Maggie Vale, charter broker
Rikki Davis Yachts at Churchill Yacht Partners
How did you get started as a charter broker?
I’ve been a sailor for many, many years. I was a captain since 1984, so I used to do deliveries of yachts. Then I went into land-based operations, which included working for the America’s Cup 12-meters for a while. Eventually, I ran into the guys who started Churchill Yacht Partners and got onboard from the inception of the company as the charter fleet manager. From there, it was a natural progression to go into the retail end of things.
I feel like coming from the water, working on boats, and then doing the office management and charter fleet management sides, I’ve worked all angles of the business. I feel like it’s something everybody should do so they can understand each part of the business to help their clients. There is no misunderstanding, and you empathize with each person’s position.
What kinds of boats do you typically book?
We only book crewed yacht charters, normally for at least a week. We do sail and power, and any size boat. I’ve done some small sailboats in New England that take two guests, but we also have booked yachts in excess of 250 feet long.
What are some of the best charter destinations you’ve personally visited?
I like the lower islands in the Caribbean, like Isle de Saints and Dominica, those islands down in the Lesser Antilles, for their diversity and beauty.
Dominica is a rainforest on top of the volcanic island, and there’s all sorts of vegetation going up the mountain. There are also waterfalls with cool and hot water falling down, in the same spot. So you sit under a cold one for a minute, and then you walk a few feet and sit under a boiling hot one. The wildlife and the vegetation are just amazing up there.
Also, I think the Bahamas are very underrated because there’s a lot of action under the water there. If you get down towards the U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands, they’ve kind of fished out those areas. In the Bahamas, there are still a lot of fish and coral heads. You don’t have to dive, since it’s so shallow. You can snorkel. And there are so many islands there, you can still find ones that are uninhabited and have the whole island to yourself.
What is the first thing you ask a new charter client?
The first question I ask is, “Have you chartered before?” If they say no, I would ask them what they’re looking for during their vacation. What activities do they like to do, what their ideal day would entail.
Describe your ideal charter client.
Somebody who understands, first of all, nature. There’s the idea that they’re going on a vacation that is unlike any other. You’re not checking yourself into a hotel to separate yourself from weather and nature. The ideal client appreciates the fact that they’re doing something that puts them back in touch with nature.
The ones who ask if the boat is completely wired with WiFi because they need to work while they’re on vacation, that’s sad to me. The ideal clients are people who want to, and can, relax and get away. My favorite client is one who takes advantage of the fact that they’re in nature, that they’re doing something that many other people only get to dream about.
Describe your nightmare charter client.
I don’t think I’ve had one yet. Some people have more questions than others, especially people who have never chartered before. They just want to make sure all the T’s are crossed and I’s are dotted.
Describe a previous booking where you worked “above and beyond” to help a client.
There was a charter out of Newport, Rhode Island, that involved three boats. I went up to the client’s hotel to gather everybody together—it was 36 people altogether—and I led them down to the dock, got all of their lunches onboard, threw the lines off and said goodbye at the dock. I was like a tour guide with my flag, to make sure they didn’t get lost or have any problems.
What are a few of your favorite charter yachts, and why?
I like the 92-foot Irishman because she’s a beautiful sailing yacht. She’s not brand new, and she’s not high-end luxury like brand-new sailboats, but she sails well and she has the best crew onboard.
My favoritism goes toward sailboats, because I’m a sailor. I really do enjoy all of the classics. My love of sailboats is the classic sailboats, the sleek, beautiful classics.
What makes you different from other charter brokers?
The fact that I worked on the water for many, many years, and then worked in offices as a manager and charter fleet manager, coming from all sides of the industry. It enables me to handle all aspects of the industry better.
What else should CharterWave readers know about you?
My whole reason for being in the business is to make people realize their dream of getting out on the water. I’ve been out there, and I know that you have to experience it. I enjoy helping people realize their dreams.
How can CharterWave readers contact you?
(401) 849-7850, maggie@rikkidavis.com, www.rikkidavis.com
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