MYS 2023: BR Marine on the Value of Experience

BR Marine Group is a new player on the brokerage market started by Brendan Roney, encompassing everything from sales and charter through to newbuild and yacht management. Brendan had been Ken’s 1stOfficer for five years when Ken was a superyacht Captain before stepping up to the helm himself. Now Brendan and Ken are both working together again in brokerage, harnessing the experience and expertise gained during their careers onboard yachts.

Reflecting on his time as a Captain, Ken believes this has prepared him well for his new role. “I’ve been a yacht captain for 30 years, and in that time I’ve been involved in both builds and refits, and I’ve also been involved in so many sales over the years,” explains Ken Bracewell. “Many times, as there becomes a hiccup in the sales process, I’ve had to get involved. I think that’s really prepared me to be a broker.”

In terms of helping clients to access incredible itineraries and adventures on the water, Ken is able to draw on his own extensive experiences and know what is right for each client. “It’s easier to sell a dream once you’ve lived it,” says Ken. “I’ve been around the world twice, I’ve more specifically focused on off the beaten path destinations. Having the chance to go to these wonderful places and experience them as a working person rather than just as a tourist means I’ve cultivated some really great relationships around the world.”

On his approach he is bringing to brokerage, Ken says: “I believe that success in anything in the world, yachts included, are listening to the needs of both parties. Listening to the needs of the client is one thing, but making sure that’s going to fulfil the needs of the charter crew, or the seller, I try to find a way to meet the needs of both parties or multiple parties and come up with a good solution that makes everyone happy.”