Elaine Stewart  Owner, Elaine Stewart Yacht Charters
Date interviewed: November 2007
How did you get started as a charter broker?
My husband and I bought a boat with a bareboat company in 1981. The company went broke, we took over, and we started Caribbean Sailing Charters. As our clients got older and I got different calls, I decided I had to do more than just bareboats.
Back then, they didn’t have any broker seminars like they do today for people new to the crewed boats, but there were some older brokers who showed me what to do.
What kinds of boats do you typically book?
I’ll try anything. I typically book crewed yachts up to about 150 feet long, and I’ll book the smallest bareboats as long as I’ve seen them. I want to be a broker who knows about what I’m selling.
A lot of bareboaters book online because they think it’s cheaper, but it’s not. It’s the same price no matter what, and when you work with a broker, at least we’ve looked at the boats for maintenance. Since my husband and I owned a bareboat company, I know what to look for.
What are some of the best charter destinations you’ve personally visited?
I love Turkey. It’s a different world, just totally different.
We also did the San Blas Islands. It’s amazing there. It’s a matriarchal society that’s kept their islands and their people pure. They don’t allow outsiders on their islands at night. It’s terrific.
And Greece is wonderful. There’s just so many beautiful places.
What’s the first thing you ask a new charter client?
Where do you want to go? That narrows it down so much.
Describe your ideal charter client.
I like somebody who doesn’t know that much because I can educate them. I enjoy working with first-timers. I can help them make decisions without them having preconceived notions.
There aren’t any dumb questions. They’re just questions that you have, that hopefully I have the answers to.
Describe your nightmare charter client.
It’s somebody who calls up and wants a 60-foot catamaran, but has the budget for a 30-foot monohull. He doesn’t know it, and he won’t listen to me. It’s impossible.
Describe a previous booking where you worked “above and beyond” for a client.
I had a lady who lived in Nebraska and wanted to do a wedding in the Virgin Islands. She wanted me to help her find a dress, flowers, a minister—to be a wedding planner. I did work with her, and eventually I found her a local wedding planner on the islands. It came off without a hitch.
It was a lovely affair. She sent me pictures, and I sent her a silver picture frame as a wedding gift.
What are a few of your favorite charter yachts, and why?
I do have a few favorites, but they would be different depending on who the client was. My favorite for you might not be my favorite for somebody else.
Who are a few of your favorite yacht crew, and why?
My favorite crew are the ones that I think I might enjoy being with. It’s like making friends. You always have some friends who are better than others.
What makes you different from other charter brokers?
I don’t know that I’m different. I hope all brokers work as hard as I do.
What else should CharterWave readers know about you and your business?
You have to feel comfortable with the broker that you’re dealing with. You’re sending them money. I think people’s personalities come across, and you just have to be comfortable.
I want to spend time with you if we’re working together. I want to know you. I spend time, and I think that’s very important.
How can CharterWave.com readers contact you?
My phone number is (800) 824-1331,and my e-mail is callelaine@mindspring.com.
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