Our History

A History of Firsts in Yachting

Shortly after World War II Jim Northrop and George Johnson formed a partnership to provide a quality yacht brokerage service to their close circle of yachting companions on Long Island Sound. The first office opened in 1949 at 366 Madison Avenue in lower Manhattan and served as the foundation for the fledgling brokerage that was soon to expand into one of the largest and most respected yacht brokerages in the world. Northrop and Johnson’s Yankee heritage was reflected in the company’s insistence for honesty, integrity and fair play.

Northrop and Johnson’s reputation as the “Gentlemen’s Brokers” spread quickly in the tightly knit New York yachting community and by the early 1960’s the company expanded with branch offices in Stamford, CT, Miami, FL and Marblehead, MA. In 1971 the first US Yacht Brokerage office in Europe was opened in Cannes, France and by the late 70’s there were additional offices in Newport, RI, Puerto Buenos, Spain and St. Petersburg, FL.

During the 70’s and 80’s Northrop and Johnson became the premiere large yacht brokerage in the United States. And today, our name is recognized at every major yachting venue throughout the world.

For over 50 years, Northrop and Johnson has arranged seamless yacht charters for our clients. Our knowledge of the charter yachts, crews, destinations and cruising itineraries is unparalleled. And our affiliations with all major charter industry trade organizations keep us on the cutting edge of all changing international charter rules and regulations.

Today, Northrop and Johnson Worldwide Yacht Charters, located in historic Newport, RI, the yachting capital of the Northeast, remains a steadfast participant in all major charter yacht shows worldwide to ensure personal knowledge of each charter yacht. We personally inspect each yacht, meet the captains, sample the chefs’ cuisine and evaluate the level of service offered by each crew and continue to uphold the tradition of providing the highest quality of service our clients have known since the company’s inception.

Northrop and Johnson Merges with Lynn Jachney Charters

In 2003, after 35 years of dedicated service to the Yacht Charter industry and to her clients, Lynn Jachney, of Lynn Jachney Charters, Marblehead, MA, retired and merged her company with Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters, Newport, RI. Read more.