What training do you need to skipper your own boat?
9 May 2025
Our students talk about us
After 7 years as an employee at Click and Boat, Xavier Charpy decided to develop his career by becoming more professional. He began his training with the Captain Master 200 GT at The Yachter, and today continues with the Master 500 GTand Unlimited.
He shares with us his background, his motivations and his feedback on the training.
Testimony of Xavier
The Yachter: “What was your background as a sailor before training with The Yachter?”
Xavier: “Before I started training with The Yachter, I was already very used to sailing. I started sailing as a child with my grandfather and my parents at Pointe Saint Mathieu in Finistère. I then joined a sailing club like many other youngsters. At the age of 18, I had the opportunity to start racing in a liveaboard, which led me to sail on all types of boat up to 60 and 70-foot trimarans.
I completed my higher education at the Institut Nautic de Bretagne, which enabled me to continue sailing with the school, but also to enter the professional world of boating. Through my various professional experiences, I’ve piloted a wide range of boat models (motor and sail).
I’ve also become a passionate yachtsman, usually setting off on catamaran/yacht cruises three or four times a year to different parts of the globe.”
The Yachter: “What motivated your desire/need to take the training courses at The Yachter?”
Xavier: “I wanted to put all my experience as a sailor and my passion to good use by becoming a professional Captain.”
The Yachter: “For what reason(s) did you choose The Yachter and not another training organization?”
Xavier: “It’s a question of timing, which e-learning allows.”
The Yachter: “What are the 3 things you liked best about training at The Yachter?”
Xavier: “Firstly, the quality of the discussions with the trainers and managers, who are always available. Then there’s the personalized support to help you prepare for your exams. And of course, the freedom offered by the online format.”
The Yachter: “What would be the most important point for you to recommend The Yachter to other sailors like you?”
Xavier: “If you, too, have no time to waste, experience and a specific project, the Belgian training program is highly professional and practical!”
Do you own a boat and want to comply with maritime regulations so you can sail with peace of mind? Or perhaps you dream of becoming a professional skipper and working in the yachting industry?
Are you considering a career change in the maritime sector, or do you simply want to acquire new skills to pilot higher category boats? Whatever your ambition, The Yachter can help you succeed!
Thanks to The Yachter’s e-learning courses to become a captain, you can pass a state-recognized STCW professional certificate while managing your own schedule.
Find out more about our training courses for the Master 200 GT, 500 GT and 500 GT Unlimited captains’ exams.
