Fabrice Roghé, aged 52, is bringing his career to a close by founding the XP SAIL Academy his early retirement. Prior to this, he worked as a management consultant. With his new academy, he intends to enter the sailing training market and has set up a new company for this purpose.
Mr Roghé, the market for sailing schools doesn’t exactly seem to be underserved. Why is there a need for yet another sailing school, XP SAIL?
I don’t think most sailing schools in Germany are up to scratch.
Why is that?
They use a traditional lecture-style approach, which I could just as easily watch on YouTube. If you don’t interrupt them, they’ll give a two-hour lecture and show you 40 to 80 slides – if you’re unlucky.
What is your alternative model?
The sailing and boating market is facing major challenges. There will be fewer and fewer people willing to buy a boat, given all the work that goes with it. People are more likely to book first-class sailing trips, events and charters than to invest in yachts. They are interested in fantastic experiences in superb sailing areas and glamorous locations. That is what we aim to deliver with our sailing packages.
And your lessons – what makes them special?
We aim to use modern teaching methods in our training courses. If I’m delivering a lecture-style lesson, I’d rather organise it via e-learning. When people come to my sailing school, I want it to be interactive; that means there needs to be discussion. Above all, in a pleasant environment.
And what’s new about that?
In practice: We define ourselves through sailing with a competitive edge. That is why regattas are central to what we do. The first events we’ll be organising on our boats from autumn onwards are regattas. And we also intend to run training courses on our regatta yachts. This will be our flagship offering; it’s intended to define our brand. Regatta sailing and training on performance-oriented boats, but with a touch of luxury.
You also offer ‘business events’ on your website. Aren’t you worried that your customers might not see you as a sailing school at all?
That’s a fair point. I don’t think it’s quite such a big deal, though, as we’ve made a clear distinction between our business offering. If you’re asking what the XP SAIL brand stands for in our company, that’s not what it stands for.
What does your training fleet look like?
We offer sailing on three performance cruisers. I wanted a sporty sailing boat for myself. I want to be able to sail fast and competitively, but at the same time have a comfortable, spacious and elegant boat. Our flagship, the “Sophie Emilie”, has become a one-of-a-kind vessel thanks to its unique specifications.
Are all the boats you sail owned by XP SAIL?
No, not all of them. Our flagship, “Sophie Emilie”, is owned by XP Sail. The other two are chartered out on a temporary basis through Infinity Yachting.
What is your personal goal with XP SAIL?
I used to have a different career and worked in management consultancy. I took early retirement about two years ago, and that was a great privilege which I really appreciate. Now I’d like to do something new: build a platform that meets the highest standards and brings premium performance sailing to a wider audience. My own mission and my own project. I want to build something I can be proud of and that meets our quality standards. It doesn’t have to be a huge money-spinner, but it should be economically sustainable.
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Book recommendations
Skipper training – Planning, leading and decision-making. The book picks up where basic driving licence training leaves off. Topics covered include trip planning, navigation, harbour manoeuvres, seamanship and how to respond in emergencies. This makes it ideal for gaining practical experience following theoretical training.
I’m learning to sail - An accessible introduction to the basics of sailing. From the first manoeuvres, through mooring and casting off, to setting sail. With its simple language and more than 150 illustrations, this book is particularly suitable for beginners to sailing.
Have a chat: What would a modern sailing school need to offer for you to choose it?
Janek Struchholz
Volontär