The Trailblazing Women Yacht Brokers of N&J | International Women's Day 2022

There are a lot of incredible women within the Northrop & Johnson family who work in all sectors of the business, from charter and charter management to finance and marketing, but Northrop & Johnson is especially proud to have women in a sector of business that is traditionally male-dominated: yacht brokerage. Positions within our industry as a whole are still predominantly held by men, even in 2022. But our NoJo women are breaking the glass ceilings across the board. In celebration of Women’s History Month, which takes place every March, and International Women’s Day, on March 8, we wanted to spotlight these women and all women of N&J. With offices worldwide and more than 125 employees, of which 50% are women, we’ve got a lot to celebrate.

Women in Yacht Brokerage

Ann Avery

Northrop & Johnson is blessed with the phenomenal passion, knowledge and practice of Yacht Broker Ann Avery. Based in Fort Lauderdale, Ann joined N&J in 2001 and has more than 20 years of experience as an international yacht broker, having worked with clients from around 14 countries, from Mexico to New Zealand.

Ann found her love for the sea during an incredible journey cruising the Caribbean for a year with her family. Following the trip, she became a professional yacht captain for the next decade, running charter and private yachts. These included the 1929 Alden SIROCCO, a gorgeous sailing yacht once owned by the famous actor and poster child of the Golden Age of Hollywood, Errol Flynn. Though her incredible achievements cannot be given enough justice, it’s more than fair to say that Ann is a feminist pioneer. After moving ashore and becoming a yacht broker, Ann has represented a variety of world-famous yachting, including the replica J-Class RANGER, DESTINATION FOX HARB’R, a 134′ (41m) Debois/Alloy sailing yacht as well as a variety of incredible power yachts, including the 165′ (50m) Feadship SWEET PEA, the 203′ (61m) Benetti MINE GAMES, to name a few.

A Renaissance woman, Ann is a member and former board member of the International Superyacht Society, member of the International Yacht Brokers Association and has been featured in Executive Women as one of the rare female yacht captains. With a natural gift for storytelling and immeasurable knowledge of her trade, Ann has also been published in yachting news. She is multi-lingual, multifaceted, high-spirited and beyond accomplished. Ann continues to better her mind and body in her free time — taking courses in feminine studies, pursuing photography, skiing and sailing.

Kristen Klein

N&J Yacht Broker Kristen Klein prides herself on her drive, extensive knowledge, direct communication and contemporary approach to yacht sales – something she harnesses every day with Northrop & Johnson. Having found her passion during a semester at sea via the M/V EXPLORER, Kristen took each experience she had within her stride – refining her knowledge base of yachting and life at sea. After graduating from university, Kristen joined the yachting industry as a crewmember aboard luxury charter yachts such as OHANA.

Going above and beyond within her role, she moved up the ranks to chief stewardess, leading the yacht’s success and managing several interior refits. She had a crucial influence in the OHANA’s relaunch – making it one of the most popular charter yachts on the market from 2011 to 2013.

In 2012, Kristen joined N&J, working as Kevin Merrigan’s trusted adjutant. She played critical roles in luxury yacht sales closings, building the foundation for her successes to come as a yacht broker. In 2016, Kristen became a yacht broker herself and hit the ground running. Since then, she’s successfully closed more than $150 million in brokerage transactions as a NoJo. Kristen has had the rare opportunity to travel to the Galapagos, a beloved experience of many that make up the distinctly expansive knowledge base that continues to impress her clients.

Elizabeth Swain

Hailing from Massachusetts, Yacht Broker Elizabeth Swain was first introduced to yachts aboard a Herreshoff sailboat and was immediately hooked. She pursued a BS in marine affairs during college, minoring in environmental and natural resource economics. Simultaneously, she was president of the URI Sailing Club, managing the school’s fleet and sailing facilities. Upon graduation, Liz followed her passion and raced Classic Americas Cup sailing yachts while serving as crew for offshore deliveries.

Combining her interests, education and lifestyle, Liz then worked for Sailors for the Sea, an ocean conservation organization that promotes sustainability while sailing. She then moved to Cordova, Alaska, working in administration at the Prince William Sound Science Center and serving on the Board of Directors for the Sheridan Alpine Association and the Bluegrass Music Camp. While living up North, she spent her time salmon fishing, exploring the outdoors and brewing beer with local ingredients.

Shortly after that, Liz’s love for the sea pushed her to move aboard a 38’ (11.5m) sailboat providing services for sailboats and powerboats in Florida, The Bahamas and more. Upon re-entering her old stomping grounds, Liz set her sights on yacht brokerage, working with Sparkman & Stephens until June of 2019. Liz then brought her taste for adventure and yachting knowledge to N&J where she’s since successfully closed several yachts, including the 114’ (34.7m) Broward motor yacht VAIVEN.

The list goes on…

Across the globe, we have unique, hardworking women that make up 19 charter brokers and specialists, four charter managers, eight assistants for both sales and charter, six crew associates, seven office administrative specialists, four accounting specialists, six marketing & content specialists, three partnerships managers, a CRM administrator, a director of finance & HR and a chief of staff. Northrop & Johnson is proud that half of our executive board is female, a true testament to N&J’s inclusivity and merit-based way of doing business.

Truthfully, each of these phenomenal femmes has her own crucial role as the company’s backbone, without whom we would not be the same. Happy International Women’s Day Ladies!

As a world-leading luxury yacht brokerage, Northrop & Johnson delivers professional services in luxury yacht sales and purchasing, private yacht charter, new yacht construction, charter management, crew placement and more. For all your luxury yachting needs and beyond, contact Northrop & Johnson today.