The world of yachting has always been synonymous with luxury. In recent years, it’s also become a playground for innovation, professionalism and, let’s face it, a bit of good old-fashioned grit. Enter 26 North Yachts, a Fort Lauderdale gem that has weathered the changing tides of the yachting industry and set a course for the future under the steady hands of owners Nicholas Scherb and Mike Carlson.
When Carlson first dipped his toes into the industry, it was a different beast entirely. “The importance of online marketing has grown, and everyone recognizes that now,” Carlson says, reflecting on the evolution of the business. “There’s also been a lot of changes in brokerages, like the age of brokers and professionalism. I think it has improved exponentially. A lot more professional salespeople and a lot of younger brokers are coming into the industry. When we first started, I was by far the youngest one in the industry, whereas now I see [brokers] start in their early 20s and 30s. All in all, the level of professionalism keeps getting better and better.”
This infusion of youth and professionalism is just one of the elements that sets 26 North Yachts apart. But as Carlson will tell you, it’s not just about having a young, sharp-dressed team—it’s about the culture and the people behind the brand. “It really comes down to our people and the culture of our company. We are a smaller group, but everyone works exceptionally hard. Everyone does this full-time; no one is a part-time captain on the side. I think our marketing is superior, and we put a lot of emphasis on the sales process— those are the biggest differentiators in the business,” he explains.
And in a world where personalized service can sometimes feel obsolete, 26 North Yachts is bringing back that bespoke experience. “We’re there every step of the way,” Carlson assures. “What’s important is not just the sales transaction but after. We have the experience and access to help with anything yacht-related, whether it’s crews or service—you name it. We have really good, trusted contacts, and I believe that’s a big part of what our sales crew brings to customers.”
The yacht market itself has also seen some intriguing shifts. Trends are evolving, and 26 North Yachts is right at the helm. “From a design standpoint, a trend I’ve seen is increasing the interior volume in addition to having the pullout feature of outdoor space—no matter the size of the boat. There’s a much greater emphasis on outdoor living on the newer builds,” Carlson observes. And it’s not just the yachts that are changing; the buyers are too. “With remote working becoming more common and younger people having more buying power, we’re seeing trends in that sense as well. People are able to work on their boats remotely, so because of that, more boats are being sold.”
So, what’s next on the horizon for 26 North Yachts? A big push into the world of yacht charters, both here in Florida and beyond. “We are putting a much larger emphasis on chartering yachts and private yachts across the world—not just here in Florida. That’s a big vision of ours,” Carlson reveals. “We [emphasize] that because we see a lot of opportunity there and a way to differentiate ourselves and the boats we represent from our competitors. We specialize in exceptional charters that are different from what’s currently out there.”
Scherb, Carlson and the 26 North Yachts team are not just riding the wave—they’re creating it. And that’s great for their customers, who are not just buying a yacht but embarking on a journey as meticulously crafted as the vessels themselves. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-time buyer, with 26 North, you’re in expert hands.
