Quarterdeck offers work opportunities worldwide, with assignments in Croatia, Greece, Italy (Sicily & Sardinia), Tahiti, the BVI and more. Assignments are distributed based on demand and availability.
To qualify for roles in other destinations you must first complete a full season in Croatia or Greece. Work permit requirements vary by location and may be essential for certain assignments. An EU passport is required for those wishing to work on the Greece route.
We require all our skippers and hosts to attend our Skipper Academy before working for any client. We offer courses every year, please check our course page to see which dates would suit you best. Most international licences are accepted if the candidate has sufficient sailing experience.
Yes, this is our main base of operations.
Skipper and Host Academy training is primarily conducted on 40-52ft monohull yachts. Each week, there will be one catamaran designated for specialised catamaran training and host lectures, but all students will sleep on the monohulls.
Your earnings increase with experience, giving you the opportunity to level up your pay rate as you complete more assignments.
Regular charter assignments: Quarterdeck charges a 15% commission on work provided. Normal weekly rate vary between €1000-1500.
Group/Flotilla events (such as Yacht Week):
Level 1 - (week 1-2)
€350 per week. The lower entry rate of cover your cost of training at Host or Skipper Academy — without this, the academy fee would be €1,250 (instead of €850). After just two weeks of work you will earn more.
Level 2 - (week 3-10)
€550 weekly
Level 3 - (week 11-20)
€600 weekly
Level 4 - (week 21+)
€650
On top of that you earn €150 extra per week for management roles.
Quarterdeck renumeration is dependent on the client agreement as we are providers of services, not operators or agents within the Yachting Industry.
We welcome applicants of all nationalities, but work permit regulations vary by country. An EU passport provides greater flexibility for working within the EU, while some destinations, such as Greece, require EU passport holders due to local laws.
In Croatia, non-EU citizens may be subject to a 90-day work limit (please verify based on your nationality). It is each crew member’s responsibility to ensure compliance with local visa and work permit requirements for their assigned locations.
Your CV should showcase your relevant experience, including any sailing, hospitality, or leadership roles, along with a list of certifications you hold. Your cover letter should explain why you want to work with Quarterdeck, what skills you bring to the team, and why you'd be a great fit for the role.
If you successfully complete the academy you’ll be able to set your availability. We will assign you to work based on demand and bookings, including opportunities such as Yacht Week and private charters. While we strive to offer as many assignments as possible, we cannot guarantee a minimum number, as this depends on your availability and the volume of bookings we receive.
We require all our skippers and hosts to attend the YW Academy before working for us. We offer courses every year, please check our course page to see which dates would suit you best, and apply here.
Academy applicants as well as Quarterdeck contractors must hold their own insurance. We recommend your own travel insurance, and we require a Third Party Liability insurance when working on charter (You do not need to have Third Party Liability insurance when on Academy).
Once you have submitted your application, we will review your experience and licences (if applicable). If these are to the standard we expect, you will be invited to an automated online interview where you will be asked questions and given a short period of time to give us your best answer. We then decide if we think you are suitable for YW Academy and you will either be asked to join us in Croatia for the Academy or not. Remember, if you don't get chosen, do not be disheartened, you can always re-apply for next year once you have gained more experience.
No. The first lecture of the academy starts at 4pm on Friday, please ensure you arrive by Friday midday to ensure you are there on time.
All skippers are engaged as contractors, depending on their availability and the number of bookings we receive. Work on charter is usually from Saturday to Saturday, on a weekly basis.
Yes, if you are already enrolled in a course to obtain one of our accepted licences before the start of Academy. We can accept your application based on your obtaining a licence agreed with us.
Our team is aged between 20 (minimum) to 38 years of age, and that is the age-frame that our clients look for in our skippers.
We don’t have a set 'close date', however we will stop taking applications when each Academy week is full so it's always best to apply as soon as you can, as spaces fill up fast and we only have limited spots.
Yes, your spot will only be confirmed once the full balance has been paid. We do however offer payment plans if you are struggling to pay the amount in full. Please email info@quarterdeck.co for more information on this.
Yes. Our YW Academy is to upgrade your skills, but also to introduce our company's ethos and standards. It’s also an opportunity to get to know the Croatia route. Our multicultural team brings additional knowledge to the students, and introduces you to our high standard skipper community.
Yes you can apply without the Level 2 food and hygiene certificate, however, if accepted you will need to get the certificate before attending the academy.
Our ideal candidate will have culinary experience in a commercial kitchen or proof of successful completion of a week-long culinary course however most importantly you should have a passion for cooking and eagerness to learn.
You can find the licenses we accept on this page. RYA Yachtmaster Offshore license holders are preferred. When evaluating applications we focus on experience.
You can find the licenses we accept on this page. RYA Yachtmaster Offshore license holders are preferred. In addition to holding a license, we also evaluate a candidate's general yacht-handling experience.