Phoenix is proud to announce its official partnership with the Yacht Club de Monaco’s La Belle Classe Academy, one of the industry’s leading training centres for yachting professionals. Phoenix oversees the career of more than 350 crew members, who will now benefit from privileged access to the La Belle Classe Academy’s internationally recognised programmes.
Through this collaboration, training will be delivered both at the Academy in Monaco and directly on board Phoenix-managed yachts, ensuring that crew develop their skills in real operational conditions. From safety drills conducted on site to hospitality training in the yacht’s service environment, the approach combines classroom excellence with practical, hands-on application.
The partnership reflects Phoenix’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and quality of service in the management and operation of luxury yachts.
Ian Harris, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Phoenix, commented: “At Phoenix, we believe that the yachting experience is inseparable from the performance of its crew. By partnering with La Belle Classe Academy, we are investing in the continuous development of our team and reaffirming our commitment to the highest levels of safety, service, and professionalism.”
ABOUT LA BELLE CLASSE ACADEMY
La Belle Classe Academy was founded in 2015 by the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) to enhance professionalism across all aspects of the yachting industry. Based at the prestigious Yacht Club on Monaco’s waterfront, the Academy offers a comprehensive portfolio of training modules for captains, officers, deck crew, interior staff, engineers, and shore-based professionals.
Courses are delivered by industry experts and combine theoretical knowledge with practical application. The Academy’s mission is to prepare maritime professionals to meet the complex demands of managing and operating today’s most sophisticated vessels.
KEY TRAINING MODULES
La Belle Classe Academy offers a wide range of high-quality training programmes, all carefully tailored to the needs of today’s luxury yachting professionals.
Safety and seamanship
The foundation of any successful yacht operation is crew safety. Through La Belle Classe Academy, Phoenix crew undertake core safety certifications including STCW Basic Safety Training (initial and refresher courses); Polar Code Training, ensuring compliance with International Maritime Organization requirements for vessels operating in polar waters; and the RYA Powerboat Level II certification, which provides crew members with the skills necessary to safely operate tenders and small craft, a critical component of modern yacht operations.
Professional development, sustainability and navigation
As yachts become increasingly sophisticated, crew must maintain expertise in a wide range of technical and operational domains. La Belle Classe Academy offers specialist courses in Digital Security for Navigation, addressing the growing threat of cyberattacks on onboard navigation and communication systems; Monaco Weather Lab, providing advanced training in meteorology and route optimisation; Environmental Training for Yacht Crew (ETYC) and HY-PLUG Sustainability Class, supporting environmentally responsible yachting practices. These modules ensure that Phoenix crew are equipped not only to navigate the vessel safely, but also to contribute to sustainable and efficient yacht operations.
Luxury onboard service and hospitality
One of the defining features of the Phoenix brand is its focus on delivering an exceptional onboard experience. In partnership with La Belle Classe Academy, Phoenix ensures its interior and hospitality crew receive world-class training in Art of Service and Hospitality, including formal table settings and etiquette; Superyacht Flower Arranging, enhancing onboard aesthetics and guest experience; WSET-certified Wine and Spirit Training, equipping crew to deliver expert beverage service; and Food Safety and Ship’s Cook Certification, ensuring compliance with hygiene standards and culinary excellence. These courses reinforce Phoenix’s reputation for offering a level of service that meets — and exceeds — the expectations of discerning yacht owners and charter guests.
A COMMITMENT TO CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
In a global industry where excellence is the minimum expectation, Phoenix has chosen to differentiate itself through an uncompromising focus on crew professionalism and education. Its partnership with La Belle Classe Academy embodies this philosophy, giving Phoenix crew members the tools and knowledge they need to perform at the highest level.
The collaboration between Phoenix and La Belle Classe Academy is not static; it represents an evolving framework for continuous professional development. As the yachting industry adapts to emerging trends and regulatory changes, Phoenix will work with the Academy to expand and update its training pathways.
Through this collaboration, Phoenix reaffirms its position as a leader in the field of luxury yacht management and operations — one that values expertise, safety, and service as the cornerstones of its success.