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Lara-Jo 'LJ' Houghting

Charter Marketing & Luxury Yacht Charter Broker America

Lara-Jo joins CharterWorld as a seasoned professional knowledgeable about all aspects of the business: Time spent as a stewardess and massage therapist gave her solid experience of life on board before she made the move into marketing, management and sales.

Her land-based career began as a Boat Show Coordinator and Yacht Sales Coordinator to Charter Marketing at the Sacks Group Yachting Professionals from 2002 to 2005, moving on to become a Charter Fleet Manager at Northrop and Johnson until 2010, then at Churchill Yacht Partners until mid-2020.

A driven nature and true passion for the travel and hospitality industry brings LJ constant personal and professional development. She so far holds a Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences, numerous diplomas in massage therapy techniques and alternative healing, is a committee member of the International Yacht Brokers Association Charter Professionals Committee as well as being a member of MYBA.

Originally from South Africa, now a proud American Citizen, she has and continues to travel extensively, working from warm and sunny Florida with the beautiful Caribbean and Bahamas yacht charter grounds close by.

LJ’s favourite charter areas include Alaska and the Galapagos for wildlife viewing, the Exumas for solitude, the Cyclades for fun, and the Amalfi Coast for culinary experience.

Charter Marketing & Luxury Yacht Charter Broker Lara-Jo 'LJ' Houghting is well known in the yachting industry and has a stellar reputation with owners, clients, captains, crew and media connections established over 20 years.

With a true passion for travel and hospitality, her focus is serving a quality experience rather than quantity for an elevated charter experience.

Yacht Owner & Captain Feedback

“We didn’t realize that 84-days of charter per year was attainable until we elected LJ as our Charter Manager” - Owners, Far Niente 40m Westport.

“After working with LJ Houghting as a client broker for a charter we had a few years ago, we requested that she took over our charter management as we were blown away by the amount of work that she puts into the charter and the support she offered us from the start of negotiations all the way through to post charter communications and closing. We are extremely happy we made that decision because our charter client base is continually growing and she goes the extra mile with everything she does. She’s always looking to improve the marketing and coming up with fresh ideas which helps to keep the crew motivated and on point. We really feel like we are part of a family with all of her fleet helping each other out whenever we can.” – Captain Chris Thomson, Yacht LADY JOY, 157’ Christensen

“LJ rises above the rest in service to owners and potential charterers. We have been with her for over 13 years and 2 yachts because of her responsiveness, ability to obtain 16 weeks of charters each year, and personal attention. She works with us on all aspects of marketing, interviewing potential crew and securing favorable terms for charters. LJ goes above and beyond the typical service a yacht broker provides and forms a partnership with the owners.” – Owners, LADY J, 142’ Palmer Johnson

“There is no doubt that our success story is due to LJ’s charter management skills and work ethic. I have been a charter captain for many years and yet to come across an individual so dedicated, professional and conscientious. Her commitment to the Remember When charter program and her strenuous effort, has spoken for itself over and over. One thing is for sure, we would be searching far and beyond to fill her boots.” – Captain Francisco Cisco Chadinha, M/Y REMEMBER WHEN, 162’ Christensen

“LJ is leaps and bounds above all the other managers,” says Arioso Capt. Peter Martin, who has worked with several charter companies. “They just list the boat. She actually cares. When she says, ‘What can I do for you?’ she actually means it.”

Client Feedback 

"Hi LJ, Captain Marcus was fantastic, really recommended a great itinerary and took good care of us. Chef Jack was AMAZING!!! He put an incredible buffet spread out every day for lunch which was great to accommodate all palates, however everyone is whining that they gained weight :) Yacht - it is an older yacht but very well maintained and clean, good spaces, very comfortable accommodations. It was very stable underway, even with two overnight crossings during the itinerary, and two of the guests who tend to get very seasick didn't even realize that they were underway and slept very restfully on both passages. We wouldn't hesitate to book Perle Bleue again, and would absolutely recommend the yacht and crew to others." Yacht PERLE BLEUE / Napes-Naples, Italy

"LJ, Leigh was the most hands-on Captain we have ever had. To think that she brought this young crew together (ages 23-28) within weeks of the charter and led them to success is a very special thing. We never once heard the word "no". The late-night crew Kenny and Caroline were excellent. Leigh always empowered her crew to take responsibility for their division and would ask "what do you need? How can I help? Who do you need to go with you?", and was so happy, professional, and positive throughout, despite the early mornings and late nights. Chef Ross was outstanding! The boat was fine, loved the master stateroom layout and closet space, and the sun deck." Yacht OCEAN CLUB / New England

"LJ, unequivocally, the boat and the crew (in equal measure) were far and away the best we have ever experienced. The food was excellent and Chef Luca’s skills were on point and always kept in mind the varied special dietary restrictions, seemingly with ease. Captain Massimo was communicative, capable, and caring. Never too busy to answer any questions. Excellent leadership. Respected his longevity with the boat and program. The Stewardess’ were amazing. Never flinching at any special request and being very thoughtful with their level of attention and ability to ‘read the room’ and judge each guest’s needs. The deck team kept the boat in excellent shape and were always working. Ease of transfer from the boat to the beautiful tender was a highlight. Favorite memory: Each day was just perfect. Capri for two nights was a personal highlight. Each meal together was filled with laughter and new memories created." M Yacht HATT MILL / Corsica – Naples

"Hi LJ, the yacht was in excellent condition, interior and exterior, really top notch. There was nothing lacking, we used everything from the water slide to the sea bobs and wave runners. The crew setup an amazing beach day for us on the second last day. The crew really operates as a cohesive unit, they appear to be a close-knit family, great camaraderie, communication, energy. Chief Stew Xan really ran the show with grace. The cuisine exceeded our expectations, Chef was amazing. Highly recommend." Yacht NO BAD IDEAS / Nassau-Nassau, Bahamas

"LJ, Aspen Alternative is the most beautiful yacht we have chartered to date. Immaculate condition. The crew were fabulous, very accommodating and hospitable. Highly recommend and would love to charter her again with this crew." Yacht ASPEN ALTERNATIVE / West Palm Beach, Florida