TOM H. GRUCZA

CEO | Yacht & Paint Surveyor
Certified coating inspector (DNV GL)
tel +49 4121 57 83 617| mob +49 171 22 893 11
thg@gcon-consulting.com

A sailor by birth


"My father was a resort manager ("Kurdirektor") in Heligoland. The sea, boats and ships were always a part of my life. Sailing is the sport of the people in Heligoland, also, because the only football field was between the cliff and the dune and their were no opponents. I sort of grew up on boat planks, and even participated in European and World Championships.

So it was a logical step that it was always about the sea and boats - even after school. I did my commercial training on a shipyard and then even refined my knowledge in boat building. The job as a consultant came a bit later, slowly growing into it. Since I had all the experience from the years in the sailing sport - or according to a German saying "I was washed with all waters" - I knew many people. And nearly daily someone called and asked for advice: Sometimes it was a boat owner looking for crew, sometimes a shipyard having problems with the color coating, sometimes someone, who wanted to know, whether an idea for a refit would work like this at all. Yes, and finally someone called and asked, whether I wanted to monitor and record the refit of the 'Lady Moura' together with my partner. From placing the order to the final inspection by the customer…

Of course we wanted! And looking back I can say: That was a great adventure, where we have learnt a lot - about people, ships and their technology. Above all I was hungry for more. And that enthusiasm for mega yachts is still there today. Each ship is different, each a new challenge, and there are indeed not many things that are better than a handshake from the owner saying at the handover: „Well done! Thank you!"«