Five minutes with: Jacqui Lockhart, Retail Charter Broker

Camper & Nicholsons
30th July 2021

Retail Charter Broker Jacqui Lockhart fell for the French language and way of life as a child. “Growing up in Scotland, my family spent all our summer holidays in the South of France,” she says. “We were often on the water, whether on our own small motorboat or with friends.” Having always loved all aspects of the sea, she packed her bags permanently for the Côte d’Azur at the age of 21, a move that marked the start of a distinguished yachting career.

 

C&N: Can you tell me about your background? How did you get involved in the yachting industry?

Jacqui Lockhart: I studied Business Studies with languages (French & German) at Edinburgh Napier University. After finishing, I came to France with a friend. After a few local jobs, I was taken on at C&N. Over the years, I worked as assistant to the sales brokers (several who are still in the company now), assistant and trainee charter broker, Charter Marketing broker, then Head of Charter Marketing. I then left to run my own company, Select Charter Services, which specialized in charter marketing for around 10 owners including the record-breaking sailing yacht Mirabella V. I saw the industry was changing and I decided I preferred being part of a team so thankfully returned to C&N in January 2016.

 

C&N: What do you love most about your job?

JL: I love organizing exceptional holiday experiences for a very varied clientele. It is such a special sector that is ever-evolving and a pleasure to work in.

 

C&N: What have been some of the challenges you have faced as a Charter Broker and how have you overcome them?

JL: There have been many challenges over the years but with experience, you learn there is always a solution and you need to listen to the different parties to find the best outcome. Yachting is never dull. There is always a scenario you have not heard of before.

 

C&N: What is your favourite charter destination and why?

JL: There are so many, it’s hard to choose! The Virgin Islands are super in the winter. Corsica is wonderful with her rugged coast. The remote locations are a pleasure to promote as there are more yachts cruising there and having had the opportunity to spend a week in Antarctica it should certainly be on everyone’s bucket list!

 

What’s something you’re passionate about in the industry?

JL: Good relations and working with the younger generation.

 

What are some of your best memories of the industry?

JL: Boat shows when the industry was smaller. I’ve had so much fun doing business with a great group of brokers and crew.

 

Has yacht charter changed in the time you’ve been involved in the industry? If so, how?

JL: The most obvious is the size of the yachts but I am always appreciative of how professional our industry has become whether it be on the yachts or the corporate infrastructure.

 

Jacqui Lockhart
Office: +377 97 97 77 00
Mobile: +33 6 73 86 77 20
jlockhart@camperandnicholsons.com