Aerial photo of a boat over water

About Us

Seamless service, best in class experience

Welcome to The Helm Yacht Group, a veteran-owned yacht dealership founded to provide customers with a best in class experience. We offer a more seamless and personalized service not found at large dealerships.

We specialize in selling top-of-the-line new and brokerage yachts, yacht management, charters and more. Whether you’re in the market for a brand new vessel or need help managing or selling your existing yacht, we have the expertise to help you achieve your boating goals.

Because we focus on relationships, we take the time to understand each customer’s unique needs. We work closely with clients to provide a personalized experience that exceeds expectations.

Our Team

Jeff Eldon
President/CEO
Jeff Eldon

Jeff grew up near the beach in Southern California which led to his love of the ocean and boating. Spending seven years in the US Navy, Jeff circled the globe on the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk and an amphibious assault ship the USS Peleliu. This passion continued into yacht sales beginning in 2001 and allows Jeff to achieve top salesman of the year continually. His favorite part of yacht sales is the stories of success from the entrepreneurs he meets and the privilege to sell these luxury yacht brands to his elite group of clients. Jeff has transitioned upward from starting as a Salesperson, to a Broker, to a General Manager and now the President and Chief Executive Officer of THYG

Joseph Bassett
Attorney + Yacht Broker
Joe Bassett

Joe brings 30 years of industry experience to the California yachting community. Born into a New England boating family, Joe learned the business from a young age at Bassett Boat Co. and Louis Marine, Ltd., and has held various yacht brokerage management positions while representing the world's most prestigious yacht builders, including Sunseeker, Ferretti, Pershing, Riva, Mochi Craft, Azimut, Sea Ray, Jeanneau, Tiara and Riviera, to name a few.

Joe is the only person on the west coast licensed both as an attorney and yacht broker. He can assist with yacht purchase and sale, LLC creation and transfer, and with all manners of contracts and general business law. (California Bar #338056)

Zach Mielke
Yacht Broker
Zach Mielke

Originally from central Wisconsin, Zach worked in the world of diamonds for over 10 years in his home state. He decided to apply the skills he learned from working in the jewelry industry and put the knowledge of luxury goods into something new. It was 4 years ago, he decided to change the cold white snow for the warm white sands of South Florida. 

Zach has always had a passion for spending time on the water; enjoying the amazing views only seen by boat, the company of friends and family, and the relaxation found on the water. 

Zach provides clients with the same enthusiasm he has every time he hears “lets take the boat out.” His goal is to help you find the perfect vessel that fits your needs, to make the dreams of being on the water a reality, and so much more!

Katherine McGarry
Yacht Broker
Katie McGarry

Katie grew up in a small farm town in Ohio on jet skis and jet boats before graduating to larger yachts in her later years. She moved to New York at age 18 for over a decade, working in the luxury lifestyle business and nonprofits. After New York, she moved to Washington and North Carolina before finding her way to Florida.

Katie’s high ethical standards and NYC work ethic will ensure a fulfilling experience in finding the right yacht for you and your family.

You can find Katie snorkeling, stand up paddleboarding, on the golf course or traveling the world.

Yacht Broker
A.J. Brasseur

Growing up on a lake in the Wolverine state, AJ has enjoyed being on the water from a young age. With access to a variety of different vessels from the time he was 7 years old; his experience and knowledge has made him a welcome addition to our team. His love for the water and enjoyment of being around people is the reason he left the financial industry and returned back to the world of boating.

You can find AJ on the golf course, spending time with his loved ones, or kicked back enjoying time on the water.

AJ’s years of customer service from the financial industry and knowledge of a variety of vessels, is sure to make your experience with The Helm, one to remember.”

Spanish Speaking Yacht Broker
Annie Nieto

Annie was born in Miami and grew up in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. She pursued her Degree in Health Management and Pre-Dental. Since then,

Annie has been in the merchant service industry and moved back down to Miami to be with her family. By being the president of the Dentistry club at her school she is able to apply her personable skills in a different setting.
Annie will assist and assure that you find the perfect yacht that fits your needs.

You can find Annie spending time with her friends and family, by the beach doing water activities, going overseas or at the gym.

Yacht Broker
Dan Sowden

Dan was born and raised in the Great Lakes State of Michigan, and has always had a passion for the water. The water isn’t his only passion as he is a licensed residential builder as well.

Before yacht life and residential building he spent many years in the Marine/Mobile electronics industry dating back to the 1990’s.

Not only will Dan help you find the perfect vessel to fit your needs, he’ll make sure you’re sounding good while out on the big water.

With having dual residency in Florida, and Michigan, it allows for him to easily service our clients in both the United States and in Canada.

Italian Speaking Yacht Broker
Sonia Cimma

Born in the province of Biella (Piedmont) , third of 5 children, daughter of an editor of a local newspaper and working mother.
After compulsory school there was no choice, Sonia had to work in the factory like everyone else, she knew that she wanted more from life, and could do more! Sonia started attending night school to become a dress designer/stylist.
After years of work in the factory, one day she had the courage and quit her job, she was now an adult woman, for many too old to start a new life from scratch. Sonia followed a course as a consultant for judicial auctions, a few months later the clients asked me to follow them in the purchase of their house in the

real estate market and so she did. This led her to an ever higher level of clients and properties. According to her clients, what distinguished her from other professionals was being able to truly understand their needs, the discretion and respect she had in doing her job. But the truth was Sonia didn't feel accomplished, she was looking for something that excited her , that gives new blood, something completely different!!
Sonia saw the possibility in boating for some time, a world that seemed almost magical to her, perhaps unapproachable. Now this is all happening for her and she can't think of doing anything else!!

Yacht Broker
Jim Derks

Jim’s career in the marine industry started at a young age. With Sailing, Scuba Instruction, and being a Charter Captain. Entered into the Salesman position about 15 years ago starting with Custom Carolina Sport Fishing Yachts. And from there going to the Sunseeker Dealership for the past 10 years selling New and Pre-Owned Yachts. He is excited to now be apart of The Helm Yacht Group.
Client satisfaction is Jim‘s number one priority. His objective with each client is to ensure that they are treated fairly and in a professional manner, building respect and friendship one Yacht Owner at a time.