Skipper Academy

Skipper Academy is a 7-day skipper course for experienced sailors who want to move from recreational sailing into paid charter work. The focus is on operating sailing yachts (40–60ft) in real charter conditions – managing guests, handling everyday scenarios, and working to the standards expected of professional skippers. If you pass Skipper Academy, you will automatically be enrolled into two additional days of yachting-specific academic training near the marina, focused on commercial operations and real-world decision-making.

What is a Skipper Academy and Who is it For

A skipper academy bridges the gap between solid sailing experience and professional charter work. Applicants must already have solid sailing experience and hold a valid sailing licence.

Many sailors are confident on the water but have never operated a yacht in a commercial setting. Charter work requires more than boat handling. It demands leadership, guest communication, safety awareness, and the ability to make calm decisions under pressure.

Skipper Academy is designed to prepare you for that step.

This course is for sailors who:

Are looking to understand how to become a skipper professionally
Already have hands-on yacht experience
Want to work as a paid skipper
Are ready to be responsible for guests, crew, and vessel
Understand that professional sailing comes with accountability

This course is not suitable for beginners. If you are still building core sailing confidence, we recommend completing Sailing Academy before applying.

Skipper Requirements

To apply for Skipper Academy, you must meet the following skipper requirements:

An EU passport is beneficial. Due to visa and work permit restrictions, availability for non-EU citizens may be limited.

You can find a full breakdown of accepted licences and experience levels on our Skipper Requirements page.

What You’ll Learn

Training focuses on the realities of charter work, not idealised conditions or exam-only techniques.

Yacht Handling & Operations

Charter-Ready Skills

Real-World Scenarios

Training takes place in active charter areas, including key Croatian ports, giving you practical local knowledge that’s immediately applicable during the season.

How Training Works

Skipper Academy is an intensive 7-day course based in Trogir, Croatia.

Each yacht is led by a dedicated instructor and shared by:

This mixed format reflects real charter conditions and helps you develop leadership and teamwork skills from day one.

Training is delivered by skippers and instructors who actively work in the charter industry. The focus is always on how things actually work on charter.

All essential course materials and resources are provided as part of the program.

Course Breakdown

DAY 1 (Friday Evening):

Meet your fellow students for a shore-based session covering the course structure, key objectives, safety protocols, and what to expect over the week. This is also your opportunity to get to know your crew before stepping on board.

Note: Accommodation for this night is not included in the fee. You’ll need to arrange your own room for Day 1.

DAY 2 (Saturday):

Join the instructor team at the marina for yacht check-in and provisioning. Weather permitting, we aim to set sail that afternoon and begin practical, on-water training.

DAYS 3–7 (Sunday to Thursday):

These are full training days on the water, visiting the same islands and routes we use during the charter season.

The focus is entirely practical, covering:

Docking and marina manoeuvres
Navigation and passage planning
Teamwork and onboard leadership
Handling real-world charter scenarios

Evenings are more relaxed and social, reflecting the balance between work and downtime that comes with life in real charter environments.

DAY 8 (Friday):

This is your assessment day. You’ll demonstrate what you’ve learned through a series of practical docking manoeuvres, followed by a final oral evaluation. The assessment focuses on competence, decision-making, safety awareness, and professional standards.

On average, around 90% of participants pass, though this can vary between groups.

If you don’t pass, it usually means more time or experience is needed before skippering 40–60ft yachts with paying guests. Safety and competence are always the priority. You’re welcome to reapply after gaining further documented experience.

The day typically finishes around 18:00. Regardless of the outcome, students usually organise a shared dinner as a final social evening.

IF YOU PASS

DAY 9 (Saturday):

Day 9 is dedicated to preparing you for working as a professional skipper with Quarterdeck and Yacht Week. This day is mandatory for anyone who passes the course and wishes to work with us.

You’ll take part in Quarterdeck- and Yacht Week–specific theory sessions, meet key members of the Yacht Week team, and gain a clear understanding of how our events operate both on and off the water.

Topics include:

Event structure and operational philosophy
Financial procedures and skipper responsibilities
Guest communication standards
Use of internal admin systems and tools
Onboarding steps and what to expect in your first working week

This final day ensures you’re fully aligned with our systems, values, and expectations, so you can step into your first assignment prepared and confident.

Please plan your return flights for Sunday.

Assessment and Standards

Skipper Academy concludes with a structured skipper assessment.

Evaluation is pass/fail and based on:

This ensures that anyone moving forward into charter work meets consistent professional standards.

From Skipper Academy to Paid Work

Skippers who successfully complete the academy may be invited to join Quarterdeck for the summer season, depending on performance, availability, and demand.

Charter assignments typically:

As you gain experience, opportunities for increased responsibility, higher earnings, and career progression open up.

Is This Course Right for You?

Skipper Academy is a good fit if:

You’re an experienced sailor ready to take responsibility
You’re comfortable leading a crew and interacting with guests
You want professional charter work
You’re enthusiastic, social, and excited to meet new people
You’re, most of all, up for an adventure

If you’re unsure whether your experience level is sufficient, applying to Sailing Academy followed by Skipper Academy is often the strongest path.

Next Steps

If you think Skipper Academy might be right for you: