Prout International

Executive Team

In-House Exclusive Worldwide Factory Representatives:

Director of Sailing Catamarans Division:
Stephen Cockroft

After living a colorful and adventure filled life in Africa, Stephen fulfilled his life long dream of sailing his own yacht across oceans when he launched his 45 ft monohull in 1992 which he built in his back yard in Cape Town. Since then he has sailed more than 50,000 miles, crossed several oceans as well as the Red Sea, Mediteranean Atlantic and the Caribbean and visited about 45 countries as a cruising yachtsman. In 2005 he had a 40 foot catamaran built in Cape Town which he sailed from South Africa to Miami and finally settled in the USA. He has been an owner of a shipyard in South Africa that built catamarans and has also owned and operated a charter fleet in the Caribbean and the USA. Stephen has operated his own catamaran sailing school in the Bahamas since 2006. His knowledge of all aspects of the industry acquired over the last twenty years has worked to the advantage of all his clients. Stephen is a licensed ASA instructor examiner and licensed yacht broker in the state of Florida and has contributed to the sailing careers of many people across the world.

Director of Monohulls and SuperYacht Division:
Michael Ferris

Michael Ferris is an internationally established, Florida State licensed Yacht & Ship Broker and Yacht Consultant who has a wealth of knowledge accumulated from a successful yacht brokerage career and close association on new construction projects with major shipyards throughout the world including fiberglass (GRP) projects in power and sail ranging from 63’ to 125’. Michael has logged over 30,000 miles at sea including many major sailing regattas and cruising experience both in sail and motor yachts adding to the benefit of his clients. Finally, he is committed not only to the success of your transaction, but will go the extra effort to make sure that your involvement is trouble free and an enjoyable experience.

Director of Power Catamarans Division:
Walt Strzalkowski

A yacht broker since 1972, a graduate of Culver Military academy and UCLA, and ex-U.S. Navy, Walt grew up in a power-boating family in Southern California. After graduation, he lived and cruised aboard his 53' Brixham Pilot-Ketch for nine years. When he first received his Yacht and Ship Broker's license in 1972, he was, at only 24 years old, the youngest person, to receive the license. In 1976, he joined with other responsible brokers and became one of the founding members of the CALIFORNIA YACHT BROKER'S ASSOCIATION. During his 36 years as a licensed yacht broker in both California and Florida, Walt has sold thousands of vessels, both power and sail and has often arranged for shipping or delivery to the new owners on the U.S. West Coast, the Great lakes, the Caribbean, and South America. Walt speaks Spanish and is a licensed pilot.

Prout International Executive Officers:

Chief Business Officer:
Matthew Steinert

Matthew Steinert graduated from Harvard University with magna cum laude and phi beta kappa honors majoring in Economics. He also attended the Tuck Business School. Prior to joining Prout International, he worked at J.P. Morgan in Pension Advisory of the Sales, Trading, & Research Division and Merrill Lynch & Co. in Investment Advisory. Matthew has enjoyed the New England coast, including Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard, by boat for years.

Chief Operating Officer:
Jacqueline Steinert

Jacqueline Steinert graduated from Harvard University with honors majoring in Economics (citation in French). She also attended the Tuck Business School. Prior to joining Prout International, she worked at Goldman, Sachs & Co. in Advisory within the Fixed Income & Currencies Division as well as in Investment Grade Credit Research within the Global Investment Research Division. Jacqueline vacationed on sailboats and motoryachts for years, having visited many islands in the Caribbean, as well as the Mediterranean.