Our founder's story
Discover the professional journey behind YachtSitter's founder Gianni Ferrandu: over 40 years of yacht maintenance expertise in Costa Smeralda. From Coast Guard service to skipper, YachtMaster and project manager, explore a lifetime dedicated to yacht care and technical excellence.
Coast Guard
At just 17, our founder began building his nautical technical background, serving six years in the Italian Navy on Coast Guard patrol boats as a sergeant mate and engineer. In 1979 he was awarded the prestigious silver Medaglia di Benemerenza Marinara for rescuing 8 crew members from a burning vessel.
Switch to Yachting
Transition from the Coast Guard to the private yachting sector. 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.
Atlantic crossing & Caribbean sea cruising
Winter 1988‑’89 saw Gianni undertake a demanding trans‑Atlantic passage, followed by an extended Caribbean cruising season. These blue‑water miles cemented his experience and enriched the future YachtSitter operations with true ocean‑going credibility.
Yacht Master Offshore certificate
In December 1990 he achieved the coveted British YachtMaster Offshore certificate for both sail and power vessels — an internationally recognized benchmark of competence.
Skippering in South France
From 1989 to 1992 Gianni skippered luxury yachts along the French Riviera, managing provisioning, crew and maintenance in premier Mediterranean marinas.
Project Manager, Catamaran Build
Appointed project manager for the construction of a 97‑foot aluminum catamaran, he 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.
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.
Yacht maintenance & care expertise in Costa Smeralda
Our comprehensive yacht care solutions are guided by unmatched yacht technical experience and executed by a carefully selected crew of skilled yacht specialists. Whether you’re in need of meticulous yacht sitting, routine deck washing, rigging refits, or extensive shipyard coordination, YachtSitter ensures your vessel is cared for with precision and genuine dedication.
Discover more about our founder’s extensive CV, meet the skilled yacht care professionals who make up the YachtSitter crew, or use the form to get in touch—we’re here to support your every nautical need.
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