STEPHEN COCKCROFT / EXCLUSIVE BUYERS' BROKER LARGE CATAMARAN SPECIALIST
Stephen’s involvement in the sailboat and sailing industries are diverse and broad-reaching. As owner of the very successful and popular Island Spirit Catamarans factory, co-owner of the third largest charter company in the Caribbean and North America, and longtime yacht and charter broker, he has gained insight into the inner workings of how to build and buy a yacht as well as how to operate the boat as a business. He has brokered many brands including the Flagship catamaran ranges for Bali, Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, Nautitech, Xquisite, and Sunreef in the USA and has been involved in product development and customization of large catamarans for buyers. Stephen is a licensed and bonded yacht and ship broker in the State of Florida and operates his own US-based brokerage house.
Sailing Experience
He is an accomplished offshore catamaran sailor having completed multiple trans-ocean voyages including the delivery of his own Island Spirit from Cape Town, South African, to Miami, a voyage of 7,000 NM. He has participated in offshore races on catamarans and most recently he won the Bahamas leg of the Caribbean 1500 on a Prout 50 (pictured right). Stephen is an Instructor Examiner for the American Sailing Association (ASA) having taught hundreds of people to sail catamarans and monohulls in hands-on, live-aboard courses in the Caribbean and the Bahamas.
Stephen and his wife, Estelle, have cruised 70,000+ NM aboard their ocean-going yachts and have visited more than 45 countries. They are sought-after experts on catamarans, yacht ownership solutions, yacht management, liveaboard cruising lifestyle, and understanding the needs and specifications for a successful cruising yacht. Through their thousands of posts on diverse sailing topics on this website and their direct consulting and brokerage relationships, they are a valued resource for all sailors and often become friends with the customers and students that they have worked with.
Catamaran Expertise & Yacht Ownership Programs
Stephen has represented hundreds of catamaran buyers in transactions as an independent consultant. Stephen Cockcroft has in recent years consulted with several clients helping them buy flagship catamarans like the first Xquisite X5 sold in the US and other large catamarans such as Lagoon SEVENTY7, Lagoon 620, Fountaine Pajot 59, Fountaine Pajot Alegria 67, and others into crewed charter all over the world.
With his vast and diverse experience in the international marine business, Stephen possesses a spectrum of technical, financial, taxation, contractual and sailing lifestyle insights. You want him in your corner representing your interests when buying or selling a yacht. Stephen helps you learn to set up your boat as a business to benefit from business tax deductions, understand the different charter management models, figure out which model helps you achieve your goals, identify ways to offset the cost of yacht ownership, and, most importantly, figure out your exit strategy.
Testimonials
ESTELLE COCKCROFT / EXCLUSIVE BUYERS' BROKER LARGE CATAMARAN SPECIALIST
Estelle Cockcroft is an expert in large catamaran sailing, living aboard, and buying and selling yachts. She has traveled 70,000+ NM of remote waterways to explore 45 countries. As Catamaran Guru Co-Founder, Co-Owner, and President, she brokers dozens of catamaran transactions each year and manages its $40M+ annual revenue. Estelle shares her passion for sailing on the Catamaran Guru website and as a qualified Royal Yachting Association captain and American Sailing Association instructor.
estelle@catamaranguru.com | 954-249-9764
The couple has also enjoyed exploring the US when they lived aboard a “land yacht” once while in between boats. Their custom Harley Davidson motorcycle has transported them to some of the most spectacular places in the USA.
Throughout the catamaran community pages on this website, you will find information about her boating experiences and knowledge. Estelle is passionate about cultural preservation and sustainable travel as she feels they are crucial movements to ensure enjoyment of global adventures for generations to come. Always looking out for her next challenge, she relishes testing her nerves and muscles. The freedom and independence of the sailing lifestyle suits her personality as a free spirit. She has no “home” in the traditional sense, because according to her ‘…life is a journey and the journey is her home…”
