In the serene waters off Puerto Rico, one of USA TODAY’S Woman of the Year, Marcia Cruz Correa, navigates the waves with the same thoughtfulness and dedication she applies in her medical career. A gastrointestinal oncologist by profession, Marcia finds peace aboard her Riviera 4600 Sport Yacht, co-captained with her husband, Francisco (Paco). Named after the Latin phrase for ‘let there be light’ from Genesis 1:3, Fiat Lux 5.0 symbolises the family’s journey of discovery and enlightenment, both on water and in life.
“We wanted a name with a strong value that would inspire us,” says Marcia. “It was important because we work hard to understand why people develop cancer, and we try to enlighten ourselves with knowledge that can be translated to health. With health, you can enjoy life and fulfill your mission in life. When we’re at sea, we feel a sense of release and freedom. Owning a Riviera provides us a venue to reconnect, learn and declutter our minds. We return recharged and ready for life. I see it as an investment in our health.”
Marcia’s journey into co-captaining their luxurious 4600 SY Platinum Edition began with a desire to always be learning, one of her core values. “From day one, I felt the need to learn to drive the Riviera, not only for safety but also because it’s a mental challenge.” The first lessons came with the captain that supported the couple when they first took possession of the 4600 SY. “Now Paco is teaching me all the time. I love to take the helm; I pull out of the marina and park too. I tell myself I’m the captain, and I am,” she laughs.
(Left) Cheers: Cruz Correa with her husband, Francisco (Paco), in the serene waters off Puerto Rico. (Right) Cruz and Paco’s pride and joy, the Riviera 4600 SY.
(Left) Cruz and Paco at St John. (Middle) Cruz and Paco’s daughter Estefania and grandson Atlas at Virgin Gorda. (Right) Sunset at Virgin Gorda.
For women who may see boating as a male-dominated activity, Marcia inspires: “Most of my girlfriends don’t drive their boats. They see it as difficult and a boys’ thing. But women have crossed many societal barriers and shown they are as capable as men. Boating and being a captain is all about logic, safety, and fun. It doesn’t require more physical strength than being a mother or a woman. I tell them, I’ll drink champagne too, just as soon as we get there!”
Marcia has been encouraging her boating friends to take the helm, emphasising the importance of learning the basics. “Women have the capacity to organise and lead. I always tell my girlfriends to at least know how to turn it on and off, move forward and how to read a radar. Some of them are starting to do that now. The other thing, when you’re at the helm you control the radio, so I’m in charge of the music!”
Fiat Lux 5.0 isn’t the couple’s first Riviera. “We purchased our first yacht and then we immediately switched to a Riviera 4800 SY, I think we broke the record of buying and selling a yacht! We’ve been with Riviera ever since, through Wally Castro Marine. We loved the 4800, it was a great yacht, but then in 2020 we saw the layout of the 4600 SY with its extra stateroom and a full beam master suite and we knew it was for us. Serendipitously and with all the help of our broker Wally Castro, we were able to get it. We received the 4600 SY in Culebra Island, a beautiful place with crystal clear waters and friendly people.”
(Left) Marcia at the helm with co-pilots Wilson the pup and grandson Atlas. (Right) An aerial view of the serene waters off Puerto Rico.
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Protected bays, a vibrant marine life, excellent snorkelling and diving, and renowned fishing…the US territory in the Caribbean provides the perfect playground for Marcia and Paco’s nautical life. Besides the main island of Puerto Rico, there are various smaller islands to visit including the lush landscapes of Vieques, Culebra and the US’s only tropical rainforest, El Yunque. Then there’s Puerto Rico’s culture: a fascinating mix of Indigenous, Spanish and African providing culinary variety, colourful buildings, music and dance. “The people in Puerto Rico are extremely friendly and welcoming,” she says. “We have experienced destructive hurricanes and so we have learned to appreciate the moment and to share it. We love life!”
Their marina in Humacao, on the east side of the main island, serves as the starting point for adventure. “Vieques is a beautiful place for snorkelling, swimming, and paddling. We enjoy simple activities like barbecuing on the boat, reconnecting, and spending time with our daughters Estefania, Julieta, Carlota and Luisa and of course our dog, Wilson (a miniature Schnauzer). I pray, read and indulge in the moment, with champagne of course! Being Puerto Rican, we love our rum, champagne and wine…in that order! We get across to Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands about two or three times a year as family vacations. These trips are usually a week to 10 days long. But we try to go at least once or twice a month on shorter trips.”
Onboard, Marcia takes charge of the helm. “When driving, I’m in charge and Paco handles the fenders and outside directions. We share the drive for longer trips. The joystick is great, we love it, and the other thing I love is the dynamic positioning system: press a button and the boat stays right there, it’s fantastic. Of course, we have a gyro and a water maker – all the bells and whistles.” Measuring a smidge over five feet tall, good visibility from the helm is handy. “With the side and back windows and doors that open beautifully, and the sunroof, we create this large, open space and the visibility is excellent. The Riviera also has cameras that help me see the anchor, the stern and engine room, allowing me to monitor any changes. I also love the tender garage, which can fit a full paddleboard, and our inflatable dinghy with its electric engine.”
The essence of their experience lies in the simplicity and joy of being together on the water. Whether it’s a barbecue, snorkelling, or just reading and relaxing, the boat is a place of rejuvenation. “Health is a cornerstone for everything we do. For my family, the Riviera is a place for us to be enlightened in life.”
Enjoy the Riviera 4600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition profile film.
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