Whilst constructing yachts is a fascinating process in its own right and the end product often leaves the layman open-mouthed and cooing in wonder, it was a breath of fresh air when we learned that one yard had taken up the mantle and was leading the way forward in a new phase of after-sales care: crew. Having spent millions designing and building his pride and joy, the one thing an owner wants to ensure is that it is left in the best hands when he is and isn't around to enjoy it.

After all, a yacht is a mechanical marvel, but like all things mechanical, without due care and attention, so the chance of something going wrong or breaking increases. In the world of superyachts, the cost of this is huge. As a lot of the technology on board is cutting edge, so crew should be adequately trained to use it. In fact, a story emerged just this weekend of a small fleet of naval vessels that could not be manned because the technology was too advanced for the personnel. So much so, this brand new fleet is now for sale, well under-value.

So, the remedy is obviously to ensure crew are well trained and versed ahead of launch date. Fortunately Benetti places equal importance on its product excellence and that of the team which manages the yacht. So it now proposes a new opportunity for yacht-owners to take advantage of crew training services which are personalised for the individual crew’s requirements.

The yachting industry is rapidly growing and superyachts are becoming more complex, so it is important that owners attract and retain the right calibre of crew to make their yachts run to their optimal performance. However, availability of crew, trained to such standards, is becoming more of an issue Explains Vincenzo Poerio, Benetti’s CEO.

Increasing mobility of crew and their rapid professional growth through the industry means there is little opportunity to consolidate experience. The charter industry subjects their crews to such demanding schedules that insufficient time is left for the preparation and understanding, required for proper handling and safety of the boat. These are the main elements that motivated Benetti to invest its energies in identifying an excellent partner to jointly define a new service which will guarantee Benetti owners and captains a crew of the highest standards.

Our ultimate goal is to provide the owner with a fully tailor-made service. adds Mr Poerio We are already experienced in giving them the best yachts the industry can provide, but now we are aware that it must come with a fully competent crew otherwise their yachting experience could be compromised. We now have a suitable training partner to equip the crew.

One of Benetti's exceptional partners has been identified in the Flagship Superyacht Academy, whose highly specialised facilities and quality of instructors, add high value to the crew training they deliver. Flagship has a successful partnering arrangement with the UK Royal Navy which dates back to 1996 and has now transferred this experience to the superyacht sector, so that today it continues to serve both markets.

As a proof of the value that Benetti places on its new agreement, five of the shipyard’s representatives from the Aftersales Service were recently trained at Flagship. Over a week they improved and they focused on the safety aspects of the yacht handling, developing their own safety management system.

The training objectives ranged from on board fire fighting, sea survival and first aid to studying how to handle a boat with a reduced crew, hospitality and yacht inspection.
“We wanted to give the team a fully rounded experience similar to the training we would deliver for a whole crew explains Sir Tim McClement, who heads up the Flagship Superyacht Academy.

“Our intention is to work closely with Benetti to raise the standards of crew training so that owners get the best out of their new yacht.
“With our successful partnering arrangement with the Royal Navy, we have the experience, expertise and facilities to deliver training that meets the standards Benetti yacht owners expect.
“What we offer is whole crew training that is tailored to the individual yacht’s requirements. The bespoke course will be designed to meet the specific needs of the captain and the crew; from whole ship training, for example fire fighting, man over board etc., through team building to specific courses for individual crew members like high voltage training.
“We also focus on personal awareness, social skills and leadership in order to create a cohesive and consistent performance from the entire crew.”


Related Links:
Benetti - company detail | company website
Flagship - company detail | company website