Getting into a Shore Based Position

Welcome to this transformative journey! My name is Jochem, and I’m thrilled to guide you through the exciting world of yacht charter brokerage. Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to expand your expertise, this course is designed to equip you with everything you need to build a successful career in this dynamic industry.

About Me

My own journey into yachting began in unexpected places. At 16, I traveled to Ghana, an experience that reshaped my worldview. Witnessing life in its purest, most essential form gave me a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunities available in our modern world. This inspired me to seize every chance to learn and grow—a mindset I hope you adopt throughout this course.

From reselling PlayStation 4s as a teen to landing my first role in the yachting industry, my career has been anything but conventional. At university, an internship search turned into a determined effort to break into the luxury industry. After countless applications and rejections in the car industry, I stumbled upon a yachting media company, SuperYacht Times, that would become my gateway to this remarkable industry. What started as an internship quickly turned into a part-time role, then a full-time job—and, ultimately, the foundation for my career in yachting. How? By constantly making absolutely clear to the higher ups that I love working for them, to build that trust within the company and to get more responsibility and challenges thrown at me. And then leveraging my already established network to find a new challenge.

Lessons from Early Challenges

One key lesson I learned early on was that persistence and communication are everything. Whether it was sending multiple follow-ups to secure my first internship or showing dedication during my early days as an intern, I realized that the way you present yourself can shape your career trajectory. Never underestimate the power of showing genuine interest in the people and organizations you work with. This is a theme we’ll revisit throughout this academy.

In this introduction, I’ve touched on how essential traits like resilience, communication, and adaptability are in yacht charter brokerage. You’ll need all three—not only to navigate this demanding but rewarding industry but to differentiate yourself in a competitive field.

What to Expect in This Course

In this academy, I’ll provide hands-on insights from my experiences, offering practical strategies to help you master the essential skills of yacht brokerage:

• The art of negotiation: Learn how to set the right tone during price discussions, understand cultural nuances, and achieve win-win deals.

• Client focus: Discover why customer satisfaction is king and how proactive communication builds lasting relationships.

• Building trust and networking: Cultivate the connections and reputation that will drive your success in the yachting world.

Throughout the course, you’ll also gain access to industry-specific tools, learn about the charter sales process, and explore how to leverage marketing techniques to attract high-end clients. But most importantly, this journey is about you. Your dedication, your growth, and your ability to think outside the box will shape your path.

My Goal for You

Just as my internships and jobs laid the groundwork for my career, I want this academy to do the same for you. My vision for this academy goes beyond knowledge transfer—I aim to make it immersive and interactive, with real-world scenarios, industry tools, and actionable advice. By the time you finish, my hope is that you’ll feel equipped not just to start as a yacht charter broker but to excel and thrive in this elite industry.

So, as you move through this course, approach every lesson as an opportunity to grow. Commit fully, and remember—your success in this field will depend on your persistence, professionalism, and passion for the craft.

The next lesson dives into more specifics about brokerage essentials, so stay tuned. I’m grateful to have you on board, and I can’t wait to see how you leverage this experience to build your future in yacht chartering!