Capt. James Fachtmann, CPYB — Pompano Beach & Fort Lauderdale
JFA Yacht & Ship is a licensed Florida brokerage. We buy, sell, charter, and manage yachts, then stay with you after the deal. Same core values as our sister company, JFA Aviation: integrity first, superior service last. Over 100 years of combined experience, one job — make the yachting lifestyle feel simple.
We understand that a luxury yacht is the ultimate mark of prestige and luxury. We work with you, listening to your needs and then matching you to the right yacht for your desired yachting lifestyle. Our robust nautical network and established relationships with leading shipyards in the US and Europe ensure we can source you the right boat at the best price.
JFA Yachts, and Captain Z in particular, have been tremendously helpful in the sale of our ship. BTW, if you think that you can save a few bucks by not going through a broker when buying or selling a boat, please think again. I have made that mistake and it has cost me a bit. Thankfully JFA was able to save the day.
Nick Barcet
By far the best boat broker ever! I highly recommend him!!
I previously had my boat listed with a different broker that cost me time and money. When I put my boat in the hands of James it was night and day! I can’t say enough good things about him!! Honest, diligent, caring, knowledgeable, responsive, hard working, pleasant, professional and the list goes on. He got the deal done in no time and was a breath of fresh air from my previous experiences. If you are looking to purchase or sell a boat, make sure to call James! I promise you will be in the best hands available!! I wish I met him sooner. It would have saved me a lot of time, stress and money.
Stacy Blake
Capt Z was very professional and cared about buyer and seller. I was the buyer of a Catalina 387, needing to take our boat from St Pete to Melbourne FL. Even though Capt Z represented the seller, he made sure we were comfortable with the boat and passage. He went out of his way to point out good marinas and anchorages and checked in with us day-to-day along the way. I would highly recommend him as a man of good character!
Paul Eason
James Fachtmann will stick with you all the way through achieving your dream of yacht ownership. My first purchase was spectacular, and business yacht ownership really works. I am so happy that JFA Yacht & Ship is helping others achieve their dreams.
Terry Dyess
My experience with Captain Rupert Covell started on a remarkable yachting adventure, immediately showcasing his exceptional skill and passion for the sea. His ability to organize trips that are both thrilling and meticulously detailed revealed a deep commitment to excellence. This same dedication is evident in his yacht brokerage services. Rupert’s extensive knowledge, drawn from firsthand experiences around the globe, makes him the ideal advisor for buying or selling yachts. His approach is personal and straightforward, ensuring clients are guided with integrity and clarity. Recommending Rupert to friends and contacts has been an easy choice, as he consistently provides top-tier service. For anyone seeking expert guidance in yachting or brokerage, Captain Rupert is the professional you can trust to exceed your expectations.
Leslie Gutschow
Chris browns a really amazing guy. Great yacht broker and captain! He saved our skin when we really needed it. He used his expertise to get about 10 of us that were very stuck on the boat back to safety. It’s a pleasure to work with him and call him a friend.
blake kolbus
Tyler Hanke from JFA Yachts is great to work with! His dedication to understanding my preferences and finding the perfect yacht was very impressive. His communication was prompt and transparent, making the experience enjoyable. If you’re looking for a top-notch yacht broker, Tyler is the one to trust!
Colleen Jeffress
Paul Minihan at JFA Yacht & Ship is the go-to person for your boat or yacht needs. As a military veteran and Naval Academy grad, his experience and integrity shine through. I’ve known Paul for over 15 years, and his dedication to his clients is unmatched. Whether you’re buying or selling, Paul’s expertise ensures a smooth and trustworthy experience. Proud to recommend him and contribute to the positive community at JFA Yacht & Ship!
Patrick Stephens
I send all my clients to Rupert Covel at JFA Yachts his knowledge and expertise in the yachting and Sailing industry is unmatched. He truly goes the extra mile to ensure every client is his top priority he is extremely efficient and most of all he doesn’t waste your time thank you for all your help. It was a true pleasure doing business with you look forward to much more to come in the future.
Ss Ss
In my opinion, Captain Rick is the crown jewel of the group. His knowledge, patience and generosity are unrivaled. The time and effort he has spent helping me find the right boat has been beyond what any typical broker would spend. He is the only person I trust for anything marine related. He knows his stuff and doesn’t mind sharing it. Highly recommended!!!
Peter S
I met Paul over 20 years ago when we were in pilot training together, we were both deployed in theater together back in 2006 and we had the pleasure of working together as colleagues at the same firm when our Active Duty service was complete. For all the years I’ve known him there is no one better at delivering on exactly what he has promised and providing the best service possible. Yachting and boating are shared passions for us both and I recently discussed running a yacht as a business with Paul. He hosted me at the Newport International Boat Show, he had the right appointments made and ensured we gained the most value for our time at the show. Whether you want a yacht for personal use or to run as a business venture Paul is an absolute must have person on your team.
Casey Turk
I have captained several of their vessels and worked closely with one of their brokers, Capt. Rupert Covell, who is not only an ace captain with an attention to detail, but also an excellent communicator with a strong code of ethics. I am confident that anyone wishing to buy or sell a yacht with Rupert’s help will be very pleased with the result. Extremely knowledgeable and reliable!
Taylor Snipes
First and foremost, Captain Rick’s knowledge of the yacht market is impeccable. What sets Captain Rick apart is not just his knowledge but also his dedication to his clients. He was always available to answer my questions and address any concerns I had, no matter how big or small. In addition to his professionalism, Captain Rick Milroy’s passion for yachts and the maritime world is infectious. His enthusiasm for the industry and his love for the sea are apparent in every conversation, making the experience of working with him not only informative but also enjoyable.
In conclusion, I highly recommend Captain Rick Milroy as a trusted yacht broker. He is a true expert in his field, a dedicated advocate for his clients, and a pleasure to work with.
Lisa Kenna
Captain Rick Milroy has been a life saver. He is so helpful and always willing to provide his expert opinion. He has been the most trusted advisor in guiding me to my next yacht purchase. I highly recommend him if you’re looking for a dedicated professional who values authentic relationships over the typical “one and done” mentality of most brokers.
Olga Jensen
I have known James for over 15 years. He is one of the most honest, most knowledgeable boat broker in the industry. He and his team provide excellent service and response time. If you are looking for Personal Service and a quick sale of your yacht call James. I am glad I did.
Mark Delaney
Paul from JFA Yacht has been helping me locate my first boat. He has done overtime work to learn what my needs and wants are and in many ways he has identified multiple areas where what I should be looking for haven’t matched my initial impressions. I have learned tons. I look forward to working with him and JFA yacht into the future on this purchase, and the next!
Andreas
Five Stars is not enough stars for Rick Milroy. Let me start with I have purchased five boats from brokers, and Rick Milroy was the absolute BEST of all time. He went above and beyond every single time I asked for help. I would not have been able to do this without his assistance. I purchased the boat and had it shipped to Southern California. Rick helped with all of that as well. I wish with my whole heart he was living out here in Socal. That is my only regret. I will use him again to sell my new purchase when or if I move up to a bigger boat. I already planned it out that he could fly in when it gets sold and I can show it to prospective buyers in the meantime if they contact him direct.
He is the very best most attentive helpful honest person ever!!!
CHERIE FRENCH
I have had extensive experience working with James Fachtmann and the entire JFA team. I am pleased to say they receive from me my unqualified endorsement as superior yachting professionals! James became my broker in 2017 as I sought to purchase an FP sailing catamaran. From first contact to years beyond commissioning and delivery James and his team have been a trusted resource for all things associated with my yacht, and the yachting lifestyle.
I Have to say I put James through his paces, lesser brokers would’ve crumbled. I’m detail oriented but found that with James every detail that was important to me became important to him. James is hands on 24/7 and as dedicated as I’ve ever encountered in the luxury sales world. I have also watched him build a cohesive team that embodies his acumen for operating at the highest standards with regards to Integrity, Dedication, Accountability and Service.
JFA Yacht & Ship will exceed your expectations as you navigate the challenges of boat ownership. As with me, from first contact to years beyond delivery you’ll find this team will reduce your stress and enhance the enjoyment of acquiring and operating your luxury vessel!
S/Y Shelly Kay
Paul Minihan at CFA Yacht and Ship is the person you want to talk to if you’re looking to buy or sell a boat. His zeal for boating is hard to match. I’ve known him for years and am always impressed by his knowledge of all things boating. Also, being a Marine Corps Officer one knows that he is a man of integrity and character. Having worked with him in a very close capacity I can tell you that he treats everyone fairly and is dedicated to reaching deals that are fair to all parties. He goes above and beyond to understand people’s needs and help. As an example he introduced me to my wife! Need I say more?
Doug McDowell
Captain Rupert Covell has organised several yachting trips for me around the world. His service is second to none. Rupert is also my first choice yacht broker for sales. He is very experienced and easy to work with. His personable approach sets him apart, I would not hesitate to recommend him to friends and family as the go-to guy for all maritime needs.
Julian
JFA Yacht and Ship are the best in the business. Captain James and his team
understand and meet the needs of their clients. Their focus on the customer experience sets them apart in the industry. I have sailed
with them and they are true professionals who know the business inside and out. Once you work with them you will have your consultants for life in the yacht business!
Marc Himelhoch
Captain Rick Milroy is my trusted advisor when it comes to purchasing a yacht. He’s the go-to guy on Nantucket. His integrity is unmatched and I truly value our relationship. I always recommend him when anyone I know is looking for a yacht.
Pam Denton
The process of buying / selling a vessel can be a daunting experience. Compounding the issue is the amount of unethical, inexperienced, and incompetent brokers… I have known James, professionally, for close to a decade and watched his development in the yachting industry. The level of experience and competence he brings to the table is invaluable, and his ethics brings the assurance of a positive transaction…You can’t go wrong with James and his team….
Eric Moreno
Rupert Covell is exceptionally knowledgeable with yachts of all sizes, having travelled the world. He has integrity, huge experience and great empathy ensuring his clients get the best, most personal, professional service possible.
Olivia MacDougald
James represented me as the buyers broker. He did an excellent job helping me avoid pitfalls and getting the deal closed. Seven years later I’m still enjoying my yacht. Next time I’ll certainly go back to JFA Yacht and Ship.
Christopher JOHNSTON
James and his team are THE BEST in the biz! Their professionalism, experience and knowledge create a seamless process from start to finish. Cheers to great work and many happy clients!
Kenia D
Michael is fantastic! Extremely knowledgeable and thoughtful. Mike and his team are great to work with. They are experts in their field and would definitely recommend them!
Mac’s Auto
Broker Captain Rupert was fantastic and is now my go to person for buying/selling a boat in South Florida.
Brian Schott
Rick’s great!
John Orvos
The team at JFA Yacht is a pleasure to work with – their integrity, dedication to clients and passion for their work is evident. Those same values are carried over into their aviation branch for a seamless client experience.
Rachel Canhasi
Exceptional Service and Expertise!
Working with JFA has been an absolute pleasure. Their personalized approach, attention to detail, and deep industry knowledge set them apart from larger firms.
Rumble Romagnoli
Our Services
As a leading American yacht brokerage, we offer a full suite of services to support you no matter your stage in the yachting journey. Whether you are an experienced yacht charterer, are entering the market for the first time and wishing to acquire a luxury yacht, or wishing to sell your yacht, our licensed yacht brokers in America are here to help. Browse our services below, or contact us to learn more.
Yacht Delivery
Our yacht delivery service ensures that your yacht is delivered wherever it is needed on-time and on-budget. Let our experienced team and global logistics ensure…
We take a holistic approach to yacht valuations to gain a true understanding of your boat’s market value, taking into account recent sales, global yacht…
Cruise the world’s most sought-after yachting destinations. From elegant Mediterranean destinations to exciting expeditions in remote waters, we offer yacht charters that fit your preferences…
Sourcing new build yachts for sale that are not yet launched is our particular speciality. Our strong relationships with global shipyards facilitate our ability to find the right new build boat at the best price.
The team of licensed yacht brokers at JFA Yacht & Ship will work tirelessly to maximize your yacht’s exposure, ensuring it is accurately marketed to a qualified global audience. With decades of experience in yacht sales in America and a handpicked team of licensed yacht brokers we have the market intelligence and nautical network to sell your yacht efficiently while ensuring maximum market value.
The JFA Yacht blog is where we share our yachting passion, industry experience, and market knowledge. Stay abreast of the latest news and industry trends, including yacht sales in America from our American yacht brokerage team.
October 20, 2026
JFA Aviation Is in Las Vegas for NBAA-BACE 2026: Let’s Connect
Major Changes at Sunseeker and The Italian Sea Group: What Every New Yacht Buyer Should Know
What This Means for New-Build Buyers These announcements illustrate an important point: A beautiful yacht begins with a healthy shipyard. When investing millions—or tens of…
Browse leading industry events, including the best yacht shows where you’ll find our team in attendance. Mark your calendar and never miss a yachting event again.