Embark with Gérard - Skipper France

The skipper

Initially a computer scientist, Gérard fell in love with sailing 20 years ago and has never left it. He will share his passion for sailing with you on the one hand and his region on the other hand, from Cotentin, to the Channel Islands and to England.

Naviguer en voilier, c'est un retour aux vraies valeurs et c'est aussi l'occasion de se retrouver soi-même.

I became a skipper following a complete change in carer. Living in Paris, I worked in a computer service company for 20 years. Then, thanks to friends, I took part in a sailing course at Les Glénans. I was literally so passionate about sailing that I did so many sailing courses. Then came the desire to help others discover and so I decided to start teaching sailing to others in my quality of sailing instructor. I then graduated as a Merchant Marine Captain, then my Yachtmaster diploma and went to the Caribbean and the Mediterranean (Greece, and Croatia, which I know very well). Five years ago I bought my own boat, a 12m monohull armed Merchant Marine. Since then I have been organising short sea excursions for beginners to help discover sailing, and also cruises of one week or more to train and discover exotic and exciting destinations such as England and North Brittany. Besides, I continue to work as a skipper and accompany boat owners.

In summary, that I am a good sailor, and that I have a very good sense of organisation and timing. In my region with strong currents and strong tides, it is necessary to be rigorous. In addition to this, one must be attentive and open to others.

Life on a journey

An early morning arrival on the English coast, a magnificent sunrise, after a rough night, heavy fog crossing the English Channel and the cargo rail. We all felt great relief and great satisfaction!

For me a successful cruise is when there is a balance between discovery, sailing, stopovers and learning, and when the customers are happy. I try, as much as I can, to pass on my passion for sailing and a few of my acquaintances so that they want to come back cruising here or elsewhere or even buy their own boat! Because it is still with my sailing cap that I express myself the best. But the best cruises are definitely the ones when my passengers turn into friends

I always try to adapt myself to the priorities and wishes of the client: a balance between navigating, learning how to sail, resting and stopovers to discovery islands, always focusing on safety. I try to make the most of the timing so that my clients can benefit from both stopovers and navigation. I think that we must above all create human ties and respect as much as possible the expectations of everyone._x000D_ As far as the organisation of life on board is concerned, I can look after the navigation, the essential manoeuvres, take care of the meals and the stewardship, but I also let others do it if they wish. In any case, I try to make everyone participate in something: be it driving the sailboat, making meals, or maintaining the boat, according to everyone's wishes and skills. Of course I am at the disposal of the team members to explain necessary and important information so everyone can participate.