Burgess Yachts' experience and expertise pilots clients through shifting conditions.

Published: February 10, 2009 / LuxuryTravelMagazine.com

The American yacht market, already known to be notoriously complex, is now even more pressurized as it bears the impact of global economic strain. If buying, selling or building a yacht here seemed daunting before, recent financial events have certainly not made it less so.

Critical in today's variable market is choosing a brokerage with a wealth of knowledge and experience and then heeding the advice and guidance of their experts. Burgess' three U.S. offices, - New York, Miami, Seattle – and their strong team of brokers offer informed, realistic and objective service based on combined local and international knowledge.

According to Peter Brown, broker in the Burgess' New York City office, "it can be hard to know where a sensible price can be paid for a quality product. Unlike the past, now there is a surplus of inventory and some exceptional opportunities are available if one knows where to look."

Choosing the right broker may seem difficult, but Brown boils it down to: "If you can keep your head when all around are losing theirs, then you're probably talking to the right people." Below he shares some other general guidelines to consider when hiring a broker in today's market.

• Hire a broker only when you are prepared to move expeditiously to take advantage of the best opportunities – the right broker will quickly identify and evaluate potential prospects

• Engage a well-informed broker able to negotiate effectively on your behalf

• An understanding of the current international industry as well as local market differences is key – Global knowledge, local touch is the Burgess mantra

• Maintaining strong relationships with shipyards is not only important for new-builds, but also translates to in-depth product knowledge of the pre-owned yacht market

Founded in 1975 with offices across Europe and North America, including New York and Miami, Burgess is the global superyacht industry leader, uniquely specializing in yachts of over 130-ft. Renowned for its professional yachting services, the company leverages its expertise to guide clients through every aspect of the yachting experience, including sale and purchase, new construction, charter and operational management. The Burgess brokerage division has been involved in the sale of many of the world's most significant yachts, while the new construction division is currently supervising more new build superyachts than any other firm. Burgess' first-class charter service offers a portfolio of the finest yachts in the most stunning destinations. The superyacht credentials of Burgess are unmatched in the industry, ensuring that clients enjoy the highest levels of customer service. More information on Burgess can be found at www.burgessyachts.com.