About Us

Yachts New England was founded by Keith Chmura and David Pugsley in 2021 with the goal of providing highly personalized brokerage services for both sellers and buyers. Both men bring extensive marine industry experience to the company; Keith with 20 plus years as captain, project manager, and ocean sailor and David with over 35 years in the brokerage business. Their combined experience is a blend of sales knowledge and industry knowledge. Understanding both sides of the business, the two men conceptualized a business model where a small group of brokers is empowered to make personal connections in the industry. In a little over one year, the brokerage has expanded to include a select group of brokers who all have a passion for being on the water and foremost, the shared objective to see that clients achieve their personal goals. Yachts New England is available to answer your questions and advise you through a purchase or sale.

Keith Chmura

Mystic CT

YNE founder Keith Chmura has extensive knowledge of the marine industry. He crossed the Atlantic three times and made numerous trips between the East Coast and the Caribbean. He’s served as Captain aboard a private yacht in both New England and the Caribbean as well as project managed several large yacht refits and a new build of a 22’ luxury launch. His knowledge of captaining a yacht, supervising refits, and working with boatyards and tradespeople gives him a unique perspective on all that goes into the sale or purchase of a boat and boat ownership. His passion for being on the water and knowledge of the industry is unparalleled. Keith has spent his entire professional life helping people realize their nautical dreams. The Yachts New England model utilizes his experience to optimize clients’ experience on the water.

David Pugsley

Lyme CT

YNE co-founder David Pugsley is an experienced yacht broker. He has spent most of his working life as a yacht broker. He was Vice President and General Manager of Brewer Yachts Sales, Inc., the largest yacht brokerage firm in northeastern United States. He managed fourteen offices from New York City to Boston. Soon after leaving Brewers, he, and co-founder Keith Churma, conceptualized the YNE model; a yacht sales business where brokers are empowered to make personalized connections with power-boaters, sailors, and marine industry professionals. David is a Certified Professional Yacht Broker (CPYB) and a licensed Florida yacht broker. His extensive resume includes the position of Past-President of Yacht Brokers Association of America and a former member of the board. David is a past member of CAC, the Certification Advisory Council for the CPYB staff. He is also a volunteer and North Sound crew chief for the Virgin Island search and rescue squad. And for six years he was the Marine Operations Director at the Bitter End Yacht Club in the British Virgin Islands.

Ted Boynton

Groton, CT

TED BOYNTON is a lifelong boater and experienced yacht broker who now represents clients with YACHTS NEW ENGLAND. Raised on the water, Ted developed a deep respect for seamanship early on and spent years RACING KEELBOATS THROUGHOUT THE EAST COAST, building the practical knowledge and competitive instincts that still shape how he advises buyers and sellers today.
 
Ted began his career in the marine industry in the 1990S, starting with the sale of small sailboats before expanding into small powerboats. Over time, he grew his expertise into a broader DEALERSHIP ENVIRONMENT, working across both sail and power brands and supporting customers through every stage of ownership—from selecting the right boat to outfitting, delivery, and long-term upkeep.

 Today, Ted remains actively involved in the classic boating community. He races on the CLASSIC YACHT CIRCUIT aboard a 1937 RAY HUNT 225 “DAGGER,” and he is also the proud owner of a 1955 CHRIS-CRAFT HOLIDAY that has earned recognition as a MULTIPLE CLASSIC BOAT SHOW WINNER.

 In addition to brokerage and sales, Ted is also a builder of the STAGEPOINT 17, a semi-custom boat known for quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design. His hands-on experience and long-standing industry relationships help clients navigate the market with confidence and clarity.

John Uljens

Old Lyme, CT

I have an extensive career in the marine industry that has evolved from working in boat yards to managing a boat dealership representing major boat lines such as Boston Whaler, Jupiter, Donzi and Pacemaker Yachts for 35 + years. I am also instrumental in importing and distributing the Nord Star power boats in the US which has led the way to becoming a Yacht broker to represent clients finding that right boat. No matter if it is down east, trawler, cruiser or a sailboat I can find or market that boat for that discerning buyer.