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Articles Meet the Team: Mare Kidd

Few consultants bring the depth of hands-on experience and personal touch that Mare offers. With a career in yachting that began in 2002, Mare has spent years refining the art of creating bespoke charter experiences for her clients.

Having worked as a stewardess aboard both private and charter yachts, Mare brings a unique perspective to her role as a Charter Consultant at Ocean Independence. Her ability to anticipate Client needs and exceed expectations has earned her a loyal following, with many returning year after year.

In this interview, Mare reflects on her early inspirations, her approach to providing personalised service, and the many ways she ensures her clients enjoy unforgettable charters.

 

OI: What first inspired you to pursue a career in luxury yachting?

My journey into luxury yachting was driven by a desire for adventure and a challenge beyond my comfort zone. Before I entered yachting, I was managing 17 well-known cosmetic stores in the Tampa Bay area, overseeing 110 staff members. While I loved the leadership role, I felt a pull toward something more adventurous.

So, in 2001, I packed my bags and moved to Fort Lauderdale, where I had the opportunity to work a day gig at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. From that moment, I knew yachting was my future. Not only did I meet my husband of 20 years, who is now the Captain of a 164′ charter vessel, I also made the decision to obtain my maritime credentials and was on my first yacht as a stewardess, heading to St. Maarten shortly after.

OI: How did your experience as a yacht stewardess shape your approach to charter consultancy?

My time as a stewardess, working on both private and charter yachts, laid the foundation for the career I now cherish. I gained invaluable experience in luxury service, learning the intricacies of meeting high Client expectations while fostering a smooth onboard experience.

Eventually, I discovered my true passion in the industry—curating personalised charter vacations. This led me to become a Charter Consultant, combining my luxury service background, which spans over 30 years, with my first-hand experience as yacht crew. Having worked on yachts gives me a unique perspective as a Charter Consultant. I understand what it takes to deliver impeccable service, and it keeps expectations of myself incredibly high.

Today, my role as a Charter Consultant is driven by my love for the industry, the thrill of creating unforgettable experiences, and the dedication to exceeding my Client’s every expectation.

OI: What are some of the most memorable or rewarding charter experiences you’ve helped create for your clients?

One of the most memorable charters I have arranged was for a Client who had never chartered before. They had specific dates and a set budget, so I needed to find the perfect yacht that fit their schedule, destination, and preferences.

The Client was particularly concerned that his children might spend too much time on their devices and worried whether the experience would truly deliver the adventure and family memories he was hoping for. Building that trust with clients is often a leap of faith, and I’m always mindful of the responsibility to exceed their expectations.

This particular charter happened during one of their son’s birthdays, so I discreetly arranged with the Stewardess to have the yacht set up with birthday decorations so his son would see the yacht dressed up while they travelled from the tender towards the yacht for the first time.

Knowing his main focus was his children’s enjoyment, I coordinated with the crew to create a fun, interactive itinerary. From pizza-making with the chef to beach scavenger hunts, every day was a new adventure. The Client was so pleased, he sent me photos throughout the charter, overwhelmed with gratitude.

OI: For someone interested in chartering a yacht for the first time, what advice or tips would you give them?

My best advice is simple: give me a call. The first step is a conversation where I learn about their vision, and from there, I guide them through every detail they may not have considered—from onboard expectations to cost breakdowns. Trust is key, especially for first-time charterers, and I aim to build that trust through transparency and guidance.

OI: How do you bring value to your clients? What’s your approach to ensuring they have a seamless experience when booking with you?

Listening is key. Every Client has different priorities—some want themed events each night, while others prefer minimal crew interaction to focus on family time. I arrange everything from specific bed configurations and onboard offices to replicating personal routines from home. I’ve even helped with pre-charter details like flights, special wine shipments, and booking DJs, classical performers, or photographers to enhance the experience.

Whether they’re after a lively itinerary full of nightlife or a tranquil, fishing-focused trip, I tailor my approach to fit their vision. I also guide them through the booking process with clear steps and timelines, so they know exactly what to expect. Communication is crucial—I touch base with both the Client and the Captain throughout the charter to ensure everything runs smoothly, and I always follow up to maintain the Client relationship and gather feedback for future trips. I also check in with the Captain to learn more about my group while on charter.

OI: What motivates you in your day-to-day work? Do you have a personal motto or philosophy you live by?

For me, it’s about being able to “look myself in the mirror.” I hold myself to the highest standards of compassion and integrity, never compromising my values or boundaries. Every day, I aim to ensure that I’ve done my best by my clients and stayed true to those principles.

OI: When you’re not working, what are your favourite ways to spend your free time?

I love being a present mother to my daughters, and they’re my priority. For myself, I enjoy group workouts—they’re a great way to stay active and build community. I also have a deep passion for reading family letters and journals that date back to the 1800s, including my uncle’s daily journal, which spans 50 years. These writings provide fascinating insights into life across different eras, and I love researching old words, places, and references to make the experience more interactive.

Though I love socialising, some of my best nights are spent at home with a puzzle and 70s music.

OI: If you were to describe the ultimate yachting experience, what would it include?

From my perspective, the ultimate yachting experience is seamless from start to finish, with every detail exceeding expectation. The experience should be deeply personal, with no two charters alike. The key to turning an average charter into an unforgettable vacation is the collaboration between me, as their Charter Consultant, and the Client communicating all that is important to them. At Ocean Independence, we take pride in offering that level of personalised service.

Mare Kidd

OI: What qualities should individuals consider when choosing a charter brokerage?

It’s important to choose a brokerage that is engaged, attending industry seminars and boat shows, and staying involved in educational and social events. These factors may not always be apparent to clients, but they’re essential. Achievements within the firm and how engaged the company is within the industry can be a great reflection of their commitment to offering the best service. Ocean Independence operates as a team, and we consider ourselves an extended family, with support from Sales Consultants and Charter Managers alike. When clients work with one department, they’re backed by an entire team’s expertise.

OI: How do you ensure that your clients have a memorable and satisfying experience while on a yacht charter?

It’s my responsibility to ensure clients have a memorable experience before they ever step on board. This involves thorough discussions about the yacht’s crew dynamics, the skill of the chef, and even the yacht’s amenities like watertoys and the quality of the vessel itself. I inspect charter vessels regularly, speak to captains about any planned projects or refits, and help plan the itinerary while relying on the Captain’s local expertise. Once the charter begins, it’s up to the crew to meet those expectations, but the groundwork is laid beforehand.

My goal is not just to book a charter, but to create lasting loyalty. Every charter I assist with is an opportunity to build a genuine relationship. At Ocean Independence, we’re always ready to have that first conversation with someone interested in a yacht charter, and with our experienced consultants around the globe, that conversation is as fun as it is informative.

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In an era where luxury has become increasingly commoditised, it's the human element that ultimately defines an exceptional experience. Mare represents a valuable confluence of yachting expertise and intuitive, end-to-end service. Someone who understands that true luxury travel is defined by the smallest details, and personal touches.

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