Xan is the younger son of HYY Owner & General Manager, Alex Schlegel, and has worked around the boatyard since he was a young boy.  

Xan began sailing an Optimist pram at the age of five and continued a string of years competing in junior regattas around the Chesapeake Bay and sailing for his high school, Key School. Summers were spent working at Hartge’s but of course, sailing or cruising took place most every weekend, along with an occasional delivery to or from Maine.

After receiving his degree in 2013 from the College of Charleston, Xan remained in Charleston for the next two years to work for a marine dealer and service center along with studying and receiving his Coast Guard license.

At the age of 25, Xan purchased an ocean-going 36’ sloop. It needed lots of upgrading, which allowed Xan to intimately learn all systems and become an expert in coddling an old diesel engine. When the boat was ready to go, Xan spent six months cruising throughout the Bahamas and Cuba, often single-handed. It was a rewarding experience that expanded Xan’s confidence in managing mechanical, rigging, and electrical problems.

Xan’s background was best suited for mechanical work and he has since served for seven years in that capacity for Hartge’s. Having achieved several ABYC certifications, attending ABBRA management conferences, and an understanding of every division of the yard, Xan has been an excellent substitute in the past two years for Alex or Luke when they were absent.

Adding to his boat yard experience, Xan has raced extensively in local sailing venues and in multiple ocean races as crew, watch captain, and skipper (Newport/Bermuda, Annapolis/Bermuda, Annapolis/Newport, Marion/Bermuda). Here on West River, you will see Xan in ROXANNE, his powerboat, or with Alex, his father, on a Wednesday night race aboard the family’s Melges 24 BUFFLEHEAD.

We are confident that customers will find Xan to be highly knowledgeable and will serve proficiently as our new Service Manager.