Charter broker, Edmiston and Company

Date interviewed: May 2010

How did you get started in the yacht charter business?

I’m from Hertfordshire in England, just north of London. I came to France to work in events and luxury tourism, and I found my way into resort management, which let me travel around the world for about five years. I fancied settling down , and I was at a friend’s apartment in Paris looking at a map of the world, and I thought the South of France looked like an ideal location.

Initially I worked at a four-star luxury hotel in Monaco. Three years ago, I joined Edmiston and Company as a central agent manager of charter yachts.

You always had a good reputation as a charter yacht manager, so it was interesting to me when you switched jobs within Edmiston and became a retail charter broker a couple of months ago.

The opportunity and the scope of a retail charter broker’s job appeals to me. There’s more diversity, and the chance to use my knowledge of destinations. I also get to go out and meet clients and suppliers, and to visit yachts, which I enjoy, as opposed to being in an office-based position. It is satisfying to know that you have directly contributed to your client having a great charter by providing good advice, a sound organization, and really understanding what they want.

As a charter broker, I am keen to exercise as much creativity and imagination as I can bring to the role. Our clients are always discerning, and sometimes have unusual requests, and as a retail broker, it’s fun to try to satisfy those requests and find solutions.

Will you book crewed yachts only?

Yes, crewed power and sail, everywhere in the world.

Have you booked any charters yet from the retail side?

I’m working in tandem with my colleagues at Edmiston right now on already-booked charters for this summer.  I have also started to create my client database and am working on many new inquiries.

You mentioned that you traveled extensively in your previous jobs. What are some of your favorite destinations for yacht charter?

I love St. Tropez in the South of France. I still think it has great charm. But I also love out-of-the-way destinations like the Maldives, Norway, Bali, the whole of Southeast Asia—places where you can go off the beaten track and do something different.

What has your background as a charter yacht manager taught you that will now benefit clients on the retail side?

Having experienced chartering from a yacht owner’s point of view helps with negotiations. Also, having dealt with more than a few captains, I can say with certainty that a good captain and crew are essential to a terrific charter. I would have a hard time putting a client on a boat that does not have a trustworthy captain and crew.

From all of my collective experience in the luxury service industry, I am aware that being available, providing swift and precise responses and solutions, and anticipating the client’s needs are essential.

What else should CharterWave readers know about you?

I am fluent in French as well as in English, so that is helpful when dealing with French clients or booking yachts in the South of France. I’m also a sporty and adventurous person, so I can suggest high-quality destinations with diving, kite surfing, or other fun activities.

How can CharterWave readers contact you?

I work in Edmiston’s Monaco office. The phone number there is +377 93 30 54 44. My e-mail is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , and the Edmiston and Company website has links to reach me as well.