The Association of Brokers & Yacht Agents (ABYA) and the British Marine Boat Retailers & Brokers Association (BRBA) are encouraging those considering a career in yacht brokerage or looking to develop their existing skills to take advantage of remaining places on the Practical Yacht Broker Course, taking place on 9–10 March at the Solent Hotel & Spa, Fareham.
As the UK’s leading introductory and development course for yacht and boat brokers, the two-day course is designed to equip delegates with the practical knowledge, confidence and commercial skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive and highly regulated marine sales environment. Delivered jointly by ABYA and BRBA, the course is developed and taught by experienced brokers and industry specialists. The March 2026 programme features refreshed content and real-world case studies, reflecting current market conditions and regulatory requirements.
“The Practical Yacht Broker course, was well-balanced and gave me the confidence to manage the boat buying process professionally. The sessions were engaging, the presenters excellent, and I would highly recommend it to anyone starting or developing their brokerage career, ” said Chris Symonds, who was a delegate on the November 2025 course.
The 2-day course focuses on the practical realities of brokerage, covering key legal, financial and operational areas including Marine Law, VAT, Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements and the Recreational Craft Regulations (RCR). Delegates will gain a clear understanding of the documentation and processes required to transfer good legal title when brokering a vessel, helping to reduce risk for both brokers and clients.
Alongside compliance and technical knowledge, the course explores practical selling skills such as negotiation, conflict management and digital marketing strategies that support lead generation and conversion. Sessions also address the sale of new, used and part-exchange vessels, financing options, the role of the Marine Surveyor, MCA coding and the specific considerations involved in commercial vessel sales.
A live Q&A session with an experienced broker allows attendees to ask questions and benefit from first-hand insight gained through decades of industry experience. The course also includes a networking dinner, providing an opportunity for delegates to connect with peers and speakers in an informal setting.
Karen Wilson, CEO of ABYA, said: “The Practical Yacht Broker Course remains a vital stepping stone for anyone serious about entering or progressing within yacht brokerage. It provides a strong foundation in professionalism, compliance and best practice, while giving delegates the confidence to manage complex transactions and client expectations effectively.”
While Alastair Walton, Chair of the Boat Retailers & Brokers Association (BRBA) added: “As the industry continues to professionalise, the need for well-trained, knowledgeable brokers has never been greater. This course supports both individuals and businesses by developing the skills needed to operate responsibly, commercially and with the highest standards of customer care.”
Course details:
- Practical Yacht Broker Course
- 9–10 March 2026
- Solent Hotel & Spa, Fareham
To book or find out more, visit: https://abya.co.uk/courses-and-events/
For further information on training and professional development:
- British Marine Training Courses – https://mymembership.britishmarine.co.uk/training-courses/
- ABYA Academy Courses – https://abya.co.uk/courses-and-events/
