A surfer carves a wave with spray flying as he rides the turquoise water.

Ben Wakeley

Yacht Charter | London

"Understanding why a client wants something, not just what they ask for, is what makes the difference.”

– Ben Wakeley, Charter Specialist

A man smiles warmly while posing outdoors amidst lush green foliage and a brick wall.

My Story

Of the four elements, water has always been the one I feel most connected to. I grew up in Dorset and spent most of my summers in North Cornwall, where my connection to the sea first took shape. By 16, I was teaching waterskiing and driving boats – need I say more?

I’ve always liked being the person who notices what others might miss. Life on the water has a way of teaching you that the small details matter, whether you’re working on deck, running a 16m mussel dredger or volunteering with the RNLI in Cornwall. I’m naturally calm, practical and curious, and I enjoy figuring out how to make things work – preferably before anyone else has to think about it.

That’s also how I approach charter. I want to understand what someone is really looking for, rather than simply take their brief at face value. Once I understand the why behind a trip, I can look beyond the obvious and find the yacht, crew and destination that will make it feel right.

Experience

3+ years in charter retail
First-hand experience aboard superyachts, as a deckhand and on the water as a 16m dredger captain
Yachtmaster Offshore, with 3,000 nautical miles completed
1,000+ hours teaching watersports to HNWI and high-profile clients
Two years as RNLI lifeboat crew in Cornwall, responding to shouts in all conditions

A man in a light blue striped shirt stands in the foreground against a background of lush green foliage and a dark grey wall.

Beyond Yachting

I’ve never been very good at sitting still. Give me a stretch of coast and I’ll probably find a way onto the water – waterskiing, surfing, wakesurfing, or anything else that involves being outside and getting stuck in. If the sea isn’t an option, I’ll head for the mountains instead; skiing is another favourite way to spend a few days.

I’ve always been a learn-by-doing kind of person. I like figuring things out as I go, getting stuck in and being useful rather than standing on the sidelines, and I suspect that’s unlikely to change anytime soon.

What’s the most memorable place I’ve ever woken up?

At anchor in a quiet bay before anyone else is awake. There’s something special about opening the curtains and seeing nothing but sea.

What has experience changed my mind about?

I’ve learnt that there’s rarely one right answer when it comes to charter. The more you understand the person, the better you can judge which yacht, destination or experience will actually work for them.

What’s one place I’d return to tomorrow?

Corfu. Great food, a relaxed atmosphere, beautiful cruising grounds and a new bay to discover every day. It’s hard to ask for much more.

Green palm fronds frame a yellow flag flying from the mast of a yacht against a clear blue sky.
A person wakeboards across a calm body of water, creating a large white spray in the foreground against a backdrop of distant hills and a clear blue sky.
What drew me to yachting?

My love for the sea. I’ve been around boats from a young age and I wanted a job where I could talk about something I genuinely enjoy every day.

What’s been my most valuable lesson from working in yachting?

Relationships make the difference. Good relationships with clients, crews and trusted industry partners give you better insight, help solve problems faster and ultimately lead to better outcomes.

Mountains or sea?

Sea. Every time. Although I suspect that’s the answer people would expect from a yacht broker.

My Favourite Place

50°34’09”N 04°55’27”W

My Favourite Yachts

A sleek, modern yacht glides through the turquoise waters of a secluded bay, dwarfed by rugged, sun-drenched cliffs.

Kenshō

  • 75 M

  • 12 Guests

  • Admiral

  • 2022

From €900,000  p/w
Kenshō has an observation lounge, a pool deck, a sun deck set up for any kind of entertainment and eight beautiful cabins.
A magnificent three-masted schooner glides across the vast, blue ocean under a sky dotted with fluffy white clouds.

Sea Eagle

  • 81 M

  • 12 Guests

  • 2020

From €550,000  p/w
Epic sailing combines with luxury comfort on board Sea Eagle, a yacht offering a fresh perspective on breathtaking locations.
A sleek, modern yacht cruises through the deep blue sea under a bright, cloudy sky.

Come Together

  • 60 M

  • 12 Guests

  • 2022

From €490,000  p/w
Come Together's outstanding spaces, including a vast sun deck with jacuzzi and large swim platform, wow guests every time.
A sleek black yacht glides through the tranquil blue waters under a vast, cloud-dotted sky.

Vertigo

  • 67 M

  • 12 Guests

  • 2011

From €360,000  p/w
A Christian Liaigre interior welcomes guests in super chic style while outside the all-day, all-weather spaces adapt to any climate.
A sleek green yacht named Pink Shadow cruises on calm blue waters near a lush, mountainous coastline.

Pink Shadow

  • 58 M

  • 12 Guests

  • 2023

From €510,000  p/w
Iconic design and exceptional spaces, including the Tahiti Plage beach club which opens on both sides, set Pink Shadow apart.
The sleek white yacht Arkadia glides through the deep blue ocean under a clear sky.

Arkadia

  • 50 M

  • 10 Guests

  • 2021

From €275,000  p/w
A proven platform and successful charter operation, with a standout sun deck, excellent toy options and sociable spaces.

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A refreshing spread of watermelon salad and cocktails awaits on a sunny table at the Carlton Beach Club in Cannes.

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A boat with people on board cruises across the blue water in the foreground, with a tree-covered coastline and hills in the background.

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