A Philanthropic Society of the Yachting World
President & Ambassador
Captain Blake Kollin
Origins: LA native who grew up aboard the family boat, M/Y Well Done; started learning seamanship at 9, was refitting the vessel bow-to-stern by his teens, and cut his teeth navigating the California coast and Sea of Cortez.
Mission: Mentoring the next generation of yacht crew, raising safety and service standards, and championing environmental conservation, human rights, and crew welfare. Focused on creating opportunity for underrepresented talent in the industry, guided by honor, empathy, and integrity.
Philanthropy: Founder of The Circle of CK Elite — "To connect, for the purpose of good."
Track record: 22+ years in yachting, 100,000+ nautical miles logged, recognized charter sector expert. Built CK Elite LLC and multiple successful charter initiatives — now moving into a new professional chapter.
Beyond yachting: Expeditions to the Amazon, the Andes, and Everest; committed to cultural immersion and language learning; Harvard Business School coaching in nonprofit management.
What Sets Us Apart
Curated, not crowded.
Our gatherings are held quarterly along the global yachting social calendar, bringing together a discerning circle of the international yachting community, not an open guest list. Each event is intentional, exclusive, and purpose-built around a rotating charitable cause.
Real support, no red tape.
Through our First Response Fund, we step in fast when maritime professionals and their families need it most: medical emergencies far from port, storm damage, injury aboard, or financial strain between contracts. No bureaucracy. Just direct, transparent support from people who understand this life on the water.
Built by yachties, for yachties.
Led by Captain Blake Kollin and a team who've lived this industry from the inside, The Circle isn't a foundation looking in from outside the industry — it's the yachting community taking care of its own.
