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Project Manager
Background
With over 45 years in the marine industry, Jim Plagenhoef brings extensive experience across professional sailing, yacht management, and technical systems. A Maine native and Trinity College graduate, Jim began sailing as a teenager and went on to win a gold medal at the Henley Royal Regatta. He has since built a distinguished career as both a professional sailor and marine project manager, competing in two America’s Cup campaigns—aboard Defender (1983) and USA(1987)—and racing in numerous international events including the Admiral’s Cup, Sardinia Cup, and eight Newport–Bermuda Races.Beyond his sailing career, Jim has held senior roles at Barient Winch Company and Omohundro, the pioneering carbon mast builder, where he managed global projects and product development. Through his consulting firm, Stratton Island Solutions, he has overseen major refit and restoration programs for historic yachts such as Courageous, Weatherly, and America II, and collaborated with leading industry names including Sparcraft, Safe Harbor New England Boatworks, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Foundation.
Role at Grand Prix Resources
As Project Manager at Grand Prix Resources, Jim oversees complex refit and restoration projects with a focus on deck hardware, winch systems, rigging, and hydraulic integration. Drawing on decades of hands-on experience and leadership in yacht systems and performance management, he provides expert oversight from planning to commissioning. His technical insight and craftsmanship ensure every project meets the highest standards of precision and reliability that define Grand Prix Resources’ work.Education and Credentials
B.S., Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut
America’s Cup team member, Defender (1983) and USA (1987)
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Systems Manager
Background
A lifelong sailor, William began sailing at age six on Long Island Sound at the American Yacht Club. He went on to compete in dinghy and keelboat racing throughout his time at Hobart College. Before entering the marine industry full-time, William spent eight years in the corporate fine art world, developing a meticulous attention to detail that now defines his technical work. A graduate of the IYRS Marine Systems Program, he has since combined his passion for sailing with deep technical expertise in yacht systems, rigging, and vessel management.William has raced in the Newport to Bermuda Race and numerous national and international regattas aboard vessels of all sizes. His experience also includes assisting in the completion and ongoing performance management of Weatherly—the historic 12-Meter America’s Cup yacht—and advising on Hound, a 1970 Aage Nielsen design, ahead of Transatlantic and Fastnet campaigns.
Role at Grand Prix Resources
As Systems Manager at Grand Prix Resources, William oversees all aspects of marine systems installation, integration, and maintenance. His role extends across rigging, electrical and mechanical systems, and vessel deliveries. Drawing on both his technical background and racing experience, he ensures each yacht operates with peak reliability and precision. William’s leadership and hands-on expertise are essential to GPR’s commitment to excellence in vessel performance and service.Education and Credentials
B.A., Hobart College
Graduate, IYRS Marine Systems Program
U.S. Sailing Level 1 & 2 Certified Sailing Instructor
Former Sailing Director at Indian Harbor Yacht Club
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Director of Strategic Operations and Development
Background
Growing up on the water in Maine, Carter developed a lifelong passion for boating and the maritime community. He began sailing at a young age on Penobscot Bay, competing in regattas along the coast and multiple Junior Olympic events before moving on to instruct youth sailing at the Castine Yacht Club. His early experience extended beyond the water, assisting with boatyard operations across Massachusetts and developing a strong understanding of both vessel maintenance and client service.While attending the University of Virginia, Carter studied Economics and played for the university’s rugby club. During that time, he expanded his technical and operational knowledge through systems integration work in the corporate sector. After graduation, he spent a year in the U.S. Virgin Islands, assisting with crew support and administrative operations for a large charter business. There, he earned his STCW certification and USCG 25-ton Master’s License while gaining firsthand experience in vessel logistics, client relations, and hospitality management.
Role at Grand Prix Resources
As Director of Strategic Operations and Development, Carter works closely with the founder to streamline daily operations, drive growth initiatives, and guide long-term strategic planning. Leveraging his background in maritime operations and business strategy, he manages project coordination, partner relations, and market research while supporting the development of new service offerings that expand Grand Prix Resources’ capabilities and reach.Education and Credentials
B.A., Economics, University of Virginia
USCG 25-Ton Master’s License
STCW and TWIC Certified
Meet Our Team
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Founder and Director
Background
With over two decades of experience across commercial shipping, yacht racing, and marine operations, William Gammell founded Grand Prix Resources to bring a new level of precision, professionalism, and strategic oversight to vessel management. His career spans both the performance sailing and commercial maritime sectors, where he has led teams, projects, and campaigns at the highest international level.William’s work has focused on integrating advanced technological solutions with practical, scalable operations—bridging the gap between high-performance sailing and real-world vessel management. As a professional sailor and team leader, he has developed and executed sponsorship and activation programs throughout North America and Europe, supporting athletes and partners across major racing circuits. His combination of business insight, legal training, and maritime expertise defines the company’s forward-thinking approach to full-service marine management.
Role at Grand Prix Resources
As Founder and Director, William oversees the strategic vision and daily operations of Grand Prix Resources. He leads the company’s full-service and a la carte management programs, which serve both recreational and commercial vessels across North America, Europe, and Asia. In addition to client management, William directs consulting and activation plans for marine businesses seeking growth through targeted advertising and brand development within the maritime sector.Education and Credentials
J.D., Loyola University New Orleans — Civil Law
B.A., Economics, Hobart & William Smith Colleges
Over 20 years of professional experience in commercial and performance sailing sectors
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Lead Service Manager
Background
Jimmy began sailing in college aboard a 32-foot wooden catboat, sparking a lifelong commitment to the sport. After moving to Narragansett Bay, he gained hands-on experience working with Benj on Etchells and Melges 24 programs before joining Grand Prix Resources. Over the years, Jimmy has built an impressive racing résumé—earning 5th place at the J/22 World Championships in Annapolis, 2nd in class in the Bermuda Race aboard Entropy, and competing in multiple Melges 24 World and National Championships. A champion sailor in ORC, E Scows and Offshore Classes and former Gertrude Cup Champion, he has also contributed to the management and optimization of renowned racing programs, including Spooky (TP-52), Weatherly (America’s Cup 12-m), and Entropy (Swan 42).With years of experience in systems work, refits, and racing yacht optimization, Jimmy brings an expert understanding of performance, precision, and craftsmanship to every project he undertakes.
Role at Grand Prix Resources
As Lead Service Manager, Jimmy oversees refits, systems integration, and maintenance operations while managing the workshop and service team. His expertise in composite and systems work allows him to refine and optimize racing and performance yachts to the highest standards. Known for his attention to detail and practical problem-solving, Jimmy ensures that every vessel leaving the shop performs at its peak potential, both structurally and mechanically.Education and Credentials
B.A., Marketing, Roger Williams University
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Composite Technician
Background
Born in the Azores and now a Narragansett local, João has been sailing the bay since childhood. An avid amateur sailor and ASA-certified instructor, he has competed in regattas across Rhode Island and raced dinghies for UMASS Boston. João’s professional experience includes work with premier builders such as Carbon Ocean Yachts and New England Boat Works, where he specialized in composite fabrication, structural assembly, and yacht finishing. He contributed to several high-profile builds, including the 50-foot carbon fiber Duende (designed by Steve Koopman and Dirk Kramers, 2022) and the Mini-Maxi 72 Bella Mente (2015).Role at Grand Prix Resources
As a Composite Technician at Grand Prix Resources, João applies his expertise in composite construction, repair, and refinishing to ensure the highest level of craftsmanship across all projects. His work encompasses systems installation and maintenance, diesel engine service and repair, gelcoat and yacht coatings application, and precision varnish work. With additional training in CNC and machine programming, João brings technical accuracy and versatility to every stage of vessel construction and service.Education and Credentials
B.A., University of Massachusetts Boston
SAMI Program Certificate, New England Tech — Machine and CNC Programming
ASA Certified Sailing Instructor