Southern Cross Navigation’s Voyage and History

Southern Cross Navigation, LLC is owned by the Case  family.  Robert and Cheri Case grew up  being very close with their families in Michigan.  They enjoyed spending time playing in the outdoors and also worked hard to give back to those less fortunate in their communities. 

Cheri’s parents were heavily involved through their church and owned their own business.  Often times, they would help those that were looking for a second chance by employing them at their own business.

Robert’s parents were teachers, big outdoor adventurers, and explorers. His mother, Ellie or "Oma," served her community as a special needs teacher for some of the most severely-disabled children.  These humble upbringings, philanthropic endeavors, and notions to preserve historical landmarks encouraged our owners to  to create a recreational vessel  that could continue to promote acts of charity and giving.

Since 2015, the couple had researched and searched, and visited over fifty yachts looking for a yacht with the right layout to begin a charter business and a nonprofit organization. They visited small ships that were at Dunkirk, classic yachts owned by prominent leaders, hospital relief ships, liberty ships, and they engaged in relief work themselves as they laid out a plan for their own charity. The theme became how to find and use a boat to give or help those in need. Every year disasters require specialized ships to assist in rescues and relief efforts and simple fund raising for noble causes.  Their goal was to be a part of that giving community.

They picked the D.C. metropolitan area due to work and family connections and the strong history of navigation in the coastal region. Occoquan became a favorite anchoring ground along with Baltimore, D.C. and the Potomac. Sites along the Atlantic coast, especially, the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware drew them to the region due to both the wildlife, history, and the temperate changes of season.  Adventures at places like Shark Tooth Island or visits to historic forts and mansions along the Potomac and Atlantic coast resembles the kind of adventures many enjoy.

Then on January 19th 2023, they took ownership of a classic and famous vessel named Sentry. She was built in 1977 by Hatteras Yachts under the famous American yacht architect, Jack Hargrave for the Payson's family (Charles Shipman and Joan Whitney) who were actively involved in the America’s Cup Sailing Competitions. 

The yacht was in-fact the race committee boat for the infamous 1983 America’s Cup loss to the Australians. This was the first time in 150 years the US lost the trophy and the temporary national pride in the oldest sporting trophy in the world. Today artifacts and artwork from the America’s Cup is still on display in the yacht including James E. Mitchell prints. 

The vessel was later acquired by Sentry Oil President, Angus Hines and it became a feature of the Norfolk Yacht boating community. Angus funded many upgrades and hosted many events under the close watch of onboard Captain, Brett Dobbins and his family. There are harrowing stories of long sea voyages to southern islands and strange bits of equipment onboard that each have unique and sometimes secretive stories. 

Angus was said to host anyone onboard with his stories from statesmen to  local bikers he met at a bar that night. His name is still called out on the radio by other passing yachts who know this unique vessel and of Angus’s humor and reputation. When Angus passed away he donated the boat to a local charity in his own act of giving. 

After a short period with another owner Robert and Cheri purchased her in Stuart, Florida and now they travel the Atlantic Coast from the Caribbean to the Great Lakes.  Charter operations and nonprofit events are their way of maintaining and restoring the vessel back to her classic Hatteras design and readiness for new adventures. 

On board you will hear about many ships that have operated as life saving and charity vessels. These stories are told by the captains and owners with pride.  Sentry is here, not just for adventure, but as a long term legacy of giving back to those in need.  Join us if you like adventure, care about or want to organize a charitable event or longer voyage  to help those in need.  You may find new adventures and friends along the way. 

The yacht is operated and can be reserved by Southern Cross Navigation, LLC for private events at dockside or underway cruises or for charity events.

Note: The star constellation called the Southern Cross is an old maritime navigation aid used historically to determine true south as voyagers sailed the oceans exploring and searching for better times and providence. That name and the defense of those in need by military sentries and volunteers is at the soul of her purpose today.