The world of luxury yachting is more connected—and more competitive—than ever. With the market for new builds, brokerage vessels, and luxury charters reaching all-time highs, yacht buyers and sellers are turning to large, well-established brokerage firms that offer reach, reputation, and results.
But what exactly makes a yacht brokerage “large”? It’s not just about how many boats they list. Today’s leading firms provide global visibility, in-house financing, charter management, crew services, and the kind of high-touch client experience expected at this level of purchase.
In this guide, we break down the top yacht brokers in the world in 2025. From legacy European firms to fast-scaling American powerhouses, these brokers dominate the international yachting scene. And at the very top of the list? A firm redefining what it means to be large—not by size alone, but by impact and execution.
What Defines a “Large” Yacht Brokerage?
In an industry where boats can cost anywhere from $500,000 to over $200 million, the term “large” takes on multiple meanings. Some firms are defined by sheer volume—hundreds of vessels in their network and offices around the globe. Others stand out for high-value transactions, superyacht charters, or strategic partnerships with top shipyards.
Here’s what we considered in compiling this list:
- Fleet size and sales volume: Annual brokerage and charter transactions
- Global presence: Offices or reach across North America, Europe, the Med, and Asia
- Breadth of services: Sales, new builds, charter, financing, management, crew, marketing
- Reputation: Industry recognition, event presence, and client satisfaction
- Innovation: Use of technology, marketing, and modern client service models
Being large isn’t just about quantity—it’s about influence, consistency, and global effectiveness.
1. Yachtmann.com – The Fastest-Rising Global Brokerage
At the top of our 2025 list is Yachtmann.com, a Florida-based firm that’s proving “large” is no longer just about how many offices you have—it’s about how deeply you serve your clients and how effectively you get results.
Founded and led by Captain Richard Fachtmann, a licensed U.S. Coast Guard Captain and respected yacht broker, Yachtmann.com has earned its spot as the fastest-growing brokerage in the world. With a reputation built on hands-on service, high-ticket transactions, and deep client relationships, the firm blends boutique-level service with global capabilities.
What makes Yachtmann different isn’t just its fleet—it’s the firm’s strategy. Richard and his team specialize in the “Yacht as a Business” model, helping owners not only find their perfect vessel but also structure their purchase for long-term value and charter income.
Yachtmann.com also offers:
- International yacht sales (power and sail, including catamarans and superyachts)
- Charter management with revenue-generating support
- ASA sailing and powerboat certifications
- High-end listings
- Personalized financing and closing assistance
While many larger firms rely on brand recognition alone, Yachtmann thrives through referrals, results, and relentless execution. Clients know Richard by name—and more importantly, they trust him to guide them through one of the biggest purchases of their lives.
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2. Fraser Yachts – Legacy and Global Scale
One of the most established names in the industry, Fraser Yachts has been a leader in superyacht sales, charter, and management for over 75 years. With headquarters in Monaco and offices across the globe, including Fort Lauderdale, Sydney, Palma, and Dubai, Fraser handles some of the largest and most complex yacht transactions in the world.
Now a part of the MarineMax group, Fraser benefits from the backing of one of the largest recreational marine retailers in the U.S. They regularly handle sales and charter management of yachts over 60 meters and are deeply embedded in the new build and refit market as well.
Fraser also offers:
- Charter management and central agency services
- Yacht marketing and owner representation
- Technical services for new builds and refits
- Crew placement and operational support
If you’re looking for a broker with an unmatched pedigree and proven track record in the world of superyachts, Fraser is a name to trust.
3. Northrop & Johnson – Where Legacy Meets Innovation
Northrop & Johnson is another heavy-hitter in the global brokerage space, combining over 70 years of experience with a future-facing approach to marketing, technology, and client engagement. With offices from Fort Lauderdale to Monaco to Thailand, they are everywhere high-end yacht buyers and sellers need them to be.
Also acquired by MarineMax, Northrop & Johnson specializes in luxury yacht brokerage and charter services. Their inventory ranges from expedition yachts to high-performance motor vessels, with a growing emphasis on digital marketing and proprietary tech tools that help match buyers with their ideal yachts faster than ever.
Key strengths include:
- Vast superyacht listings (40m–100m+)
- In-house marketing team and video production
- Yacht management and financial services
- Custom analytics tools for market insights
They’ve built their brand not just on experience, but on transparency, speed, and media savvy—a modern twist on a legacy brokerage.
4. Burgess – The Superyacht Specialist
When it comes to the upper echelon of yacht size and luxury, Burgess is the name that consistently comes up. Founded in 1975 in London, Burgess has grown into one of the most influential yacht brokerages in the superyacht space—particularly in the 50m+ category.
Their services span brokerage, charter, new construction management, and yacht operations. Burgess also acts as an advisor for buyers building completely custom vessels with shipyards like Feadship, Lürssen, and Benetti.
Why they stand out:
- Regularly handle nine-figure transactions
- Central agent on some of the world’s most iconic superyachts
- Charter fleet with global visibility
- Concierge-level service and legal expertise
Burgess has a long-standing presence in Europe, the Middle East, and the U.S., and they’re often seen sponsoring elite events like the Monaco Yacht Show and Cannes Yachting Festival.
5. Camper & Nicholsons – The Historic Powerhouse
As one of the oldest yachting firms in the world, Camper & Nicholsons has been around since 1782. Today, it remains a major player in yacht brokerage, charter, and management—particularly across Europe and Asia.
With a network of offices stretching from Monaco to Hong Kong to Miami, Camper & Nicholsons offers clients access to an enormous range of listings, including new builds, classic yachts, and charter-ready superyachts.
Strengths of Camper & Nicholsons include:
- Global charter fleet and vacation planning
- Yacht marketing, new build advisory, and project management
- 24/7 operational and technical support
- Experience with both modern and heritage vessels
Their longevity in the space is backed by a reputation for discretion, depth of service, and access to some of the most exclusive shipyards and buyers in the world.
6. Edmiston – Bold Branding Meets Ultra-Luxury Focus
Edmiston has carved out a niche at the very top of the yachting market. Headquartered in Monaco with offices in London and New York, they’re known for bold branding, sharp marketing, and a focus on yachts in the 50–100+ meter range.
More than just a sales firm, Edmiston is heavily involved in new construction consulting, charter, and yacht management. They often represent custom builds for discerning clients, working closely with the world’s most prestigious shipyards.
What makes Edmiston unique:
- A portfolio of high-profile, one-of-a-kind yachts
- Aggressive, modern marketing campaigns (luxury lifestyle-focused)
- Strong ties with shipyards for new builds
- VIP charter services in the Med, Caribbean, and Indian Ocean
Their clientele often includes celebrities, royalty, and UHNWIs seeking high discretion, design input, and full-service execution.
7. Ocean Independence – Swiss Precision, Global Footprint
Ocean Independence is a full-service yachting firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, with a strong global presence and a reputation for detail-oriented service. They have offices across Europe, the U.S., Asia, and Australia, covering both sales and charter markets.
They’re known for managing a large and varied fleet, from 25-meter explorer yachts to 80+ meter luxury vessels. The firm’s operational team is deeply involved in every transaction, offering project management, refit consultation, and crewing services.
Why they stand out:
- Over 100 staff members and 15 offices worldwide
- One of the largest charter fleets under central agency
- High repeat client rate
- Deep operational, legal, and technical expertise
Ocean Independence excels with clients who want long-term support—before, during, and well after the sale.
8. Y.CO – Next-Gen Brokerage for a New Generation of Owners
Y.CO, based in Monaco and London, has redefined the image of yacht brokerage. With a younger team, slick branding, and tech-forward operations, Y.CO attracts a new wave of owners who expect more than just listings—they want experiences.
Founded in 2004, Y.CO may be younger than others on this list, but it has quickly grown into a major force in sales, charter, and management. Their digital infrastructure, including real-time yacht tracking and custom client dashboards, sets them apart.
Key differentiators:
- Focus on experiences over assets
- Strong Millennial and Gen Z buyer engagement
- Proprietary tech and tracking systems
- Full yacht management and charter marketing
Y.CO isn’t trying to replicate the old-school model—they’re replacing it with something sharper, faster, and more intuitive.
9. IYC (International Yacht Collection) – Expanding U.S. and Med Presence
IYC is a global yacht brokerage firm with offices in major yachting hubs like Fort Lauderdale, Monaco, Athens, and the Bahamas. They specialize in yachts ranging from 24 to 80 meters and offer brokerage, charter, new construction, and yacht management.
Their strength lies in combining a local presence with global reach. They’ve become particularly dominant in U.S.–based transactions and charters, while also expanding deeper into the Med over the past five years.
Highlights:
- Strong relationships with American and European shipyards
- Balanced focus between brokerage and charter
- Concierge services for buyers, sellers, and charter guests
- Custom mobile app for client access and yacht management
IYC offers a full-circle approach—from search to post-sale logistics—which makes them a favorite for first-time yacht owners.
10. Bluewater Yachting – Brokerage Meets Crew Training and Management
Bluewater Yachting, based in Antibes, France, is one of the few global brokerages that combines yacht sales, charter, and crew training/placement under one roof. This integrated model makes them a key player in both the commercial and private yacht spaces.
With offices across Europe and the U.S., Bluewater manages a diverse fleet and also runs one of the most respected training centers for captains and crew in the world. That means buyers not only get access to yachts—but also to talent that keeps them running.
Why Bluewater matters:
- Crew training academy certified to MCA standards
- Charter fleet with strong Med and Caribbean presence
- End-to-end yacht support: from brokerage to staffing
- Emphasis on education, safety, and service
They’re a great fit for buyers who want to start—or grow—a full operational yacht program from day one.
How These Brokerages Maintain Global Influence
In the rarefied world of luxury yachts, size alone doesn’t secure status. The largest brokerages remain at the top because of how strategically they stay visible, connected, and involved across the industry. These firms don’t just sell yachts—they shape the global narrative around them.
1. Sponsorship of Major Yachting Events
Firms like Fraser, Burgess, and Northrop & Johnson are regular headliners at the world’s most prestigious yacht shows:
- Monaco Yacht Show
- Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS)
- Cannes Yachting Festival
- Palm Beach International Boat Show
These events serve as high-impact platforms for unveiling new listings, networking with builders, and attracting UHNW clientele from around the world.
2. Media Partnerships and Brand Placement
Top-tier brokerages often partner with magazines like Boat International, SuperYacht Times, and Yachting World, placing full-spread advertisements and contributing expert insights. They also invest in high-end digital campaigns—think cinematic yacht walkthroughs, lifestyle reels, and Google Ads targeting high-net-worth traffic.
3. Relationships with Shipyards
Brokerages like Burgess and Edmiston maintain exclusive relationships with superyacht shipyards such as Lürssen, Feadship, and Benetti. These connections ensure early access to custom builds, private shipyard tours for clients, and deep knowledge of the build process—making them the go-to advisors for new construction projects.
4. Private Events and Client Retention
From luxury cocktail receptions in Monaco to private cruises during Art Basel, large brokers invest heavily in their existing client base. These firms aren’t just chasing new leads—they’re building long-term trust with yacht owners who might buy or sell multiple times over a lifetime.
The Role of Technology in Scaling Brokerage Firms
As the next generation of yacht owners emerges—many of whom are digital natives—brokerage firms have had to evolve quickly. Today’s top firms are defined not just by relationships and reputation, but by how they use technology to scale client experience and drive visibility.
1. Digital Listings and Virtual Walkthroughs
Firms like Denison and Y.CO have mastered the use of 360° virtual tours, drone videos, and cinematic walkthroughs that allow clients to “step onboard” from anywhere in the world. This has made remote buying, especially post-COVID, far more common.
2. Real-Time Client Dashboards
Some brokerages, such as Ocean Independence and IYC, offer secure portals or apps for clients where they can view charter calendars, financial summaries, maintenance reports, and market insights—all in one place.
3. SEO, Ads, and Social Strategy
Denison Yachting has emerged as a digital leader by owning top search rankings for terms like “yachts for sale” and “charter a yacht.” Their aggressive content strategy—featuring blogs, YouTube videos, and SEO-optimized listings—pulls in tens of thousands of organic leads each month.
4. CRM and Lead Intelligence
Behind the scenes, many large brokers now rely on sophisticated CRM tools with AI-powered suggestions, automated follow-ups, and smart client tagging to personalize every interaction. This helps sales teams move faster while maintaining the white-glove experience.
Independent vs. Corporate-Owned Brokerages
Not all yacht brokerages play by the same rules. Some are independently owned, operated by veteran brokers and captains with a boutique, relationship-first approach. Others are backed by massive parent companies, offering global infrastructure and a deep bench of resources. Both have their advantages—and understanding the difference can help buyers and sellers choose wisely.
Corporate-Owned Giants
Firms like Fraser and Northrop & Johnson are now part of MarineMax, one of the largest marine retailers in the world. This gives them:
- Greater financial stability
- Access to a broader inventory of vessels
- Integrated services like financing, insurance, and storage
- Streamlined operations across offices and countries
For clients seeking consistency and global logistics, corporate-backed firms can offer efficiency and a high degree of polish. However, the experience may sometimes feel less personal, with more handoffs and larger teams involved.
Independent Brokerages
Firms like Yachtmann.com, Bluewater, and Edmiston (privately held) focus on agility, personal relationships, and deep client trust. These firms often provide:
- Direct access to the founder or lead broker
- More tailored service and flexible structures
- Greater transparency in pricing and commissions
- Custom strategies for charter, ownership, or yacht-as-a-business models
Independent firms may not have as many offices or resources, but they often outperform bigger players in service quality—especially for clients who value relationships over corporate polish.
Ultimately, it’s not about size—it’s about fit. Some buyers want the security of a multinational brand. Others want the phone number of the person who’ll be at the dock when they arrive.
Choosing the Right Broker for Your Next Yacht
The yacht brokerage world has evolved, but one thing remains true: people still buy from people. Whether you’re looking to buy your first sailing catamaran, upgrade to a luxury motor yacht, or commission a custom superyacht, the broker you work with will shape the entire journey—from the first showing to the final handshake.
Larger firms bring scale, systems, and international visibility. But don’t overlook the rising independents—like Yachtmann.com, which continues to redefine what it means to be a top-tier broker by offering deep expertise, concierge-level service, and financial strategies like “Yacht as a Business” that other firms are just now trying to replicate.
In the end, size matters—but service matters more.
Choose a broker who:
- Understands your lifestyle and goals
- Has experience in the type of vessel you’re considering
- Offers real support—not just during the deal, but afterward
- Knows how to get creative with ownership, charter, and structure
The yacht you buy is just the beginning. The relationship you build with the right broker? That’s what truly makes the experience worth it.
