To work as a skipper with Yacht Week, you must first complete Quarterdeck's Skipper Academy, our intensive training programme that sets you up for real charter work.
Step 1: Apply
Start by creating a profile on Quarterdeck.co and submitting your application to Skipper Academy. Make sure your profile is complete, with sailing qualifications, past experience, documents, and (most importantly) your availability calendar. This is one of the key factors we use to allocate Academy places and later work.
Step 2: Selection
If your profile meets the requirements, you'll be invited to a short video interview. We review both your experience and your mindset, because social skills, leadership, and being service-minded are just as important as sailing ability.
Step 3: Attend Academy
If accepted, you'll join a 7-day intensive course in Croatia or Greece. Here you'll train on real yachts with professional instructors, learning manoeuvres, safety, crew leadership, and guest interaction. About 90% of applicants who attend pass and are offered summer assignments.
This is the gateway into working with Yacht Week: no matter your background, you must pass Academy before being trusted with guests.
See also: What's the application process?