The Academy fee is €1,050, but it does not reflect the full cost of the programme. Quarterdeck heavily subsidises the training to make it accessible, meaning the true value is much higher.
What's included in your fee:
Professional training: Intensive, hands-on instruction from experienced Quarterdeck instructors.
Course materials: All training tools and resources needed for both practical and theory elements.
Accommodation on board: You will live on the training yacht during the week (Friday to Friday).
Meals on board: Food and provisions during the training week.
Fuel, marina fees, and yacht costs: All operational expenses of the training yacht.
Onboarding day (the Saturday after Academy is over): Preparation for working professionally with Quarterdeck and Yacht Week, including systems, processes, and guest interaction standards.
Assessment and certification: Evaluation of your skills and performance with pass/fail outcome.
Networking: Entry into the Quarterdeck community of 1,000+ skippers and hosts worldwide.
Subsidised career entry: Successful candidates receive work assignments during the summer season, with the first two working weeks effectively paying back the training subsidy.
What's not included in your fee:
Travel to and from Academy: You must arrange and cover your own flights and transport to Croatia or Greece.
Accommodation the night before Day 1 (Thursday night): The night before check-in is not covered; you will need to book your own stay.
Accommodation on the onboarding day (Saturday night): If you pass Academy we will organise a full day of Yacht Week onboarding. For that night you will need to book accommodation; best to coordinate with your Academy cohort.
Personal travel insurance: You must have valid travel and medical insurance for the training period.
Licenses: A valid skipper license (and VHF radio license where required) must be obtained separately before attending. These are not taught at Skipper Academy.
Personal expenses: Drinks, meals onshore, or any extras outside the Academy programme.
Not sure if your experience level is ready for Skipper Academy?
Sailing Academy is a preparation course available in the same season. It covers yacht handling, docking, sail trim, and daily operations on larger yachts: exactly the practical foundation Skipper Academy builds on. Students who do Sailing Academy first arrive significantly more confident and have a much higher pass rate.
QD Team