The 2021 Excellence Awards was held on March 2022 at the Four Seasons in Palm Beach. Here IYC acknowledged its premier employees including Sales Broker of the Year. Mark Elliott was awarded the 2021 Sales Broker of the year. Elliott's success is due to his in depth knowledge of the industry but also, his successful partnership with Carrie Freeman who he touted during his acceptance speech.
One of the most successful partnerships in the yacht industry, sales broker Mark Elliott and charter consultant Carrie Freeman collaborate to offer clients unparalleled service. Ex-crew with a passion for the superyacht world, both Mark and Carrie intricately understand the nuances of yacht charter and sales to provide exceptional advice and guidance to owners, charterers and industry professionals.
Carrie began as Mark’s sales and charter assistant in 2014 and transitioned into the role of charter broker in 2019. Their excellent working relationship and dynamic team approach provides IYC clients with a full service for all their charter and sales needs. When charter guests wish to begin their ownership journey, Mark and Carrie are ready to assist – drawing on years of collective experience to walk them through the process.
Last year was a record-breaking one for Mark and Carrie. Together they completed over 80 yacht charters and booked over 115 – totally over $11,000,000. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the charter market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with many individuals wanting to enjoy peace of mind while keeping their families safe. “Despite COVID, we still prevailed in completing a record number of charter vacations this year as clients turned to more secluded options and socially distancing on the water,” explains Carrie. “We noticed a growing trend in working with many first-time yacht charter guests this year. We love customizing vacations and being a part of planning spectacular memories for them.” Charter guests are safe hands thanks to Carrie’s vast knowledge of destinations and excursions. She is an avid traveler – in 2019 she sailed through the Amazon rainforest – and carefully curates the ultimate itinerary for each guest’s dream trip.
Clients appreciate Mark and Carrie’s in-depth market knowledge and industry expertise and as a result of their trusted advice, they celebrated 15 yachts sales in 2021. Mark is an award-winning broker and uses his years as a captain and helicopter pilot to educate clients on the operational aspects of yacht ownership. Mark consistently achieves outstanding sales figures, securing the best deals for his clients and sharing his superyacht wisdom with those starting their ownership journey.
As the duo have established many long standing relationships, several charter clients took the leap into ownership and purchased a vessel for the first time this year. “Mark and I had the biggest month in years in December closing six yacht sales, mostly to first-time yacht owners and/or charter clients turning into owners,” says Carrie. Their enthusiasm for life on board is encapsulated in their favorite phrase “Let’s go yachting!”
As Mark and Carrie’s partnership grows from strength to strength, they can be confident of a prosperous 2022 and beyond.