Insights, Brokerage, Community, Day In The Life Of..., Interboat, Thames
All hands on deck: A chat with Jamie Goldsmith

Have you ever wondered what life as a Boat Sales Broker is like? Well, the role is anything but ordinary; no two days are the same. Meet Jamie Goldsmith, one of our dedicated Boat Sales Brokers at Val Wyatt. In our Q&A, Jamie shares the ins and outs of his day-to-day, reveals his most memorable moments, and tells us more about what makes the boating community so special. Whether you’re an experienced boater, an aspiring buyer, or simply curious about the marine world, this is a must-read.
What’s involved in the role of a Boat Sales Broker?
The role’s central aspect is selling new and second-hand boats.
There are many other tasks, especially in the summer where we carry out the majority of our viewings, perform trial runs and exhibit at boat shows.
I also write up specs and listings for boats we have to advertise and create YouTube content. Usually, James [Clifton] stars in the videos, but I do all of the filming and editing. I also create content for social media, such as Instagram posts, etc – so, it’s a very varied role.
How many of you are there in the Val Wyatt sales team?
There are five of us: myself, Jack, Ben, James, and Roman. This includes three Boat Sales Brokers, one Sales Manager, and a Boat Sales Assistant.
How long have you been at Val Wyatt?
I started in a seasonal role in February 2023, cleaning, polishing and valeting the boats and getting them ready for use after the winter. I expressed an interest in staying on. I was taken on as a Boat Sales Assistant to prepare the sales boats for handovers and to keep all the stock looking tidy. I did that for five months. After that, I became a full-time Sales Broker and have been in this role for two years now.
How are you finding the role and the team?
I’m enjoying it. The team is really diverse, very forward-thinking, and really good people. I love working here; it’s great. There’s a lot going on and a lot to look forward to in the future.
Is this your first job in the marine industry?
Yes. Prior to this, I worked in gym management. I started out as a personal trainer but progressed to management. I managed two sites for PureGym. I fell out of love with that during COVID. I’d always dreamed of being a barber, so I retrained to do that, but after about a year, I realised it wasn’t for me.
Then, I took the seasonal role here and loved it, so here I am.

What’s your favourite part of working for Val Wyatt?
It’s the broadness of the role. One day, you could be at Chichester Harbour, out in a big Haines, blasting along the Solent, and the next day, you could be back on the River Thames filming a YouTube video of a boat with a 16-horsepower engine.
I enjoy producing video content and analysing what works and what doesn’t. And I love the sales process, seeing it through and handing a brand-new boat to the customer. The kids are there and then you see them using it through the summer when you’re out on the marina. It’s such a nice thing to have done, to think – “I sold them that boat.”
It’s great to maintain relationships with the people you’ve sold to. You get to know the family and their kids. And maybe one day they buy another boat, so you get to sell them something bigger. It’s never a one-and-done sales process. There’s always an ongoing relationship with the customer from the first time you meet them to selling them two or three boats in the future. You maintain relationships with customers for years.
How special is a boat purchase?
Very special. Boats are costly, and they’re a luxury item. I always say to customers, “Enjoy the process. You’re buying a boat. It’s a big deal.” I think this is significant for people who live by the river. Without a boat, they miss out on a big part of where they live.
Going out boating on the river and experiencing the other side of where you’ve lived for 20 years re-opens your eyes. Also, just being out on a boat is so liberating and relaxing. Boating is great therapy. After a stressful week at work, just a couple of hours out on a boat on a Friday evening can be a great de-stressor. If you’re on a boat, playing a bit of music and watching the sunset, either with friends or on your own, it’s a different world.
Do you get out on the water much?
Yes. We’re lucky. We have an Interboat 820 as a demonstrator, so we have personal access to it. It’s a lovely boat. My wife and I used it a lot over the summer. We’ve got a baby due next April, and people say it’s great to take a young baby out on boats, so we’re looking forward to that. Babies love the slight vibration and movement of boats.
I used to row a lot, so I was out on the river, but in a different capacity to motor and pleasure boating. Working here has opened my eyes to the benefits of motorboating and how good it is. I’m fortunate.
What are the most memorable moments of your role so far?
Well, we sold a Haines 400 this year, which is Haines’ flagship boat. That was a significant achievement. But that’s not to say I don’t get the same buzz from more humble sales. I’ve sold fantastic boats to some great families.
Before we opened the Chichester office, we had a boat at Wargrave, which I sold to a guy from Chichester. The new Chichester enterprise wasn’t set in stone then so I couldn’t tell him about it. But now, he’s a great ambassador for us. He’s been boating all of his life. He bought the boat up at Wargrave and moved it down to Chichester. Now, he’s got it moored at Northney Marina, just around the corner. There’s a popular place nearby called East Head, just off West Wittering Beach. He is always down there with the boat he bought from us.
It was funny because as we were arranging the sale, the buyer said, “These boats would be perfect down at Chichester Marina. You should get an office down there.” At the end of the sale, I revealed that we were opening a Chichester office and we’ve kept in touch.
Another great memory made this year was the Southampton International Boat Show. I had more of a part in its organisation this year, working on the logistics of getting all the boats there. One boat was carried fresh from the factory in the Netherlands to Southampton on a truck. It was great setting the show up and seeing all the boats on the first day.
What makes Chichester such a special place for the boating community?
A lot of the people who have boats here have been boating for a very long time. Jack, who was raised down here, knows everyone. The location and the potential of our offer are exciting. It’s one of the biggest harbours in the UK.
Sailing is full-on, so as people age, there is a natural progression from sailing to motorboating. That’s what we can offer people.

If you could own any boat in the world, what would it be?
The Interboat Intender 950 Cabrio is the ultimate dayboat. It has tons of space, looks amazing, and can take a lot, whether cruising down the river at 4 or 5 knots or going faster. When we drive the boats to the Southampton International Boat Show, this boat performs really well. There are loads of cruise ships coming in and big boats flying around, so it’s risky in a smaller boat, but it’s loads of fun.
Outside of work, what are your interests?
Well, with my wife being pregnant at the moment, I’m not getting out clubbing as much as I used to! I’m from a fitness background, so I go to the gym quite a lot.
I love spending time with family and friends, and I love boating, obviously! Next year, I want to learn to sail. I sailed a lot in school but haven’t sailed since.
What does the future hold for you and Val Wyatt?
We are looking forward to seeing the Chichester Office growing over the next 12 months. You never know what happens in the future? Maybe one day we could open up another coastal sales office further down the country, perhaps in Cornwall, to push the Val Wyatt brand further and get more of our boats in different parts of the UK.
Thanks for sharing with us Jamie!