Yacht Charter Industry introductory programme launched

An initiative known as the Introduction to the Yacht Charter Industry has been launched.

A joint undertaking between the St Vincent and the Grenadines Sailing Association (SVGSA), and the Blue Life Yachting, seven young persons, between the ages of 17 and 21, were inducted into the programme last weekend, October 19 and 20, 2024,

The participants are Rasheed Fraser, Scarlett Hadley, Antony Sayers, Paige DaSilva, CJ Pollard, Xavier Ollivierre and Tavonte Forde. They were selected from a list of 30 applicants.

Funded by the French Embassy to Barbados and the OECS, the seven-month programme is designed to provide the young sailors with hands-on experience to the inner workings of the yacht charter industry.

The programme is convened one weekend each month and will run for seven months.

During the inaugural weekend, the selected participants spent time learning about sail making, sailing skills including health and safety, engine maintenance, and quality control when preparing yachts for guests.

In addition, they received insights into sales and marketing strategies, alongside practical experience on the water, focusing on departure and docking procedures.

At the completion of the programme, it is projected that participants will have acquired essential skills in business management and yacht charter operations, as well as a foundation in yacht sailing and maintenance.

The idea is to train these young sailors for job opportunities in the yacht charter industry.

The programme is supported by a range of industry professionals, including, Zeandra Browne, sail maker and canvas work; ZeeSails, Dwaine Minor, Master Mariner and sailing instructor; Noelia Garcia Nannini, preparations onboard before a charter; and Antonio Otero, mechanical and electrical engineer.

Also lending expertise as part of the programme are Thor Magnus Lie, business, marketing and skippering, MD of BlueLife Yacht Charters; Monica Lie, arrival arrangements, customer relationship management, front and back office; and Barry Mascol, rigging, ropes and splicing.