Co-Owner | Founder | Managing Broker | IYBA Member

Ben Ward

Stuart, Florida

Ben is the co-founder of Ward Yacht Sales and has over 25 years of sailboat racing and cruising experience.  After 22 years in banking and fin-tech, he and his family cruised full-time aboard their Passport 47 sailboat, traveling over 10K ocean miles and visiting 13 countries.  Ben worked as a broker on the Chesapeake Bay and in Florida before launching Ward Yacht Sales.  Ben is passionate about client advocacy, consulting, and service.  Our goal is to exceed the expectations of every customer and to foster lifelong client relationships.

Co-Owner | Managing Partner

Amber Ward

Stuart, Florida

Amber is the co-founder of Ward Yacht Sales with over 18 years of sailing experience, including racing and extensive offshore cruising.  After teaching public school, she raised and homeschooled her three girls.  She spent 4 of those years on the family's cruising sailboat, traveling thousands of offshore ocean miles across most of the US East Coast, the Bahamas, and the Eastern Caribbean.  Amber assists with managing the day to day operations, market analysis, and logistics for the business and provides support to our clients and our outstanding team of brokers throughout Florida.

Yacht & Ship Sales Broker

Gunsu Akaydin

Ft Lauderdale, Florida

Gunsu began his career as a deckhand on a motor yacht in high school. He received his degree from university as a maritime engineer, then worked on commercial and charter vessels, including a 47-meter sailing yacht traveling throughout the Mediterranean for 4 years, then moving to a 40-meter motor yacht and completing a 22-day Atlantic crossing from the Spanish Tenerife Islands to Fort Lauderdale. Gunsu now leverages his extensive hands-on yachting experience and passion for boating to assist clients as a yacht broker.  Gunsu is a consummate professional who enjoys advocating for his clients.

Yacht & Ship Sales Broker

John Dennis

Ft Lauderdale, Florida

John Dennis is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the cruise/ yachting industry. Residing in Ft. Lauderdale, he has cultivated a deep passion for the open waters, reflected in his avid love for boating and yachting.  Along with his wife and sons, he enjoys South Florida boating on a wide range of vessels.  As an advocate, he is committed to assisting his clients, whether it's buying a yacht or selling a vessel. His straightforward, professional approach ensures personalized service, while focusing on what really matters—client satisfaction and informed decision-making.

Senior Yacht & Ship Sales Broker | USCG Licensed Captain

Ryan Hunt

Ft Myers, Florida

Capt. Ryan is a veteran of the United States Coast Guard, with over 20 years of experience in the marine industry. Holding a 100 Ton Masters license, he specializes in the sport fish market and day boats powered by outboard engines.  Capt. Ryan prioritizes clients' needs, whether it's selling a yacht or finding the perfect vessel to meet their needs. His extensive knowledge and passion for boating ensure every client experience is professional, enjoyable, and focused on achieving the best results.

Yacht & Ship Sales Broker

Buddy Johnston

Palm Beach, Florida

Buddy is a seasoned yacht sales and marketing professional with over 30 years of expertise in sales within the luxury yacht, jet, and car industries. Buddy is passionate about cultivating high-value client relationships and delivering exceptional results.  He advocates for his clients to negotiate the best deal and provides comprehensive consulting to help you navigate the yacht sales process.  He has a proven track record and enjoys supporting his clients before, during, and after the sale.  Buddy is ready to help you list your vessel or acquire the yacht of your dreams.

Yacht & Ship Sales Broker | Social Media Manager

Michelle Mehok

Pensacola, Florida

Michelle has been captivated by the world of boating from an early age and brings a lifelong passion for sailing to the yacht sales industry.  She began working at a marina at the age of 14, then competed in collegiate sailing for 4 years, touring the country. She is an active member in her local yacht club and has dedicated her professional life to assisting other people with the purchase or sale of their dream boat. Her background and love of yachting makes her uniquely qualified and committed to helping her clients achieve their yachting dreams.

Yacht & Ship Sales Broker | ​IYBA Member

Mitxi Ortiz

Chicago, Illinois

Mitxi has over ten years of professional yachting experience including charter and yacht management services with Coast Yachts in Chicago, cultivating deep, enduring connections with yacht owners and the fleet. Her passion for delivering outstanding service led her to expand into yacht sales, where she helps her clients discover the ideal vessel for their adventures. Mitxi is committed to making the buying and selling experience effortless, ensuring every client can set sail with confidence and create unforgettable memories on the water.

Yacht & Ship Sales Broker

Sara Simon

Palm Harbor, Florida

Sara is a passionate boater who began her journey as a yacht broker with competitive collegiate sailing.  With over 20 years of boating experience, she has experience with center consoles, motor yachts, and keelboats.  Beyond her time at the helm, Sara holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering, giving her a strong understanding of marine systems and vessel mechanics. Whether you're searching for your first boat or upgrading to your next, she is committed to helping you navigate the process with confidence.