My Present
Hi, I’m Whit Kirtland, Yacht Broker at Northrop & Johnson. With a 41+ year career in yacht brokerage, I offer in-depth experience and knowledge to my clients. I have brokered yachts of all sizes and builders, ranging from power and sailing yachts to Dutch, Italian, French, Turkish and Danish new yachts. My goal is to add a personal approach when working with my clients, ensuring they are confident with their decision from start to finish.
My Past
I grew up in Miami, fishing and diving around Biscayne Bay. I am the third generation of my family in the maritime industry- my father was a broker and ran the Merrill-Stevens’ Shipyard for 48 years. I began my maritime career working every shop at Merill-Stevens and eventually went to sea on a 49’ tugboat for a year or so before serving as a mate aboard a 110’ Feadship. I also spent some time in the racing circuit for sailing yachts as a “grinder” aboard a 51’ Swan. In 1983, I started as a full-time broker at Merril-Stevens, moving up the ranks and eventually becoming President of the yacht sales division. In 2009, I moved to Bradford Marine, where I worked as the top salesman for nine years, and in 2018, I joined Northrop & Johnson and am very fortunate to be working with a great group of people.
I remain an active member of the industry, serving on the Board of Directors and previously as President three times for the International Yacht Brokers Association (IYBA), a Board Member for the International Superyacht Society (ISS) and as a Certification Advisory Council Board Member for the Certified Professional Yacht Brokers (CPYB) since its inception.
My Outside-office Life
I enjoy spending time with family
