Host Academy is a course for those who want to work as a host with Quarterdeck and our clients in the yachting industry. Being a host means you should be able to produce excellent breakfast & lunch every day. On top of that an average of 2 dinners pers week.
Courses Dates
Week 21
15 – 22 May 2026
Croatia
OPEN – €900
Week 22
22 – 29 May 2026
Croatia
OPEN – €900
Week 26
20 – 26 June 2026
Greece
OPEN – €900
The Host Academy course fee is €900, but this does not reflect the true cost of the program. The academy is run at cost price, with no margin, and is heavily subsidised 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 hosts.
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.
Host Academy — Your Gateway to Life at Sea
Host Academy is your gateway to an exciting season at sea! Designed for those looking to work as a professional host with Quarterdeck, this program gives you all the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the role.
From cooking delicious meals on board to creating incredible experiences for your crew, you’ll learn everything it takes to be an exceptional host—all while exploring some of the world’s most stunning destinations.
Host Academy is a mandatory step for anyone wanting to work with us. If you successfully complete the course, you’ll be offered the chance to join our team for the summer season.
Is this course for you?
Are you an experienced and confident cook?
Passionate about hosting and making guests feel at home?
Outgoing, social and love working with people?
Excited to work on a sailing yacht and explore stunning destinations?
Ready to make lifelong friendships while living and working at sea?
Most of all—are you up for an adventure?
If that sounds like you, don’t wait—apply now and join us for an unforgettable summer!
What you can expect from us
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One-on-One Mentoring and Tuition -
Shore-Based and Practical Lessons -
Course Materials and Tools -
Crew Management Training -
Basic Sailing Skills -
Local Tours and Team Building Activities -
A great week of sailing and learning with like-minded people
What we can expect from you
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Fluent in English -
Relevant Service Industry Experience (bartender, waitress, ski host or similar) -
Culinary experience -
Social skills -
Positive Attitude -
Availability During Peak Period (June-August in the Med)
If you do not have the required experience please checkout our Training and Partner Schools page. The recommended training will help you gain the experience required to attend Host Academy.
Academy Format
The 7-day training program takes place in Trogir, Croatia, providing hands-on experience in a real sailing environment. Each yacht is led by a dedicated instructor and shared by four skipper students and four host students, ensuring a dynamic and immersive learning experience.
Course Breakdown
Day 1 (Friday Evening):
Meet your fellow students for a shore-based lecture, covering course objectives and the week’s schedule. This is also a great chance to get to know your crew before stepping on board.
Day 2 (Saturday):
Join the instructor team at the marina for yacht check-in and provisioning. Depending on the weather, we aim to set sail that afternoon to begin practical training.
Days 3–7 (Sunday to Thursday):
Full days of on-water practical training, visiting key islands and perfecting essential skills. Each day is dedicated to developing hands-on expertise, from sailing techniques to yacht management. Evenings are a mix of relaxation and team-building activities, creating a strong bond with your fellow crew members.
This is your moment to shine. You’ll showcase everything you’ve learned throughout the week through a series of practical hosting challenges and a final oral examination. It’s the culmination of your training—your chance to prove your readiness and professionalism as a Yacht Week host.
- Approximately 90% of participants pass, though this can vary between 80–100% depending on the group.
- If you don’t pass, don’t worry—it simply means you likely need additional experience or training before being approved to host on 40–50+ foot yachts with paying guests. We strongly encourage anyone who doesn’t pass due to insufficient practical skills to apply again, or reach out after gaining more hands-on experience (with documentation).
- Our priority is ensuring every host is confident, capable, and ready to deliver a top-tier guest experience.
IF YOU PASS
DAY 9 (Saturday):
This day is dedicated to preparing you for life as a professional host with Quarterdeck. It’s mandatory for anyone who passes the course and wishes to work with us.
You’ll dive into Quarterdeck- and Yacht Week–specific theory, meet key members of the YW team, and gain a clear understanding of how our events are run both on the water and behind the scenes.
Topics covered include:
Our event structure and operational philosophy
Finance protocols and skipper responsibilities
Guest communication standards and expectations
How to use our admin systems and internal tools
Onboarding process and what to expect from your first week on the job
This day ensures you’re fully aligned with our values, systems, and expectations—so you can hit the ground running with confidence and professionalism. Book your flights home on the Sunday.
Course Outcomes
Successfully completing the Host Academy equips you with the skills and experience needed to work on future charters with us.
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Work Opportunities – Students who pass the Academy will be offered assignments with Quarterdeck, based on availability, performance, and demand. -
Flexible Scheduling – You decide when you want to work! After setting up your account, you can select your available weeks, and we’ll assign as many charters as possible—giving you the freedom to accept or decline. -
Competitive Pay – For each weekly assignment on your first season, you can invoice €600 except for your 2 first assignments where you get €200 less (€400 per week). The Academy price is subsidised by €400 which are “paid back” on your first two weeks. If you wish to pay €1300 (€900+400) upfront you will get a starting salary of €600 on your first week.
We typically give a minimum of 5-6 weeks of work your first season. Total pay around €3000 for 6 weeks of work. (note: this can more both more and less but statistically you will work at least 6 weeks) -
Standard Charter Schedule – Our charters follow the industry-standard check-in/out times: Check-in: Saturday between 15:00 – 18:00
Check-out: The following Saturday by 08:00 -
A Global Network of Opportunities – After completing a few assignments, you gain access to our Quarterdeck Alumni Network, a community of 1,000+ skippers, hosts and industry professionals. Many use this network to secure winter season opportunities in the Caribbean and beyond.
If you’re looking for a rewarding, flexible, and adventure-filled career, this is your chance to step into the yachting world with real job opportunities from day one!
Apply Now