Christophe Allan's Extraordinary Journey: From Automobile to Pro Navigation
The founder of our company, Christophe Allan, traveled an extraordinary path that took him from the cobbled streets of Belgium to the vast expanses of the ocean. His story is an exciting journey that has shaped Advanced Tracking's vision, and we'd like to share it with you.
Childhood in Belgium and the Awakening of Passion
Christophe grew up in Belgium, where he spent his childhood dreaming of adventures beyond the borders of his native country. His early passion for the sea and boats was revealed during his vacations, which were punctuated by seaside camps with the "Scoots de mer".
First steps in the automotive industry
After completing his studies in the automotive field, Christophe did his military service in France in 1987. He then began his career as a car salesman in France in 1988. His dedication and expertise soon propelled him to the position of Sales Manager of a new car dealership in Belgium in 1992.
Around the world and thirst for adventure
In 1995, the call of adventure drove him to embark on an extraordinary journey. Armed only with his backpack, Christophe embarked on a two-year solo circumnavigation of the globe, including a full year in Australia. During this journey, he explored the United States, Canada, Mexico, Thailand, New Zealand and many other exotic destinations. His appetite for the unknown only grew.
Offshore Sailing and the Birth of a Skipper
In 1997, after a six-month break in England to complete his degree at maritime college, Christophe realized a long-held dream: to acquire a catamaran and sail it single-handed for a memorable year. He sailed along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, finally dropping anchor in Corsica, where he began his career as a professional skipper.
The launch of Advanced Yachting
At the end of 1998, Christophe founded his own convoying company, Advanced Yachting, in partnership with a business partner. For almost six years, he covered thousands of nautical miles, convoying hundreds of boats around the world. To set himself apart from the competition, he came up with the innovative idea of offering boat geolocation to professionals, enabling them to follow their routes in real time. This revolutionary idea quickly won over not only professionals but also sailing enthusiasts.
The birth of Advanced Tracking
In 2004, after working on a number of boat convoys, Christophe decided to devote himself fully to geolocation, launching Advanced Tracking. He supplied Units to boat rental companies and private individuals, enabling them to keep an eye on their precious craft, even on the high seas.
Today, the Advanced Tracking story continues to evolve, with the birth of the new SmartConnect Gateway beacon in 2023. Christophe, with his in-depth knowledge of the sea and the needs of boat owners, remains the driving force behind our company, which is constantly striving to make navigation safer and smarter for all lovers of the sea.