For Jack Sardina, boating was never just a hobby—it was a way of life long before it became a career. From summers spent on the St. Lawrence River in the Thousand Islands to owning and operating everything from small speedboats to a 65-foot Hatteras sportfish, Jack’s journey through the marine world has been defined by hands-on experience, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to understanding boats inside and out.
That lifelong passion, paired with decades of real-world ownership and mechanical knowledge, made Jack’s transition into yacht brokerage not just natural—but inevitable.
A Life Shaped by the Water
Jack’s love for boating began early, sparked by watching boats pass by on the bay and working on his own vessels as a teenager. Over the years, that fascination evolved into deep experience across a wide range of platforms, including motoryachts, sportfishes, Downeast yachts, and center consoles.
Boating also became a family tradition. Jack and his wife raised their sons on the water, instilling the same respect for seamanship, mechanics, and safety that he learned from his own father. That foundation paid off—his eldest son earned a 100-ton USCG captain’s license at just 19, and today both sons remain deeply involved in the marine industry — Jack Jr. recently joined our team at Panacea as a broker!
Among all the boats Jack has owned, sportfishing yachts hold a special place—especially their 65’ Hatteras enclosed bridge sportfish, a vessel that exemplifies the performance, build quality, and offshore capability he knows so well.
Mechanical Knowledge That Makes the Difference
What truly sets Jack apart is his mechanical expertise. Raised by a father who was both an electrical engineer and an aircraft mechanic during the Korean War, Jack learned early on how to fix, maintain, and improve nearly anything with an engine or system.
He has always taken a hands-on approach, performing much of the maintenance and upgrades on his own boats—not just to save costs, but to fully understand how each system works and how to address issues when far from the dock. That mindset allowed him to continually move up into larger, more complex vessels and gave him a level of confidence and competence that clients immediately recognize.
This depth of knowledge extends beyond boating. Whether maintaining vessels in remote cruising grounds or snowmobiling in isolated locations, Jack understands that mechanical awareness is critical to safety, comfort, and peace of mind—values he brings to every client interaction.
From Helping Friends to Professional Brokerage
Long before becoming a broker, Jack was already advising friends on buying and selling boats, helping them navigate the market and avoid costly mistakes. He closely followed trends, studied brands and layouts, and immersed himself in understanding what made each vessel the right—or wrong—choice for a particular owner.
After stepping back from his career in TV and film production, Jack found himself increasingly consulted by a broker friend who was purchasing a large sportfish for a client. From market evaluations and mechanical considerations to engine surveys and refit planning, Jack’s guidance proved invaluable.
It was then that the suggestion became clear: this wasn’t just a passion—it was a profession.
A Broker Who Thinks Like an Owner
Today, Jack brings that same owner-first mentality to his role at Panacea Yacht Group. Having worked previously with Sandy Hook Yachts and now representing clients across multiple segments, he is known for being meticulous, detail-oriented, and deeply invested in getting it right.
Jack doesn’t aim to simply sell boats. His goal is to guide clients toward vessels that truly fit their needs—even if that means suggesting options they hadn’t considered or being “pickier” than the buyer themselves. The result is long-term relationships built on trust, transparency, and shared enthusiasm for life on the water.
For Jack, success isn’t measured by transactions alone—it’s measured by friendships formed, experiences created, and clients who know they have a knowledgeable advocate at their side every step of the way.
Q&A with Jack Sardina
What did you do prior to Panacea, and what relevant background do you have in the industry?
I worked with Sandy Hook Yachts as a broker prior to Panacea. Before that, I spent most of my career in TV and film production—everything from live concerts and major award shows to TV shows and commercials. That background taught me attention to detail, organization, and how to manage complex projects under pressure.
Are there any standout listings or sales you’d like us to highlight?
No specific standout listings at the moment, but my expertise is very broad. I’m well-versed in sportfish yachts, motoryachts, Downeast yachts, and center console day and fishing boats. I immerse myself in whatever I’m doing and always aim to have the most detailed, accurate information possible so I can confidently answer any question a client may have.
What have been your favorite boats you’ve owned over the years?
By far, my sportfish boats—especially our 65’ Hatteras enclosed bridge sportfish.
Where did you develop your mechanical knowledge?
My father was an electrical engineer and an airplane mechanic during the Korean War. He was very hands-on and taught me how to fix and maintain everything from cars to boats to houses. I’ve always done most of the maintenance and upgrades on my boats so I could truly understand them. That knowledge has been critical for safety, especially when operating away from the dock, and it’s something I’ve passed on to my sons as well.
How did you get started in this line of work?
For years, I helped friends buy and sell boats simply out of passion. I enjoyed helping people find the right boat and avoid buying the wrong one. After stepping back from work to support my wife through health issues, a broker friend began leaning on me heavily for advice while purchasing a large sportfish for a client. I helped with surveys, mechanics, and market evaluations, and he ultimately encouraged me to do this professionally. My clients value that owner-level knowledge, and my goal is always to build lasting relationships—not just complete a sale.
Ready to Connect with Jack?
If you’re ready to begin your next yachting journey — whether buying, selling, or importing — connect with Jack today. His professionalism, experience, and transparency will ensure your next transaction is smooth, efficient, and rewarding.
📞 Call or text: 201.805.3235
📧 Email: jack@the-pyg.com
With Jack Sardina and Panacea Yacht Group, your next yacht isn’t just a purchase — it’s access to a wealth of knowledge and someone who has your back throughout your boating journey.