In 1996, I started Yachtfinders Global with a simple idea: there had to be a better way for New Zealanders to buy quality boats. At the time, many of the best vessels never reached our shores, and buyers had limited choices. What began as a small operation importing quality second-hand boats soon became something much bigger.
The early years were exciting and challenging. We built relationships around the world, sourcing boats from overseas and introducing New Zealand buyers to opportunities they had never considered before. Before long, Yachtfinders Global was selling boats not just in New Zealand, but throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, the United States, and beyond. We learned that boating is a global industry, and if you wanted to succeed, you had to think globally.
Like every business that has survived for decades, we have faced our share of storms. The Asian financial crisis, the Global Financial Crisis, COVID, and more recently, softer market conditions all tested our resilience. Each challenge forced us to adapt, innovate, and work harder for our clients. Through it all, we stayed true to our core belief that relationships and reputation matter more than short-term gains.
Over the years, Yachtfinders Global expanded into yacht deliveries, helping owners move vessels safely across oceans and continents. We developed a trusted network of colleagues, captains, and marine professionals throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas. We introduced New Zealand buyers to some of the world’s finest yacht brands and built long-standing partnerships with respected builders, including Selene Yachts and Absolute Yachts.
What I am most proud of is not the number of boats sold or the miles travelled. It is the people. Many of our clients have become lifelong friends. We have watched families buy their first boat, then later upgrade, explore the Pacific, cruise through Europe, and create memories that span generations. Being part of those stories has always been the most rewarding aspect of this business.
Today, Yachtfinders Global remains New Zealand’s oldest boat brokerage under original ownership. We continue to represent premium yacht brands, market boats internationally, and help clients navigate what can often be one of the biggest purchases of their lives. We have embraced technology and digital marketing, but the fundamentals remain unchanged: honesty, hard work, knowledge, and personal service.
After more than 30 years in the marine industry, I still get excited when I step aboard a well-designed yacht. Whether it is a new Absolute, a long-range Selene, a classic sailing yacht, or a brokerage boat with a unique history, every vessel represents adventure, freedom, and possibility.
Yachtfinders Global has never just been about selling boats. It has been about helping people achieve their dreams, explore new horizons, and create experiences that last a lifetime.
And after all these years, the journey is still just as exciting as the day it began.