If we’re being honest, it is hard to imagine a much cooler job than being a superyacht charter broker. Charter brokers are responsible for organising highly tailored, private yacht charter experiences for travellers in some of the world’s most extraordinary locations. Got your sights set on kaleidoscopic scuba diving in Raja Ampat, spotting shy orangutans in Borneo or leisurely island hopping in Croatia? A charter broker can see to it.
Yvonne Stern, Charter Broker and Expert
Here, we speak to Yvonne Stern, a Fraser charter broker, who’s been in the industry since 1999. We step aboard, joining her journey from racing yachts and dinghies in California, to working as yacht crew on the iconic 1934 America’s Cup contender Endeavour, working with two America’s Cup Teams in the 32nd America’s Cup in Valencia, through to roles as a chef, chief stew, and a shoreside brokerage position and finally, her current role with Fraser.
What does a Fraser charter broker actually do?
“In simple terms, a superyacht charter broker is essentially a holiday broker. It is essentially like a real estate agent for holidays: we sell vacations, but on board charter yachts,” explains Yvonne. It all begins when a client reaches out with a destination, dates, group size and budget in mind. Yvonne then uses an MLS-style system to research and shortlist suitable yachts, filtering by price, size, amenities, water toys and cabin layout.
Crucially, she uses her industry experience (27 years of it!) to vet the yachts and crews: checking service standards, food quality, amenities, and asking other brokers for references. She prepares and sends tailored presentations, then refines the options based on client feedback.
There’s extensive logistics and admin involved, including contracts, costs and itineraries, alongside constant communication with clients, captains and other brokers. Then there’s the fun part: travelling to charter shows worldwide to inspect yachts firsthand, ensuring that what she recommends will deliver the experience her clients expect.
You have cooked gourmet meals as a chef and worked your socks off as chief stew on board. Does this experience help you be a better superyacht charter broker?
“Yes, without a doubt. Because I’ve been crew myself, I immediately spot the details which will shape a traveller’s experience, whether they realise it or not. These could be service style, housekeeping standards, turn-downs, table settings and the overall yacht condition.”
“I also know which probing questions to ask captains and chefs about menus, training and operations so I can match yachts precisely to fit my clients’ priorities. Thanks to my own time cruising and working all around the world, I can suggest realistic itineraries and activities. This gives my clients the confidence that I truly understand life on board from the inside.”
What has been your most memorable charter trip so far?
“I’ve been lucky enough to travel to lots of amazing places, including Tahiti, Croatia, and even Costa Rica on board Christina O last January, where I got to enjoy an amazing mixture of jungle exploration, eco-tours, kayaking, diving and snorkelling. My standout trip so far would be to Raja Ampat, Indonesia. I went around two years ago and cruised there on a traditional phinisi boat. It was out of this world, incredibly remote, stunningly beautiful and a place where you feel completely disconnected from everyday life. It was paradise.”
Nowadays, charter-savvy travellers are looking beyond the Med and towards destinations like Costa Rica and elsewhere for the incredible experiences they offer. They only opened up to yacht charters a few years ago, so there’s still plenty to explore.
Do you have to be super-rich to book a yacht charter holiday?
“Short answer: No. People think yacht charter is only for billionaires, but that’s just not true. I’m booking fully crewed charters for under 20,000 euros a week. If two families or a group of friends split the cost, it can be comparable to what they’d spend on a cruise or a luxury resort. And remember, a charter includes your transport, your accommodation, your crew and your private chef, all rolled into one.”
Finally, what is your top-secret insider tip for anyone looking to book a superyacht charter trip?
“Make sure you think about the crew! Travellers often fall in love with the photos, but the yacht itself is not the most important part of a charter: the crew is.”
“A great crew can absolutely make the trip, and a bad one can break it. They’re the people you interact with every day: they cook your meals, plan your activities, look after your children, and anticipate what you want before you ask. That’s why I spend so much time vetting crews and asking other brokers for references. If the chemistry and professionalism aren’t there, the charter just won’t feel right.”
Yvonne’s insight offers a clear reminder that a successful yacht charter is shaped long before you step on board. From the right yacht to the right crew, every detail plays its part.
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