About Nicholson Yachts

Pioneers in Luxury Yacht Charter Since 1949

A Legacy of Excellence

Founded in 1949, Nicholson Yachts is one of the world’s most established names in luxury yacht charter, and sales brokerage. From our beginnings in English Harbour, Antigua, when Commander V.E.B. Nicholson and his family began chartering their schooner Mollihawk, we helped shape what became the Caribbean yacht charter industry. For over seven decades, our commitment to bespoke service, seamless experiences, and deep maritime expertise has made Nicholson Yachts synonymous with luxury sailing worldwide.

The Ultimate Yacht Partnership

Headquartered in Newport, Rhode Island, Nicholson Yachts offers a full spectrum of services, including:

Luxury yacht charters across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and beyond
Yacht sales and brokerage for discerning buyers and sellers
Charter and fleet management
New build and refit project oversight

Charting a New Course

To better serve our global clientele, Nicholson Yachts has expanded our footprint with satellite offices in London and Monaco, further strengthening our international presence among the world’s premier yachting destinations.

This expansion followed a strategic management buy-in, uniting Dominic Byrne (VP of Sales) and Mike Hutton (VP of Charter) with President Karen Kelly Shea as co-owners. Together they lead a world-class team of maritime professionals — John Mitchell (Head of Marketing), Ben Batsch (Charter Manager), Drew Meyers (Sales Broker), and Marilyn Eckel (Fleet Manager) — whose expertise spans every aspect of luxury yachting.

Our Promise

As we continue to grow, our mission remains the same:
to honor our heritage while delivering exceptional, personalized yacht experiences tailored to each client’s vision.

Whether you’re exploring the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, the glamour of the Mediterranean, or embarking on a global adventure, Nicholson Yachts is your trusted partner at sea.

What our clients say

“It has been my pleasure to work with Nicholson Yachts for many years, and I have always been pleased to be a part of the Nicholson fleet. A large number of my charter needs have been overseen by Karen Kelly Shea, who has been the Charter manager for all my boats. Karen comes with a unique skill set and is considered by many of the captains of luxury yachts, to be one of the finest in the business. She knows the industry from its origin: the brokers, the yachts, and especially the crews. Most recently Karen was very instrumental in helping me to purchase a new yacht. Always positive, professional and personable, Karen worked tirelessly over the course of several months in helping me find the right boat, and culminating in closing the deal. She went beyond the call of duty to meet my needs, even helping me to hire a heavy lift ship to get the vessel home. All her hard work was greatly appreciated. Karen, together with her fine staff, provide exemplary professional and personal service and I would find it difficult to consider any other company for charter vacations.”

Fred S.

"I am a captain of a yacht in the Nicholson fleet and have been working with Karen and Julia for over 2 years. I couldn’t be happier with their professionalism and the services they provide. I view team Nicholson as family and working with them under a big professional family. The positive relationship that we have directly translates to successful charters aboard the yacht I captain. We have received numerous repeat charter guests and this is because team Nicholson goes above and beyond for their clients."

Marcelo, Captain of S/Y ORION

"Professional and friendly staff. They are 100% committed to their customers. I would not use any other company for my holiday vacations. My family and I thank Nicholson Yachts for helping us all have wonderful holiday memories".

Joanna M., charter guest 2019

"I have worked with Karen and Nicholson Yachts since the early 80’s, and have always been pleased to be part of the Nicholson fleet. Among the captains of those quality yachts, Karen is unanimously considered to be one of the finest in the business, professionally and personally. She knows the industry from its origin, the brokers, the yachts, and especially the crews. Those are the key ingredients to successful chartering, from the perspective of the guests as well as the crew, and ultimately the owners of the yachts."

Ken L., Captain

"Great people, great company. Knowledgeable and caring staff, first rate service. Always a personal touch. Highly recommended."

Jared H., charter guest 2019

"I've cruised aboard Nicholson Yachts charters from Maine to Martinique to Antigua and the Seychelles. The yachts couldn't have been more different: from a West Indies sailing sloop to the world's largest (at the time) catamaran. In each case, Nicholson Yachts added value, not only to my experience, but also to the owner, captain and crew's. The staff know and love boats and are exceptionally personable. I've never met a group that got on so well with the myriad kinds of people you would expect to encounter in this kind of business, or who dealt so well with the issues that invariably arise. You'll be in good hands."

Patricia B., charter guest 2018

"I want you to know that I thoroughly enjoyed our relationship over the last ten years. I found you to be very easy to work with, extremely responsive, and very knowledgeable."

Fran