Interview: Steffen Kluike, how do you become a yacht skipper?

Tell me, Steffen ...

... how do you become a convict?

Out of passion! After leaving school, I trained as a boat builder and have been involved in this industry ever since. In the meantime, I was managing director of the Hanseyachts delivery centre in Greifswald and was able to build up a good network. Reliability and attentiveness are the most important qualities when transporting boats worth several hundred thousand euros by sea. After all, the yachts should not only arrive at the customer on time, but also undamaged.

Is this your dream job?

I can't imagine anything better. The sea, the wind and the unpredictable adversities that have to be mastered - together, this is the salt in the soup for me. The need to always reach the finish line at the agreed times is a constant challenge and my own personal race against time and the prevailing circumstances. And you can never lose this race! Every transfer is an individual adventure, even if it often involves the same routes.

Do you run a one-man show, or do you have employees?

Our Yachtinggate team consists of a total of twelve employees, half of whom are experienced sailors and share the crew of the respective transfer boats. We also offer all kinds of services, such as GRP repairs, rigging work and winter storage.

Do you have any idea how many nautical miles you have already travelled on new boats?

I never kept an exact log, but it must be over 40,000 nautical miles on a total of 150 different yachts over the years.

What has to happen for you to decide not to go out on a customer boat?

First and foremost, of course, the boat must be seaworthy. Depending heavily on the sea state and type of boat, wind force nine at the latest is the end of the line, unless otherwise contractually agreed.

Have you ever been involved in an accident during a transfer?

Fortunately not really. However, engine damage or technical failure can sometimes occur with second-hand boats. For example, I once drifted with a decommissioned police boat in front of the Brunsbüttel lock in a strong wind, but was able to recover it in time.

What has been your most interesting job so far?

Back then, I skippered the prototype of the Hanse 575 for three months, sailing from trade fair to trade fair in Europe.

You're always on the water. How do you combine your private life with your job?

As a family business, we try to combine our professional and private lives, and I have the full support of my wife, who also likes to come along on the transfer journeys.