November 2025
Burgess turns 50 this year – a milestone that feels bigger than just a birthday. Back in 1975, Nigel Burgess set out with a bold spirit and an ocean-racing mindset. I like to think he’d be proud of the company today – and amazed at how far the industry has come. When I sold the yacht SARA BLUE in 1984 for USD 7.5 million, it was the biggest brokerage sale in the world. Fast-forward to 2025… that number barely raises an eyebrow.
Of course, big growth brings big challenges. But with smart thinking, determination and a steady hand on the wheel, there’s enormous opportunity ahead. One of the most significant changes in our own journey has been becoming a true partnership – 39 active partners helping steer the business. Much like captaining a vessel, it’s this strength and the teamwork that will guarantee success in taking on the next wave of change together. Some of key programmes delivered by our partners are highlighted below.
That’s why our partnership with UKSA means so much. This industry is powered by people – by talent, creativity, graft, and perseverance. UKSA transforms lives with that exact mix, and we’ve seen it first-hand. Our own team use their annual charity time to work with cadets at the academy or fundraise to support its programmes – because the impact is real.
And it’s already opening doors. At the Monaco Yacht Show, five recent UKSA graduates crewed our client tenders. They were superb – calm under pressure and extremely professional – and we’re pleased to hear that most have now secured permanent jobs on board.
We’re building on that momentum with the Caribbean Crew Scholarship – helping young people from the Caribbean into the industry when they don’t have the connections or resources to get a foothold. If you are a captain or crew heading to the Caribbean this winter and can give our cadets their first break into the industry, please send Georgina, Jamie and Gabi a message at [email protected]
Beyond the Deck
At Burgess, our crew services team supports thousands of crew at every point in their career. Whether you’re stepping on board for the first time or looking for your next challenge, we want to match your strengths with roles where you can thrive. Explore our crew database here.
And if life eventually leads you ashore, there are so many paths to stay in the industry you love. Plenty of our colleagues – including more than 30 UKSA alumni – once stood exactly
where you are now. From captains to stewardesses, that deck-level understanding is invaluable for their roles today in operations, yacht management, charter planning and more. Your skills are exactly what we’re looking for, so get in touch.
Putting ocean first with Sustainable Seas
You don’t need telling – the ocean is changing. As crew, you see it every day. Our responsibility as an industry is to do better, one smart choice at a time. That’s why we created the Sustainable Seas framework – a simple and structured way for crew to make environmental action part of daily operations, from bridge to beach.
We’re rolling it out across the Burgess-managed fleet this autumn, and we’re opening it up to the whole community. If you’d like a copy for your yacht, email [email protected] – and help protect the waters that give us this extraordinary career.
The future of yachting is in good hands – yours. Wherever the next voyage takes you, keep learning, keep sharing, and stay connected – we’re always proud to see UKSA alumni making waves. – Joff
