You don’t need a sailing qualification to work as a Host — Host Academy is the training and assessment pathway. However, there are a few key requirements to be eligible:
1) Strong cooking ability (this is the main requirement)
Hosting is a cooking-led role. You’ll be responsible for planning, shopping, and cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a small yacht galley, often to multiple dietary needs, while keeping standards high all week.
We’re looking for proven, real cooking experience or a serious private passion with evidence — for example:
Experience in hospitality/kitchens (line cook, prep, catering, restaurant, chalet, events, etc.)
Regularly cooking complete meals for groups (not just for yourself)
A strong portfolio of home cooking that shows range, technique, and consistency
Important: basic cooking like sandwiches, simple pasta dishes, or “one or two easy meals” isn’t enough. You need to be able to deliver high-quality, varied meals with confidence — think fresh, well-seasoned, well-presented food that guests genuinely rave about.
2) Level 2 Food Hygiene / Food Safety certificate (required before Academy starts)
You must have a Level 2 Food Hygiene / Food Safety certificate before you can attend Host Academy (and therefore before you can be eligible for assignments).
3) Availability and practical eligibility to work
After you pass Academy, assignments are offered based on availability, performance, and demand. You may also need to meet destination-specific requirements such as right to work / visas (where applicable).
If you’re not quite at the cooking level yet but you’re highly motivated, Culinary Academy is the best step to build the skills and confidence needed before Host Academy.