Since childhood, the sea has always been a part of my life. I grew up sailing on sport boats, immersed in stories of pirates and old tall ships. I witnessed the keel of L’Hermione being laid, and that’s where my true passion for 18th-century ships was born. Yet, this passion remained dormant, set aside by my engineering studies.
When doubts began to surface about the professional path I had chosen, fate led me to La Rochelle, where I encountered Shtandart. I seized the opportunity to reach for a dream I had thought was unattainable. I decided to sign up with some friends for a 48-hour sailing experience. That journey was a turning point. What I believed was buried since childhood resurfaced with intensity: I wanted to become a sailor.
To make sure it wasn’t just a fleeting fantasy, I returned several times for day sails. A few months later, I took the leap—I embarked on a two-week voyage from Greece to Cyprus. That was when the sea became an undeniable calling, one I could no longer ignore.
At the end of my land-based job contract, I decided to fully commit. What was supposed to be a three-month volunteer experience aboard Shtandart turned into an adventure that is still ongoing. My goal was clear: to train as a sailor, learn the fundamentals of seamanship, navigation, and rigging—a field in which I have since specialized. I acquired these skills thanks to the dedicated people I met on board, passionate mariners who shared their knowledge with generosity.
Beyond technical skills, Shtandart has given me extraordinary encounters. People driven by a spirit of freedom, equality, and fraternity, transcending barriers of nationality, origin, or belief. These exchanges have enriched my human experience as much as my professional one.
Over time, I became part of the permanent crew and took on the role of watch officer. This new responsibility was a challenge—not only did I have to manage the crew at sea, but it was also my turn to pass on the knowledge I had gained to the volunteers and trainees under my supervision. This passing down of knowledge, from volunteer to volunteer, is one of Shtandart’s greatest strengths. It confirmed my decision to become a professional sailor, leading me to earn a diploma from a maritime school.
The reputation of Shtandart as a “school of the sea and of life” opened doors for me. I easily found a position on another historic tall ship, further strengthening my skills and experience.
Today, I continue to volunteer as a watch officer on Shtandart whenever possible, while combining this role with my responsibilities as Bosco (boatswain) on another historic ship. Leading a crew from diverse backgrounds has taught me that leadership at sea is built on trust, teamwork, and a constant desire to improve. These values, which I discovered and deepened thanks to Shtandart, continue to guide my maritime journey.
Español 
English 
Français 
Русский 
Deutsch