The minimum age to attend Quarterdeck Skipper Academy is 20 years old.
We set this limit because skippering at Yacht Week requires more than sailing ability - it demands maturity, independence, and the ability to lead. As a skipper you are responsible for:
Safely handling yachts up to 56 ft in length.
Keeping guests and crew safe in dynamic conditions.
Making confident decisions under pressure.
Creating a positive and professional atmosphere onboard.
While 20 is the minimum, many successful skippers join later, after gaining additional sailing, racing, or professional qualifications. The average age among our skippers ranges from 20 up to around 40 years old, so you’ll work alongside a diverse mix of younger and more experienced sailors.
This balance of ages and experiences makes the Quarterdeck community unique: whether you’re just starting your career at sea or adding new challenges after years of sailing, you’ll find peers you can learn from and grow with.