Our Team
Co-Owner| Founder| Managing Broker
Ben Ward
Ben is the co-founder of Ward Yacht Sales and has over 25 years of sailboat racing and cruising experience. After 22 years in the banking and fin-tech, he and his family cruised aboard their Passport 47 sailboat, traveling over 10K ocean miles and visiting 13 countries. Ben worked as a broker on the Chesapeake Bay and in Florida before launching Ward Yacht Sales. Ben is passionate about client advocacy, consulting, and service. Our goal is to exceed the expectations of every customer and to foster lifelong client relationships.
Contact Ben
804-404-2379
IYBA Member
Co-Owner| Managing Partner
Amber Ward
Amber is the co-founder of Ward Yacht Sales with over 18 years of sailing experience, including racing and extensive offshore cruising. After teaching public school, she raised and homeschooled her three girls. She spent 4 of those years on the family's cruising sailboat, traveling thousands of offshore ocean miles across most of the US East Coast, the Bahamas, and the Eastern Caribbean. Amber assists with managing the day to day operations, market analysis, and logistics for the business and provides support to our clients and our outstanding team of brokers throughout Florida.
Contact Amber
804-404-2379
Yacht & Ship Sales Broker
Gunsu Akaydin - Fort Lauderdale, FL
Gunsu began his career as a deckhand on a motor yacht in high school. He received his degree from university as a maritime engineer, then worked on commercial and charter vessels, including a 47-meter sailing yacht traveling throughout the Mediterranean for 4 years, then moving to a 40-meter motor yacht and completing a 22-day Atlantic crossing from the Spanish Tenerife Islands to Fort Lauderdale. Gunsu now leverages his extensive hands-on yachting experience and passion for boating to assist clients as a yacht broker. Gunsu is a consummate professional who enjoys advocating for his clients.
Contact Gunsu
425-971-2044
Yacht & Ship Sales Broker
John Dennis - Fort Lauderdale, FL
John Dennis is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the cruise/ yachting industry. Residing in Ft. Lauderdale, he has cultivated a deep passion for the open waters, reflected in his avid love for boating and yachting. Along with his wife and sons, he enjoys South Florida boating on a wide range of vessels. As an advocate, he is committed to assisting his clients, whether it's buying a yacht or selling a vessel. His straightforward, professional approach ensures personalized service, while focusing on what really matters—client satisfaction and informed decision-making.
Contact John
754-317-8070
john@wardyachtsales.com
Yacht & Ship Sales Broker
Licensed Captain
Darrel Heaton - East Coast, USA
Captain Darrel has lived his entire life near the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean with a passion for sailing and the cruising lifestyle. After retiring in 2022, he and his wife Cyndi began living their dream of full-time cruising aboard their Beneteau 46, SV Asante. Their travels have taken them throughout the Chesapeake Bay, New England, Florida, and the Bahamas. With knowledge, experience, and integrity, Darrel and Cyndi would be delighted to help you fulfill your yacht ownership dreams.
Contact Darrel
757-876-3950
Senior Yacht & Ship Sales Broker
Licensed Captain
Ryan Hunt - Fort Myers, FL
Capt. Ryan is a veteran of the United States Coast Guard, with over 20 years of experience in the marine industry. Holding a 100 Ton Masters license, he specializes in the sport fish market and day boats powered by outboard engines. Capt. Ryan prioritizes clients' needs, whether it's selling a yacht or finding the perfect vessel to meet their needs. His extensive knowledge and passion for boating ensure every client experience is professional, enjoyable, and focused on achieving the best results.
Contact Ryan
239-339-3532
Yacht & Ship Sales Broker
Buddy Johnston - Palm Beach, FL
Buddy is a seasoned yacht sales and marketing professional with over 30 years of expertise in driving revenue growth and spearheading successful business ventures within the luxury yacht, jet, and car industry. Buddy is passionate about cultivating high-value client relationships and delivering exceptional results for customers. He advocates for his clients to negotiate the best deal and provides comprehensive consulting to help you navigate the yacht sales process. He has a proven track record and enjoys supporting his clients before, during, and after the sale. Buddy is based in West Palm Beach and is ready to help you list your vessel or acquire the yacht of your dreams.
Contact Buddy
561-797-7689
Yacht & Ship Sales Broker
Sarah King - Stuart, FL
Sarah is based in Stuart, FL and enjoys helping buyers and sellers of all experience levels. Sarah has been sailing most of her life and grew up sailing on her family’s Catalina 27, which launched her lifelong passion for boating. Sarah, along with her husband Mike, acquired their Pacific Seacraft 44 in 2018 and have been sailing the east coast seasonally for 6 years. They are now excited to call the Treasure Coast home. Sarah can’t wait to meet you to help make your boating aspirations a reality.
Contact Sarah
818-636-9301
Yacht & Ship Sales Broker
Licensed Captain
Mike King - Stuart, FL
Mike lives in Stuart, FL. He is ready to help buyers and sellers of power and sailing vessels. After retiring from the U.S. Navy, where he spent much of his 27 year career on small vessels, Mike became a licensed 50 ton captain and is now a small craft training expert and yacht broker. Mike added sailing to his repertoire in 2010, sailing the east coast and the Florida Keys. He and his wife, Sarah, have owned a Pacific Seacraft 44 since 2018 and have developed an impressive knowledge of private yacht outfitting and systems.
Contact Mike
910-574-4367
Yacht & Ship Sales Broker/
Social Media Manager
Michelle Mehok - Pensacola, FL
Michelle has been captivated by the world of boating from an early age and brings a lifelong passion for sailing to the yacht sales industry. She began working at a marina at the age of 14, then competed in collegiate sailing for 4 years, touring the country. She is an active member in her local yacht club and has dedicated her professional life to assisting other people with the purchase or sale of their boats. Her background and love of yachting makes her uniquely qualified and committed to helping her clients achieve their yachting dreams.
Contact Michelle
615-788-4453
Yacht & Ship Sales Broker
Mitxi Ortiz - Chicago, IL
Mitxi has over ten years at Coast Yachts in Chicago, cultivating deep, enduring connections with yacht owners and the fleet. Her passion for delivering outstanding service led her to expand into yacht sales, where she helps clients discover the ideal vessel for their adventures. Mitxi is committed to making the buying and selling experience effortless, ensuring every client can set sail with confidence and create unforgettable memories on the water.
Contact Mitxi
773-983-2709
IYBA Member
Yacht & Ship Sales Broker
Sara Simon - Tampa, FL
Sara is a passionate boater who began her journey as a yacht broker with competitive collegiate sailing. With over 20 years of boating experience, she has experience with center consoles, motor yachts, and keelboats. Beyond her time at the helm, Sara holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering, giving her a strong understanding of marine systems and vessel mechanics. Whether you're searching for your first boat or upgrading to your next, she is committed to helping you navigate the process with confidence.
Contact Sara
727-505-2590
Ward Yacht Sales Services
We offer a range of a la carte services to custom fit your yacht buying or selling needs.
Sell My Boat
Buy A Boat
FSBO Closing & Titling
Hourly Consulting Services
Yacht Management Services
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Our Team is Growing
Are you an experienced broker looking to join a professional, creative, highly collaborative, and fun sales team of self-employed contractors? Are you new to the yachting industry but have a passion for boats and helping people? Let's chat. We're searching for talented and motivated people to join our team right now.
804-404-2379