NOJO Spotlight : Charter Broker Anna Franciszkiewicz

Northrop & Johnson spotlights Charter Broker Anna Franciszkiewicz. She has been a charter broker since 2012 and has been with N&J for three years. Her nearly 10 years as a charter broker gives her vast knowledge to help clients with creating their yacht charter dreams.

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

I was running my own company (language school and translation office) in Poland. During this time, a friend approached me for some help with their international clientele at boat shows in the US, Monaco and Cannes. I was fascinated by all the beautiful yachts. Having always lived by the seaside with my father, who worked as a chief designer for boats, a career in yachting simply seemed natural. I spent six years as a charter broker with a French yachting company in Monaco before I joined N&J three years ago.

What do you think makes N&J special?

I think the global reach and perspective make N&J special. I enjoy interacting with my colleagues in different parts of the world. We help each other, exchange notes on yachts, markets, destinations and thanks to our global reach, we always have first-hand information available for our clients.

What do you like most about your job?

I like yachts and creating memorable holidays. I enjoy doing analysis of the charter market, visiting yachts and learning about their special features, comparing their bookings/popularity, meeting crews, which in turn helps me give charterers professional advice on their holiday choices. I also love traveling and this job gives me endless possibilities to visit both popular and remote destinations.

What accomplishment at N&J makes you most proud?

I think my clients’ satisfaction with their yachting holidays and recommending me to their friends makes me proud and happy.

What is your favorite cruising destination and why?

I don’t have one favorite destination. On one hand, I love being close to nature and disconnect from it all on a beautiful Isle of Pines in New Caledonia, dropping anchor off Panarea or Stromboli but on the other hand, there is always something magical and fun about calling in Mykonos, Capri, Porto Cervo, St Tropez or St Barths.

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

I think I would go for an explorer yacht and take my family around the world to show them the amazing, off-the-beaten-track destinations like Antarctica, Patagonia, Galapagos, Alaska, Northwest Passage, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, etc. that only a few lucky people can experience.

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

I am an outdoor person so you will see me sunbathing and relaxing on the sundeck or at the beach club close to the water or simply having fun with water toys.

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

I love paddleboarding around the Cap Martin/Monaco and swimming with my two older kids, hiking with my husband (kids find it boring!), spending a fun weekend with friends in St Tropez over a nice meal, and good wine. I am also an avid skier and enjoy doing all kinds of sports with my family & friends (tennis, cycling, roller-blading, etc.)

What is one fun/unique fact about yourself?

That’s a tricky one. I think if you asked my Monaco colleagues they would say that being able to negotiate a charter contract and give birth to my daughter two hours later was quite unique.

What is one tip for first-time clients?

Choose a broker you feel comfortable with and let him show you all the wonderful things you can do on a yacht charter. Make sure the broker knows the yacht you are planning to charter or has checked recent references for her.

Any additional information you would like to share?

Life is short, make the most out of it. Being on a yacht is an ultimate holiday: you can change your scenery every day (and you will always get a sea view), be close to nature, have your chef cook your favorite meals and crew at your disposal while you focus on fun things such as discovering new places, relaxing and spending quality time with your family and friends. It is all about creating great experiences and lifelong memories