Meet
Lara-Jo 'LJ' Houghting
Charter Fleet Manager | Charter Broker
As both a Charter Fleet Manager and Charter Broker, LJ wears many hats – but all with equal amounts of gusto and confidence. She is the dynamic force behind the scenes of some of the world’s most successful yacht charter programmes and is the go-to expert for yacht owners who want their vessels represented with professionalism, precision, and personality. With her sharp industry insight and unmistakable enthusiasm, LJ is trusted not just to market yachts, but to elevate their presence on the global stage.
LJ's Story
Mastering yachts from the deck up
Originally from South Africa and now proudly American, and based in sunny Florida, LJ’s journey through the yachting world has been as dynamic and multifaceted as the industry itself. Her early years working onboard as a stewardess and massage therapist gave her first-hand insight into yacht life, a perspective that continues to inform her empathetic, detail-driven approach to charter marketing and marketing and sales.Once back on dry land, she developed an early foundation in marketing and logistics as a Boat Show and Sales Coordinator before holding key roles managing worldwide charter fleets and building strong relationships with yacht owners, charter clients, captains and crews.In 2020, she joined CharterWorld, bringing her extensive knowledge, calm confidence, and vibrant energy to the global team … along with a fleet of superb superyachts.
Client Feedback
Knowledge and professionalism
42' Palmer Johnson M/Y LADY J | Owners
LJ rises above the rest in service to owners and potential charterers. We have been with her for over 15 years and two yachts because of her responsiveness, ability to obtain 16 weeks of charters each year, and personal attention.
130' Christensen M/Y SWEET ESCAPE | Captain
One of the most valuable aspects of being in LJ’s fleet is the 24/7 service that she delivers.She’s an important team member who brings a wealth of resources and attention to every charter inquiry, and greatly assists with the booking process ensuring a healthy forward charter calendar.
157' Christensen M/Y LADY JOY | Captain
We were blown away by the amount of work that LJ puts into each charter and the support she offered us from the start of negotiations all the way through to post charter communications and closing.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.
Charter client 2025
Our family trip was an outstanding experience due in part by the organization by CharterWorld and, specifically, Lara-Jo Houghting.Lara-Jo was on top of things from start-to-finish and made sure that our family had a memorable experience.In short, I would certainly use the services of Lara-Jo and CharterWorld in the future.
Industry expertise
Memberships and insights
With a keen eye for what makes a yacht stand out, LJ blends creative marketing with operational know-how. Gone are the days of static printed brochures; today’s market demands vibrant, evolving digital content, and LJ makes sure her fleet shines with personality and professionalism. She’s also a strategist, helping owners clearly define their goals so she can shape a charter plan that fits.“Honest communication is everything,” she says. “Once I understand what an owner wants to achieve, we can position the yacht exactly where it needs to be in the market and target like-minded clients.”Her expert views have been quoted in Boat International, where she shared insight into successful charter yachts."The True Gold Standard - What do Successful Charter Yachts Have in Common?" Boat InternationalLJ has been a member of the IYBA Charter Professionals Committee since 2002.
LJ recommends
Favorite charter destinations
Cyclades | Greece
The Cyclades Islands, scattered like jewels across the heart of the Aegean, offer crystal-clear waters, whitewashed villages, and sun-drenched beaches perfect for island-hopping by yacht. From the iconic charm of Mykonos and Santorini to the serene coves of Milos and Folegandros, they promise a quintessential Greek charter experience.
Bay of Kotor | Montenegro
The Bay of Kotor, often called Europe’s southernmost fjord, is a breathtaking blend of dramatic mountains, medieval towns, and tranquil turquoise waters. A yacht charter here offers a mix of rich history, secluded anchorages, and stunning coastal scenery along Montenegro’s most picturesque shoreline.
Alaska
Alaska’s rugged coastline offers an unforgettable charter experience, where towering glaciers meet pristine wilderness and wildlife roams freely. From calving icebergs and fjords to remote fishing villages and untouched coves, it’s a voyage into some of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural beauty.
Galapagos
The Galápagos Islands are a living museum of evolution, where volcanic landscapes and crystal waters host extraordinary wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. A yacht charter here offers intimate encounters with giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and playful sea lions amid one of the planet’s most pristine marine environments.
About CharterWorld
CharterWorld is a boutique luxury yacht charter company who create unique, custom yacht charter experiences around the world. Our relentless client focus, passion and expertise offer you a truly personalised service which transforms a yacht charter booking into an extraordinary tailor-made journey. We will inspire you to begin a life-long love affair with yachting.
25+ years of experience creating charter vacations.
80% of the charters we arrange are for repeat or referred clients.
2000+ luxury yachts personally inspected and reviewed by our team.
Elite worldwide team of 10 expert charter brokers.
Proud member of worldwide yacht associations MYBA and ECPY.
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