Windjammer Barefoot Cruises Founder Shows Barter’s Power

Windjammer Barefoot Cruises Founder Shows Barter’s Power

Captain Mike Burke, the founder of Windjammer Barefoot Cruises, began his cruise business with one “yacht”—a 14-foot ketch—and a dream. The dream was to bring the windjammin’ experience to as many people as possible.

Through barter he leveraged his sailboat into the largest fleet of tall ships in the world—seven proud ladies of the high seas. Using what he had to get what he wanted, Burke traded unsold cabin space on his boat for advertising in magazines that brought him cash customers.

Today Burke is moving in other directions. He has his 11,000 square-foot castle in Miami up for sale...asking price $6.5 million.

The property has 145 feet on Biscayne Bay, nine bedrooms, nine baths, and an indoor lagoon with a passage to the outdoor swimming pool. For unwanted guests, there’s also a shark-filled moat!

The property is being marketed as a corporate retreat. Interest from potential buyers has included Playboy Enterprises.