California-based Charter Consultant, Brooke Morgan, recently visited the Palm Beach International Boat Show 2025, a prestigious event that attracts industry professionals, yacht enthusiasts, owners and buyers from around the world.
We sat down with Brooke to discuss her experience at this luxury yachting event, how the Palm Beach yachting scene differs from California and some of her biggest takeaways.
As a Yacht Charter Consultant based in California, I’ve come to know the rhythms, style, and expectations of the West Coast yachting scene—laid-back, coastal chic, and often centred around day charters to Malibu, Paradise Cove, Catalina, or Newport Beach. So, when I had the opportunity to attend the Palm Beach International Boat Show, I was eager to step into a different world and see how East Coast yachting compares.
The moment you step into Palm Beach, there’s a tangible sense of old-school glamour and East Coast legacy. The yachts were immaculate—many over 150 feet, staffed with full-time crew and represented by brokers with decades of experience. The show itself felt like a well-oiled machine, tailored for serious buyers and seasoned yacht enthusiasts. Everything was buttoned up, from crew in full uniform standing at the passerelle to the curated tent setups and exclusive client lounges.
Compared to California shows—where things can be more casual—the Palm Beach show felt intentional, curated, and globally connected. I found myself inspired by the level of service, the polished branding, and the presence of shipyards and designers who don’t often make it out west.
One of the biggest takeaways for me was how differently East Coast brokers approach the business. The focus at Palm Beach was largely on long-term relationships and global charter programs. Many conversations centred around Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries, with an eye toward building year-round charter revenue.
In contrast, my West Coast clients tend to book more spontaneous, experience-focused charters—weekend escapes or celebratory day trips—with an emphasis on lifestyle rather than logistics.
There’s a major opportunity here. California has the wealth, the coastlines, and the client base to support more term charters and high-level service—but it hasn’t fully matured into that space. What Palm Beach reminded me is that there’s room to raise the bar.
Attending this show reignited my passion for what California yachting could be. We have the scenery: the cliffs of Big Sur, the serenity of Catalina, the rugged Channel Islands, the vibrancy of Newport Beach, and the cosmopolitan glam of LA. We have the audience: high-net-worth individuals, celebrities, and luxury travellers looking for unique getaways.
One standout yacht that captured this perfectly was MISS MICHELLE, a 122’ Horizon managed by Daphne D’Offay and part of the Ocean Independence fleet. She’s the kind of yacht that would thrive in California—elegant yet versatile, with generous indoor and outdoor spaces made for entertaining, relaxing, and exploring our coastlines. I have a few similar yachts in mind locally and seeing MISS MICHELLE made it clear: this style of yacht is exactly what our market is ready for.
The East Coast taught me that a little refinement goes a long way. California will always have its relaxed charm—but there’s something exciting about bringing a bit of that Palm Beach polish back to the West Coast.
Brooke Morgan brings a fresh and dynamic outlook to Ocean Independence, backed by her extensive experience and deep personal commitment. Her rare combination of creative flair and hands-on maritime expertise allows her to craft truly exceptional charter experiences.
From luxury getaways along the California coast to unforgettable voyages through the Mediterranean, Brooke is your trusted expert, ready to tailor every aspect of your journey with precision and care.
The yachting journey can be complex with many decisions to be made. Get in touch with Ocean Independence, and one of our specialist consultants will help you make the right choices.
As a truly global company with 16 offices worldwide, we’re available 24/7 to help with any enquiries.
