Meet the Team

Selecting the right yacht brokerage when selling your yacht reduces the length of time your vessel is on the market as well as how much you can potentially get for it. When it comes to listing your yacht with a broker, don’t settle. You can and should expect more from those who are working for you! What makes Florida Yacht Sales unique? Florida Yacht Sales has been in business for over 30 years and is not a large yacht brokerage; however, because we are a small, personalized operation, you never get lost in the crowd.

GENE ECHOLS

Owner
I have sold hundreds of boats and worked on thousands over the years. I lead a qualified team of yacht professionals and personally oversee every aspect of the business to ensure clients receive expert guidance and exceptional service. I am a Florida native who grew up on the lakes and rivers of the state, sparking my lifelong love of the outdoors. After serving as an Electrician’s Mate in the U.S. Navy at Pearl Harbor, my passion expanded to the ocean. I stayed in Hawaii after my honorable discharge, logging over 1,000 hours on a 21-foot cuddy cabin in a single year and landing 27 yellowfin tuna over 150 pounds—a formative experience in offshore fishing. Back in Florida, I worked as a control center operator before moving into the marine industry full-time. I served as captain of a 60-foot sportfishing boat, competed in major tournaments, and ran a marine service business for 12 years, providing everything from underwater prop changes to engine work and painting. Today, I operate my own yacht brokerage and hold a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Captain’s License. With thousands of miles of yacht deliveries completed—from the English Channel to Key West—I bring decades of hands-on boating experience to my clients. My team and I look forward to assisting fellow boaters with all of their yachting needs.
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CHERYL HAZEL

Broker
With 20 years of success in luxury real estate, Cheryl built her reputation on expertly marketing and listing high-end properties. That same skill set now defines her work in yacht brokerage. Known for her strategic approach, polished presentations, and ability to showcase value, Cheryl helps owners position their vessels in the marketplace for maximum exposure and results. Growing up in Boca Raton, Cheryl lived on the ocean and the Intracoastal, where boating and watersports became an integral part of her lifestyle. Her lifelong connection to the water, combined with her expertise in high-value transactions, made the transition to yacht sales a natural evolution. At Palm Beach Yacht Sales, Cheryl specializes in helping sellers achieve the strongest outcomes while guiding buyers to vessels that fit their lifestyle. Her clients trust her marketing insight, negotiation skills, and dedication to delivering a seamless sales experience.
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ELI SCHWARTZ

Broker
A Licensed and Bonded Yacht Broker, as well a Licensed Captain Eli was originally from Melbourne, FL. He was born and raised on the water until the age of 15. He has grown within the industry running numerous marinas, including his most recent role at local marina Newport Cove in Riviera Beach. He received his captain’s license over 10 years ago and has thousands of nautical miles under his belt, both sail and motor yachts combined. Eli encompasses the full nautical lifestyle in all aspects of his life.“I believe in creating a life you feel is also a constant vacation. The water is peaceful to me”
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KEVIN A.

Director
With dual degrees in Engineering and Computing and over two decades of high-value sales experience in both the maritime and technology sectors, Kevin brings unmatched expertise and professionalism to Yacht Broker University. His career includes leadership roles in respected firms where he consistently surpassed sales goals by combining technical knowledge with strategic insight. Passionate about sharing his experience, Kevin has mentored junior brokers in negotiation and contract mastery and has designed certification programs that have equipped hundreds of aspiring professionals to excel in the industry.
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WAYNE CORSON

Broker
Wayne Corson grew up in Pensacola, Florida, surrounded by the waters of the Panhandle, which inspired a lifelong passion for the maritime world. His career as a merchant mariner spans over 20 years, and he is now approaching his third issued U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s License, including a 300-ton Master’s license. His professional experience has taken him to nearly every port along the Eastern Seaboard, the Gulf of Mexico, and throughout the Caribbean. After relocating to the Tampa Bay area five years ago, Wayne has brought his extensive nautical expertise to the yacht brokerage industry, combining hands-on maritime experience with a deep understanding of vessel operations. He is highly skilled in vessel navigation, dredge work, anchor handling, and assisting with mooring and docking in a variety of ports and harbors. As a Master Captain, he has overseen vessel operations, crew management, and deck and wheelhouse personnel. With multiple industry certifications and comprehensive maritime training, Wayne provides clients with a level of knowledge and insight that is unmatched in the yacht sales field.

Testimonials

Florida Yacht Sales

1213 E Blue Heron Blvd

info@floridayachtsales.com

Riviera Beach, Florida

United States