British-born Rupert is a Senior Sales Broker, Director of the Monaco office, and a Senior Partner at Burgess. Located in the yachting hub of Monaco for more than 30 years, he has accrued specific expertise within motor yachts and new construction, as well as an unparalleled understanding of the global market and an unrivalled black book of key personalities. He’s also played a pivotal role in the sale and construction of some of the most high-profile large yachts in the world.

Rupert followed in his family’s military footsteps by enrolling in the Royal Navy. He served for six years before moving to the south of France, joining Burgess in 1992 as one of four in the Monaco office. Since that time, he has assisted the company’s exponential growth from a team of 10 to its current 250+ employees.

‘At the time that I entered the yachting world there was no internet, which meant business was conducted on the golf course, at events and on the dock,’ says Rupert. ‘Some of the captains, owners and designers who I met during those early years are now at the pinnacle of their career and form the bedrock of my network today.’

Rupert prides himself on his approachability and strong communication skills, fluently speaking French, Dutch and Spanish. His big break came in 1993 when he sold 26m motor yacht GEMINI to a Swiss client. ‘That was my first real sale and the start of a great relationship with that family, whom I have sold several yachts to since.’

Alongside his role as Director heading up the running of the Monaco office, Rupert specialises in the sale of very large yachts and has accumulated nearly 60 large yacht sales to date. These include the build and sale of 110m Oceanco yacht JUBILEE, 92m TRANQUILITY, 90m Lurssen PHOENIX 2, 86m ECSTASEA, 82m SARAFSA, 74m FLYING FOX and the sale of 95m INDIAN EMPRESS, twice.

‘The size of yachts has significantly grown over the years, and new construction has become a large part of our core business at Burgess,’ he says. ‘What remains steadfast is the example and culture set out by Nigel Burgess at the company’s inception. I learned a lot from Nigel, including how to separate business from ego, that a handwritten letter goes a long way and the importance of being smartly turned out.’