From Discovery Channel, discovery.com/profiles/ A former Merchant Marine turned commercial ship pilot, Vernon has been in the mining game for years but to only middling success. His collection of dredges, newfangled equipment, and innovative approaches to mining usually wind up costing him more than they make. After sitting out a few seasons to recover from a tough ice season that nearly bankrupted him, Vernon is returning to the mining game and – no surprise – he’s got a brand new piece of equipment: a twin-engine, 65-foot catamaran, the Gold Ship Wild Ranger. Vernon is ready to show the Bering Sea and everyone in Nome that he’s found himself a new moneymaker instead of the usual money pit.