Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, Fin Gaddy embarked on a transformative journey from his early years at Ravenscroft School to his tenure at Hargrave Military Academy, where he arrived in 1982 and remained until 1985. Immersed in the Hargrave experience, Fin found his niche in Charlie Company, where he served with distinction in the color guard and as a squad leader on the drill team for special events. Beyond his military commitments, he also indulged his passions for art and ecology through active participation in the art club and ecology club.
Reflecting on his time at Hargrave, Fin holds dear the memories and lifelong friendships forged within its halls. He attributes much of his personal growth to the profound influence of his teachers, acknowledging the invaluable lessons and structure instilled by the academy.
With a deep-rooted love for fishing nurtured since childhood, Fin’s affinity for the sport blossomed during his formative years in Morehead City, North Carolina. At the tender age of 12, he began honing his skills, eventually culminating in the unforgettable moment when he hooked his first billfish aboard his father’s vessel, The Sea Dart, in 1983.
Following a brief stint in college at Western Carolina and the College of Charleston, Fin’s passion for the sea beckoned him to Nags Head, where he served as mate under Captain Hank Beasley on esteemed vessels like the Top Billin’ and the Hit N Run. In 1997, he ventured to Hatteras and established his own charter operation aboard the Qualifier, setting sail to explore waters as far-reaching as the Azores, Bermuda, Cape Verde, Costa Rica, Venezuela, and Central America.
Evidencing his commitment to marine conservation, Fin assumes a pivotal role as a board member for The Billfish Foundation, dedicated to preserving and enhancing billfish populations worldwide. Today, he resides in Manteo, North Carolina, with his wife Nancy of 19 years and their twin boys, Charles and Brown, aged 16. Charles, currently a sophomore at Hargrave Military Academy, follows in his father’s footsteps.
Devoted to their local community, Fin and Nancy extend their support to initiatives such as the North Carolina Community Foundation and the Roanoke Island Volunteer Fire Department, with a particular emphasis on fostering growth and excellence at Hargrave. Fin & Nancy founded The Tigers At Peace Scholarship; TAPS to remember and honor those Cadets that passed away before their time. Known for his keen insight and meticulous attention to detail, Fin serves as a steadfast advocate for the academy, nurturing relationships with faculty and staff while championing a culture of excellence and accountability.
Despite his myriad responsibilities, Fin’s greatest joy lies in witnessing his sons embrace their shared love for fishing, a passion that binds them as a family. Ever dedicated to the betterment of Hargrave and its cadets, Fin remains actively engaged in the school’s day-to-day affairs, embodying the spirit of service and leadership instilled within its distinguished alumni.