yacht broker courses uk

Yacht Brokerage

Who is this course suitable for, whether you’re already an experienced broker or you’re looking to make the transition to this vibrant industry in a junior capacity, the diploma in yacht brokerage is applicable to anyone working within a yacht or charter brokerage environment..

Modules: 12 in total

About the Course

Over the years this course has been updated to reflect all aspects of the constantly evolving yacht brokerage industry. Module subjects include essential matters such as registration, title rules and regulations, yacht brokers and the law, business management and valuation along with other challenging subjects such as insurance, finance, sea trials and chartering.

Course Structure

The course consists of 12 modules. All students are required to successfully complete and pass the module assignments. Diploma students will also be required to sit and pass a final examination.

1. An Introduction to the Yacht Brokerage Industry

• Yachting safety
• The purchase of a yacht
• The law and yachts
• Health and safety for the yacht broker
• Customer relations & common courtesy
• Brokerage companies and organisations
• The essential resources for a yacht broker

2. Types of Vessels & Technical Descriptions

• Basics of design
• Definitions of the principal dimension
• The shape of hulls
• Types of vessels
• Sailing boats
• Sails and rigging
• Motorsailers
• Inland waterways vessels
• Mechanical propulsion devices
• Materials & their construction
• Internal equipment
• Electronic & navigation equipment
• Technical standards
• Basic operational knowledge
• Weather and tides

3. Registration, Title Rules and Regulations

• The role and function of registration
• Registration and the certification of registry
• Admiralty law and jurisdiction
• International maritime law
• Documentation
• National and international standards
• The Royal Yachting Association Training & Qualifications

4. Boat Brokers and the Law

Legal concepts

• English Law and the National Legal System
• The law of contract
• The law of tort (negligence)
• Liability in contract and tort

Sale of goods

• UK legislation
• Trade descriptions

Business practice

• Value Added Tax (VAT)
• Recreational Craft Directive (RCD)
• Title & registration
• Marine insurance

5. Business Management

• Starting a boat brokerage business
• Chosen product
• Obtaining listings, photography, advertising and publicity
• Go and see the vessel and crawl over it yourself
• Responsibilities of the different brokerages (listings and selling)
• Getting the vessel on your books
• Marketing and selling
• The sale process
• Communications, ethics and client relations
• The five big thoughts

6. The Surveyor in Practice

• The surveyor
• Organising and completing the survey
• Types of surveyors
• What makes a good surveyor?
• Types of surveys
• The role of the surveyor and the sale process
• The broker/surveyor relationship

7. Sea Trials

• Sea trial and the broker
• The purpose of the sea trial
• Engine tests
• Steering tests
• Other system trials
• Information recording and reporting

8. Valuation

• Valuation methodology

9. Insurance

• The legal side of marine insurance
• The practical side of marine insurance
• The marine trades policy

10. Finance

• Sources of finance available to the broker and the decision criteria
• Title registration and the influence on options for finance
• Liens and encumbrances
• Corporate ownership and the rationale
• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
• Client funds, trust, deposits and escrow accounts
• Miscellaneous finance topics

11. Charter Yacht Brokerage

• Why get into the charter yacht industry
• Different types of charter
• Structure of the yachting industry
• Getting started
• Finding yachts for your clients
• Different types of charter yachts, toys, amenities and crew members
• International chartering areas and their respective seasons
• Itineraries
• Finding clients
• Sales training & closing the deal
• Financial transactions
• Preference sheets
• Clients & customer care
• Niche marketing
• Charter yacht booking

12. Yacht Sales

• Sales and brokerage
• Franchise / dealership
• Introduction to superyacht brokerage
• Role of the broker
• Campaign – be prepared
• Purchasers profile & preferences

Career Pathway

Career path: There is not one single defined career path. In larger yachts many professional yacht crew retrain as yacht brokers in order to be able to come ashore and yet remain in contact with the marine world.

Salary: Can be from a starting level of commission only up to huge sums (millions) for a successful few who sell superyachts. The average annual salary for a yacht and small craft broker in the United Kingdom is around £38,000.

Duties: Finding clients who wish for their yacht to be sold, checking all legal aspects of the right to sell the vessel, obtaining a detailed and accurate description of the vessel, and presenting it in the best possible manner (without misleading). Promoting the vessel to obtain interest and organising viewings. Acting as the intermediary between buyers and sellers and being the glue that holds a sale together through the difficult times.

Meet the Course Director

Toby maclaurin.

Director of Sales ,  Ocean Independence

Toby began his maritime career as a trainee shipwright with Coombes Boatyard in the UK restoring and maintaining mainly classic yachts. A chance meeting with a yacht broker led to a part-time brokerage role at Ancasta International Boat Sales while undertaking an HND in Maritime Leisure Management at the College of Maritime studies in Warsash. Full time employment with Ancasta followed along with senior sales, business development and marketing roles at yacht builder Premier Yachts and then for Opal Marine, before joining superyacht broker and yacht charter specialist Cavendish White in 2002.

Following the Ocean Independence acquisition of Cavendish White in 2008, Toby is now Director of Sales and Marketing in addition to being a Group Board Member and Shareholder of the leading superyacht group and primarily based at the Zürich office in Switzerland. The role as Director of Sales and Marketing is exceptionally varied and primarily involves Toby providing day to day business and troubleshooting support for the group’s 50+ sales and charter brokers across 13 international locations.

Toby has served on the council of ABYA (Association of British Yacht Agents) and was elected to the MYBA (The Worldwide Yachting Association) governing board in March 2008, he then completed 4 years as MYBA President followed by 4 years as Chairman of the association’s commercial company All Yachting SAS, that owns and operates Yachtfolio.com and the MYBA Charter Show.

He has spoken at a number of high profile events and meetings, including the Future of Superyachts Forum, The Superyacht Owners Summit, Rothschild Private Bank annual client meeting, Posidonia Sea Forum and a special meeting of EU tax officials.

As an enthusiastic yachtsman, he has sailed extensively in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, he also has also completed two Atlantic crossings in small sailing yachts.

DIPLOMA IN YACHT BROKERAGE

On passing the Diploma, you will receive the above icon. Please use it on your business cards, LinkedIn profile and website(s)!

You can also use these letters after your name: MTA Dip YB

While the nature of distance learning is independent study, we recognise the importance of support. Students can contact us at any time during their course for assistance and our team of industry experts are always on hand for advice.

We have over 50 industry experts writing, developing and advising on our course material. We truly believe that allowing students to tap into their expertise and knowledge is of the utmost importance to fulfil your dream career.

If you would prefer to complete this as a classroom-based course, please contact us.

How long do the courses take to complete? What's the difference between a Diploma and a Certificate? Read through our Frequently Asked Questions below to find out the answer.

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Yacht Brokerage Courses

Course date, course price.

All our Yacht Brokerage courses are delivered at our training centre in the UK, however we are also able to deliver them on-site at your premises, on-board your vessel or in a suitable location of your choosing.

All courses can be delivered over one to five days dependent on the depth of knowledge required and the initial level of knowledge of the learners.

Alternatively our courses can be combined across subject areas to create a truly bespoke and personalised learning experience.

Below you will see the twelve courses we currently have available, in addition we specialise in bespoke training and course design so if you don’t see a course that fulfils your specific requirements, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

If you would like to complete a full 12 month distance learning diploma covering all the topics below, please  click here for details.

Available Courses

» An Introduction to the Yacht Brokerage Industry

» An introduction to Types of Yachts and their Technical Descriptions

» Yacht Registration, Title Rules and Regulations for Yacht Brokers

» Yacht Brokers and the Law

» Business Management for Yacht Brokers

» Understanding the yacht Surveyor in Practice

» Sea Trials for Yacht Brokers

» Understanding Valuations in Yachting

» Understanding Yacht Insurance

» Understanding Finance in Yachting

» Understanding the Role of a Yacht Charter Broker

» Understanding the Role of a Yacht Sales Broker

Who's The Course Suitable For?

Whether you’re already an experienced broker or you’re looking to make the transition to this vibrant industry in a junior capacity, the Diploma in Yacht Brokerage is applicable to anyone working within a yacht or charter brokerage environment.

Call us on 023 9228 7828  for more information.

In-Person Course

Distanced learning course.

The Training Academy © 2021 | Design by Digi Toolbox Ltd

 “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.”

Sir isaac newton 1675.

Founded by AYB in 2010, our aim as an educational establishment in the UK is to provide Yacht Brokers in the  United Kingdom with similar opportunities to yacht brokers in the United States, who can study and prove their grasp of core knowledge essential to their profession.

CPYB training in the UK is not restricted to experienced yacht brokers but is open to men and women of all ages from all nations (in the English language) online . The final examination can also be taken by anyone who has completed the course, but Certification requires completion of three years experience as a Yacht Broker.

(DISCLAIMER:-                          CPYB in the UK is not connected with CPYB in the USA and does not exist or operate in the USA   CPYB in the United States clearly identify theirs as a NATIONAL, not international, program leaving a clear need which is now provided for, based in the UK.)

The Historical Example and Inspiration

The USA organisation CPYB (www.cpyb.net) has established their National Yacht Broker Certification program; a joint effort of the Yacht Brokers Association of America (YBAA, Annapolis, MD), the Florida Yacht Brokers Association (FYBA, Ft. Lauderdale, FL) California Yacht Brokers Associate, Ontario Yacht Brokers Association and the Northwest Yacht Brokers Association (NYBA, Seattle, WA).

“In development since 1999, the yacht broker certification project objective has been to set a performance baseline for professional yacht brokers nationwide. A program ‘Design Team’ of volunteers from the three associations worked with the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute to define the industry Body of Knowledge, which lists the key areas of performance skills and knowledge required to be a professional yacht broker. The team then crafted a certification exam, comprised of 151 questions, designed to be an objective measurement of a broker’s knowledge. “The process of determining the essential skills that a professional yacht broker needs to have was daunting,” stated Vincent Petrella, president of Hellier Yacht Sales, new London, CT and chairman of the multi-year effort. “This has never been done before, and it was both a challenge and an honor for our volunteer team to be involved in this project. I firmly believe that our efforts will result in raising the bar of performance for the yacht brokerage profession, and will greatly enhance our credibility in the minds of the boating public.” As in many other industries, performance standards, professional training and recognition are essential tools for ensuring that the industry encourages and maintains aggressive performance goals and sound business practices. YBAA, FYBA, NYBA, CYBA and OYBA each have had in place, for many years, association mandated codes of ethics, which provide the minimum standards for ethical broker performance and which are mandatory for all brokers who desire membership in the organizations. The Yacht Broker Certification Program takes this process to a new level, providing a comprehensive method for qualifying eligible brokers who have the necessary experience, skills and know-how to be recognized as a Certified Professional Yacht Broker – CPYB. In addition to defining the industry Body of Knowledge and creating the CPYB exam, the newly expanded Certification Advisory Council will work over the next few years to identify and develop training and education resources that will assist applicants, as well as developing new training seminars and resources that will form the basis of a yacht broker education program.”(quoted under “Fair-use”* from   www.cpyb.net ) THE WAY FORWARD in these early days for CPYB in the UK. Following the example from the USA above, AYB (Associated Yacht Brokers) originally decided to launch CPYB in the UK in early June 2010, with a “Graduate Founder” program, open only to those UK Brokers who are already outstanding in their education and other ways relating to Yacht Brokerage. Graduate Founders were to retain this privileged status for as long as they remained as members in good standing, enjoying special recognition and permanent discounts, potentially for life. In this way it was hoped the initial members would be the best qualified to examine the initial course material and examinations. By their feedback future members should benefit and the highest possible standards be achieved.Shortly after this was announced, other UK organisations, apparently recognising that a real need had been identified, rushed to emulate AYB’s CPYB in the UK and offered a  “Grandfather”  option for a newly invented certification programme that didn’t yet exist.  Unlike the CPYB “Graduate Founder” option,this did  not  require a high level of education but it did serve to highlight the fact that the whole original idea of “Graduate Founders” by CPYB   was in fact flawed . True Professional Certification has to be seen to be earned by study AND examination on a level playing field (Just as it is in the CPYB in the USA) for the certificate to have real value. The old UK Broker industry habit of giving away certificates willy nilly to anyone who pays for and merely  attends   a one or two day course  has to change. CPYB in the UK  is determined to  continue to lead the way  for the  rest of the UK Industry to follow So from now on, the rules are as follows.

(the rest of the industry are encouraged to continue to read and to emulate)   There are NO “Graduate Founders”. Any practising Broker  may become an  Affiliate . Demonstrating their intention to study and aspiration to become certified. Successful  completion  of the Foundation Course  exam  will upgrade the candidates status to  Certified. Final exams will  earn   the title  “Graduate” Eventually there may be room for further recognition to be awarded for further achievements.

CPYB training in the UK (unlike in USA) is not restricted to experienced yacht brokers but is open to all ages from all nations (in the English language) online .

* Fair use under United States law The legal concept of “Test copyright” was first ratified by the Kingdom of Great Britain’s Statute of Anne of 1709. As room was not made for the authorized reproduction of copyrighted content within this newly formulated statutory right, the courts created a doctrine of “fair abridgment” in Gyles v Wilcox, which eventually evolved into the modern concept of “fair use,” that recognized the utility of such actions. The doctrine only existed in the U.S. as common law until it was incorporated into the Copyright Act of 1976, 17 U.S.C. § 107. (quoted under  “Fair Use” from Wikipedia )

If you are looking to develop your career, upskill your workforce or simply learn something new, then you’ve come to the right place. With over 100 years’ experience, British Marine Training offers a wide range of courses, which have been specifically developed for the marine industry by a specialist team of marine professionals.  

With over 90 courses available, we offer both face-to-face and online learning opportunities. If you are unsure as to which courses would be most appropriate or would like to discuss your training needs in person, then please do not hesitate to contact a member of the training team on  07923 250650 or at  [email protected] .  

Types of courses available to me

Specialist marine courses 

From Marina Manager and customer services courses to those tailored to marine electricians, our specialist marine courses are fully accredited by British Marine, providing you with the qualifications you need to progress in your role. 

Dates for 2023

NEW COURSE ALERT!

ABYA ACADEMY - Practical Yacht Brokers Course- 19th & 20th March 2024- To book CLICK HERE

Following on from our introductory Essential Elements for the New Yacht Broker course, this two-day Practical Yacht Brokers course is aimed at Yacht Brokers who have a degree of industry experience at listing and selling boats. In partnership, ABYA Academy with British Marine are hosting this renewed course which will be delivered by industry expert speakers.

FULL COURSE PRICE: MEMBER (ABYA / YDSA / British Marine) - £625 NON-MEMBER - £875

To book now, please return to the events page: www.abya.co.uk/courses-and-events/ Any questions please contact: [email protected]

HR Toolkit - British Marine are working in partnership with WeDo HR to offer a suite of four, 2-hour webinars to give you an in-depth insight into how human resources can work for you. 

Price- Member £180.00+VAT, non-member £400.00+VAT.

New dates to be announced soon.

Recruitment and Selection

HR Essentials

Learning & Development

Customer Service

• Welcome Afloat! Customer Service Excellence – New date to be announced soon

Law & Regulations

• The Law Relating to Brokerage and Boat Retailers- Tuesday 11th April, Southampton- CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE
• Recreational Craft Regulations Awareness course - New Online course! Tuesday 4th June- CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE
• Hire Boat Code Courses - NEW ONLINE COURSE!! - Thursday 16th May 2024- CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE
• US Exports course – No current dates
• Exporting to the EU course – No current dates

Marina Manager courses

• IMM - Intermediate Marina Management course/ Windsor, U.K - 13-16 May 2024
• IMM-Europe- 21st- 24th October 2024
• AMM- Athens- 11th-15th November 2024

For information on any of the above marina management courses, please email Kitty- [email protected]

Marine Electronics

• BMET& MEI- 3rd-5th April 2024- Bournemouth & Poole College- CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE
• BMET & MEI 30th-31st July and 1st August 2024- Southampton- CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE
• IBB- 24th April- Warwick- CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE
• IBB- 6th November- Location to be confirmed- email [email protected] for more informatio

SOCIAL MEDIA WEEK

New dates to be announced shortly.

Social Media Content Workshop - We recommend that all who attend any of our workshop's book onto this content workshop - it's a necessity to master any of the  platforms.

Maximising the power of Facebook for Business

The power of Social Media Advertising 

LinkedIn for Business 

Instagram for Business

For further information regarding all our courses above please email: [email protected]  

Level 2 (equivalent to a GCSE) and Level 3 courses (equivalent to an A Level) 

Covering an extensive range of business disciplines, our Level 2 and Level 3 courses are perfect for those looking to develop their careers or keep abreast of the latest industry best practices. For ease, these courses are delivered online and are assessed at the end of the course through a multiple-choice examination. Upon successful completion, you will receive a  pass certificate.  If eligible, Level 2 courses will be free to you, funded by the UK government.  

Low cost Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accredited courses 

Starting from just £20, CPD courses are fully accredited, delivered online and can be completed in your own time. From business administration and I.T courses to those focusing on health and safety and wellbeing, our wide range of CPD courses provide the perfect opportunity to brush up on key skills and upskill your workforce.  

On the job learning

Are you working in a marina or a boat sales / broker company? We have a brilliant 'learn while you earn' programme to help you develop your role up to the full potential

• Marina Operative Course

Apprenticeships.

Combining paid on-the-job training with time in the classroom, apprenticeships offer an ideal first step for those looking to join the marine industry.  

Find out more 

Explore Courses

“Three years into my journey as a marina owner, I wanted to expand my knowledge and develop my marina business, so I signed up for the British Marine Advanced Marina Managers (AMM) course. It was an intensive five days and was a very good introduction to how British and international marinas work. The best feature of the course for me was that it was presented by marina managers and marine industry experts, who shared their experiences, based on real-life experiences.”

Robert Parton, Managing Director & Owner, Aqueduct Marina

“The trainer who delivered our bespoke  BMEEA-certified Marine Electrical Technician (BMET ) ​  course was friendly, delivered the course well and with confidence. The course was thorough, informative and relevant to each person who attended. Following completion, the team have found the knowledge gained valuable when performing their duties within the marina. We would recommend training arranged through British Marine and will certainly be booking courses in the future.”

Paul Austin, Engineer Team Leader, Richardsons Leisure Limited

Find out more about our training courses

Speak to our friendly training team about your learning and development needs. Call 07923250650 or email [email protected]

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Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents launches training courses

Friday, July 14th, 2023

Written by: Marine Industry News

The Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents (ABYA) is relaunching its ABYA Academy, including three new professional development courses for yacht brokers.

James Brown, the Association’s new training coordinator has established a comprehensive series of courses with input from members of the ABYA Committee. ABYA says the result is a ‘carefully compiled programme which will provide yacht brokers with the most up-to-date and pertinent information to support their career progression.’

The new courses are:

• Essential Elements for the New Yacht Broker (online)
• Practical Yacht Brokerage (in-person)
• Advanced Learning for the Experienced Yacht Broker (in-person)

Attendees of the courses will receive training delivered by a host of industry experts who will cover a range of practical and interactive topics, including brokerage management; registration, VAT and RCD; client accounts, AML, KYC; and law and insurance.

The ABYA Academy courses are accessible to both ABYA members and non-members. The first course, Essential Elements for the New Yacht Broker (online), begins on 9 July 2023 and is available to book now .

“The ABYA Academy is one of the many integral benefits we offer at the ABYA,” says Peter Norris, ABYA chair. “We are proud to be able to launch these new courses, which will provide all yacht brokers with the essentials they need to progress and achieve in their professions.”

• Yacht brokerage ,
• Marine training news

Global marine group signs ‘significant’ agreement with Deloitte

Thursday, July 13th, 2023

Number of serious water pollution incidents in England ‘unacceptably high’

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MIN magazine

Dive into MIN’s print edition which is now online for your convenience. More stories, more in-depth features, more product news and more exclusive interviews. Enjoy thoughtful analysis of the marine trade sector from across the world and get onboard with new trends.

Privacy Overview

First ever joint ABYA Academy and British Marine Practical Yacht Brokers course a great success

• Peter Norris – Network Yacht Brokers and ABYA Chairman
• Ben Nichols – Clipper Marine Ltd, UK Boat Brokerage
• Lucy Goff – LA Marine, Marine Lawyers
• Dean Shaw – Coleman Insurance, marine insurance
• Ben Sutcliffe-Davies – Ben Sutcliffe Marine, small craft surveyor
• Simon Anslow – VAT services, PKF-Francis Clark, Chartered accountants and business advisers
• Alasdair Reay – HPi Verification services Ltd, UKCA certification approved body
• Kris Garner – CGI Finance, Marine Finance experts
• Alastair Walton – Conflict management, social media, marketing and AI expert and ex-chairman of BRBA
• Sarah Harrigan – Smartsearch, Anti Money Laundering Services

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Karpaz Gate Marina Recognised as Marina of the Year

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Rewilding projects show recovery of marine wildlife and habitats is possible

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SESCA’s 2024 Season Preview

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New Captain takes the helm

Falmouth Pilot Boat to carry hero’s name back to land of his birth

Privacy overview.

How to become a Yacht Broker?

Published: 13 September 2021

Yacht Brokers are professionals who buy or sell their yachts either through a client wishing to sell or through the brokerage. They help clients sell by managing several factors to help make this possible. This includes; obtaining  potential yachts or buyers, negotiating prices at the right market value, marketing the yacht via their various platforms, and drawing up legal documents to help ensure protection for buyer & seller.

As well as supporting these elements of yacht brokerage, a yacht broker can occasionally represent both the buyer and the seller in a transaction, negotiating to deliver a fair deal to both parties.

The Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents (ABYA) is an association that represents professional yacht brokers, dealers and also new boat salespeople. ABYA members must have demonstrated knowledge and application of the necessary legal, financial and tax documentation required to pass on a good legal title when buying a vessel to become a member.

ABYA members may be brokers, dealers or agents, the essential difference being that a broker acts as an intermediary in a sale between a buyer and a seller. In contrast, the dealer or agent is usually the boat's owner for sale or a representative.

So, how do you become a Yacht Broker?

By completing the ABYA Introduction to Professional Yacht Brokerage course, you will gain invaluable insight into yacht brokerage and what it takes to be a yacht broker. It is taught by professionals for professionals & is made for Yacht Brokers of all levels. You will learn everything from Marine Law, Finance & Insurance to what to look for in the required legal documentation, negotiations & the role of a Marine Surveyor, whether you're an experienced professional who would like to hone your craft or new to yacht brokerage. You would like to learn the diverse components that go into being a Yacht Broker.

Upon completing this course, you will have the opportunity to apply for a 1-year trainee membership with ABYA, where you will gain the support & guidance of your ABYA Chairman, ABYA Members and office staff at the Glassworks. You'll also have exclusive access to networking events and other relevant courses hosted by the ABYA.  

ABYA members can benefit from:

• A broad range of knowledge within the membership, which can be shared either individually or via training events
• The opportunity to network with fellow industry professionals
• Access to the  ABYA Academy  training programme
• Links to insurers, lawyers and finance houses
• Ongoing contract with the MCA for registration measurement surveys
• Links to the YDSA for small commercial vessel coding requirements
• Bi-monthly e-newsletters providing varied information on events within the industry, new technologies, etc.
• A range of standard documents for the sale/purchase and listing of boats
• Access to a knowledgeable secretariat

Learn more & book your space here 

Yacht Broker Course YACHT BROKERAGE COURSE ABYA NEWS

YDSA Northern Forum 2024

08 March 2024

The first Northern Forum of 2024 took place on Thursday 7 March at the Anderton Boat lift in Cheshire.

YDSA Annual Conference 2024

07 March 2024

On Wednesday 6th March, we held the YDSA Annual Conference at The Little Ship Club in London.

ABYA & YDSA Open House - January 2024

01 February 2024

Thank you to all who attended the ABYA & YDSA Open House on the 31st January.

YOUR Yacht Broker PARTNER

At Michael Schmidt & Partner we pride ourselves on working hard to get the best results for our customers. Our ABYA Certified Yacht Brokers are knowledgeable, friendly and professional. We have offices at the UK’s key boating locations, with a superb selection of boats for sale . Why not get in touch to see how we can help you.

New Listing

selling your boat with us

If you are looking to Sell Your Boat now or in the near future, simply complete our online Request An Appraisal form and our friendly team will get back to you discuss your boat for sale.

Our appraisals are without obligation, and our highly experienced ABYA qualified yacht brokers will be able to give you a realistic expectation of your boat's current market value. 

Latest news

Special ABYA Award for Andy Cunningham

2023 Summer Brokerage Special Offer

Professional yacht brokers.

Michael Schmidt & Partner are proud to be Members of ABYA (The Association of Brokers & Yacht Agents) and actively encourage our team members to embrace the professional training and resources offered by being members, experience that in turn benefits you the customer.

ABYA Certified Yacht Brokers

Promoting the highest standards of professionalism and expert knowledge in the field of yacht sales.

UK Client Accounts

Your money is safe in our ring-fenced client accounts, for the security of both the buyer and the seller.

Effective Online Presentation

Using various multimedia platforms, we ensure your boat is presented for sale in the best way, to help find its new owner.

visit our head office at hamble point Marina 

Based at the mouth of the iconic River Hamble  and within easy reach of Southampton, our Head Office is ideally located to manage yacht sales across the South Coast of the UK and beyond.

Our sister company, Inspiration Marine Group, is the exclusive UK representative for new Hanse, Dehler, and Moody sailing yachts, and so we are perfectly placed to source used examples of these brands and to help current owners present their boat to the market in the best possible manner. 

To discuss how we can help you with the sale or purchase of your next boat, contact our Hamble Office on  02380 455714 .

Get directions

new and used boats for sale in scotland

Our stunning office in Kip Marina is the perfect location to promote New and Used boat sales in Scotland. Our team work across the West Coast area, the Clyde and Rhu Marina, and together with our head office in Hamble, we cover all of the key sailing areas in Scotland and the South Coast.

New boat sales are managed by Inspiration Marine Group, the exclusive UK representative for Hanse, Dehler, Moody, Fjord, Privilège, HH Catamarans and Ryck motor boats in Scotland. 

If you are in the area, contact us to discuss how we can help you sell or buy your next boat. Call the Kip Office on  01475 529975 .

Stand out and Sell Your Boat, with our in-house drone photography.

Request A Free Market Appraisal

Still searching for 'The one'?

Our expert brokers are highly experienced in sourcing yachts. We'll match you with the boat that's right for you.

Your partner for all aspects of brokerage boat sales and ownership

Michael Schmidt and Partner are part of Inspiration Marine Group

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• [email protected]
• 1845 Cordova Road Suite 205 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Welcome to the Yacht Broker Institute

The Yacht Broker Institute was created by yacht industry professionals to provide learning and education that bridge the gap between yacht companies needing new professionals who want to enter the exciting world of yacht brokerage. YBI does that.

Our professional training creates demand from Yacht companies and brokers for our students.

The Yacht Broker Institute was created to fill a void yacht companies had - the need for new Yacht Brokers or Assistants that they could trust to know the business. Our reputation as the premier Yacht training course gives you that!

• Build Relevant Fundamental Essentials to Yacht Brokerage
• Navigating Your Path To Success
• Learn From Industry Professionals

YBI Courses

The yacht brokerage course, "Fundamentals & Essentials of Yacht Brokerage," covers everything you need to know about working as a professional yacht broker. The professional administrative assistant course will prepare you with all the tools necessary to join a yacht brokerage firm and assist yacht brokers.

Yacht Brokerage

Administrative Assistant

Hear what brokerage firm principals have to say., carmine galati cpyb.

The Yacht Brokers Institute is a very informative and helpful step to a successful career in yacht sales. We at our company see this as a hiring prerequisite.

Curtis Stokes CPYB

Everyone has been very complimentary about the course. It is really helping me ramp up new salespeople starting with us. It gives them a basic understanding to start with and more confidence starting out.

I thoroughly enjoyed the course and value the technical information I have learned. The F&E of Yacht Brokerage is a course that out of the classroom covers a lot of ground and makes clear situations that could be pretty tricky. I was able to close my first brokerage deal in the first three months.

One of the largest obstacles to getting a job at an established yacht brokerage is the knowledge base needed to be able to hit the ground running so that you understand the process, legal responsibilities and pitfalls without being a liability to the company.

The course was awesome! I really learned a ton of new information. I went into the program thinking this will be a breeze (being a 30 year boater)- boy was i wrong! The course and tests really prep you for things that will come up during sales negotiations and client interactions – I highly recommend this course to anyone thinking about a role as a yacht broker!

We have all heard that if you want to be happy in your work, do something you love. For the first 28 years of my adult life, I wasn’t doing this. With the help of the YBI, I now feel that I have a good solid base to start enjoying an exciting career in the yacht brokerage industry. Thank you Rae and your team for putting together this comprehensive course.

I recommend the F&E course. The course material has a seamless way of communicating the information clearly for beginners while also diving into detail that only Brokerage Professionals would know. The course holds high credibility within the field and an asset to anyone seeking employment within the Yacht Brokerage Field.

How to become a Yacht Broker?

Published: 13 September 2021

Yacht Brokers are professionals who buy or sell their yachts either through a client wishing to sell or through the brokerage. They help clients sell by managing several factors to help make this possible. This includes; obtaining  potential yachts or buyers, negotiating prices at the right market value, marketing the yacht via their various platforms, and drawing up legal documents to help ensure protection for buyer & seller.

As well as supporting these elements of yacht brokerage, a yacht broker can occasionally represent both the buyer and the seller in a transaction, negotiating to deliver a fair deal to both parties.

The Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents (ABYA) is an association that represents professional yacht brokers, dealers and also new boat salespeople. ABYA members must have demonstrated knowledge and application of the necessary legal, financial and tax documentation required to pass on a good legal title when buying a vessel to become a member.

ABYA members may be brokers, dealers or agents, the essential difference being that a broker acts as an intermediary in a sale between a buyer and a seller. In contrast, the dealer or agent is usually the boat's owner for sale or a representative.

So, how do you become a Yacht Broker?

By completing the ABYA Introduction to Professional Yacht Brokerage course, you will gain invaluable insight into yacht brokerage and what it takes to be a yacht broker. It is taught by professionals for professionals & is made for Yacht Brokers of all levels. You will learn everything from Marine Law, Finance & Insurance to what to look for in the required legal documentation, negotiations & the role of a Marine Surveyor, whether you're an experienced professional who would like to hone your craft or new to yacht brokerage. You would like to learn the diverse components that go into being a Yacht Broker.

Upon completing this course, you will have the opportunity to apply for a 1-year trainee membership with ABYA, where you will gain the support & guidance of your ABYA Chairman, ABYA Members and office staff at the Glassworks. You'll also have exclusive access to networking events and other relevant courses hosted by the ABYA.  

ABYA members can benefit from:

• A broad range of knowledge within the membership, which can be shared either individually or via training events
• The opportunity to network with fellow industry professionals
• Access to the  ABYA Academy  training programme
• Links to insurers, lawyers and finance houses
• Ongoing contract with the MCA for registration measurement surveys
• Links to the YDSA for small commercial vessel coding requirements
• Bi-monthly e-newsletters providing varied information on events within the industry, new technologies, etc.
• A range of standard documents for the sale/purchase and listing of boats
• Access to a knowledgeable secretariat

Learn more & book your space here 

Yacht Broker Course YACHT BROKERAGE COURSE ABYA NEWS

ABYA Code of Practice

20 February 2024

ABYA & YDSA Open House - January 2024

01 February 2024

Thank you to all who attended the ABYA & YDSA Open House on the 31st January.

ABYA wins landmark decision from HMRC on Anti-Money Laundering Supervision

18 January 2024