Looking Back at 2020
As another year has come and gone, at Northrop & Johnson, we’re taking time to reflect on 2020. A year that has been truly unprecedented. When 2020 began we never would have imagined that the world would come to a near standstill in March. Despite everything this year has thrown at us, Northrop & Johnson prevailed, focusing on the positive, helping our clients navigate this storm and ending 2020 on a strong note.
The biggest news from Northrop & Johnson in 2020 was our acquisition by MarineMax, the world’s largest recreational yacht and boat retailer. We are thrilled to be part of the MarineMax family and look forward to our bright future ahead. Our newfound strength, size and market dominance helps us to bring untold benefits to our clients. Additionally, our expanded range of services, enhanced marketing and enhanced database of yacht owners is truly unparallel in the industry. Our strength means faster sales, more charters and new, best-in-class yacht management services, ultimately delivering a simple, hassle-free and more enjoyable experience for our clients on the water.
Let’s take a look at the numbers. In 2020, Northrop & Johnson sold a total of 103 yachts. The 158-foot (48.2m) CRN superyacht LADY ELLEN II, the 157-foot (47.9m) Christensen TOP FIVE, a 151-foot (46m) Delta Marine and the 140-foot (42m) Vitters sailing yacht APHRODITE A were among the largest yacht’s sold. We added more than 70 new listings for sale, including the 203-foot (61.87m) Feadship SEA OWL, the 165-foot (50.29m) new-build THUNDERBIRD 165, the 157-foot (48m) Oceanfast BIG SKY, the 153-foot (46.63m) Cantieri di Pisa BALISTA and the 150-foot (45.72m) Cheoy Lee QING. Additionally, 17 yachts were added to our charter fleet. Notable new additions to the fleet include the 189-foot (57.6m) Feadship W and the 171-foot (52.12m) Amels NITA K II.
In 2020, Northrop & Johnson’s team grew by 14 talented new team members. We gained three new Yacht Brokers as well as two new Charter Brokers. We also welcomed Patrick Coote as Chief Marketing Officer and Head of N&J Europe. Daniel Ziriakus was promoted to President and COO and Crom Littlejohn was promoted to Chief Commercial Officer. Both our Palma and Newport, Rhode Island offices embarked on growth programs following restructuring to meet the growing demand in the local markets.
This year we joined forces as new strategic partners with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Compass and Louis XIII. We also continued successful partnerships with NetJets, Northern Trust, Corcoran, Viasat and Embark Beyond. These partnerships allow us to provide an elevated level of service and added benefits to our clients and expand our position within the luxury sector.
We were saddened by not attending boat shows this year, as we always look forward to seeing and assisting our clients at these events. However, the health and safety of our clients and staff is a top priority. We did showcase seven yachts on display at the Cluster Yachting Monaco — Open Day. This exclusive event allowed clients and brokers to safely tour yachts while ensuring social distancing and responsible practices. Northrop & Johnson also participated in the debut of the new Rolls-Royce Ghost at an exclusive estate on the Intracoastal waterway in Fort Lauderdale. Attendees were able to test drive the new Ghost as well as tour our yachts for sale, the 86-foot (26.29m) PURA VIDA and the 55-foot (16.76m) ALMOST HEAVEN.
If you haven’t read our 2020 Summer issue of Navigator, be sure to read up on the quintessential guide to art, toys and opulent travel.
Closing out 2020, we realized that in this unprecedented time there is still much to celebrate and none of it could have been possible without our exceptional clients, friends, brokers and staff. As we look to 2021, we are filled with hope. May it be the year filled with togetherness, travel and plenty of time on the water.
