Gianni Ferrandu
EXPERIENCE:
40+ YearsCERTIFICATE:
British YachtMaster OffshoreExtensive sailing and yacht maintenance experience
Gianni brings decades of Mediterranean and Atlantic navigation expertise on private and charter sail and power yachts, complemented by extensive shipyard experience in maintenance, refits, and new builds.
His deep technical knowledge, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication in multicultural settings set him apart.
1976–1981 Italian Navy: Sergeant & engineer
At just 17, Gianni began building the nautical technical background that now powers YachtSitter’s yacht maintenance expertise in Costa Smeralda. Serving six years on Italian Navy's Coast Guard patrol boats as a sergeant mate and engineer, he mastered diesel propulsion, electrical systems and preventive boat maintenance in high‑pressure situations. This rigorous military training forged the problem‑solving attitude and multicultural communication skills that later set him apart as a yacht care professional in Sardinia.
In 1979 Gianni was awarded the prestigious Medaglia di Benemerenza Marinara d'Argento for bravery, recognizing his role (alongside his colleagues) in rescuing 8 crew members from a burning vessel at sea, after the collision between M.N. Emanuelle Delmas and M.C. Vera Berlingeri.
1982 - Switch from Navy to yachting
Transitioning from the Coast Guard to the private yachting sector, Gianni quickly advanced from deck‑hand to engineer and, eventually, captain, skipper and project manager. This move broadened his yacht technical experience, exposing him to both sail and power yachts and giving him first‑hand insight into guest comfort, charter operations and luxury‑level yacht services. The change also laid the groundwork for his long‑term yacht specialist career in the Mediterranean.
1989 – Atlantic crossing & Caribbean cruise
Winter 1988‑’89 saw Gianni undertake a demanding trans‑Atlantic passage, followed by an extended Caribbean cruising season. Navigating trade‑wind routes deepened his sailing and yacht maintenance history, while managing long‑range logistics and on‑board systems enhanced his reputation as a boat maintenance expert. These blue‑water miles cemented his yacht captain experience and enriched the future YachtSitter operations with true ocean‑going credibility.
1990 – YachtMaster Offshore certificate
In December 1990 Gianni achieved the coveted British YachtMaster Offshore certificate for both sail and power vessels — an internationally recognized benchmark of competence. This credential endorsed his ability to manage complex voyages and elevated his profile as a yacht services professional. Today, the same discipline and certified skill underpin YachtSitter’s promise of high‑quality yacht care in Costa Smeralda.
1992 – Skippering Seasons in South France
From 1989 to 1992 Gianni skippered luxury yachts along the French Riviera, honing guest‑service finesse while directing vessel upkeep amid the region’s demanding charter schedules. Managing provisioning, crew and maintenance in premier Mediterranean marinas refined his yacht operations and strengthened his yacht services background — know‑how he now channels into YachtSitter services.
2007 – 2009 Project manager
Appointed project manager for the construction of a 97‑foot aluminum catamaran, Gianni coordinated naval architects, shipyard teams and suppliers through every stage of the new build. Overseeing structural welding, systems integration and sea‑trial validation amplified his yacht technical experience and proved his mastery of large‑yacht refit and new‑build workflows — skills that directly benefit YachtSitter clients seeking advanced maintenance solutions.
2019 – Founding of YachtSitter Services
Drawing on four decades of hands‑on expertise, Gianni launched Yacht Sitter Services to provide turnkey yacht maintenance and care in Costa Smeralda. The company blends military precision, blue‑water seamanship and project‑management rigor to deliver bespoke solutions across Marina di Olbia, Porto Cervo, Poltu Quatu, and beyond. Today, YachtSitter stands as Sardinia’s trusted yacht care professional, offering everything from routine deck washing to complex rigging refits—anchored by the founder’s lifelong commitment to excellence at sea.