YATCO’s Broker of the Month series examines the influences and catalysts that brought these brokers into the world of yachting, who influenced them, and what they seek to change in the industry.
Alex Krykanyuk is a Sales Broker for Fraser Yachts.
Featuring Alex Krykanyuk, Sales Broker of Fraser Yachts
How did you get your start in yachting?
I started as a crew member back in 1998, working on different yachts based in Barcelona. My first real contract was working as a deckhand on a very busy charter called M/Y Destiny Langkawi. That was an amazing early experience – it taught me a lot about yacht operations, the onboard dynamic of various crews and of course, starting to understand how clients enjoy yachts and what they need from their crew. I worked with many great captains and crew over my years onboard various yachts in the Mediterranean, USA, Bahamas … all over the world.
I am a little bit of an entrepreneur at heart, so after five years or so, when I felt I had learned enough, I started my own company consulting with buyers and owners and that was when I sold my first yacht back in 2010.
[Working on a charter yacht] was an amazing early experience – it taught me a lot about yacht operations, the onboard dynamic of various crews and of course, starting to understand how clients enjoy yachts and what they need from their crew.
Is there anyone in particular who influences you – someone in the industry that you look up to, and why?
Yes, there are too many to mention here for fear of forgetting someone who really helped me become the yacht broker I am today. I have been very lucky to work with some of the best brokers in our industry, many of them here at Fraser Yachts – experienced and successful individuals who take the time to help guide, or share some anecdotes, and lessons they have learned over the years. These are people who have long realized that sales is a craft and one that demands hard work, focus, commitment, and drive. I have been privileged to receive guidance from others that has directly contributed to my own success and to the quality of service and support my clients receive from me today.
I have been privileged to receive guidance from others that has directly contributed to my own success and to the quality of service and support my clients receive from me today.
What do you enjoy most about the yachting industry – and what do you wish you could change?
The variety and the goals we are all aiming to achieve. Nothing beats that feeling of achievement when you find the yacht you know your buyer has been looking for. Or the perfect buyer for the yacht your client has charged you with selling. Bringing everyone together for the contract signing, the sea trials going perfectly, the first glass of champagne you share with your buyer as the new owner when he or she first steps onto their newly purchased possession. These are magical moments. I will never forget one email I received late one night from one buyer client who was spending his first night onboard with his family after months of searching for the right yacht at the right price for him – it simply said “Thank you, Alex. We did it!” That message will stay with me for a lifetime.
Bringing everyone together for the contract signing, the sea trials going perfectly, the first glass of champagne you share with your buyer as the new owner when he or she first steps onto their newly purchased possession. These are magical moments.
What would I change? I do find it slightly irksome when I occasionally meet yacht brokers who are new to the industry giving a whole lot of spiel to a potential client when I can see straight away that they have never spent time onboard a yacht. You can see they have not taken the time to understand what it means to own a yacht and that it is different from dealing with a private jet, or real estate or trading in stock on the markets as they have often done before coming to yachting. These individuals just have not been humble enough to understood what yachts and yachting is all about.
What are some of the challenges you come across at work, and how do you approach them?
That is easy – not enough hours in the day or days in the week. Not enough time to keep all the moving parts moving, to keep paying attention to the details – something I have long since learned as being fundamental to being a successful yacht broker getting results for clients. But I have an incredible assistant at Fraser who has been in the industry for over 20 years – she keeps me on top of everything. And I am blessed to have a very understanding, and exceptionally well-organized wife who helps me factor in the quality time I need with both her and our kids. They are super supportive. I could not do this job without them.
Tell us about your greatest accomplishment.
I recently sold my first ever yacht over 80 meters in an off-market, confidential sale. I have to say that was an incredible experience with an incredible client.
But in all honesty, I think that as a wide-eyed young kid coming from Eastern Europe, my greatest achievement is becoming a part of this worldwide industry 24 years ago as a deckhand and now as a Fraser sales broker. For the past eight years, I have worked for (and I know I am biased) the most professional, respected, and successful brokerage house in the world today.
A close second would be 2021 – a record-breaking year for many of us. I bought and sold over 260 meters (about 853.02 ft) worth of yachts for my clients last year, both pre-owned and newbuild projects – that is a lot of satisfaction right there. And long may it continue.
For the past eight years, I have worked for (and I know I am biased) the most professional, respected, and successful brokerage house in the world today.
