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How much do skippers/hosts get paid?

What you will earn when you work.

Your earnings increase with experience, giving you the opportunity to level up your pay rate as you complete more assignments. All Quarterdeck (QD) staff work as independent consultants and will invoice Quarterdeck the amounts listed below (plus any approved bonuses). You are responsible for declaring and paying any taxes, social charges, VAT, and other statutory contributions according to the rules in the country where you are tax registered. Your net earnings will vary depending on factors such as your local tax rate and deductions, whether you are VAT registered, currency exchange rates and banking/transfer fees, pension/insurance contributions, and any allowable business expenses you may claim.
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Group/Flotilla events (such as Yacht Week)

Type

Week

Weekly Pay

Rookie rate*

1-2

€400

Base Rate

3-10

€600

Salty Rate

11-20

€750

Seasoned Rate

21-30

€850

Veteran Rate

31+

€950

Lead Skipper/Host

€250 bonus

Route Manager

€1600

Host Manager

€1400

Lead Technician

€200 bonus

Route Medic

€200 bonus

Pay rate on upcoming assignments may look wrong. The rate displayed on a future assignment is the level you were at when the assignment was accepted. It is re-synced automatically when the assignment starts, based on your current level. See: Why does the pay rate on my upcoming assignment look wrong?

Regular charter assignments

For private charter work, Quarterdeck typically charges a 15% commission on assignments provided. Normal weekly rates vary between €1,000 to €1,600.

Living arrangements

When working, your food, drinks, and accommodation on the yacht are covered. If you have a week off between assignments, you may be offered to stay for free in an apartment as a Standby Host/Skipper (currently only in Croatia), meaning you're available on short notice if someone becomes unavailable.

Important notes on tipping

We know this can be a sensitive subject: tips are not a requirement for guests, and begging for tips is not acceptable. Guests should always feel free to set their own level of gratuity (if any) based on their culture and experience. Tips are common, but never guaranteed, and our skippers and hosts should treat them as a bonus, not an entitlement. We want every guest's experience to feel natural and unpressured.

How to invoice your pay

For the full step-by-step on submitting your invoice, including the two-invoice split for Yacht Week work, see:

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