 President and Charter Sales Agent,
Neptune Group Yachting
Date interviewed: November 2006When did you get started as a charter broker?
I’ve been a broker since 1991. What kinds of boats do you typically book?
Fully staffed (crewed) power yachts and a few large sailing yachts for high-end clients. What are some of the best charter destinations you’ve personally visited?
Greece!!! Also, Turkey, New Zealand, Sweden and—always a favorite—the British Virgin Islands. What is the first thing you ask a new charter client?
“How can I be of assistance?” Next, I determine which location they have in mind.
Describe your ideal charter client.
One who listens to suggestions after providing basic information, and one who allows me to assist instead of follow. Describe your nightmare charter client.
One who demands only the impossible yacht-location-date combination that simply is not available, and one who is inflexible. Describe a previous booking where you worked “above and beyond” for a client.
I once worked 24 hours straight to find a replacement yacht and crew after the first yacht fell through. I also helped load on the provisions before personally greeting the clients and bidding them “bon voyage.” What are a few of your favorite charter yachts, and why?
I like yachts with spacious, well-appointed interiors including a nice aft deck and fly bridge (top deck) for al fresco dining and sunbathing. Who are a few of your favorite yacht crew, and why?
It’s hard to name favorite crew, as I try hard to work “with” them to make the charter happen. So, I guess I’d say crew who have a “can-do” attitude, and who keep me in the loop before, during and after the charter. What makes you different from other charter brokers?
The service and expertise earned by years of professionalism, attending boat shows, traveling to personally check out cruising grounds, bookings, and actually having been crew. What else should CharterWave readers know about you and your business?
Shop for your charter agent. Look for years of experience and various yacht organizations to which they belong. Have they actually visited the yachts and the cruising grounds? How can CharterWave readers contact you?
E-mail e at
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, or call (954) 257-0404.
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Janet Bloomfield is a proven luxury crewed yacht expert. Professionalism counts: She is a member of MYBA, AYCA, CYBA, and FYBA. E-mail Janet
Patty Wilson knows the charter yacht industry inside and out, having managed boats before becoming a broker. E-mail Patty
DJ Parker has been a leader in the charter industry since 1980. She is currently president of the American Yacht Charter Association. E-mail DJ
Nicole Caulfield is licensed, bonded, and a longtime member of FYBA and AYCA. She brings a unique perspective as a broker, having worked aboard yachts for nearly 10 years. Email Nicole
Beverly Parsons has been chartering since 1969. She is a licensed, bonded broker and a founding member of the professional groups AYCA and CYBA International. Contact Beverly.
Trina Howes has 10 years of experience in the charter industry finding great pleasure in creating the best yachting vacations possible. E-mail Trina
