The Yacht Club de Monaco has secured a significant achievement for its professional training programs. The Yachting Masterclass course, offered through the club's La Belle Classe Academy, has been officially accredited by the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI).
This accreditation from the global authority for maritime and yachting training standards was announced by YCM General Secretary Bernard d'Alessandri during a diploma ceremony for the program's fifth cohort of students.
A Mark of Excellence in Yachting Education
Bernard d'Alessandri stated that the IAMI certification validates that the academy's programs now meet the high standards demanded by industry professionals. He described the Yachting Masterclass as a unique, internationally-focused program that provides a comprehensive, 360-degree view of the yachting sector.
D'Alessandri also extended his congratulations to the 19 graduates from 13 different nations, who include both students and career-changers. He emphasized that by joining the La Belle Classe Academy alumni network, their focus is on pursuing excellence and becoming ambassadors for a more sustainable yachting industry.
Who Benefits from the Program?
The course is strategically designed for a diverse audience, including recent graduates, working professionals, yacht crew seeking to expand their skills, and anyone within the yachting industry looking to gain a deeper understanding of the sector.
A key strength of the program is its balance between theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and real-world insights. Graduates report leaving the course better equipped to navigate the competitive yachting environment, where established norms are not easily acquired.
Yuliya Yakushenka, a graduate from the class of 2025, praised the course as "high standard, well organised and inspiring." She noted that the content was highly relevant and that the overall experience exceeded expectations, making it perfect for anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of yachting professions.
A Proven Springboard for Careers
For many, the Yachting Masterclass acts as a career catalyst. Several alumni have leveraged the program to secure new responsibilities or specialized roles within the yachting world.
One notable example is Lenka Baranova from the 2021 class, who is now a sales representative at the Yacht Toy Company.
This new IAMI certification complements other accredited courses at the La Belle Classe Academy, which is already recognized by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA). This achievement aligns directly with the collective 'Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting' initiative, which aims to deliver internationally recognized diplomas, develop robust standards, and further professionalize the industry.
Launched five years ago, the Yachting Masterclass has now trained 151 students. It has established itself as an essential program for those seeking a thorough and all-encompassing understanding of how the yachting industry operates.
The course spans two months and includes 34 hours of instruction, delivered through a mix of in-person and online sessions. It distinguishes itself from other courses at the YCM training centre by covering a wide array of major and complementary aspects of the industry.
These topics are diverse and include the superyacht market, interior design, naval architecture, marketing, yacht management, and classification systems. Participants also learn to identify owner expectations, understand yacht design principles, master industry-specific vocabulary, and acquire essential seafaring skills to feel confident in a nautical environment.
