Olan Scheff
Olan's introduction to boating began at a young age during his stays at his grandfather's summer cottage in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. He fondly remembers the captivating stories his grandfather shared about his time in the Navy during World War II, particularly his experience aboard the USS Chicopee during a typhoon that generated 60-foot swells off the coast of Africa.
Affectionately calling him "Grampa," Olan would join his grandfather and brother on fishing trips approximately 200 miles offshore at a renowned spot known as "The Canyons," where the continental shelf descends, creating fertile fishing grounds for large species, especially tuna and swordfish. Olan recalls returning from these outings with an abundance of fish and laughter, noting that his grandfather was also an exceptional cook.
Growing up in the show horse industry alongside his parents, Olan developed a passion for racehorses. He began his career working for Hall of Fame trainer Leroy Jolly before becoming a licensed trainer and founding the Ashbourne Thoroughbred Training Center (ABTC). Olan was the driving force behind the two-year construction project which included a 5/8-mile racetrack and two main barns equipped with indoor jogging tracks. Under his leadership, ABTC gained a reputation for excellence, attracting prominent owners eager to send their horses there. Olan enjoyed a successful racing career spanning three decades, with victories at renowned venues such as Saratoga Race Course, Belmont Park, Aqueduct, Gulfstream Park, Arlington Park, and Meadowlands.
Over the years, Olan has owned several boats, cherishing the freedom, tranquility, and memorable experiences they provided.
In 2003, he embarked on a new journey by entering the boat sales industry. He secured his first sales position with one of the largest new boat dealerships in the country, where he impressively sold around 45 boats in his inaugural year, quickly becoming one of the top-performing salespeople in the company. During this time, he seized every opportunity to expand his knowledge of boats by touring various manufacturing facilities and earning certifications from Mercury Marine and Evinrude.
By 2012, Olan transitioned to a brokerage role at a prominent yacht firm, where he quickly established a strong portfolio of quality listings and a solid sales record. After acquiring extensive industry knowledge, he founded Ocean Reef Yacht Sales, a successful brokerage that thrived for eight years, specializing in high-value vessels ranging from 36-foot center consoles to 132-foot tri-deck superyachts. Olan sold ORYS in 2022.
As a seasoned yacht broker with a proven track record of delivering high-quality listings and sales, Olan remains dedicated to creating lasting memories of excellence for his clients.