Our Team

Aaron Antonson | Co-Founder

Aaron has had a passion for boats and yachting since he can remember; his first business venture, at the age of 13, was to find neglected classic boats and restore them for profit. He learned from a young age what makes a great boat stand out structurally and cosmetically through hands-on experience. He persisted in restoring boats throughout his time in high school all while he was the captain of his school’s sailing team.

He later founded Alpha Nautical, a firm that specializes in the acquisition and restoration of more modern and profitable vessels. He continues to oversee successful projects, providing his clientele with profits each time. Aaron began his brokerage career with another respected brokerage firm, where he closed sales of more than $30,000,000 in under 3 years. Aaron’s current sales figures total over $50,000,000.

Aaron offers his expertise to ensure his clients have an excellent experience whether it’s buying, selling, maintaining, or restoring their vessel. When not selling and restoring yachts, Aaron enjoys his time on the water fishing and exploring new areas in the Bahamas and Caribbean.

Carson Booth | Yacht Broker

Carson Booth grew up in Central Florida, where life on the water quickly became more than just a hobby. His passion for boating began with watersports on the lake and eventually led to his first role in the marine industry at the local dealership, where he specialized in wakeboard boats. His success in sales sparked his drive to turn his passion into a career.

In high school, Carson rebuilt an old Hydrostream and took on a full project from the ground up replacing the transom, refinishing the interior, and repainting the hull. That project didn’t just teach him about boat construction, it cemented his love for high-performance vessels. Projects like this gives him a deeper understanding of boats above and below the deck.

Relocating to South Florida, Carson became a licensed captain and has years of experience coaching wakeboard and wakesurf charters off Key Biscayne. Now, as a Yacht Broker with Champion Yacht Group, he brings that same hands-on experience, mechanical knowledge, and enthusiasm to every client interaction.

From performance center consoles to versatile family cruisers, Carson is committed to making the buying and selling process smooth, informed, and enjoyable. Whether you’re chasing poker runs or searching for your next weekend escape, his goal is to match you with the perfect boat and share the passion that brought him here.

Jeroen Landeweer | Co-Founder

Jeroen grew up in the Netherlands as part of a true boating family; for his family boating is a way of life. Jeroen’s family migrated to the U.S. back in 1980, where they have been building sport fishing yachts since 1993 under the name Garlington Landeweer. A Dutch family constructing traditional sport fishing yachts was not something that was typical for this industry.

Jeroen could not wait to step in those same footsteps, so after years of growing up spending his summer breaks on both a sport-fishing yacht in Florida & the Bahamas and a sailboat in the Mediterranean (Sardinia, Corsica, France, Italy, & Ballearics), Jeroen co-founded together with three of his family members, Chaser Yachts, where they specialize in building high-performance luxurious Dutch dayboats ranging 50 feet.

After moving to the U.S. to grow the business stateside, Jeroen realized that a combination of representing the Chaser Yachts brand and brokering yachts was not just a perfect mix for him but added tremendous value to his clients through his expertise as not just a manufacturer of yachts but providing business to his resources in the industry as a broker too.

William Charbonneau | Yacht Broker

Bill Charbonneau’s journey from luxury real estate to yachting is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit. With more than 30 years in Boston & Naples elite real estate markes, he channeled his passion for innovative design with his lifelong passion for yachting by founding Naples Nantucket Yacht Group in 2005. Today, the company’s charter fleet under management offers exclusive charters in premier destinations. Additionally, Bill has “championed” and participated in several fractional acquisitions of yachts ranging from 35’ to over 100’. Bill was recently honored by his being named as one of the top 100 influential business leaders in Collier County in 2025. It only made sense that Bill proudly joins the Champion Yacht Groups sales team to market and sell yachts, while also expanding the CYG charter program. A licensed United States Master Captain, Bill splits his time between the sea and his favorite coastal retreats with his wife Jacquie and their Golden Retriever “Chatham”.

Nick Fernandez | Yacht Broker

A lifelong waterman and dedicated yacht broker, Nick Fernandez brings a rare blend of passion, hands-on experience, and competitive excellence to everything he does on the water.

Introduced to boating before he could walk—thanks to his mother, a professional waterskier—Nick has been immersed in the marine lifestyle from the very beginning. By the age of 25, he had already accumulated over seven years of experience as a licensed captain, with a specialization in navigating and managing vessels throughout South Florida’s dynamic waterways. From Miami to the Keys, he knows these waters like the back of his hand.

Nick’s competitive spirit has earned him top honors in the sport, including winning the Wakeboard World Championships in 2021 and the Collegiate National Championships in 2019. Known for his calm under pressure and sharp problem-solving instincts, he brings the same drive, precision, and resourcefulness to every yacht transaction—ensuring his clients receive expert guidance from start to finish.

Whether someone is searching for a high-performance wake boat, a luxury motor yacht, or anything in between, Nick offers real-world expertise, deep industry knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to helping others make the most of life on the water.

Matias Lopez | Yacht Broker

Matias, a Miami native with rich Brazilian and Argentine heritage, embarked on his yachting journey at an early age, cultivating a profound passion for the sea. His primary focus has been on motor yachts, which he embraced with unwavering dedication during his youth. With extensive experience mastering the intricacies of these vessels, from their mechanics to precise operation and meticulous maintenance, Matias swiftly earned a distinguished reputation as a skilled captain, catering to Miami’s elite clientele and their luxurious motor yachts.

Remarkably, at the young age of 18, Matias founded his first yacht chartering company, a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit, and the influence of his Brazilian and Argentine background can be seen in the flair and sophistication he brings to the yachting industry. This early success laid the foundation for a thriving career in the industry, and he continued to expand his business ventures, ultimately establishing two highly successful yacht-related enterprises. These achievements showcased his in-depth industry knowledge and underscored his reputation as a visionary in the field. His remarkable contributions have ranged from yacht sales and charter brokering to yacht management and consulting services. Today, Matias is a renowned yacht broker, offering clients a superior understanding of the world of motor yachts in Miami’s thriving market, ensuring a top-tier experience and unmatched service throughout their yachting endeavors.

Ben Quarles | Yacht Broker

Ben Quarles is based in Pensacola, Florida, known for his unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for his clients. Within his first year he had over a million dollars worth of listings spread from the Hamptons down to the Florida keys. He was exposed to the industry while attending college in Boca Raton, Florida, where met the Champion team and immediately knew it was his calling. With his background in business and sales from his long standing family business in the wild shrimp industry, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a client-centric approach to the world of yacht brokerage. His commitment to providing personalized service and fostering lasting relationships underscores his dedication to excellence in the yachting industry. He has provided insights and consulting in restorations to vessels over 400 feet in length on the Gulf Coast. He prides himself in working efficiently, and has overseen multiple closings in a month’s time during peak seasons.

Whether you’re a seasoned mariner or a first-time buyer, Ben is a veteran broker dedicated to making your next ownership dreams a reality. Ben is deeply committed to ensuring that each client receives personalized attention and expert guidance throughout their journey. Ben prides himself in going the extra mile to earn your long lasting business.

Jeremy Rafferty | Yacht Broker

As Jeremy grew up surrounded by sportfishing and center console boats, he developed an in-depth understanding of the boating industry and the inner workings of most boat builders. This lifelong passion fueled his transition into yacht brokering, where he rapidly made a name for himself.

In just three years as a yacht broker, Jeremy has successfully sold over $12 million worth of vessels, showcasing his exceptional talent for connecting clients with their ideal boats. His extensive knowledge of sportfishing and center consoles allows him to provide valuable insight and guidance to clients, ensuring they make informed decisions.

With a reputation for exemplary customer service and an intrinsic understanding of the market, Jeremy continues to excel in the competitive world of yacht sales, turning dreams into reality for countless fishing enthusiasts.

Braden Barkley | Yacht Broker

Braden has spent his entire life on the water, and his passion for boating and fishing has grown into a career deeply rooted in the marine industry. Based in Pensacola, Florida, he has worked in a wide variety of marine-related roles, ranging from building docks and working along the beach to growing up on boats, working on them, and helping others customize and outfit their vessels for fishing. These experiences, combined with a lifetime of fishing along the Gulf Coast and being heavily involved in the local fishery, have given him a well-rounded understanding of both the boating world and the sportfishing community. He is committed to forming genuine, lasting relationships with his clients and takes pride in working closely with them to fully understand their goals and needs. Whether it is helping someone purchase their very first boat or assisting an experienced owner in adding another to their fleet, Braden’s ultimate goal is to make the boating experience as rewarding as possible while fulfilling each client’s unique vision of life on the water.

Mario Diaz | Yacht Broker

Mario Diaz’s passion has always been about going fast—whether offshore in Miami or skiing down the slopes. Growing up with a Spanish background, he spent his early years boating around the Balearic Islands, where his love for the water first took hold. That passion carried over to Miami, where he gained hands-on experience at Rickenbacker Marina and later with Miami Yachting Company as a boat captain and maintenance associate.

From fishing trips to performance runs, Mario lives and breathes the boating lifestyle. He pairs that passion with a strong curiosity for the engineering and mechanical side of vessels, giving him a technical edge when advising clients.

With his degree in Business Administration, at Northeastern University, Mario brings a financial background that adds professionalism and analytical insight to the yacht buying and selling process.

Whether it’s matching someone with the perfect fishing machine, high-performance center console, or family cruiser, Mario brings energy, dedication, and a personal touch to every interaction. His goal is simple: connect people with the right boat and make the process as enjoyable as the destination.

Marco Bonaiuto | Marketing

Hailing from New York, Marco spent his summers on the waters of Lake George and the Long Island Sound before relocating to South Florida. He has over 250,000,000 views across social media, focusing strictly on the yachting sector. From social media videos to professionally produced documentary style content, he helps the Champion Yacht Group team put together high level listing presentations and engaging marketing material.

Vivien Hafner | Director of Operations

Vivien’s connection to the water began early, she moved to the US, initially, aboard an 70′ Riva and spent her childhood fishing off the docks at Ocean Reef Club. Over the years, she’s lived on and off boats across Europe and the Caribbean, gaining a deep appreciation for the yachting lifestyle.

Before joining Champion Yacht Group, Vivien worked in the fashion industry, styling celebrities and UHNW clients for major campaigns, catalogs, and editorials, with her work featured in publications like Vogue. Her attention to detail and refined aesthetic later carried into luxury interior design, where she worked on high-end homes and yachts throughout South Florida.

Vivien has been closely involved with Champion Yacht Group since its earliest days, helping shape the brand from the ground up. Today, she oversees operations, client experience, events, and brand development. Based in South Florida, Vivien remains deeply connected to the yachting world

Michael Romano | Accounting & Reporting Manager

Michael Romano is a valued member of the Champion Yacht Group finance team, bringing over 20 years of experience in accounting and bookkeeping. His career spans work with both startups and Big Six firms, giving him a broad perspective and deep expertise in financial operations. Based in Fort Lauderdale, Michael is actively involved in his local community, serving on multiple business boards and contributing to various civic initiatives. He is known for his strategic financial insights and commitment to excellence.

Christian Murphy | Yachting Representative

Born and raised on the waters of Pensacola, Florida, Christian Murphy has spent a lifetime surrounded by the boating lifestyle. From an early age, he developed a deep appreciation for the ocean, marine craftsmanship, and the freedom that comes with life on the water. That lifelong passion naturally evolved into a career in yacht brokerage, where he combines his local expertise and genuine love for boating to help clients find their perfect vessel. In addition to his maritime roots, Christian brings the same discipline, teamwork, and competitive spirit that he honed as a Division I football player at Troy University, where he earned a scholarship for his athletic and academic achievements. His commitment to excellence—both on the field and in business—drives him to deliver a seamless, trustworthy, and personalized experience for every client he serves. Whether helping seasoned boaters upgrade to their next yacht or guiding newcomers through their first purchase, Christian is dedicated to making the process as smooth and rewarding as life on the open water.

Fabian Vega

With nearly two decades of global sales leadership and a track record managing over $40 million in annual revenue for a Nasdaq-listed tech company, Fabian Vega brings strategic discipline, international perspective, and refined client service to Champion Yacht Group. His career spans the U.S., Latin America, and EMEA, where he built trusted relationships with C-level executives and led complex, high-value negotiations.

Originally from Mexico and both a boating enthusiast with over 500 captain hours navigating South Florida and Bahamian waters, and an avid wine collector, Fabian understands the practical, technical, and lifestyle dimensions of high-value asset ownership. This perspective allows him to guide clients with clarity, authenticity, and real-world insight. Fluent in Spanish, English, Portuguese, and French, he naturally serves a wide range of international buyers and families.

Blending global sales expertise with technical acumen, Fabian delivers a polished, relationship-driven advisory approach that aligns seamlessly with Champion Yacht Group’s commitment to excellence.

Adam Porter | Co-Founder of Classic Boats / Yachting Representative

Adam Porter is the Co-Founder of Classic Boats and a proven leader in the classic and modern wooden boat industry. With more than $25 million in wooden boat sales, Adam has established himself as a trusted professional, known for combining deep craftsmanship knowledge with a sharp understanding of the maritime luxury marketplace.

Adam helped grow Classic Boats from a simple Instagram passion project—originally created by luxury media influencer Denis Suka—into a thriving brick-and-mortar operation. Under Adam’s direction, that social platform transformed into a fully realized boatbuilding and restoration business, offering new builds, high-end restorations, marina services, and a growing portfolio of modern classic wooden and composite yachts.

Driven by a commitment to excellence and authenticity, Adam has become a respected figure among collectors, clients, and industry partners. His work bridges heritage boatbuilding traditions with modern design, ensuring that every vessel bearing the Classic Boats name reflects artistry, performance, and timeless style.

Today, Adam continues to lead the company’s expansion into new builds, specialty projects, and brand partnerships—cementing Classic Boats as an emerging powerhouse in the luxury boating world.