Employee Spotlight: Charter Broker Patricia Finnegan

Northrop & Johnson spotlights Charter Broker Patricia (Trish) Finnegan. Trish’s years of experience working on busy charter yachts has given her an incredible understanding of how to pair clients with the perfect yacht, crew, and itinerary to create the trip of a lifetime.

How did you get into the yachting industry and what led you to where you are today?

When I was in high school I did a semester on a sailboat tagging turtles in the Bahamas and doing marine research. We were docked next to a yacht and started chatting with one of the crew, it sounded amusing and exciting. Years later my now-husband was working on yachts and I left my life in San Francisco to join him. After eight years and three kids, I moved land-based and started doing charter brokerage.

What do you think makes N&J special?

Even as the company continues to grow it still has the family feel, which is what drew me to Northrop & Johnson in the first place.

What do you like most about your job?

Getting to help people plan family vacations where they can get away and celebrate. When I was yacht crew, I loved the multigenerational charters we had on board. Making people happy by finding them the right boat to be together on makes me happy.

What is your favorite cruising destination and why?

The Bahamas has so many different areas to explore and the people are all so friendly, I could go there for a weekend or a month. It really feels like you are getting away.

If you had a yacht what type of yacht would you have?

A yacht with excellent outdoor space and an expedition feel.

If you had a yacht where would you spend the most time aboard?

Outside on the aft decks.

What’s your favorite activity you enjoy with friends/family?

We have a small center console and we love getting out and exploring in Florida in the winter and New England in the summer.

What is one tip for first-time clients?

The most important thing about choosing the right yacht is making sure they have the right crew.