Liz Howard
Charter Broker, Fraser Yachts Worldwide,
San Diego, California

When and how did you get started as a
charter broker?
After being a crew member on yachts for 10-plus years and running a successful crew placement company for yachts around the globe for several years, it was a natural transition.
     I have been a charter broker with Fraser Yachts for five years now.

What kinds of boats do you typically book?
I specialize in yachts that are 80 feet-plus with a crew of four or more. I spend a great deal of time inspecting charter yachts and their crew throughout the year.  I attend numerous boat shows annually including Genoa, Antigua, St. Maarten, Turkey, Greece, New England, Fort Lauderdale and others.  I also invest time and money traveling to unique destinations to inspect yachts and locations. 
     I have just returned from Alaska and Vancouver and had the opportunity to visit one of our yachts in the Seychelles last May. The list goes on and on. … I have a great job!

What are some of the best charter destinations you’ve personally visited?
Kind of a loaded question. For the first-time charterer, I think the British Virgin Islands have a great deal to offer. For those a bit more adventurous, the Seychelles are truly magnificent. The Western Mediterranean is perfect for those who want to combine shopping at Gucci with the privacy of their own yacht, but the Eastern Mediterranean (Croatia and Turkey) is becoming a preference of mine.

What is the first thing you ask a new charter client?
Private beaches or shopping and dining in fancy restaurants?  Does the client want to spend quality time with their family and friends in remote areas while onboard, or do they want to get off the yacht and shop, dine, explore? 
     The answer to this question usually tells me a great deal about the group.

Describe your ideal charter client.
I would have to say that my dream client would have trust in me and my skills to select the perfect yacht, crew and destination to meet  their particular needs—and then of course charter year after year trying out new destinations every time!

Describe your nightmare charter client.
That would be the client who chooses a yacht based on pretty pictures rather than the importance of a good crew and proven record of successful charters. 

Describe a previous booking where you worked “above and beyond” for a client.
I am not really good at “tooting my own horn,” but I would have to say I specialize in those last-minute, pulling-a-rabbit-out-of-the-hat scenarios. On numerous occasions I have had first-time clients call in crisis mode needing a fantastic yacht for high season (Easter week in the Caribbean or August in the Med), a.k.a. the very next week!!!!  
     Due to my personal connections and good personal relationships in the industry, I have never let anyone down to date. These clients are now some of my best and have returned repeatedly.

What are a few of your favorite charter yachts, and why?
The 143-foot motoryacht Four Wishes, the 130-foot motoryacht Lady Zelda, the 173-foot motoryacht Passion and the 115-foot motoryacht Freemont come to mind right away,  mostly because of the captains and crew who are onboard each one. 
     I know if I put a client on any of these yachts, I will have a client for life. Nothing rattles these guys, and the yachts are always in pristine condition.  Not to mention my clients will be in very safe hands.

Who are a few of your favorite yacht crew, and why?
There are so many good ones out there. Captains set the pace in establishing a good crew, so off the top of my head I would have to mention Capt. Carl Sputh of the 178-foot motoryacht Starfire and Capt. Ed Featherstone of the 170-foot motoryacht Big Eagle.
     These guys have established excellent reputations, and crew are usually grateful to get hired onboard with them knowing they will learn a great deal as well as earn a very good salary, which typically includes gratuities from one successful charter after another.

What makes you different from other charter brokers?
My loyalty and dedication. I work round the clock for my clients.
     Chartering is a major investment, not to mention often the only downtime my clients get all year. In this fast-paced world I can not jeopardize this. Chartering should be an easy and fun experience from minute one, just a happy family or relaxed group of friends enjoying what they want when they want. 

How can CharterWave subscribers contact you?
In the San Diego office, (619) 225-0588, on my cell phone, (619) 254-3776, or through www.fraseryachtsworldwide.com.