Yachting Masterclass at La Belle Classe Academy:
an intensive course to learn all about superyacht professions

 

With the aim being to promote the range of trades associated with the yachting sector, Yacht Club de Monaco’s La Belle Classe Academy training centre set, up in 2015, continues to expand its programme. Having recently achieved official recognition as an RYA (Royal Yachting Association) training centre it can now offer the RYA Level 1 and 2 Powerboat Handling courses all-year, further expanding its range of certificated, internationally recognized courses.

Under the aegis of the collective ‘Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting’ initiative, the training centre has established itself as one of the most important in the superyacht industry. “We are proud to contribute to the professionalization of the yachting sector and in so doing reinforcing Monaco’s international reputation,” says Yacht Club de Monaco General Secretary Bernard d’Alessandri.

 

Latest class already on the job ladder

On Saturday 27th July, 25 participants in the Yachting Masterclass programme graduated at the Yacht Club de Monaco after three full-on months of learning. “Thanks to this course I’ve already landed my first job in the yachting industry and can apply my knowledge,” says Niamh Murphy, yachting sales and charter assistant and winner of a study grant offered each year as part of the Masterclass. Recognition indeed for these industry newcomers who acquired in-depth expertise in the sector thanks to the numerous professionals involved like programme director Marcela de Kern Royer, Chris Andreason (Captain), Tanguy Ducros (Monaco Marine), Ralph D’azert (Superyacht Times), Tijmen Bergsma (Van Oossanen), Alex Hardy (Lateral), Marsha Van Buitenen (Feadship), Richard Hein (Thea Group), Janet Xanthopoulos (Rosemont), George Lucian (Only Yacht) and Nicolas Fry (Denison Yachting) to name a few.

“I looked everywhere for a yachting course and it didn’t exist! I finally found this one and it’s perfect as it covers all topics from yachting vocab to propulsion systems, insurance, classifications and flags, yacht locations and owners, shipyards, etc.,” added Céline Deissard, Sales Director in the luxury sector.

Yachting accessible to all

Open to the public, the Yachting Masterclass course is an opportunity to discover the superyacht universe through a 360° approach that tackles 25 themes. “Being based in Portugal, it allowed me to broaden my knowledge of the sector without having to travel. My knowledge of superyachts came on in leaps and bounds and gave me confidence to achieve my goals as a broker,” concludes Reinoud Bicker, Yachting Branch Manager in Portugal.

In collaboration with renowned experts in their field, La Belle Classe Academy offers a wide range of courses for YCM members and non-members, for young people wanting to get involved in the industry, as well as professionals from all walks of life.

Yachting Summer Camps: opportunity for 16 to 22 year olds

From summer 2024, La Belle Classe Academy courses are open to young people aged 16-22. At the end of a week they can gain navigation certificates such as the coastal boat and jet ski licenses or take a first aid course, learn the art of knots and ropework, or get to grips with the basics of meteorology at fun educative workshops.

Next sessions

After a short break in August and September, apart from the coastal licence classes, courses at La Belle Classe Academy, which trains an average 200 to 250 people a year mainly between October and May, will resume 30th September, with a STCW Polar Code course for officers and captains working in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. All courses are available on the website: https://labelleclasseacademy.com/
Through these initiatives, Yacht Club de Monaco continues to carry out its public service remit, strengthening the role of the Principality in the yachting field.