Purposeful Simplicity.
Peerless Craftsmanship.
Rooted in Maine’s boatbuilding tradition, Back Cove Yachts builds elegant, fuel-efficient cruisers celebrated around the world. From the original Back Cove 29 to today’s global fleet, every model reflects the craftsmanship and care of the people who build them.
Practical Elegance. From Maine.
Back Cove Yachts has been a Proud Sister Brand of Sabre Yachts Since 2003
A group of Sabre dealers once envisioned a smaller Downeast-style cruising boat—something that captured the charm and tradition of Maine’s iconic lobster boats while offering the simplicity, reliability, and fuel efficiency of a single diesel engine. That vision became the Back Cove 29. And with it, a new brand was born.
Today, Sabre and Back Cove Yachts together form the largest recreational boatbuilding company in the state of Maine—a place where America’s maritime legacy began, with the first ships launched from the shores of the Kennebec River as early as 1607.
Back Cove Yachts leads the industry in the 34- to 41-foot range, utilizing advanced production line methods and vacuum infusion technology to ensure efficiency, precision, and consistency. More than 1,000 Back Cove yachts are cruising waters across the globe—from the harbors of Greece and Norway to Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. In the U.S., they’re found in nearly every corner—from coastal waters to inland lakes.
Built by a team of Maine’s most skilled boatbuilders, every Back Cove is crafted inside a state-of-the-art, 240,000-square-foot facility in Rockland, Maine. Here, each associate understands their individual contribution—and how it impacts the finished product. A culture rooted in teamwork, safety, and cross-training—combined with a deep awareness of each model’s place in the market—ensures Back Cove Yachts consistently exceed the highest standards of modern boatbuilding.
Design Philosophy
We believe every design must “be a boat first,” balancing our Maine heritage with evolving innovation. As a design team, our mission is to elevate the owner/operator experience, from the helm to the mechanical spaces and beyond. We approach every detail with intention. Classic lines, smart systems, practical accommodations, and reliable performance are the cornerstones of our design philosophy. Every Back Cove reflects a deep respect for the demands of coastal cruising, offering understated luxury, intuitive operation, and enduring style.
Built to be enjoyed.
Each yacht is crafted to deliver a sense of independence, reliability, and comfort on the water. Built with efficiency in mind, they are easy to maintain and designed to operate smoothly. We listen closely to our owners, drawing on their real-world experiences to refine layouts, systems, and features for the way people truly use their boats. Our goal is to take the worry out of the experience so owners can relax, explore, and enjoy both the journey and the destination.
Confidence at every turn.
Every detail is carefully considered to help owners cruise with peace of mind, knowing their boat will take care of them. Years of feedback from active cruisers have helped us enhance everything from docking systems to storage solutions, ensuring each design supports ease of use in all conditions. Whether underway or at rest, a Back Cove is designed to support effortless handling and thoughtful onboard living from the moment you step aboard.
Leadership
CHAIRMAN
Daniel Zilkha
Daniel Zilkha was founding partner in Soditic S.A., a Geneva-based investment bank. He moved to New York in 1973 and was the founder and publisher of Art & Auction Magazine. Daniel came to Portland, Maine, from New York in 1983 and has been involved with several Maine companies. He was the CEO of Sabre Yachts, Back Cove Yachts, and North End Composites for almost 39 years. Daniel holds a Bachelor of Science in engineering degree from Princeton University and an MBA from the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration.
VICE CHAIRMAN
Ed Miller
Ed Miller served as a Vice President at Rothschild Inc. in New York from 1972 to 1980 before founding Island Couriers, which he grew into an express delivery service operating in 22 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean. He sold the company to Federal Express in 1987 and became President of the newly formed Federal Express (Caribbean and South America) Ltd. He is currently Chairman of Westwind Management. A proud owner of a 2005 Sabre 426 sailboat – immaculately maintained and loaded with the latest gear – Ed enjoys staying active on the water with a few extra toys to help out as he ages a bit! He holds a Bachelor of Engineering from Texas A&M University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Aaron Crawford
As CEO of Back Cove Yachts, Aaron Crawford sets the company’s strategic direction and oversees operations, drawing on more than 30 years in the marine industry. His background includes key roles at Sparkman & Stephens, Carroll Marine, and Outerlimits Offshore Powerboats. A graduate of the Landing School of Yacht Design, he also studied at Drake University and completed Harvard Business School’s Owners, Presidents, and Managers program. A lifelong boating enthusiast with thousands of offshore miles under sail and power, Aaron lives on the coast of Maine with his wife and two daughters, where his passion for the water continues to guide his leadership.
PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Jason Constantine
In his role as President and Chief Operating Officer with Back Cove Yachts, Jason is responsible for all manufacturing operations. Jason began his career in the industry in 2003 with Sabre Yachts as a member of the assembly team, building the Sabreline 47. In 2007, he made the move to Rockland to manage Back Cove production. Jason is a graduate of Stonehill College, holding an Honors B.S. in Biology.
VP OF DESIGN & PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Kevin Burns
Kevin Burns is a former US Merchant Marine Officer and was born and raised in Ohio where he was educated at Miami University before moving east to begin his career in yacht design. Kevin studied engineering while serving in the United States Coast Guard, and went on to graduate from the Design Program at the Landing School of Yacht Design. He served as a Naval Architect with Setzer Design Group in North Carolina before joining Sabre Yachts & Back Cove Yachts in 2006.
ACCOUNTING MANAGER
Carol Worcester
Carol Worcester has served as Accounting Manager at Back Cove Yachts since 2011, bringing with her over 15 years of experience in manufacturing finance at the Controller level. Originally from Madawaska—the northeasternmost town in the U.S.—Carol grew up speaking French as her first language. She holds a Bachelor’s in Accounting from the University of Maine at Presque Isle and a Master’s in Business from Husson University. A dedicated leader both at work and in her community, Carol has served on the State Board for Maine Business & Professional Women and is currently President of the Rockland Rotary Club. She lives in Owls Head with her husband and enjoys time with her five children and ten grandchildren.
ENGINEERING MANAGER
Adam Carlson
After interning with Sabre in the summer of 2006 and Back Cove the following year, Adam joined the Back Cove team full time as a member of the engineering department. With a degree in Industrial Design from the University of Wisconsin–Stout and a lifelong passion for the water inspired by his childhood on Lake Michigan, Adam quickly established himself as a key contributor. He served as Senior Designer for both Back Cove and Sabre from 2012 to 2022 before being promoted to Engineering Manager at Back Cove. Adam now lives on the coast of Maine with his wife and daughter, enjoying all that Midcoast life has to offer.
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER
Jordan Hill
Jordan Hill got his start at Back Cove Yachts in the production department, working in gelcoat and learning the fundamentals of boat building from the ground up. After a few years in the finance world, he found his way back—drawn by a strong connection to the Back Cove community and a passion for the craft. With experience that blends hands-on know-how and business insight, Jordan now manages dealer relationships, coordinates production, and represents the brand at shows and events around the country. A proud Mainer, he’s fueled by a love of craftsmanship, life on the water, and spending time outdoors.
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGER
Theresa Kavanagh
Theresa Kavanagh grew up in Vermilion, Ohio, on the shores of Lake Erie and holds a degree in Mathematics from Denison University. Before joining Back Cove Yachts in 2017, she spent 15 years at sea, sailing tall ships and research vessels throughout the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Europe, and later working in Alaska’s commercial fishing industry. Among her most memorable voyages are a transatlantic crossing from the Mediterranean to Baltimore and a supply run from Seattle to Dutch Harbor. She began her career at Back Cove at the front desk and now serves as Supply Chain Manager. Theresa lives in Owls Head with her spouse and tends a thriving garden.
MARKETING MANAGER
Allie Alsup
Allie Alsup is the Marketing Manager for Sabre and Back Cove Yachts, driven by her love of the water and passion for building meaningful relationships. She grew up spending summers aboard her family’s sailboat along the New England coast, later working on Block Island and sailing the ICW from Connecticut to Florida. Allie holds a BS in Marketing and an Advanced Graduate Certificate in HR Management from the University of Connecticut, where she also competed as a Division I track athlete. She brings energy, authenticity, and a deep appreciation for the boating lifestyle to her work.
COMPOSITES MANAGER
Frank Chandler
Frank Chandler has been with Back Cove for 25 years, bringing a lifetime of composites experience to the team. A Maine native who grew up around boats, thanks to a Navy dad and a boatbuilder grandfather, he graduated with a degree in chemical engineering before joining the marine industry. Frank became Composites Manager in 2019 after years in lamination at both Back Cove and Sabre. Outside of work, he enjoys time on the water and with his wife and two daughters.
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Bill Froehlich
As the Production Manager at Back Cove Yachts, Bill brings over 30 years of diverse operations management experience to the role. His background spans custom electro-mechanical design and fabrication, quality systems management, and has even built cutting edge space flight hardware. Bill moved to Maine in 2018 and has since applied his experience to boatbuilding in the areas of team leadership and continuous improvement. He is deeply committed to operational excellence by the application of lean principles and workforce development.