Sharon Bahmer
Charter Director for North America and the Caribbean, Boatbookings.com

How did you get started as a charter broker?
I have been around the marine industry for ten years and found charter to be my niche about two years ago. I love yachts, selling, customer satisfaction, and the entire process of matching a client with the perfect boat.
     And I really love meeting the crew on these boats. They are almost always interesting and amazing people!

What kinds of boats do you typically book?
Boatbookings.com offers the complete gambit. We cover nearly all types of charter yachts. We've been particularly successful with crewed catamarans in the Caribbean, as well as event charters. And we see a huge and growing business for short-term and day charters.


What are some of the best charter destinations you’ve personally visited?
Brazil is by far the most memorable! The food, the culture, both are great. And everyone we met was very hospitable, not to mention the most incredible scenery!

What is the first thing you ask a new charter client?
What is your ideal vacation fantasy?

Describe your ideal charter client.
One who knows what they want and can communicate it, and who leaves completely satisfied.

Describe your nightmare charter client.
After everyone rallied to put together a rushed charter, one client borrowed cash from the yacht's captain and then failed to leave a tip or return the captain's money.

Describe a previous booking where you worked “above and beyond” for a client.
I received a frantic call one afternoon from a client who was boarding a cruise ship the next day. The excursion they had booked for one day in St. Lucia for a group of 40 people had fallen through, and he was skeptically asking me if we could help him.
     Although skeptical myself, I made many phone calls and sent many e-mails, and I found  a wonderfully capable lady who agreed to do a custom charter for the group onboard a beautiful old square-rig sailing yacht. We upgraded the menus, changed the points of pick-up and drop-off, and moved money in a hurry.
     Upon the client's return, we received a testimonial that helped us remember why we are in this business.

What are a few of your favorite charter yachts, and why?
I like crewed catamarans. The clients who charter them know what they want, are easy to get along with, and pretty much make up their mind to close a deal fairly quickly. Plus, there's the added bonus that I get to visit them and meet the crew a couple of times a year at the charter shows.

Who are a few of your favorite yacht crew, and why?
It's difficult to single out one particular crew, since there are many who come to mind.
     Let's just say that my favorite crew are the ones where my clients send a post-charter testimonial that raves about the crew.

What makes you different from other charter brokers?
Customer service is key. I am always ready and accessible. We treat every charter, whether it's for a day boat or a superyacht, with the same level of service.
     We know that happy customers tell their friends, and often come back for bigger yachts next year.

What else should CharterWave readers know about you and your business?
Some people think that because we generate clients primarily through the Internet that we have robots in the back room and don't provide a high level of service.
     In fact, the truth is exactly the opposite. Our company's strategy is to focus completely on customer satisfaction, and we receive testimonials daily about our high level of service.

How can CharterWave.com readers contact you?
My e-mail is charter@boatbookings.com