‘‘Into the ocean I go to lose my mind and find my soul’’
R12 Boats & Yachts was born out of a shared connection to the sea—a place that shaped our journeys and became a symbol of freedom and purpose. What started as two people chasing a dream has grown into something bigger: a business fueled by a deep respect for the ocean and a commitment to helping others navigate their own adventures. For us, this is not just work; it is a way of life. Every project we take on reflects the lessons we’ve learned, the challenges we’ve faced, and the belief that even the smallest details can make the biggest difference. We’re not just building a business—we’re building a legacy, one boat, and one story at a time.
To get to know the people behind R12, we invite you to read our bios below.
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Fernando Abello is the Founder and President of R12 LLC. Born and raised in Cuba, Fernando immigrated to the United States as a teenager, where he embarked on a distinguished career marked by both military service and expertise in the maritime industry.
His journey began with his service in the United States Marine Corps (USMC), where he excelled as a Motor Transportation Mechanic/Operator. He was entrusted with the maintenance and readiness of high-value military machinery. He also served as a Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival (MCIWS), a role that involved training over a thousand military personnel. His exceptional performance in this role led to his promotion to Training Director of the Marine Training Facility in his Battalion, where he managed and supported training operations across two additional Battalions at Camp Pendleton, California.
Upon honorable discharge from the military, Fernando pursued further education in Seattle, obtaining professional certifications as a Commercial Diver from the Divers Institute of Technology. His skills in commercial diving led him back to Florida, where he worked with multiple international cruise and cargo ship lines across major ports and harbors in South Florida. These experiences provided him with an in-depth understanding of the maritime industry and fostered valuable industry partnerships.
Fernando continued his education in Florida, graduating as a Yacht and Small Craft Surveyor from Chapman School of Seamanship and becoming an American Boat and Yacht Council Advisor. He also achieved certification as a Yamaha technician and obtained a Captain's license. These significant accomplishments have further enhanced his technical expertise and expanded his professional network, instilling confidence in his abilities.
Today, as the Founder and President of R12 LLC, Fernando's dedication to continuous improvement and skill development is the driving force behind the company's commitment to providing versatile and valuable solutions in the maritime industry.
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Mila Broche is the Co-Founder and Director of Operations at R12 LLC. Hailing from Cuba, Mila's profound passion for the ocean and commitment to excellence have been the driving forces behind the establishment and growth of R12 LLC.
After immigrating to the United States, Mila embarked on an academic journey that uniquely combines Psychology, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Business. She holds degrees in Psychology and Interdisciplinary Studies, is a licensed Behavior Analyst, and is currently pursuing a master's degree at Florida International University's College of Business. This diverse educational background equips Mila with a unique blend of psychological insight and interdisciplinary knowledge, enhancing her ability to manage and innovate effectively within the marine industry.
Under Mila's leadership, R12 LLC has achieved notable success, including a significant emergency operation for the U.S. Coast Guard at Port Everglades. This critical mission involved restoring a vital search and rescue vessel during a severe storm, enabling the Coast Guard to continue their crucial work and ultimately rescue a family stranded at sea.
Mila is known for her unwavering dedication to delivering on promises and exceeding expectations. Her approachable and humble work style fosters productive collaborations and builds strong, lasting relationships.
Mila is driven by a passion for marine innovation and a deep-seated desire to contribute meaningfully to the field, which motivates her commitment to continuous growth and improvement. She always seeks new ways to enhance the operations and services of R12 LLC and remains at the forefront of industry developments.
