Episode 170: We Bought a Cruise Ship with Zack Luttrell
“ You have to have some failures, but you also have to learn from those and really realize and trust in yourself that you’re gonna be able to figure it out. ”
This week, we're honored to welcome Zack Luttrell, an entrepreneur, adventurer, and community builder from Charlotte, North Carolina. Growing up with an event planner mother, Zack developed an early talent for bringing people together that eventually evolved into something deeper—a calling to create authentic experiences that connect people through shared passion.
Zack takes us on a journey through his transformation from corporate employee to visionary business owner. He describes that pivotal moment when, after losing his job during the recession, he turned his casual hobby of organizing Panthers fan events into a thriving community called Roaring Riot. What began as coordinating travel packages for friends to away games soon blossomed into a movement with thousands of members, dedicated tailgates, and international travel experiences that players themselves recognize from the field.
In this episode, we explore his latest breathtaking venture—purchasing and restoring the historic SV Mandalay, a 102-year-old sailing cruise ship with a remarkable pedigree that once belonged to E.F. Hutton and his wife Marjorie Merriweather Post. Join us for a deep and moving conversation about betting on yourself, the importance of authentic human connection, and what it truly means to build community around the things you love—whether it's football fandom or sailing the Caribbean seas in board shorts instead of suits.
Zack also discusses:
00:48 Meet Zack Luttrell: Entrepreneur and Adventurer
01:44 The Big Purchase: Buying a Cruise Ship
04:12 History of Windjammer Barefoot Cruises
09:47 Renovating a 102-Year-Old Ship
20:29 The Vision: Building a New Cruise Line
24:28 Crowdfunding and Community Involvement
26:46 Zack's Journey: From Corporate Job to Passion Projects
28:33 Creating a Network of Fans
28:51 The Birth of the Membership Program
30:04 Building a Community
31:07 Traveling and Tailgating Adventures
33:18 From DJ to Community Builder
35:57 International Trips and Expanding Horizons
38:58 Recognition and Impact
40:46 Influence of Family and Personal Growth
44:22 The Windjammer Project
47:11 The Importance of Fun and Connection
49:08 Final Thoughts and Future Plans
You can learn more about Zack by following his Instagram, YouTube and Roaring Rito’s Instagram or by visiting his websites RoaringRiot.com and TheWindjammerWay.com.
See below for photos Zack shared from his adventures.
Watch the Full Behind The Scenes Episode
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