About
From tall ships and classic schooners to world-class yachts, a life spent at sea defines our approach to traditional wood finishing.
At Moana Brightwork, decades of experience on wooden ships and private yachts inform every detail of our work. The result is finely finished brightwork that reflects craftsmanship, heritage, and enduring quality.
From Great Lakes sailing to square riggers in the South Pacific and classic yachts on both oceans, a life at sea defined this craft.
The journey—and the lessons learned along the way—are reflected in every detail of our work.
Nathan Stone – Owner, Moana Brightwork
I grew up sailing the Great Lakes and moved to Key West in 2002 to begin a professional life on the water. Starting as a deckhand and advancing to mate aboard traditional schooners, I developed a deep understanding of classic vessels and the demands the marine environment places on wood. That experience later took me across the South Pacific aboard a wooden square rigger, further refining my seamanship and appreciation for traditional craftsmanship. I eventually returned to Florida, earned my USCG 100-ton Captain’s license, and trained under a master shipwright. It was there that I learned the discipline, precision, and attention to detail required for proper marine wood repair.
I later moved to Newport, Rhode Island to race wooden America’s Cup 12-Metres and went on to work aboard classic private wooden yachts. Over the next several years, I served as Chief Mate on sailing yachts up to 108 feet, cruising both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Working at this level defined my standards for varnish and finish. Exceptional brightwork demands flawless preparation, disciplined technique, and absolute consistency. It is never rushed and never compromised. This uncompromising approach is what allows me to deliver brightwork that stands among the best in the business, season after season.