his passion hence "he just can't wait" to be back out on the Royal Polaris again. Let's welcome him back in November.
	Jim Strong Jim hails from South Dakota but has been in San Diego since 1973. Jim is also a graduate from the school of "self taught" and has been with the RP for 7 years. He's one of the fun guys on board and you will really get to know him by end of the trip. Jim and his wife Barbara have one child and live in San Diego. When he is off the boat, he just enjoys being at home with his family, and more than likely doing some new menu research.