Bernard Gallay (born 7 November 1959) is a French yachtsman and businessman. He has competed in the Vendée Globe[1] twice (1992/93 and 2000/01) and finished his career as a professional sailor whilst participating in the Transat 6.50 in 2005.[2] In 1994, he moved to Montpellier in the South of France and founded Bernard Gallay Yacht Brokerage.[3] He still competes in amateur races such as Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez (previously known as La Nioulargue) and the Rolex Middle Sea Race.
Bernard Gallay was born in Paris.
He is a former member of the France Junior Team and the France Military Bataillon de Joinville Team. He also played First Division Rugby for Racing Club de France from 1980 to 1983.[2]
In 1981, he started sailing by embarking on the sailing yacht Faram Serenissima at short notice for the Twostar Race, which resulted in an unfortunate shipwreck on the return leg. The following year in 1982, again at short notice, he embarked on an Atlantic crossing aboard Sea Falcon, the boat of English sailor and navigator, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.
In 1994, Gallay founded the Bernard Gallay Yacht Brokerage company alongside his longtime friend, Philippe Meylan. Gallay provided through his sailing experience, knowledge of yachts and full-time involvement, while Meylan provided legal background and worked as a trusted adviser. In 1996, after two years of operation, BGYB became a member of the Mediterranean Yacht Brokerage Association (MYBA).,[7] which includes the largest international brokerage companies in the world. Its contracts and practices have become the standard for the professional yachting industry. BGYB's reputation rose through the purchase, sale, chartering, and management of motor, sailing, and racing yachts. The boats sold range from 18 to 50 meters for budgets ranging from several hundred thousand to several million Euros.[8]
