Adam Hickey

Adam Hickey is Sales Manager and Senior Broker at d’Albora Yacht Brokers, working across the Sydney market and from The Spit. With more than 17 years in the marine industry and over 45,000 nautical miles behind him, Adam brings considerably more than sales experience to the brokerage desk.

His background covers professional yacht crewing, offshore passages, racing, private yacht command, new builds, refits and yacht management. For buyers and sellers, that means he understands boats not only as products being advertised, but as vessels that need to perform reliably, suit their owners and stand up to real-world use.

From superyachts to yacht brokerage

Adam began his professional marine career working aboard superyachts in Europe. That experience introduced him to the standards, systems and day-to-day responsibilities involved in operating high-end private yachts.

His time at sea included Atlantic crossings, major regattas and extensive offshore sailing. He later captained private yachts in the Pacific, adding practical experience in passage planning, vessel preparation, crew management and cruising in remote locations.

This background gives Adam a useful perspective when discussing how a yacht will actually be used. Rather than focusing only on the layout or equipment list, he can help buyers think about handling, onboard systems, passage comfort, maintenance expectations and whether a particular vessel genuinely suits their plans.

New builds, refits and yacht management

Adam has been involved in managing yacht construction and refit projects in both Europe and Australia. These projects require careful coordination between owners, shipyards, tradespeople, designers and equipment suppliers, often while balancing budgets, timelines and technical decisions.

He also operated his own yacht-management business, giving him direct experience with the ongoing responsibilities of yacht ownership. This includes organising maintenance, managing contractors, preparing vessels for cruising and helping owners keep complicated marine systems operating as they should.

That experience can be particularly valuable when assessing pre-owned yachts. Cosmetic presentation is only one part of the picture, and Adam’s background allows him to discuss the broader practical issues that can affect ownership after settlement.

Brokerage and sales experience

As Sales Manager and Senior Broker with d’Albora Yacht Brokers, Adam works with buyers and sellers through the different stages of a yacht transaction. His role includes understanding what an owner wants to achieve, presenting vessels to the market, speaking with prospective buyers and helping guide negotiations towards a workable result.

For buyers, his sailing and technical background can help turn a broad wish list into a more realistic shortlist. Intended cruising grounds, crew numbers, sailing experience, maintenance appetite, accommodation needs and offshore ambitions can all influence whether a yacht is genuinely suitable.

For sellers, his combination of brokerage leadership and practical boating knowledge helps him communicate a vessel’s strengths in a way that makes sense to experienced boat owners as well as newcomers entering the market.

BALI catamaran knowledge

Adam has been involved in the sales of BALI sailing catamarans, a brand known for taking a distinctive approach to onboard living and indoor-outdoor space.

His product familiarity can be useful for buyers comparing modern cruising catamarans, particularly when considering cockpit and saloon arrangements, accommodation, entertaining areas, cruising practicality and the differences between catamaran ownership and traditional monohull sailing.

His wider experience with luxury yachts, private vessels and brokerage also allows these discussions to go beyond brand features and include the practical realities of ownership, maintenance, berthing and intended use.

Offshore and racing experience

Adam’s public biography records more than 45,000 nautical miles of sailing experience. This includes Atlantic crossings, professional yacht operations in the Pacific and participation in major regattas.

He has also competed in multiple Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Races, including the four races leading into the 2025 campaign. The Sydney Hobart is one of Australia’s most demanding offshore events, requiring serious preparation, teamwork and an understanding of changing coastal and offshore conditions.

This experience gives Adam first-hand knowledge of offshore yacht performance, crew requirements and the difference between a boat that looks capable at the marina and one that is properly prepared for demanding sailing.

Qualifications and marine knowledge

Adam’s publicly listed qualifications include:

• AMSA Master 5
• Yachtmaster Ocean Sail

These qualifications complement his practical experience and indicate formal training in vessel command, seamanship, navigation and offshore sailing.

Working with sailing-yacht buyers and sellers

For someone buying or selling a sailing yacht, Adam’s main strength is the breadth of experience behind his advice. He understands yacht transactions, but he has also crossed oceans, raced offshore, captained private yachts and managed vessels through construction, refit and ongoing ownership.

That combination is especially relevant when discussing BALI sailing catamarans, luxury cruising yachts and vessels intended for coastal or offshore use. Buyers can have more informed conversations about handling, layout, condition, operating requirements and whether the boat fits their intended lifestyle.

Sellers benefit from working with a broker who can understand the yacht’s equipment, history and practical strengths, then communicate those details clearly to prospective buyers.

Current role: Sales Manager and Senior Broker Company: d’Albora Yacht Brokers Location: The Spit and the wider Sydney boating market Special interests: BALI sailing catamarans, luxury yachts, cruising vessels and brokerage Reported experience: More than 17 years in the marine industry and over 45,000 nautical miles Publicly listed qualifications: AMSA Master 5 and Yachtmaster Ocean Sail