A man in a blue shirt and white shorts smiles while standing on the deck of a yacht under a bright blue sky.

Hume Jones

Yacht Charter | London

“After 30 years, I still get excited about stepping on board a yacht I haven’t seen before. There’s always something new to discover.”

– Hume Jones, Charter Specialist

A man in a blue sweater stands by a table with a racing helmet, a map of the Goodwood Motor Circuit behind him.

My Story

I’ve spent most of my life around boats. I started my yachting career as a sailing yacht captain, cruising extensively around the world. I’ve also raced sailing yachts nationally and internationally.

Eight years spent in the British Army as a tank commander taught me to work under pressure and stay organised, skills that have stood me in good stead ever since!

I’ve now been a charter broker for 30 years. My reputation is built on confidentiality, so I can’t say too much about the details, but I’ve arranged multi-million-euro charters for well-known clients. I take just as much pride, though, in helping someone plan their first charter and seeing them come back year after year. Much of my business now comes through repeat clients and referrals, which means a lot to me.

Experience has taught me how important it is to know the yachts and crews properly. I inspect boats throughout the year because standards can change quickly, and I want to be confident in what I recommend.

I’m still fascinated by yachts, crews and new cruising grounds, and still get huge satisfaction from helping my clients get the most from their time on the water.

Experience

30+ years as a Charter Specialist

Sailing yacht captain experience

Racing experience from dinghies to maxi yachts, including offshore and international regattas

MYBA Charter Committee member since 2008

In-depth knowledge of yachts, crews and cruising areas

Long-standing relationships with Owners and Yacht Managers

Beyond Yachting

Boating is in my veins. I’ve been on the water since before I could walk, and I still race competitively today.

Some of my favourite time is spent on annual sailing trips with my family, exploring new cruising areas and returning to places we already know. I’ve been married for 28 years and have three children, so we've explored extensively over the years.

I’m also a keen sea fisherman and am forever trying to improve my filleting skills!

When I’m not on the water, I’m usually at home in the countryside, chainsawing trees or chopping firewood. I’m also a keen amateur builder and will happily venture into plumbing and electrics.

Two people sail a small boat with a bright red sail across the choppy blue water.

What has experience taught me to spot early?

The difference between a good crew and an amazing crew. The right crew can make such a difference to the whole charter experience.

What would I never travel without?

Sadly, my laptop! Regardless of the day, special occasion or time of day, I can only relax if I know I am prepared for anything.

What do I enjoy most about my role?

Helping make clients really happy and seeing them come back year after year. I also really enjoy introducing new clients to the fun of chartering a superyacht.

What am I slightly obsessive about?

Detail and being organised. I think both are essential when you are responsible for getting all the different parts of a charter right.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about my role?

That it is ‘easy’! Learning about the boats and crews can take decades. The involvement of a good Charter Broker requires meticulous planning and often 24-hour support, every day of the year.

What’s one thing I happily spend too much time researching?

Yachts! Even after 30 years, the design and interiors continue to improve and totally amaze me. Regular yacht inspections are one of the things I enjoy most, as there is always something new to discover.