Capt. Scott Miller has spent nearly 30 years working in the yachting industry, earning the respect and affection of former crew, charter guests, and friends. Miller has helped numerous crewmembers throughout their careers in yachting and has remained a friend to many crewmembers long after they stopped working together. Now, Miller needs the yachting industry’s help. Miller has been fighting cancer for the past three years and, unable to work, is now struggling financially while continuing treatment. Former crewmembers, friends, and charter guests are now helping raise funds for Miller’s ongoing treatment.
“Scotty is one of the best captains I have had the privilege of working with, and he is a very dear friend. He cares about people and takes the time to help them. He has personally helped me secure several chef positions throughout my career, and I will always be grateful for that,” said Andreas Orzechowski, chef of M/Y Victoria Del Mar. Orzechowski, Owen Doyle, and former crew, charter guests, and friends, are helping raise funds for Miller’s treatment and related living expenses.
“He remembers people, stays in touch and helps create opportunities for others. Those things make a lasting difference, especially in an industry where a recommendation or a helping hand can shape someone’s career,” Orzechowski said.
Miller is now facing stage IV cancer. His illness has left him unable to work, and treatment has taken a considerable physical and emotional toll.
“We want to help give him some breathing room so he can focus on his treatment and spend time with the people who care about him, with fewer financial worries weighing on him,” Orzechowski said.
So far, more than $33,000 has been raised. Additional donations will help cover Miller’s ongoing treatment and related costs. Donations, sharing the fundraiser, and personal messages mean a great deal in to Miller as he continues treatment. Anyone who would like to donate or share the fundraiser can visit the GoFundMe campaign at: https://gofund.me/a302e4ccb
Miller was born in New Zealand and has a background in cruising, fishing, and international yacht racing. During his career he has worked throughout the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Cuba. Diving, fishing, and surfing have always been among his passions. Over the years, his work has connected him with crew, owners, and fellow captains around the world, building friendships along the way. Former crewmembers shared memories of the captain, mentor, and friend they came to know while working with Miller over the years.
Claire Fitoussi:
I had the pleasure of working with Scotty back in 2019, and to this day I can honestly say he was the kindest, most fun and genuinely caring captain I have ever worked for.
Scotty wasn’t just our captain; he was like a dad to us all on board. He had this wonderful ability to make everyone feel valued, looked after, and part of a family. He genuinely cared about each and every one of us, not just as crewmembers, but as people.
He also knew how to make life on board fun. I’ll never forget him sneaking a few of us from the interior team off the boat in the Bahamas so we could go and see the swimming pigs and enjoy a cheeky cocktail ashore. That’s just the sort of person he is. He understood how hard everyone worked and always found little ways to make us smile and create memories along the way.
What I think makes Scotty so special is that his care for his crew doesn’t end when you step off the boat. We worked together seven years ago, yet we’ve stayed in touch ever since, and he has continued to check in on me throughout the years. That says everything about the man he is.
His reputation within the yachting industry really does speak for itself. Wherever we went, whichever port we arrived in, Scotty seemed to know everyone, and everyone knew Scotty. He was always greeted like an old friend, which I think is a true reflection of the relationships he’s built and the respect he’s earned throughout his career.
There are captains you work for and eventually forget, and then there are captains like Scotty, who leave a lasting impression on you. He is one of those rare people who makes you feel lucky to have crossed paths with him.
He’s a real character, a true gentleman and an absolute legend in the yachting world. I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside him and, even more so, to still call him a friend.
Engineer Heron:
I had the privilege of doing an Atlantic crossing with Captain Scotty, a jovial, well-mannered, and pleasant gentleman. He is highly knowledgeable in the marine and mechanical fields and always willing to share his experience. What makes him truly special is his willingness to help others find jobs and opportunities, along with his strong family values and caring nature.
Captain Scotty is more than a great captain; he is a great human being who makes a positive difference in the lives of others. Much respect and appreciation to you, Captain Scotty!
Chef Tim Lock:
Captain Scotty is a true Yachty with a passion for the industry some may say a pioneer. It’s not just a job for him but a lifestyle, every crewmember he treats like a friend and does his best to support, as he has done for so many over the years. Stay strong and keep fighting.
Chief Stewardess Autumn:
Captain Scott is one of those rare people you feel incredibly lucky to have crossed paths with in your lifetime. Selfless, witty, knowledgeable, and deeply empathetic, he has a way of lighting up every room he walks into and making everyone around him feel that little bit brighter. He is the kind of person who leaves a lasting impression, not just through his knowledge and experience as a captain, but through the person he is at his core. Anyone who has had the privilege of working with him, or even simply crossing paths with him, will understand just how special he is. The world is a better place for having people like Scott in it, and I feel truly fortunate to know him.
Alysa Lamountain:
Captain Scotty was the biggest social butterfly I ever knew. No matter where we docked, he knew everyone that worked at that marina. He was a friend to the locals and made an impact on everyone he met. I remember one time in the Bahamas, there was a fire near where we were docked in Harbor Island. He told me to grab some of the fire gear and meet him in the golf cart. He drove down the road and took me to where a huge fire had been destroying a locally beloved building. He offered help and assistance with our gear because he cared so much for the people there.
He taught me everything I know. I was a green deckie when I started working for him. My first day on the job, he told me to take the RIB and pick up bosun at the marina down the road. I gave him a look that said, “you want me to go alone?” I’d never driven by myself before. But his response to my fear was “anyone can drive a boat,” untied my lines, pushed me away and out of my comfort zone. He always made me feel I could accomplish anything. He always maintained a perfect level of responsibility and also how to have fun. There was never a dull moment, and never missed an opportunity to teach us. He truly cared about his crew. He knew us all on a personal level and was always there for us no matter what. He will go down in history as the best captain I’ve ever worked for.
Taylor Sarni:
Capt. Scotty always took the best care of his crew, making sure we were safe, well rested and cared for while out at sea and on charter. In fact, when I got sick in St. Martin, he personally brought me my medicine and made the decision to send me home for better medical care until I recovered. I trusted him with my life then and would again. We're all praying for Scotty’s recovery so he can continue to live life to the fullest!
