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 look to change in the industry.
Benjamin Bensahel is a sales manager for Camper & Nicholsons in Monaco. Introduced to the world of sailing at a young age. After studying at the International University of Monaco and Suffolk University in Boston, Benjamin launched himself into the yachting industry, starting as an intern within a yachting agency in the South of France, working for seven years in charter, manager and sales before joining the Camper & Nicholsons team.
Featuring Benjamin Bensahel, Sales Manager of Camper & Nicholsons
How did you get your start in yachting?
I was lucky enough to grow up in a family that owned a small boat, so I have always been passionate about it. I spent all my summers on the water. I started in the yachting industry in 2013 and initially found it to be difficult to get my foot in the door. However, I found an internship at a family-operated yacht brokerage company based in the South of France and after a successful Cannes Boat Show, they offered me a full-time position as a junior yacht broker. I have been living my dream since then.
Who influences you? Is there someone in the industry that you look up to, and why?
I used to work for a company that was partially owned by Mr Jahid Fazal Karim. His primary business is in private aviation, which is quite like our industry in that we share the same clientele, except they sell a business tool and we sell vacations. I learned a lot spending time with Jahid, from structuring deals to building up a relationship with your clientele.
[My previous boss’] primary business is in private aviation, which is quite like our industry in that we share the same clientele, except they sell a business tool and we sell vacations. I learned a lot spending time with him from structuring deals to building up a relationship with your clientele.
I admire the longevity and the professionalism of the brokers within Camper & Nicholsons, especially Alex Lees Buckley and Fernando Nicholson. They have been with the company for 40+ years and are experts in their own areas. I am still learning a lot working by their side and hope one day to have accomplished all that they have.
What do you enjoy most about the yachting industry – and what do you wish you could change?
What motivates me as a sales-oriented person is when you know you have found the right yacht for your client – that is when the excitement is at its peak. Yacht shows are also a part of the job that I like a lot – especially in Monaco. At shows, there is a special atmosphere where you don’t feel the day passing by and barely have time to eat as you are running from meeting to meeting. It is exhausting but at the same time super exciting.
Something that struck me the most when I joined this industry was the competitiveness and the secrecy between brokers and brokerage houses. I strongly believe it would benefit us all if we worked in an environment where sharing is encouraged.
Something that struck me the most when I joined this industry was the competitiveness and the secrecy between brokers and brokerage houses. I strongly believe it would benefit us all if we worked in an environment where sharing is encouraged.
What are some of the challenges you come across at work, and how do you approach them?
I am fortunate in that I have not faced massive challenges at work. At C&N, we are deeply supported by all our departments, from IT, listings, marketing, legal, finance to our commercial support – no sales would be possible without them all involved. Our team makes it easier for us. Now, we only have to find buyers and sellers!
Tell us about your greatest accomplishment.
Of all the sales I’ve made, each has had its fair share of stress and challenges. So, if I had to pick my greatest accomplishment so far, it would be my son, born in April last year.
What is your favorite yacht currently for sale and why?
At present, my favorite yacht for sale would be CALLISTO, displayed by Camper & Nicholsons at Monaco Yacht Show. She is truly immaculate and deeply reflects the strength, quality and clever engineering that Feadship offers. She is truly made for around-the-world cruising, is in better-than-new condition and is a very fair price.
