For more than 40 years, Bruce Brakenhoff has been a cornerstone of the sailing superyacht world. From building boats at Perini Navi to brokering some of the most iconic yachts afloat, Brakenhoff’s story isn’t just about sales—it’s about sailing, friendships, and an unshakable commitment to doing things the right way.
In a conversation recorded aboard the legendary Rosehearty at the St. Barths Bucket, Bruce shared memories from his decades in the industry—reflecting on his journey from a reluctant sailor to one of the most respected names in yachting.
A Lifetime at the Bucket
Bruce isn’t just a regular at the St. Barths Bucket—he’s practically part of its DNA. “I think I’ve done around 40 Buckets,” he says, counting events across Nantucket, Newport, and St. Barths. His first was in the early 1990s, when the regatta was still a small, intimate gathering of passionate owners and old-school sailors.
“The early events were wild and fun. Back then, the boats would raft up instead of going to docks,” he recalls. “It was more like a floating party with racing in between.”
As the regatta grew to 40+ yachts at its peak, the spirit remained the same: a celebration of sailing, camaraderie, and world-class craftsmanship. “It’s never just been about winning,” Bruce says. “It’s about the owners, the crew, the community.”
From Perini Navi to Edmiston
Bruce spent over 25 years at Perini Navi, helping define what luxury sailing yachts could be. He wasn’t just selling boats—he was building relationships. “Perini was a family,” he explains. “We knew the owners, the crews, the designers. Many of us worked there for decades.”
That human connection is something Bruce carried with him when he transitioned into brokerage at Edmiston. His focus? Keep it personal. “People don’t just buy a boat—they buy from a person. And I want to be the kind of broker people trust.”
He’s guided by an old-school principle: never cut corners and never step on another broker’s toes. “There’s a right way to do this,” he says. “Respect relationships. Build trust. Do the next right thing.”
Sailing Boats, Big Dreams
Bruce has worked on some of the most famous sailing yachts in the world—Maltese Falcon, Legacy, Perseus, and of course, Rosehearty. He’s seen the market shift, but remains a firm believer in the magic of sail.
“Sailing yachts aren’t just luxury—they’re lifestyle,” he says. “You don’t buy a sailboat for efficiency. You buy it because it speaks to something deeper.”
He acknowledges that the market for sailing superyachts is smaller today, but he sees glimmers of hope. “Younger owners are discovering sail. Some are former tech founders who want adventure, sport, and a challenge. They’re drawn to the feeling of sailing—not just owning a big machine.”
Why the Bucket Still Matters
Bruce is one of the unofficial guardians of the Bucket’s original spirit: inclusive, celebratory, and low-pressure. While some owners arrive with full race crews and high-tech setups, others just come to sail and enjoy the ride.
“It’s about performance, but not just speed,” he says. “Performance means how well a yacht supports the owner’s lifestyle—where it’s been, what it’s done, the memories made.”
He worries about the event growing too big for St. Barths to handle but ultimately believes the right balance can be found. “Whether it’s 25 or 35 boats, what matters most is keeping that soul intact.”
Looking Ahead
Now at Edmiston, Bruce is in his element. With multiple successful years behind him and exciting projects ahead—including the relaunch of the iconic Andromeda la Dea—he’s as energized as ever.
And when asked what the secret is to his longevity and success, he keeps it simple: “It’s all about relationships. The boats are amazing, but the people make it worth it.”
Where Legacy Meets Opportunity
From storied careers like Bruce Brakenhoff’s to the next wave of sailing visionaries, the superyacht world thrives on trust, tradition, and meaningful connections. At the Dubai International Boat Show, we help preserve that spirit—while opening new doors.
Whether you’re honouring heritage or shaping what’s next, DIBS creates the space where relationships turn into results. From intimate networking to high-impact showcases, it’s where stories like Bruce’s find the right audience—and where today’s conversations become tomorrow’s deals.
Be part of the legacy at DIBS 2026 — where sailing meets substance, and reputation opens every door.
