Think this could be the best job in the world but don’t have the necessary experience or qualifications to attend Skipper Academy?
No matter your level of expertise, there is a clear pathway to help you reach your sailing goals and teach you the necessary skills required to attend Skipper Academy.
Contact us for advice if you have any uncertainties regarding qualifications or schemes.
Experienced Flotilla Skipper
Have you already worked as a Flotilla Skipper for more than 6 weeks and hold an EU passport? Then email conor.b@quarterdeck.co and we may be able to fasttrack your application.
Experienced with Licence
Could you sail before you could walk? If you are an experienced sailor who already holds one of our Preferred Skipper Licences (see below), then you are ready to Apply Now. Simply upload your Sailing CV, Cover Letter, passport and Licences.
Experienced without Licence
Are you a salty sea dog? Is an official qualification the only thing stopping you from having the best job in the world? Usually, the transition from keelboats to yachts is easy for experienced keelboat sailors. If you have any experience sailing keelboats, it isn’t a big leap to yachting. If you have been sailing for a few years you may only need a week or two of practice to fine-tune your yacht handling and obtain the necessary licence. You'll want to find a school that runs short week-long courses that will prepare you for academy by getting familiar with handling yachts under power and obtaining a recognised licence. Email conor.b@quarterdeck.co with your sailing experience to see if you’d be eligible for this option.
No Sailing Experience
It is possible to go from zero-to-hero in a short period of time but it will require a significant financial investment and 8+ weeks of intensive sailing and study. Please contact our partner schools below, they will find a suitable program to help you reach your goals.
As a skipper you will be responsible for the safety and wellbeing of up to twelve guests. It is essential that you are both a confident sailor and able to handle a yacht under any weather conditions. It's not always sunshine, ocean breeze, and tan lines – storms can roll in quickly, yachts can break, emergencies can happen and you must be prepared. It's not easy starting with no experience. With the right drive and determination, not only can it be done but you're guaranteed to find it an incredibly rewarding journey. Some of our best skippers came from the corporate world, quit their jobs, and have since been sailing the world. It all started with a Yachtmaster fast-track program. More information on the RYA Yachtmaster
Country | Authority | Qualification |
UK | Royal Yachting Association | RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore |
Italy | Uffici delle Capitanerie di porto | Patente per imbarcazione da diporto (unità di lunghezza superiore a 24 mt) |
Germany | Deutscher SegelVerband | Internationales zertifikat für führer von sport und freizeitfahrzeugen in alle küstengewässern |
Poland | Polski związek zeglarski | Kapitan jachtowy |
Slovenia | Ministrstvo za promet, Uprava Republike Slovenije za pomorstvo | Poveljnik jahte z bruto tonažo do 500 BT |
Norway | Sjøfartsdirektoratet | Fritidsbätskippersertifikat/Deck Officer Class 5 Pleasure (D5LA) |
Sweden | Nämnden för Båtlivsutbildning (NFB) | Utsjöskeppar-Intyg or Seglarintyg 3 |
USA | American Sailing Association | ASA106 & ASA118 |
Spain | Dirección General de la Marina Mercante | Capitán de yate |
New Zealand | Coastguard | Coastal Skipper or Ocean Yachtmaster |
Portugal | Instituto Porutuário e dos Transportes Marítimos (IPTM) | A CARTA DE NAVEGADOR DE RECREIRO (Patrão de alto mar) Patrão de alto mar |
Ireland | Irish Sailing Association | ISA Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore |
Denmark | Søfartsstyrelsen (Danish Maritime Authority) | YACHT MASTER 3rd CLASS of YACHT MASTER 1st CLASS |
Worldwide | Recognised Licenses In Croatia | |