Last week, Nordhavn Yachts Sales brokered the deals of two Nordhavn superyachts. Nordhavn Yachts salesman James Leishman represented the buyer of Nordhavn 96 Lacey Kay. Meanwhile, the sale of Nordhavn 80#2 ourtheory was a collaborative effort with Leishman and his Nordhavn Yachts Southwest colleague, Don Kohlmann, representing the sellers, and Devin Zwick of Nordhavn Yachts Northwest representing the buyer.

The Lacey Kay transaction was particularly complex, highlighting the value of a trusted relationship between client and broker, Leishman said. The buyer purchased the yacht sight unseen, relying on Leishman’s judgement and expertise to finalize the deal.

“It is gratifying to know my clients trust my judgement,” Leishman says. “My career depends on people having confidence in my opinions. Saying what someone wants to hear just to close a deal doesn’t help anyone. I’ve got over twenty years’ experience doing this so I have a very good idea what makes for a smart buying decision, as well as what doesn’t.”

That trust also played a key role in the sale of ourtheory, an off-market listing. The brokerage market has been especially active with buyers wanting to avoid tariffs on new construction. As a result, clean, well-maintained boats coming to market are getting snatched up fairly quickly, Leishman explained. “Sitting and watching MLS sites for a new listing to pop up isn’t the best route to take,” he said. “Our brokers are constantly talking to each other and we know about boats coming to market way before they appear on the listing sites. Sometimes, boats like ourtheory, never appear at all.”

Lacey Kay won best yacht design under 40 meters at the International Yacht and Aviation Awards in 2017. Her buyer is a current Nordhavn owner who wanted to move up in size. His existing boat is being sold in house as a pocket listing. Meanwhile the buyer of ourtheory, an American from Washington State, plans to take the boat across the Pacific.

The two deals follow an earlier sale of another off-market Nordhavn superyacht, Lady Di.