To apply you will need to hold or be working towards holding the following documents:
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, our partner schools can help you reach your sailing goals and teach you the necessary skills required to attend Skipper Academy.
Whilst we accept a few other internationally recognised sailing qualifications from experienced sailors, we prefer applicants with RYA Yachtmaster qualifications. We encourage those seeking qualifications to choose RYA schemes. Contact us for advice if you have any uncertainties regarding qualifications or schemes.
It is possible to go from zero-to-hero in a short period of time but it will require a significant financial investment in 6+ weeks of intensive sailing and study. Please contact our partner schools below, they will find a suitable program to help you reach your goals. We recommend taking an introductory sailing lesson at your local sailing club before committing so you know what you're getting yourself into.
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 quick, 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.
RYA Day Skipper Course and VHF Licence
Build Miles and Experience
RYA Yachtmaster Theory
RYA Yachtmaster Prep Course
RYA Yachtmaster Exam
QD Skipper Academy
If you have any experience sailing keelboats, it isn’t a big leap to the Yachtmaster Coastal. If you have been sailing whilst on a family vacation or completed an introductory sailing course, you may only need a couple more weeks of practice to fine-tune your yacht handling, hone your sail trim, build your miles and learn emergency procedures such as MOB. Please contact our partner schools and they will create a tailored course to help you reach your Yachtmaster. Depending on your level of experience this may take 1-3 weeks and usually requires the Yachtmaster theory module.
Transitioning from dinghies to keelboats is easy for experienced dinghy sailors. Dinghy sailors generally have excellent wind awareness and sail trim. There are some nuances to keelboats, such as the forces and load on the sails, the responsiveness, and all the technical equipment and yacht systems. It can take 2+ weeks of practical and theoretical training to learn the theory, docking manoeuvres, how the yacht handles, and emergency procedures. You will also need to build miles before you are eligible for the Yachtmaster exam. Our partner schools will give you recommendations on training.
Are you a salty sea dog? Could you sail before you could walk? Is Wind your all time favorite movie? Is an official qualification the only thing stopping you from throwing off the bowlines and sailing away from the safety of the harbour? Do you hold the RYA Yachtmaster minimum requirements? All you need is to take your Yachtmaster practical exam. We recommend that even experienced sailors take a Yachtmaster prep course to learn tips and tricks, common mistakes, and RYA methodology in order to be successful. Our partner schools offer prep week and exam combinations. Whilst it is not essential, we highly recommend taking an online Yachtmaster theory course. The most common reason for failing the Yachtmaster exam is lack of theoretical knowledge.
More information on the RYA Yachtmaster
Location: Ireland
Governing body: Royal Yachting Association
Recommended License: RYA Yachtmaster
Established over 40 years ago, the Irish National Sailing & Powerboat School, located in Dublin, runs the full range of RYA Yachtmaster training. The East Coast of Ireland provides a challenging tidal environment and a variety of weather conditions. The school offers a number of structured yachtmaster packages, as well as modular programmes, so there's something to meet everyone's needs. Programmes focus on skills needed by those entering the industry, with additional focus on docking and close quarter manoeuvring, while add-on modules such as RYA powerboat training are available too. There are regular direct flights from Dublin to Zadar and Split in Croatia, and programme finish dates are scheduled with Quarterdeck Academy programme start dates in mind.
Location: UK
Governing body: Royal Yachting Association
Recommended License: RYA Yachtmaster
Andrew Simpson Yachting is an RYA Recognised Training centre and the chosen UK training partner for Quarterdeck Life. Our programme has been specifically designed to take you from absolute zero to professional yacht skipper standard in just 9 weeks. The programme is based on the world-renowned RYA Yachtmaster (TM) Scheme. From our main base at Portsmouth and our centre in Portland, we give you direct access to the best training grounds you can find, and the support of a team of experienced and knowledgeable instructors. Download our brochure or contact us direct for a detailed discussion - enquiries@andrewsimpsonyachting.org .
Andrew Simpson Yachting is part of the Andrew Simpson Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation whose mission is to transform lives through sailing.