As Wealthy Chinese Buy Up Yachts, Captains Are In High Demand

In China, a boat longer than 55 feet requires a captain, while one longer than 100 feet requires a crew.

With that in mind, as yacht companies expand into China, they are working to train captains to operate the crafts they sell, according to Laurie Burkitt of The Wall Street Journal.

The Italian yacht company Azimut Benetti Group offers master classes to potential captains, focusing on personal concierge and the specific features of Chinese marinas, Burkitt writes. In addition, Sunseeker International Ltd. hosts training courses in cities throughout China for the purpose of training captains and crew members.

Apparently one company is seeking out former ferry operators and fishing-boat captains. And Burkitt writes that Chinese yacht buyers are primarily looking for Chinese speakers, organized, adept at riding, and most important, loyal.