Growing up in a successful family fishing business in Devon, he began his yachting career as a deckhand, quickly moving up to a bosun/2nd officer. In 2022, Harrison transitioned to a land- based role, quickly establishing himself as a leading charter manager. In the 23/24 season his team grew revenues by 30% and in the 2024 season he oversaw 65 charters. Harrison joined Cecil Wright as a Charter Manager in 2025.
How it all began…
I’m Harrison MacManus, and I’ve been working in the yachting industry for over 10 years. I’ve recently had the privilege of joining the Charter Management team at Cecil Wright, having previously overseen charter management operations at a brokerage for the past 2.5 years. My career has been firmly rooted in charter for nearly a decade, following a seagoing background as crew aboard several high-profile private and charter yachts, including ZENOBIA (57m), New Secret (74m), FLAG (62m), Bella Vita (60m), and Malahne, where I progressed from deckhand to 2nd Officer. Before joining the yachting world, I studied Politics and History at university and worked for a former Government Minister within the House of Commons. Originally from Devon, I come from a longstanding fishing family who operate a number of trawlers in the UK – so the sea is in my blood.
What do you love about the job?
Relationship building – 100%. For me, it’s all about building strong, consistent, long-term relationships – both with clients and across the industry. Gaining the genuine trust of our clients and colleagues is what truly puts a smile on my face. AI is undoubtedly a powerful tool, but it must be used thoughtfully and responsibly. At the same time, the continued lack of regulation and industry standards, especially in the face of growing demand, risks diluting the quality of service significantly.
Has the industry changed in recent years?
Yachting and chartering marketing is no longer bound in secrecy. Most charter vessels are being pushed by clients hard to be given maximum exposure. Yachts now have their own social media platform, where most captains and crew post daily about the yacht, plans, movement and her availability, born from ‘Below Deck’. From MY LOON to Project X and King Benji, these yachts are the real market leaders in this field today…. However, it will only get bigger, better and provide more access to the global world of yacht enthusiasts.
Working with Cecil Wright – tell us more…
Fanatics Team – an extremely professional and welcoming team – the depth of knowledge within the company was a key reason I wanted to join. My aim is to bring value, continue learning and grow alongside truly exceptional colleagues. I feel very privileged to be part of such a strong and supportive group. The core foundation of serving fewer clients, but doing so with greater care, is in my view the key to building truly meaningful, long- term and trusted relationships. Although I’m still new to the team, we do all come together once a year at the Monaco Yacht Show, which is a fantastic opportunity to connect in person.
Your favourite yacht and destination?
One from the history books. FLAG – a classic Feadship with an exceptional charter record is truly one for the history books. I have very fond memories of my time onboard as crew. I always loved cruising the Ionian Islands, as well as Croatia and Turkey, some of my favourite regions as crew.
Work hard, play harder
While it’s easy to get swept up in the glamour of Monaco, we still have a job to do! But, when time allows, I really enjoy a relaxed drink at Slammers, and a great steak at La Bionda – fantastic food and refreshingly down-to-earth and ‘normal’ people.
