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Chapman Yachting

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Chapman yachting.

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Yacht Charter

Following an extensive refit in June 2023, SHADOW emerges as the newest and most impressive superyacht on Sydney Harbour.

As a 100-foot luxury cruiser, SHADOW provides a seamless blend of comfort and sophistication. It is an ideal choice for intimate events, accommodating two people, as well as private parties or corporate gatherings of up to 90 guests. The yacht features beautifully designed upper and lower deck cabins, spacious front and rear decks, and four bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom. The refurbishment has included all-new custom seating on the bow, allowing guests to enjoy an unparalleled view as they pass beneath the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Exploring Sydney Harbour on SHADOW allows you to experience the city’s iconic landmarks from a whole new perspective. Glide along the pristine waters and marvel at the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and other defining features of this vibrant metropolis.

Whether you’re planning a special occasion, entertaining corporate guests, or simply seeking a memorable outing, SHADOW’s Private Charters package promises an unparalleled experience. With its refined amenities, stylish design, and prime location, SHADOW invites you to indulge in the splendors of Sydney Harbour while creating lasting memories.

Please note: All rates may be subject to change depending on seasons, public holiday or special events levy. Enquire with Chapman Yachting today for confirm rates and options

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Built from a family heritage and founded by Cooper Chapman, Chapman Yachting is Australia’s leading, full-service, in-house yachting company. Discover over 50 years of Australian yachting experience from the wider Chapman network and services that cover all aspects of the industry, including Yacht Management and Service, Yacht Sales, Yacht Hire and Crew Recruitment.

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• US: +1 (561) 833 4462
• US: +1 (206) 209-1920
• MC: +377 99 90 74 63

WORTH AVENUE YACHTS NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND

Newport is known for its palatial mansions lining the Cliff Walk, its rich nautical history and gorgeous colonial architecture that dates back multiple centuries. The strong competitive yachting scene that has forged some of the world’s greatest sailors and held the America’s Cup for numerous consecutive years is an ideal location for Worth Avenue Yachts northeastern most office. Our Newport yacht brokers offer a wide range of services, including Newport yacht sales, charter, and construction.

where Is Worth Avenue Yachts Office Located?

55 America’s Cup Avenue Newport, Rhode Island

• Phone: +1 (401) 239-2320
• Email: Inquiries@WorthAvenueYachts.com
• Mon - Fri: 9AM-5PM

NEWPORT Yacht Brokerage

NEWPORT YACHT LISTINGS  | NEWPORT TEAM  |   YACHTS SOLD  | NEWPORT EVENTS 

Newport’s history has always been tied to the sea. Home of the New York Yacht Club on Aquidneck Island the seaside city draws thousands of yachts and yachtsmen every season. The marina, restaurants, boutiques and galleries at Bowen’s Wharf offer the perfect backdrop for our new Newport office and our team of Newport yacht brokers. The area is also home to the Newport yacht show, officially know as the International Newport Boat Show (NIBS) which runs annually in conjunction with the Newport Brokerage Show at the Newport Shipyard . Worth Avenue Yachts displays an array of downeast yachts at the shows.

Our centrally located office at Bowen’s Wharf and open year-round, is located in the heart of NBIS. The deep-water dockage at Bowen’s Wharf allows for first-class service and accommodations while visiting us and is the ideal space for browsing Newport yachts for sale. The Worth Avenue Yachts team of Newport yacht brokers specialize in premium Newport yacht sales, private yacht vacations and new yacht construction.

The top Newport yacht brokerage offering years of experience and expertise in Newport yacht sales, yacht rentals and new yacht construction are poised and standing by at 55 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island. The Worth Avenue Yachts Newport extension is led by Newport yacht broker, industry veteran and President of the Yacht Brokers Association of America (YBAA), Jonathan S. Chapman . Jonathan’s team is engrained in the local culture of Newport and offers a wide knowledge of the local yachting scene. Alongside Jonathan is veteran sales broker, Joe Dwyer , specializing in Hinckley Yachts for sale, William Baldwin , member of the New York Yacht Club and avid sailor with a range of yacht sales expertise and Sean Meagher , world adventurer and conservationist with a specialization in large expedition yachts for sale and charter. Todd Hindman , also located in the Newport area offers a wealth of knowledge to the sales team as a yacht broker, 50-ton yacht captain and has extensive technical marine knowledge. For anyone looking to charter a yacht globally, the Newport charter yacht brokers, Pila Pexton and Alicia Ewing are the local gurus for all things Private Yacht Vacation related. With decades of vacations booked, they offer first hand experience and knowledge to all the best charter yachts and cruising destinations in the world. Whether you are looking to sell your yacht in Newport, rent a boat or purchase a new boat, Worth Avenue Yachts is your Newport yacht broker.

The Worth Newport Yacht Brokerage office is located in the heart of  Bowen’s Wharf  on America’s Cup Avenue. Surrounded by landmarks such as  The Newport Art Museum , the  Tennis Hall of Fame ,  Audrain Automobile Museum ,  Fort Adams ,  Redwood Library ,  Touro Synagogue  and  Trinity Church , the area offers visitors an unrivaled opportunity to explore aspects of this country’s rich history.

Step into a world of nautical nostalgia and seaside charm at Bowen’s Wharf in Newport, Rhode Island. This bustling waterfront district comes alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of the ocean. Listen to the cry of seagulls overhead as you stroll down the wooden docks, gazing at the forest of masts bobbing up and down in the harbor. The salt air fills your lungs as you watch fishermen haul in their daily catch, while nearby, dockworkers shout and wave, unloading fresh seafood and produce. Wander past chic boutiques and restaurants housed in historic brick buildings, each with their own unique personality. As the sun begins to set, make your way to the Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival, where some of the city’s top chefs serve up dishes bursting with the flavors of the sea. With live music and beautiful water views, Bowen’s Wharf immerses you in an authentic New England maritime experience.

If you are seeking a yacht for sale or charter, be sure to meet with one of our Newport yacht brokers. They will be delighted to assist you.

The Worth Avenue Yachts office is open Monday through Friday, 9am through 5pm. Our knowledgeable team will be present and available to assist in all your yachting needs. 

The summer season in Newport, Rhode Island is a magical time filled with sun-kissed days, refreshing ocean breezes, and lively activities. As the weather warms, this charming seaside town comes alive. Locals and tourists alike flock to Newport’s pristine beaches to soak up the sun’s rays and enjoy swimming and surfing in the sparkling blue waters of Narragansett Bay. The historic mansions that line Bellevue Avenue open their doors for tours, allowing visitors a glimpse into Newport’s storied past as a summer retreat for America’s wealthiest families. On summer nights, Thames Street bustles with people dining al fresco, listening to live music, and strolling along the cobblestone sidewalks. Summer in Newport brings festivals and events like art shows, food festivals, and sailing regattas. Sailboats of all sizes dot the harbor, from small day-sailers to majestic 12-meter yachts. Whether you come for the beaches, the history, the food, or the sailing, summer in Newport offers something for everyone. The sunny skies, refreshing breezes, and fun activities make Newport an ideal summertime getaway.

Every year, Newport Harbor in Rhode Island transforms into a dazzling spectacle as the Newport Charter Yacht Show rolls into town. This premier event turns the picturesque seaside into a hive of activity as throngs flock to admire the parade of opulent vessels on display. When the sun rises on opening day, excitement buzzes through the air. Majestic yachts of all shapes and sizes line the docks, each emanating luxury and maritime grandeur. Industry professionals mingle with curious sightseers, wandering the rows of floating palaces and daydreaming of future voyages. From sleek racing schooners to multi-level motor yachts, the show offers a glimpse into the glamorous world of luxury boating. For a few days each year, Newport becomes the capital of indulgence on the sea, attracting both seasoned sailors and landlubbers eager to experience the nautical life. The Newport Charter Yacht Show promises awe and escape for all who love the water.

Step aboard into opulence! The charter yachts welcomed visitors from all backgrounds, who were eager to dive into an atmosphere of exquisite luxury. The interiors were carefully designed with plush furnishings, flawless attention to detail, and cutting-edge features, leaving guests stunned. Sprawling sundecks provided spectacular 360-degree vistas, while lavish cabins were outfitted with soft bedding. From stem to stern, the yachts combined elegance and comfort through every inch. Whether you crave breathtaking views, pampering amenities, or simply a taste of the high life, these charter yachts deliver an unforgettable experience.

Learn more about how you can charter a yacht featured in the Newport Charter Show by contacting your charter experts at Worth Avenue Yachts in Newport. 

Get In touch

Newport yacht listings.

Listing your yacht for sale with Worth Avenue Yachts is an easy decision for those who want a seamless and profitable experience. As a premier yacht brokerage firm, we have a global network of buyers and industry professionals, ensuring maximum exposure and the highest possible sales price for your yacht. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing a personalized approach, working closely with you to determine the best strategy for marketing and selling your yacht.

View yacht ASTERIA, available for sale

ASTERIA , yacht for sale

View yacht HALARA (Name Reserved), available for sale

HALARA (Name Reserved) , yacht for sale

View yacht RISK & REWARD, available for sale

RISK & REWARD , yacht for sale

View yacht JEANNIETINI Name Reserved, available for sale

JEANNIETINI Name Reserved , yacht for sale

View yacht NATURAL 9, available for sale

NATURAL 9 , yacht for sale

View yacht ANJILIS, available for sale

ANJILIS , yacht for sale

View yacht ALDONZA, available for sale

ALDONZA , yacht for sale

View yacht SOVEREIGN, available for sale

SOVEREIGN , yacht for sale

View yacht BW, available for sale

BW , yacht for sale

View yacht 21 SEA SANDS, available for sale

21 SEA SANDS , yacht for sale

View yacht SEAS TO SEE, available for sale

SEAS TO SEE , yacht for sale

View yacht WORTHY, available for sale

WORTHY , yacht for sale

View yacht WISHING STAR, available for sale

WISHING STAR , yacht for sale

View yacht BARTON & GRAY DC48, available for sale

BARTON & GRAY DC48 , yacht for sale

View yacht ANDIAMO, available for sale

ANDIAMO , yacht for sale

View yacht ELISE, available for sale

ELISE , yacht for sale

View yacht URBAN, available for sale

URBAN , yacht for sale

View yacht OCTAVIA, available for sale

OCTAVIA , yacht for sale

View yacht 21 REDFISHER, available for sale

21 REDFISHER , yacht for sale

Newport yacht team.

Find out more about our yacht brokers based in Newport below by clicking on their individual profiles below, or use the links to email them directly. Contact our knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating Newport team today to discuss yacht sales, a yacht charter or a new yacht construction project.

Brian Tansey

Michael mahan, alicia ewing, jonathan s. chapman, laura yager, pila pexton, sean p. meagher, tinalea hamilton, todd hindman, william baldwin, yachts recently sold by the newport team, newport events.

NEWPORT YACHT SALES & CHARTER TESTIMONIALS

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Yacht & Small Craft Surveying (YSCS)

180 hours / 6 weeks.

• >   Career Programs
• >  Yacht & Small Craft Surveying (YSCS)

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Program overview.

Dubbed “The Industry Standard,” this program will prepare you to enter the field of marine surveying as a confident professional.  You will be able to prepare vessel appraisals for condition and value in the purchase or sale of vessels.  You will also be able to assist insurance companies in obtaining an insurance value and a “to do” list to make the vessel insurable.  A great prerequisite to insurance adjusting.

NEXT START DATE - APR 29, 2024

(6-week program).

My family (wife, 2 sons and myself) had a great weekend at Chapman this past weekend to complete the CPC 100 Boating Essentials Course. Captain Al was awesome to add vivid examples to the didactic so we could all understand better.

- ralph gousse, cpc boating essentials course (2022), 2024 class schedule, educational objectives.

• To prepare men and women for entry into the field of yacht and small craft surveying.
• To give them the needed technical knowledge and the highest sense of ethical, business and professional honesty.
• To provide others in the marine industry, such as insurance adjustors and underwriters as well as corporate, government and military personnel with in-depth knowledge of boat systems and values.

A competent marine surveyor requires in-depth technical and market knowledge. Involved is the knowledge of hull design, construction methods & materials and what happens to them under various conditions of use and service. The same applies to vessel propulsion, navigation, communication, electrical and waste disposal systems.

The course is designed to equip the student to recognize, evaluate and communicate findings in such a manner as to leave no doubt as to the condition of the vessel at the time of survey. Instructional methods include classroom lecture and on board demonstration, guest lecturers noted for their expertise in the field, practice surveys, and report preparation.

Our goal is to provide a balanced curriculum developing technical knowledge coupled with high business integrity.

Hull Design, Construction, and Materials

The hull is a boat’s essential element, and hull integrity is the result of proper design and construction. Students will study design and give consideration to fiberglass, wood, steel, aluminum, ferro cement, and other boat building materials and methods. Special emphasis is given to the detection of deficiencies.

Propulsion & Support Systems

An examination of sail and engine powered propulsion systems, including all components and test methods. Navigation, communication, fresh water, galley, heating, venting, air conditioning, waste disposal, running, rigging, electrical and fuel systems are also studied.

Business, Professional & Legal Considerations

An exploration of marine surveying as a business and its professional, ethical, and legal aspects.

Surveys & Survey Reports

A professional surveyor follows a step-by-step procedure that begins with an assessment of the hull’s seaworthiness and a detailed inspection of the vessel’s systems. Each student will conduct three (3) complete surveys and prepare Reports of Survey.

Important Note:

The school requires that all student survey reports be typed. In order to comply with this requirement students must supply a personal computer or typewriter.

To qualify for admission, the student must be 18 years of age or older and in overall good health. The successful student must be able to use mathematical skills and the English language in order to fully benefit from the program. Foreign students should score at least 500 on the TOEFL exam or its equivalent.

A high school graduation, state secondary equivalency diploma (GED), or evidence of a student’s ability to benefit from instruction is required. Please have a copy of your high school, college, or previous training transcript sent to the Registrar.

The review process takes into consideration the applicant’s prior education, experience, and expressed desire to learn. Previous training and education will be evaluated and appropriate credit will be given. With this in mind, it is desirable for the applicant to be a graduate of the Professional Mariner Training Program at the Chapman School or have survey-related marine industry experience.

The Enrollment Agreement must be completed and signed (by the parent or guardian if the applicant is younger than 18) and returned to the School along with the $150.00 Non-refundable Registration fee and the Refundable Tuition Deposit. Class starting dates are listed in the program schedule. Students may enroll in this course through the second day of class.

Students must have an official photo ID at the start of class. Please see the listing of approved ID types.

Maximum class size is 16 students. Early registration is encouraged for the January and March classes which generally fill early.

Tuition & Fees *If you are interested in a class starting on 07/01/2024 or later, please contact our front office for updated pricing – (772) 283-8130.

• The Enrollment Agreement must be completed and signed (by a parent or guardian if the applicant is younger than 18) and returned to the Chapman School along with the $150 non-refundable registration fee and the refundable Tuition Deposit.
• Tuition balance is due in full 30 days prior to the start of class.
• Tuition does not include housing, board, or transportation.
• All costs are payable in U.S. currency only.
• The Chapman School accepts American Express, Discover, Visa, or MasterCard
• If a credit card is used as the method of payment, a convenience fee of 3.0% of the total amount charged will apply to all transactions

Financial Assistance

The School offers, depending upon availability and need, supplemental scholarships to qualified students who are eligible for employment in the United States. Other opportunities to consider in planning for financial aid assistance are:

Veteran’s Education Benefits – If you are a U.S. military veteran, you may be eligible for education benefits.

Rehabilitation Benefits – You may be eligible for education benefits due to job-related injuries that preclude continued employment in your present trade or profession.

Retirement Benefits – You may be eligible for education benefits offered by some firms upon retirement.

Retraining Opportunities – You may be able to secure retraining benefits if you are a dislocated worker or eligible for programs offered by other retraining agencies.

Student Housing

Description

Campus housing consists of dormitory apartments. Each unit contains a bedroom, convertible living room/bedroom, bath, kitchenette, and a covered porch. The number of students per unit during this program is a maximum of three. All units are air-conditioned, fully furnished, and equipped with a refrigerator, countertop range, and cooking utensils. Housing is offered on a space-available basis. The School is not responsible for the loss of any personal property. Sorry, no pets.

Housing Fees (Shared Rate)

Housing fee includes utilities.

Housing Fees are due 30 days prior to the first day of classes.

Housing Refund

• If a student cannot attend the class in which he or she is registered, housing fees are refundable.
• Once a student moves into the facilities, no fees will be refunded
• In the event any student does damage to the accommodations, he or she will be responsible for the replacement cost and labor required to repair the damaged Chapman School property.
• If a credit card was used as the original method of payment, a convenience fee of 3.0% of the total amount charged will apply to all transactions

Student Responsibilities

Students are required to observe proper standards of personal conduct. Justification for dismissal from the School would include any action that would be considered offensive by the faculty, the student body, or the community at large. Student conduct is taken into consideration for employment recommendations.

Proper dress, including shoes, shirt, and pants or shorts must be worn in the classroom and Administration Building. Work clothes are recommended for shop and boat maintenance lab work. To safeguard against infection from minor scrapes or punctures, we suggest obtaining a current tetanus booster before arrival on campus.

The School requires that all student survey reports be typed. In order to comply with this requirement, students must supply a personal computer or laptop.

Attendance Requirements

A student must attend at least 153 hours (85%) of the 180-hour program. An accumulation of 27 hours of absences from classes is considered excessive and may result in dismissal from School. Veterans’ benefits are interrupted at this point.

Class Schedule

Classes meet daily, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Lunch is from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.

Lateness for any part of an hour will be counted as a full hour of absence.

Unexcused Absences

More than 12 hours or (2) full class days of unexcused absences in any (2) two-week period is considered excessive and may also be cause for dismissal from the School.

Excused Absences

A request for absence must be submitted in writing by the student and approved by a member of the administrative staff prior to the absence, except in case of illness or another emergency.

A student who must take extensive leave beyond the allowed attendance policy limits due to special circumstances such as prolonged illness, family emergency, called to active duty etc., will be permitted to re-enter at the phase of training that is identical to the one he or she left. Earlier phases of training may be repeated at no additional tuition cost as determined by the School. Veteran students must be terminated for pay purposes.

Re-Admittance Policy

If a student has been terminated for attendance reasons and can give evidence that the cause for poor attendance has been eliminated, the student may be re-admitted on a probationary basis for a three-week period. Six hours or one full class day of unexcused absence during this period will result in termination.

Veterans’ benefits may be resumed during the probationary period.

Tests & Examinations

Periodic tests will be given throughout the 6 weeks as a measure of each student’s progress. These will include practice surveys. A comprehensive final exam will be given at the end of the course.

Final Grade

A minimum final grade average of 80% must be achieved in order to qualify for a graduation certificate. The final grade will be based on a weighted average of all test and exam scores as follows: 50% – Periodic Test Scores 50% – Final Examination

Student Progress

All student records will be kept on file for viewing by the student and authorized parties.

Student progress will be carefully monitored on a regular basis. If a student’s average falls below 80, he or she will be considered on academic probation until the average is brought up to passing. If grades are not brought up to passing within two weeks, the student will be terminated for unsatisfactory progress. At this point, veterans’ benefits may be interrupted. Re-entry will be at the discretion of the School’s administration.

Requirements for Graduation

The Chapman School awards a certificate. All attendance requirements must be met and any financial obligations to the School satisfied. A final average of 80% or better is required.

Job Search Assistance

Most surveyors are self-employed individuals who have worked to gain the recognition of marine insurers, influential yacht dealers, brokers, and owners. Through its influence in the marine industry, the Chapman School is building its contacts with the same clientele in order to assist successful graduates in gaining entry into the profession.

The School cannot guarantee job placement. Complimentary resume preparation is offered to graduating students.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR CAREER PROGRAMS REFUND POLICY

YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE

Read to begin your journey with Chapman? Request information, schedule a visit or start the admission application process. If you require assistance please call or email for immedidate support.

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4343 S.E. St. Lucie Blvd. Stuart, Florida 34997

772-283-8130 | [email protected]

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• Articles and Guides

Rightboat Interview: Yacht Brokerage and Classic Yachts with Jonathan Chapman

23rd dec 2023 by john burnham.

Based in Newport, R.I., Jonathan Chapman is a Certified Professional Yacht Broker at the international yacht brokerage firm Worth Avenue Yachts. He has been engaged with the brokerage market for more than 25 years, and during the pandemic, he served as president of the Yacht Brokers Association of America. Earlier in December, between consecutive trips from Rhode Island to Florida and back, he spoke with Rightboat.com content director John Burnham.

Jonathan Chapman

John Burnham

You’ve been a yacht broker for a long time, Jonathan, and you’ve seen the market through many phases. For the benefit of potential buyers and sellers of medium and large size yachts, how would you describe the current marketplace? 

The current marketplace is not what it was a few years ago—we're definitely seeing things slow down. Call it a correction. The COVID era was pretty epic from the standpoint of yacht sales—the busiest time in my 26-year career. And it created a marketplace where whatever price the buyers were asking is what they were getting, or very close to it. The prices in some really competitive markets, such as Hinckleys, were such that buyers were sometimes paying above asking prices. We're now back to where we were before that all began, and we're seeing a number of price corrections. The difference between the asking price and the actual sales price is now typically 10 to 15 percent off. Before, it was under a 5 percent difference for a long time. 

Burnham: Are there any sectors of the market that are still hot, where there's strong demand for a type of boat? 

Chapman: The market is still hot, John. Buyers and sellers are now negotiating more than they ever had to. We don't do a lot of financing at Worth Avenue Yachts for people that are buying boats with us, but my observation is that higher rates have not really stopped people. There's no lack of interest. There are still buyers who want to buy and sellers who want to sell and move on to their next boat.  

Burnham: How about any sectors of the market or types of boats where you can find a boat for a value price?

Chapman: It’s the same story we've had all along. Good clean boats that come to market that are priced reasonably and represented well will sell quickly. Unlike boats that have been on the market for two and three years, which could have some underlying reason due to their condition or age, and typically take a lot longer to sell. Another issue is that the insurance companies are being very tight right now and tough on writing coverage for older boats. Personally, when I've got an older boat under contract and I'm scheduling a survey for that boat, I'm also calling various insurance agents to get that process going well ahead of time, so we don't run into any last-minute difficulties. Generally speaking, the markets are more powerboat focused, so the sailing market offers a lot of value. If you're a sailor and looking for a nice quality sailboat, you're going to get a little more bang for your buck right now.

Linda Marie , 49’ Alden (2005). Courtesy Worth Avenue Yachts

You’ve recently finished up two years as president of the Yacht Brokers Association of America . I’m curious, with your view from that perch, how have you seen yacht brokerage change, and has COVID changed it?

Chapman:  I was president of YBAA from its 101st through its 103rd year, which is really quite remarkable. There are very few associations globally that can say they're 100 years old, and I was proud to be involved seeing it into its next century. The yacht brokerage business as a whole changed, particularly in those two years, because they were the COVID years. None of us knew what to expect when COVID hit—I was bracing for what I thought would be a long, lean period of tough sales. But it ended up being this surge, and massive desire for good clean quality boats because the consumer saw it as one of the best ways they could socially distance with their family under their own terms. And it just elevated the brokerage industry to new highs. We have not seen that really slow down, as I think a lot of the experts had predicted—there isn’t this influx of boats back on the market of people trying to get out after being new boaters for two years. I think people discovered boating and want to stay in boating.  

Burnham:  What new challenges came with the surge?

Chapman:  Some of the topics that were hot for brokers were that the cost of dockage went through the roof. With so many boats being sold and so much demand for slips and moorage, the marinas and shipyards and municipalities were able to ask what they wanted to ask and the consumer would pay it.

Burnham:  That sounds like what you're doing with insurance now—where you have to try solve problems downstream of the sale to help boaters get on the water. When a customer is buying a boat now, what are the key factors?

Chapman:  Are they going to be able to insure it? And where are they going to put it? I have lost deals because they have not been able to procure dockage. That's a very important piece of the puzzle. Another thing that's happened is there's been massive consolidation in the marketplace amongst brokerage firms, as well as for shipyards and marinas. As we all know, Safe Harbor Marinas has been buying up lots and lots of yards. In some places, like Narragansett Bay, where they own seven or eight yards, the pricing structure for dockage has also gone up across the board, including at many of the other privately held marinas. So, everything is a lot more expensive now than it used to be. In Europe as well, demand is pushing up prices.

Burnham:  How many members does YBAA have?  

Chapman:  The YBAA membership is corporate membership, so a business becomes a member and then all the brokers in that business would fall within that membership. The actual number of brokers is a little more than 1500.  

Burnham:  YBAA is a key supporter of CPYB, the Certified Professional Yacht Broker program, which certifies individual brokers. Why would you say it's important for consumers to work with CPYB brokers?

Chapman:  Actually, YBAA founded the CPYB program, and it’s been gaining traction. The newer, younger brokers coming into the industry are eager to become certified as a way to show their dedication to the field. I think it’s older brokers who have been doing this for 30 to 50 years who in some cases aren't embracing it so much. But it's a wonderful program and an important designation so the buyer knows when they are dealing with a broker who is certified, that broker is committed to a well-rounded and broad knowledge base, committed to adhering to certain ethical requirements, committed to using industry-vetted contracts, and committed to knowing how to properly represent a buyer and/or a seller. It's a knowledge base that every broker should have, and I hope that as the years progress, the program grows. Right now, we have more than 400 CPYBs in the U.S.

Burnham:  Has the number of CPYBs grown over the years?

Chapman:  It continues to grow, and we’ve just rewritten the testing structure so it no longer has to be done in person. The brokers can take the course in a series of seven online modules over time. Once certified, there are continuing education credits to keep up with every two years to renew the certification.

Burnham:  What’s the distribution of membership with YBAA?

Chapman:  The vast majority of members are Northeast based, including Canada. We also have a significant number of Gulf Coast members and some Florida members. There’s another major association in Florida, the International Yacht Brokers Association , which used to be the Florida Yacht Brokers Association, and the two associations work well together. Tomorrow, I’m flying down to Florida for a yacht broker summit in Fort Lauderdale. It’s an educational seminar on yacht sales and the law—put on by both IYBA and YBAA —to offer continuing educational credits to the CPYB members—and also just to share knowledge and network with other brokers and industry colleagues.  

Burnham:  You’re a partner at Worth Avenue Yachts. What's the point of difference that you offer customers?

Chapman:  Every company is looking to stand out in some way. What Worth Avenue Yachts offers right now is that we haven’t taken part in any consolidation. You now have a number of firms out there that are part of big public companies. MarineMax, for example, now owns the Northrop & Johnson, Fraser Yachts, SkipperBuds, Intrepid, Cruisers Yachts, and IGY Marinas brands. They're a big conglomerate. Another is One Water Marine, which recently purchased Denison Yachting as an addition to a number of other brands they already owned. Most of these firms still operate under their individual brand, but the consumer might not know that they're dealing with a very large corporate and public company. Worth Avenue Yachts, by comparison, is individually held, we're private. We don't have any plans on selling out. And while we’re global, we're also small and agile. We have a great presence, a broad reach, and marketing capabilities that certainly rival many of the larger firms out there.

Sovereign , 103’ Burger (1966). Courtesy Worth Avenue Yachts

Burnham:  You’re also involved in charter, and you manage new yachts. Do you manage yachts once they're built on behalf of an owner?

Chapman : No, not the day-to-day operational aspects. For an owner who may want to put their yacht into the charter market, we would manage the marketing for them, and that makes up a good 30 to 35 percent of Worth Avenue’s business. There’s a real demand in chartering yachts worldwide. Croatia and Greece are hotspots right now. The Bahamas has always been very popular, although a little less so this year since they recently enacted a Bahamas charter tax. Chartering has always been a great opportunity for someone who wants a large yacht experience without the large-yacht price.

Burnham: Any other points of difference that Worth Avenue offers?

Chapman: We’re an American-based company with offices in Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Newport, Seattle, and Monaco. And we base our work on a team structure. You’ll rarely find a listing that's represented by a single broker; there's usually two brokers representing a boat. We work well together. In the firms I've worked with previously, there has generally been internal competition among brokers. But Michael Mahan and Brian Tansey, who founded Worth Avenue in 2011, somehow created a team-based ethos that is still very strong within the company today. It just feels like there's no competition amongst the internal brokers; we're all working together towards the same goal. We are sharing information with each other freely, and we all want to see the company and each other succeed. It's a very different kind of company from that standpoint. I won't say it's not numbers driven, because it is, but the relationship both internally amongst the brokers and externally with clients is really what it's all about here.

Burnham:  If you have two representatives, do you split the commissions?

Chapman:  Yes, we do, and sometimes when someone's got a listing, they may end up doing more work than the other guy. But what goes around comes around, and the brokers here all recognize that. 

Burnham: What is the typical size of the sales you're involved in. Are they all large yachts?  

Chapman: They can be, but right now one of our brokers is selling a Hinckley 29 and another is having a 180-footer surveyed before the sale is complete. Most sales for the company range from probably 40 to 130 feet.

Burnham:  What's happening in the new yacht construction market? And how does that work in your firm?

Chapman:  Usually, a new construction client will be a client you already have a relationship with—you may have sold them a brokerage boat or two and then they decide that for their next boat nothing really exists that they want on the market. So, you start exploring the new-build market. But the new-build market also correlates directly to the brokerage market. We’re starting to see the new-build market open up—and by that I mean the build times for some manufacturers might be down to 18 to 20 months, whereas they were out to three or more years. When there are lot of boats in the pipeline to build, it causes people to look at the brokerage market more if they don’t want to wait for a boat. Now that's started to slow and the new build market is opening up a bit. Some name brands, like Hinckley, which I mentioned before, are always in demand and they've still got quite a new-build backlog, which has been helping the brand’s used boat value. 

Burnham:  You’ve mentioned Hinckley a couple of times and you’re based on the East Coast. What do you see as the top brands that you find yourself buying and selling for customers?

Chapman:  My business is really varied. I have a little bit of a niche that I truly enjoy—classic boats. I like Trumpys and Consolidated’s. I recently sold a 73-foot Defoe commuter built in 1930 in Bay City, Michigan; it’s going to France. I've got a 100-foot 1966 Burger for sale now plus a 1985 Burger, both classic Jack Hargrave designs. I’ve sold sailboats, too. Last year, a 104-foot Jongert design in the Med and also a custom Hood-designed 70. I really don't have a particular brand that I keep coming back to. I like dealing with variety and I like clients who appreciate classic salty lines and interesting yachts.

Wishing Star , 84’ Trumpy (1963). Courtesy Worth Avenue Yachts

Burnham:  There are a lot of brokers who are older than you, I would expect it would be the old guys selling the classics. What's your edge?

Chapman:  I was a colonial American history major in college. I've always liked history and the golden age of yachting and the America's Cup here in Newport—all of that has definitely influenced me. There's something pretty special about pulling into a harbor in a beautifully maintained classic. Even if it's much smaller than the biggest boat in the harbor, it oftentimes gets more looks and more respect than the biggest, most expensive boat out there. The owners are interesting to deal with, too. It’s a fun part of the business.

Burnham: Do classics sell for lower prices because the new owner will be taking on higher maintenance costs, and if so, how do you suggest that potential buyers think about that?  

Chapman: Generally, yes. The value in a classic yacht is partly in her pedigree and appeal, but the majority of it is in the condition. It can cost a fortune to bring a classic yacht back that has been “let go,” so to speak; it’s crucially important to maintain them and stay ahead of any issues or deficiencies.

Burnham:  Besides the ones you have listed, what’s the coolest boat on the classic yacht market right now?

Chapman:   I’m not sure there is one “coolest classic yacht,” but one notable is Sovereign , a Jack Hargrave-designed Burger built at 97’ and now measuring 103’ with a swim platform extension. She made headlines when she was launched in 1966 as the largest yacht ever built in aluminum at the time. She was 30 percent lighter than if she were made with steel and it also allowed for a shallower draft and the same performance with 15 percent less horsepower. The asking price is $2.1 million.

Burnham:  When you take an afternoon off and head for a boat. Is it going to be a classic boat, more likely than not?

Chapman:  It probably would be, yes. My favorite boat I've ever owned was a 21-foot Hodgdon Brothers runabout built in 1959. She was cedar plank on oak frames, and I had more fun on that boat than I've had on anything else I've owned. Now my wife and I have a Wilbur that we use about 100 hours a year, cruising around New England.

Worth Avenue Yachts is headquartered in Palm Beach, Florida, with offices in Fort Lauderdale, Newport (R.I.), Monaco, Seattle, and San Diego.

Written By: John Burnham

John Burnham is a marine ​editor and writer with ​decades of journalism experience as ​Chief Editor of​ boats.com,​ Sailing World, Cruising World, and ​other boating websites. As a competitive sailor, he has led teams to world and national titles in the International One-Design, Shields, and other classes. Based in Newport, Rhode Island, John is a​ PCC leadership coach, a member of the ​America’s Cup Hall of Fame Selection Committee​, and a ​past board member of Sail America and US Sailing. For more, see  johnsburnham.com .

More from: John Burnham

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Chapman Ducote, owner of Anahita V

A superyacht owner who cares deeply for the heritage of classic marques – yet is also to be found regularly risking his life in the water? As Stewart Campbell discovers, racing car driver and owner of 1952 Feadship yacht Anahita V Chapman Ducote is an enviable study in contrasts.

No one can make you feel inadequate quite like superyacht owner Chapman Ducote. If it was just the house on South Beach in Miami, the successful business employing 500 people, and the beautiful author wife, I could just about stomach it. But there’s more: in his spare time this tanned native of New Orleans gets into the boat at the end of his garden and blasts to the Bahamas to go spear-fishing and free-dive. He also snowboards, and is a regular visitor to the podium in the various race-car series he’s involved in.

Then there are his charitable works, his seat on the board of the Miami Symphony Orchestra and his patronage of a well-respected Florida art museum. I bet he even plays the guitar. Ducote, at just 38, is a walking, talking motivational slogan, and when we meet at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, it is impossible not to be utterly tractor-beamed by his affable, easy-going nature. I don’t want to interview him; I want to go grab a beer with him. And then go spear-fishing.

Unfortunately, he’s got work to do. He’s at the show with Sweden’s Delta Powerboats , for which he’s recently become the US importer. Deltas represent the cutting edge in yacht design – razor sharp and made completely of carbon for exceptional performance and efficiency. But while undoubtedly cool, the boat I’m here to talk about is the polar opposite of these futuristic Swedes; Ducote is also the proud owner of 24.69 metre Anahita V , the biggest Feadship ever when she was launched in 1952, and the very first yacht from the company to be imported into the US.

Ducote found the yacht completely by chance, sitting anonymously in a California boatyard. “It’s kind of a funny story,” Ducote says. “My wife does most of her writing on boats, and while we live on the water, she can’t write a word at home. So she told me she wanted an old tugboat that we could put at the end of the garden to act as a writing studio and guest house.

“I realised that it was going to be a hell of a lot of work to gut an old tugboat, so I thought to myself, ‘I wonder how much old Feadships are?’ I started digging around and ended up on a website chat room. I was just like, ‘click, click, click, then boom’ – there she was. The yacht wasn’t advertised, and the guy didn’t know what he had,” Ducote continues. “It was the first Feadship superyacht ever built and the one where they realised their business model. So to say my boat is historically significant is an understatement! It’s like owning the first Ferrari ever built or the first Rolls-Royce they ever raced.”

A racing Rolls-Royce with a shady past, that is. Anahita V spent the first part of her US life cruising the East Coast, before her owner was lured to California by the sun and sparkling seas. There he sold her to a local, who cruised her between San Diego, southern California… and Mexico. “A lot. A little too much, if you know what I mean,” Ducote hints. The owner was eventually indicted for smuggling and the Feadship became a ward of the state for years before being sold at auction in the 1980s to its next owner; he lived on board her for the next 30 years, until Ducote saw her mentioned in the chat room.

“And it was a gem. I had some boys from Holland fly over to take a look at it and they were shocked at how good a condition it was in. All the mill-work, all the bulkheads, the shafts, engines and generators – all of it is original. And the whole boat is teak, it’s like a brick. Feadship built a sistership two years after this one, in mahogany, and it’s gone,” Ducote says. “When I called Feadship and told them about the boat they couldn’t believe it. They thought it was dead. I’m surprised there hadn’t been a bigger hunt for it, because the people who love these boats are fanatics.”

The yacht remains in California, a long way from Ducote’s Miami home. He plans to totally refit her, and is in discussions with Feadship to book a slot, likely in late 2015. Mechanically, though, Anahita V is running sweet, which Ducote discovered for himself on a seven-hour passage out into the Pacific and back. He expects the yacht to be with Feadship for a year before she’s ready to be relaunched, sometime in late 2016. “I never thought about getting it refitted in America,” Ducote says. “I really wanted to be partners with Feadship on this. I want them involved, I want their blessing.”

Once complete, Anahita V will stay in the Med, acting as Ducote’s European escape – and hopefully appreciating in value, he says with a twinkle. “In 10 years or so classic boats are going to feel much more special. I said to Henk de Vries (Feadship CEO): ‘Henk, why would somebody pay $20 million for a Ferrari when they could pay much less for a classic Feadship of which there’s only one?’ They made 10 or 20 of these Ferraris and there’s only one of these boats; it’s pretty special. So I do think the market for classic yachts, in particular classic Feadships, is going to skyrocket.”

There’s clearly a fine business mind behind that big smile. Ducote’s day job is running Merchant Services, a credit card processing business. He also makes money from his racing career through sponsorship deals, and nowadays races exclusively in endurance events – 24 hours at Daytona, for instance, or 12 hours at Sebring. It amounts to about four or five events a year. “You have to have a good programme,” he says. “The old rule in racing is spin, win or crash. You have to get your sponsorship exposure, and deliver for them mainly in a business-to-business capacity.”

Somehow he even finds time to act as the US agent for Delta Powerboats, and it’s one of that company’s models, the triple IPS-powered, all-carbon 54 that he’s got sitting at the end of his South Beach garden. He’s long desired to be in the boat business and despite the joy he gets from whipping a car around a racetrack at breakneck speeds, it’s really always been about the boats. “My first conscious memory is rolling around the saloon floor of a Hatteras sportsfish boat, which my father had at the time. There was a storm and I was looking through the back door. I couldn’t walk. I couldn’t speak. But I remember rolling around that floor,” he says.

The experience clearly engendered some kind of desire to push the limits when it comes to water. In his weekend trips over to the Bahamas in his boat, he regularly dives for his lunch, speargun in hand. “It’s a challenge, mentally and physically,” he says. “You’re in an environment you’re not supposed to be in, combating currents and winds and fighting sharks – literally.” Sharks? “Yeah, it’s happened many times: I’ve had to hit sharks. You punch them in the nose, or use one of your spears and put it in their eye or gills or whatever. I never feel more alive than when I’m spear-fishing.” His hunting is done in about 18 metres of water, but he goes much deeper when he free-dives, his record being about 39 metres. This means he holds his breath for about a minute and a half.

“Sometimes I go so deep I lose consciousness,” he says, deadpan. “That’s happened to me before. I had a friend who helped get me back. But it’s a cool sport. It takes a lot of training, a lot of fitness and a certain type of personality to want to do it.” It’s hard to reconcile this daredevil side of his personality with the desire to travel sedately at 12 knots on a 60-year-old classic in the Med, but part of Ducote’s charm is that there are no borders to his enthusiasm, no single stream that he swims in. It just makes him, irritatingly, that much more interesting.

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