A complet captain

A complet captain

Louis Chauvin – Chef de base Dream Yacht Charter France

It has always been a pleasure to work with Gaëtan, his professionalism and his rigor make him a complete captain with whom we will continue to work.


An exceptional sailor!

An exceptional sailor!

Christian Denuit – La Loévie ARC 2024 Las Palmas Saint-Lucia

It was during the ARC 2024 Las Palmas Saint Lucia race that I was able to appreciate Gaëtan's many qualities. In addition to his great sailing expertise, whether at the helm, trimming, or race strategy, he demonstrated tremendous human qualities coupled with incredible energy.

As co-skipper, he was in great demand throughout the crossing: climbing to the masthead to restore order, numerous repairs such as two winches, the steering lines at sea... And what's more, he cooked us some delicious fish! In short, a friendly and top-notch skipper! I'd love to go back with him right away...


Complete confidence in Gaëtan

Complete confidence in Gaëtan

ESCALE – Phippe Hubert

I called on Gaëtan to handle the delivery of my sailboat from Guadeloupe to Spain. Gaëtan had been recommended to me by a Belgian coach who also owned it. Upon his arrival in Guadeloupe, Gaëtan gave us a complete overview of our "Bavaria 32," including mechanics, rigging, and safety. He perfectly managed the supplies and prepared for our solo voyage to Europe. I was completely confident leaving my sailboat with Gaëtan.

En route, he encountered some very severe weather conditions and always made the right decisions for himself and our sailboat. Very professional at sea and during stopovers, Gaëtan dealt with numerous technical issues and was up to the task of resolving every problem (engine issues, dismasting).

I recommend Gaëtan without hesitation for a delivery with complete peace of mind. I have complete confidence in him and know he will make the appropriate decision in every situation.


Extensive sailing knowledge, combined with outstanding project management skills

Extensive sailing knowledge, combined with outstanding project management skills

Pelle Norberg, CEO/Skipper, Norberg Yachting AB

Letter of Recommendation To Whom It May Concern, It is with great pleasure that I provide this recommendation for Mr. Gaëtan Thomas, whom I had the privilege of engaging during 2023-2024 for a yachting project involving the commissioning and launch of a newly built Spirit Yacht 68. Throughout our collaboration, Gaëtan demonstrated an exceptional level of professionalism, expertise, and reliability. His extensive sailing knowledge, combined with outstanding project management skills, played a pivotal role in the successful execution of this complex and demanding endeavor. Gaëtan’s ability to navigate both technical and logistical challenges with calm efficiency was highly impressive. His thorough attention to detail, proactive communication, and unwavering commitment to excellence made working with him both seamless and rewarding.

Beyond his technical competence, Gaëtan is a person of high integrity and trustworthiness, fostering a relationship built on mutual respect and confidence. I wholeheartedly extend my highest recommendations for Gaëtan Thomas in matters related to both sailing and project leadership. He would undoubtedly be a tremendous asset to any project or organization fortunate enough to engage him. Should you require further information or wish to discuss my experience with Gaëtan in greater detail, please feel free to contact me via email or phone.


Your racing project is in good hands with Gaëtan

Your racing project is in good hands with Gaëtan

Yves Courbon – Class40 168

I had the pleasure of using Gaëtan's services as a technical preparer during my participation in the 2022 Route du Rhum. Gaëtan was very professional in his approach to preparing my Class40 and put all his experience at the service of my project, even coming to support me during my breakdown and my stop in La Coruña. Don't hesitate if Gaëtan accompanies you in your project, you will be in good hands.


Thank you so much for your enormous help!

Thank you so much for your enormous help!

Jova – Luc Van Antwerpen – Catamaran lagoon 570

You came aboard with me as skipper under difficult circumstances, as there was a conflict with my previous skipper. Thank you very much for your intervention so that my daughter could have a wonderful sailing holiday and then we could enjoy some wonderful sailing trips to Malta, Sardinia, and Palma de Mallorca.

Thank you also for the trips with the Tofinou 8 and 12. Finally, congratulations on your solo delivery trip with the Tofinou 8 from El Rompido to Palma.


Gaetan, the only one I would trust with my boat period

Gaetan, the only one I would trust with my boat period

Daniel Stotesbery, SY Hindsight, Jeanneau 64, Atlantic Crossing Nov 2020, Relief Captain April 2022

After buying SY Hindsight, a 2015 Jeanneau 64, in the fall of 2020 I needed assistance from a professional captain to help me cross the Atlantic from the Canary Islands to Grenada. I brought Gaetan on as captain and he led me and three other crew on a 17 day 4hr journey. Like on any crossing things broke along the way, but Gaetan was always there with his famous line, “The aren’t any problems, only solutions”. He was able to find fixes, but also taught us along the way as to how and why he was doing things. The whole crew learned a ton from Gaetan as he was always there ready to help with any questions we had, and there were lots as 2 of the crew were not experienced sailors, which put even more demand on Gaetan’s time. He was always thinking of us and the boat, taking the helm during critical maneuvers and during the numerous squalls we encountered along the route. He always went above and beyond to keep his eye on everything. It was a pleasure to cross with and learn from him and he would be my first call if I were to do it again.

Two years later in 2022 when I put SY Hindsight on the market, I asked Gaetan to be my relief Captain for a few months as I had to go back to the states with my family in order to get settled back into land life. Though he didn’t have to take the boat anywhere he was the Gaetan I had grown to know. Over that time he went through the boat and made a lot of necessary fixes that helped it show as a top notch boat with minimal issues. This both increased the value and helped secure a quick sale at a market high price. He has extensive knowledge of the complex systems of a boat of our size and is the only person I would trust with my boat period, full stop. He gives his full heart and knowledge to any project he is on.


Exceptional sailing expertise, leadership and professionalism

Exceptional sailing expertise, leadership and professionalism

Andrew Nelson – Shalan Beneteau Oceanis 60

I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Gaëtan Thomas for any position or endeavor that requires exceptional sailing expertise, leadership, and professionalism. I had the privilege of engaging Gaëtan as skipper of Shalan (Beneteau 60) in 2016, whereafter we embarked on some remarkable voyages: through the Mediterranean and our Atlantic Ocean crossing in 2016. His competence, skill, and extensive knowledge of sailing left an indelible impression on me, and I cannot recommend him highly enough.

During our Atlantic crossing, Geätan proved himself to be an invaluable skipper. His ability to navigate challenging conditions with confidence and precision was matched only by his calm demeanor and quick decision-making. He brought not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of the sea, honed through years of experience.

Beyond his technical abilities, Gaëtan is a team player who fosters trust and camaraderie. Over the years, we have built a fantastic relationship, one rooted in mutual respect. I would trust him implicitly in any skipper position, knowing that his leadership would inspire confidence in any crew. If given the opportunity, should I have a boat in the future, if available I would rehire him without hesitation—he is that rare combination of skill, experience, and character that elevates any crew. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information. I am confident that Gaëtan Thomas will exceed your expectations as he has consistently done for me.


The privilege of sailing with GT!

The privilege of sailing with GT!

Michael Fahy - Clipper race

I had the privilege of sailing with GT on two legs of the Clipper Round the world race, he is a demanding skipper but always knew exactly what was needed in terms of sail plans and tactics, always felt you were sailing with a skipper who knew how to look after the boat for maximum safety and performance.

Letter from the Clipper Race Director

Letter from the Clipper Race Director

Mark Light - Clipper Race Director

Read the Recommendation letter from the Clipper Race Director


Enthousiastic and very capable sailor

Enthousiastic and very capable sailor

SONATA IV – Matthew C Litten

The initial plan during this period was for him to position her from Nieuwpoort, Belgium across to Vancouver, Canada. This plan was changed, by external factors, early in 2013 an as a result he completed two trans-Atlantic sailings and ultimately delivered her back to the UK. Gaëtan’s flexibility and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty prevented a period of time that would have been hishly stressful and problematic from manifesting.

He remained in control throughout and took the abrupt and dramatic change in requirements within his stride. Prior to his departure, Gaetan completed a full vessel and equipment check and completed anumber of repairs and modification to ensure full compliance with regulations and safety requirements. He carried these tasks out to a very high standard, whist being aware of budgetary requirements and ensuring that all parties were informed as to options and decisions. He maintained a full financial record of all tasks and managed both his and the yachts budgets carefully and accurately. His interactions with suppliers were professional and his interactions with me and my representatives were timely, courteous and information supplied was always accurate and complete.

During both crossings he was responsible for all aspects of crewing and victuals, in addition to having full responsibility for the vessel and all maintenance and any required repairs. The few repairs that were required were carried out to a very high standard and were specialist input was required this was sourced and managed to a very high standard. 

I would have no qualms in recommending Gaëtan Thomas as a yery capable sailor and feel that he would be a valuable and reliable member in any team. His knowledge and skill set both on and off the water is matched by his enthusiasm to learn and continue his development. Should you require further information then please do not hesitate to contact me.