Bill Fortenberry

Captain, Host and Tour Guide providing private boat tours and curated on-the water-experiences. West Passage Water Tours offers private, custom boat trips in Narragansett Bay and beyond. Whether you want a coastal adventure, an island stop or a harbor cruise, each trip is tailored to your preferences. Our specialty is providing upscale, personalized on the water experiences. Operating on the breathtaking waters of Rhode Island, we offer an endless array of water-bound adventures, from serene coastal explorations to hands-on excursions. We live for the ocean and the boating lifestyle, and we take pride in welcoming our guests to an upscale yet immersive experience. Our passion is creating exceptional on-the-water experiences, tailored to your personal tastes and expectations. We are not a fishing charter or a ticketed boat tour company—we are an adventure-focused team with decades of maritime experience. Our approach is bespoke, ensuring every journey is crafted to be both memorable and enjoyable. All tours are conducted on Coast Guard documented vessel Island Girl. Island Girl is a Mainship 30’ Downeast style, semi-displacement cabin cruiser. She is a clean, safe and handy vessel that performs well in New England waters. On board you will find a range of comfortable seating options, a full galley, head, v-berth and other amenities for your use and enjoyment. Bill Fortenberry is a world champion sailor, offshore fisherman, licensed captain, and waterman. He has spent his life on the ocean, growing up surfing and sailing in Southern California and making his longtime home in coastal New England, where he has plied his trades on boats. Chart your Course - Choose from one of our tours or work with us to plan your voyage. Sunset and Harbor Cruises, Wind Farm Tours, Lights House Tours, Scenic Coves, Swim and Paddle, Beaches and Explorations, Special Events - Jazz and Folk Fest, Water Taxi Services.

Responsible for all aspects of North American Sales and Service Operations with $40m P&L responsibility. Oversee sites, staff, dealer, agent, and independent sales networks. Define and deliver sales, service, and market strategy across regions. Direct sales, service and marketing activities to achieve annual budget and profit goals Develop and institute human and business system tools, processes, best practices, and policies to enhance operational efficiency. Provide reporting and business analytics for key stakeholders Develop and manage employee compensation plans, performance measures, and KPIs Led North American businesses to record Revenue and Profit achievement

Business Operations Sales and Marketing Strategy Product Portfolio Planning Product Pricing and Positioning Market Analysis Business Process Development Business Analytics

Sales and Marketing Leader for Global Market Segments Cruising Products Manager Product Marketing Content Manager

Responsible for all aspects of business and brand development in Southeast Asia. Developed and Managed Agent Sales and Service network.

Global OEM Division Manager B2B Business Development Product Development Sales and Marketing

Cultivated relationships with sophisticated client base selling and servicing high-end yacht sails. Managed sales and service operations.

Brand manager for Spinlock, Marlow Ropes and Barton Marine Responsible for all aspects of product importation and distribution. Activities included sales, marketing, purchasing, customer service and technical support.

Served as liaison to America’s Cup ‘95. Developed marketing information system, performed market research, developed grassroots marketing and promotional plan. Provided detailed recommendations regarding nautical sports marketing opportunities Supported product design and development.

Directed marketing for sailing education services. Organized and managed sailing clinics and seminars. Specific activities included lecturing, coaching, training, team building and consulting. Professional Sailor

Participated in all aspects of sailmaking organization. Responsibilities included production, research and design, sail testing, product development and customer service.

Served an apprenticeship in sail production facility. Activities included learning and becoming proficient in all aspects of sail construction and production. Participated in research, design and customer service. Promoted to production manager at sail repair facility.