About Berthon USA

Berthon USA specializes in the sale of yachts renowned for their superior construction and reputation—both sailing and motor yachts. As the U.S. office of the Berthon Sales Group, we have enhanced our ability to serve clients in international and larger yacht markets. With decades of combined industry experience in our Newport office alone, our reputation is second to none. Just ask around—if you haven’t already!

Presenting brokerage sailing yachts of Scandinavian manufacture is one of our key specialties. We have found that exemplary quality never goes out of style—and it’s good business for everyone involved! Notable examples include Najad, Hallberg-Rassy, Baltic, Sweden Yachts, and, of course, our house specialty: brokerage Nautor Swans.

Berthon USA is also pleased to offer brokerage powerboats. Our selections often feature classic Down East-style fast day boats and cruisers, such as Back Cove and Sabre powerboats, as well as trawlers and motor yachts.

Our sales crew includes Jennifer Stewart, Alan Baines, Peter and Jeanie Houghton, Bill Rudkin, Jonathan Banks, and Drew Donald.

Managing Broker Jennifer Stewart brings over 35 years of experience in new and brokerage yacht sales, including 24 years as a designated Nautor’s Swan agent.

Managing Broker Alan Baines grew up on a South Devon farm and began his maritime career as a sailing instructor in Salcombe. He later joined P&O as a deck cadet, sailing on various ships before earning his Second Mate’s certificate and working with a Dutch company. Alan pursued further education in Yacht and Boatyard Management in Southampton, UK, before managing a marina on Cape Cod. Subsequently, he joined Nautor Swan and founded Scandinavian Yachts, which acquired a stake in Najad. In 2010, Scandinavian Yachts merged with the then Berthon Sales Group, where Alan expanded the yacht portfolio, as Berthon USA, to include brands such as Moody, Rustler, Solaris, and Sealine Yachts.

Peter and Jeanie Houghton joined the Berthon USA team as Managing Brokers in 2022. Peter had been affiliated with the company for many years as the professional captain of several yachts sold to a long-time client. Peter’s passion for sailing began early as a youth and school sailing team member, spending time on the water year-round, both racing and cruising. After earning a degree in art from college, he worked for two years with Phillips Auctioneers on Bond Street, London, before realizing his true calling was on the water. He holds a British Yachtmaster’s Certificate as well as a USCG 100 Ton License with sail auxiliary. Peter has an impressive racing and cruising résumé, having campaigned yachts in prestigious events such as the New York Yacht Club Cruise, Block Island Race Week, Edgartown Race Week, IMS Regatta, Annapolis Fall Series, Palm Beach Race, S.O.R.C., Key West Race Week, Nantucket Gold Cup, and Farr 40 World’s. His extensive cruising and racing experience spans New England, Florida, the Caribbean, England, Europe, the Greek Islands, and the Chesapeake Bay. Additionally, Peter has been involved in numerous power and sailing yacht refits, ranging from minor upgrades to major overhauls. When not on the water, he enjoys skiing, climbing, and scuba diving.

Bill Rudkin’s experience began with the Independence/Courageous Syndicate in 1976/77. He worked as a broker with S&S and other prestigious brokerages before founding his own athletic sportswear company, which he successfully sold to New Balance. In 2008, Bill returned to the boating industry, bringing with him a wealth of experience in sailboat sales, racing, and the larger powerboat market. He is our go-to expert for performance yachts and motor yachts.

Jonathan Banks brings a wealth of experience to the table, having been a lifelong sailor and completing an impressive four-year, 50,000-mile circumnavigation of the globe. In addition to his sailing achievements, Jonathan has worked on the corporate side of the marine industry and in brokerage. Notably, he was involved with a marine tech start-up—founded by one of Berthon USA’s long-time customers—which was acquired by Yamaha Marine in 2021. Jonathan currently owns a Beneteau Sense 55 and enjoys sailing her along the East Coast of the United States. He is excited to join the Berthon USA team and looks forward to leveraging his extensive knowledge and passion for boating to help clients find the perfect boat to meet their needs and dreams.

Drew Donald is a fourth-generation yacht racer from Annapolis, MD, with over 40 years of experience in the yachting industry. His passion for sailing began at a young age—racing by 10 and teaching sailing by his teens. With expertise in sail making, rigging, boat building, and yacht brokerage, Drew has competed in major regattas and ocean races along the U.S. East Coast. He has completed four Atlantic crossings, including a victory in the 1997 Atlantic Challenge. With over 200,000 ocean miles logged, Drew has now joined Berthon USA, where he focuses on yacht sales in the Chesapeake Bay, offering expert guidance to buyers and sellers in the Mid-Atlantic region.

We are renowned for our expertise in managing both domestic and overseas transactions, including the intricate details of pre-purchase inspections and surveys, ownership transfer, and yacht transport and delivery. With the various tax implications involved, it is essential to work with a brokerage firm that stays up to date on these important details.

Good yacht listings, especially those featuring newer construction, are difficult to find. If you are considering selling your current yacht, we would be delighted to assist with the sale. The Berthon USA team consistently delivers outstanding results for our clients, both buyers and sellers alike.

Our regular hours are on weekdays, but we are happy to schedule appointments at any time to best accommodate our clients’ needs. Please give us a call so we can be of service! You can also reach us anytime on our cell phones.