Eric GELINAS

Originally from Montreal, Eric Gelinas developed a passion for the sea at an early age, spending his childhood immersed in boating environments that shaped his lifelong connection to yachting. He has since accumulated extensive time on the water, navigating thousands of nautical miles annually across the Eastern Seaboard, from Maine to the Bahamas, as well as spending five years in the Mediterranean. Today, his focus is primarily on the Caribbean, where he continues to build deep operational and regional expertise. This hands-on experience provides him with a nuanced understanding of both yachts and the lifestyle they represent. Alongside his maritime background, Eric brings significant entrepreneurial and leadership experience. He founded and scaled Gelpac into a $100 million enterprise with over 200 employees, before successfully exiting the business through a private equity transaction. The company has since evolved into a multi-billion-dollar platform. At BARNES Yachting, Eric combines commercial acumen with authentic, first-hand yachting knowledge to guide clients with precision and discretion. His approach is rooted in understanding each client’s objectives, delivering informed advice, and facilitating seamless experiences across acquisition, ownership, and enjoyment. Languages: English / French