Skipper Academy is a 7-day course that teaches experienced sailors the skills needed to become a professional skipper and prepare you to work as a Skipper in the Sailing Yacht Industry (40-60ft yachts).
Week 21 | 15 - 22 May 2026 | Croatia | OPEN |
Week 22 | 22 - 29 May 2026 | Croatia | OPEN |
The Skipper Academy course fee is €850, but this does not reflect the true cost of the program. The academy is run at cost price, with no margin, and is heavily subsidized by Quarterdeck to ensure the highest-quality training.
Because of this, we only accept applicants who are available to work with us during the summer and who we believe have the skills and potential to pass the course. This ensures our resources are dedicated to those fully committed to becoming professional skippers.
This is an intensive and challenging program—passing is not a given. We invest in training those who are serious about stepping into this role, and in return, we expect dedication, preparation, and a willingness to meet the high standards required.
This is not a beginner’s course—you must have prior sailing experience and hold a yacht sailing license. A background in dinghy racing, keelboat cruising, or similar disciplines is ideal, but hands-on experience handling yachts is essential.
Throughout the course, you will refine your skills in Med-moorings, circle rafts, and technical yacht operations, ensuring you’re fully prepared for real-world charter scenarios. You’ll also explore key ports in Croatia, gaining local knowledge that will be invaluable during the season.
Beyond training, this is your opportunity to connect with the skippers and hosts you’ll be working alongside, building a strong network before the summer begins.
This course is your gateway into the professional sailing industry. Completing it successfully means you’ll be recognized worldwide as an experienced, professional skipper. The program concludes with a pass/fail evaluation based on sailing skills, yacht handling, teamwork, and guest communication.
Everyone who passes is invited to join Quarterdeck as a skipper for the summer season, launching your journey into an exciting career on the water.
When you join the Skipper Academy, you’ll receive:
By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills, confidence, and connections to take on your first assignment—and set sail on an exciting new career.
We’re looking for skilled sailors, natural leaders, and team players who are excited about this adventure. If that sounds like you, we’d love to have you on board!
The Skipper Academy is an intensive 7-day course based in Trogir, Croatia, designed to fully prepare you for working on yacht charters. Each yacht is led by a dedicated instructor and shared by four skipper students and four host students, creating a dynamic learning environment both on and off the water.
This is more than just a training course—it’s an immersive experience that prepares you for life as a professional yacht crew member. By the end of the week, you'll have the skills, confidence, and connections to take on your first assignment.
Upon successfully completing the Skipper Academy, you will gain the skills, confidence, and experience needed to work on future sailing yacht charters with us. More than just a training program, this is your gateway to a career filled with adventure, teamwork, and unforgettable experiences on the water.
As a graduate, you’ll have the opportunity to receive assignments from Quarterdeck based on availability, performance, and demand. You have the freedom to choose when and where you work, and we will assign as many charters as possible. Each week, you get to set sail with a new crew, create incredible moments, and refine your craft—all while earning between €350 – €700 per assignment.
Charters officially begin on Saturdays between 15:00–18:00 (or later) and conclude the following Saturday at 08:00.
As you complete more assignments and gain experience, you will unlock opportunities for higher-level roles, greater responsibilities, and increased earnings. The more you sail, the more you grow—both as a skipper and as part of our global community of yachting professionals.
Your journey starts here. Are you ready to chart your course?