A broker for Asia Yachting in Thailand, Phuket-based Jordi Esteve enjoys sharing his love of life on the water with his clients.

What was your first experience with boating?
My life-long passion with the sea started when I was a baby. My family had a sailing dingy and a bowrider, so we had a lot of fun doing all kinds of watersports like waterskiing to ride up and down the coast. When I got older, I started to surf and windsurf, and eventually started to sail bigger yachts.

When and how did you start your career in yacht sales?
My career in yacht sales started around 12 years ago with a charter business in the Canary Islands in Spain. When I moved back to my hometown of Denia, a coastal town in Spain, I decided to join a yacht brokerage company.

What are your favourite islands or spots when you go out?

Phang Nga Bay in Phuket is the absolute best spot for sailing. It’s great because you can enjoy countless islands, tropical forests, incredible beaches and super-clear waters.

What do you think about the yachting scene in Thailand?
I’ve seen a lot of growth in the Thailand yacht scene since I moved here. The Andaman Sea is ideal for yachts around 40-50ft; it’s easy to operate with plenty of comfort for the owner and their family. A Prestige 420 would be an ideal choice, as it comes with plenty of space, an elegant finish and superb handling.

What are the differences between the yachting scene in Thailand and other parts of the world you’ve lived in?
The biggest difference is that the weather here is perfect for yachting all year long, and there are still a lot of unspoiled spots waiting to be discovered as well. (If you would like to know more, please read: Around Phuket by Yacht – Asia Yachting Recommended Routes)

What do you think the next trend for yachting will be?
In my opinion, the next trend will be eco-friendly yachts. The reusable technology will be developing rapidly in the coming two years and that includes new eco materials, electrical engines and also the construction process, which may change the whole industry forever.

Fountaine Pajot is a great example. Being a leading pioneer in sustainable solutions and innovations within catamaran building, it launched ODSea Lab to create low-carbon and ideally carbon-neutral cruising boats and systems for its yacht brand by 2030.

What’s your favourite spot on the yacht?
When I’m cruising, my favourite spot on a yacht is the helm because I’m a skipper and I like to be on alert and look around the boat and its surroundings. When the yacht is anchored, I love to be on the bathing platform relaxing, swimming around, and savouring a nice sunset by the water.

What would be a perfect day on the water for you?
Going out on yacht with a bunch of friends or family, finding the perfect spot and then some surfing or diving, followed by a great lunch afterwards with my loved ones. This is the kind of days that really makes me happy.

Any tips for newcomers to yachting?
It’s absolutely worth purchasing the best boat you can afford, because the quality and facilities will turn that first experience into an ongoing passion. My second tip is to get help from an experienced yacht broker about selection, purchasing, boat care and so on, especially one with knowledge about the products you’re considering. It’s a worthy investment that will help you to create memories that last a lifetime.

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