HOST Academy

Jump aboad and embark on your new career

Host Academy

The SailWeek Host Academy provides a one-week training program designed to provide you with comprehensive knowledge about the primary responsibilities of being a yacht hostess. This course encompasses thorough preparation for a season of working and living aboard a yacht. Most importantly, it equips participants with essential insights, tips, and techniques to proficiently manage cooking, hosting, and creating positive relationships among guests.

What opportunities will be available to me after successfully graduating from the SailWeek Academy?

Join the SailWeek family, with a minimum of 4 weeks of work guaranteed
Join the Sailweek team, where exciting opportunities await our talented candidates
Earn a competitive weekly compensation of €400 to €900, along with additional tips *
Enjoy the convenience of inclusive accommodation and meals during your time working at SailWeek
Gain valuable experience hosting on yachts ranging from 40 to 60 ft in length
Read more details about our 
Read more details about our Pay Scheme.
Pay scheme
A day in the life of a

SailWeek Host

As a host, your key role is to create a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere while ensuring guests are well-catered to in order to maximise their experience.

Each day involves preparing a delicious and visually appealing breakfast and lunch, keeping the boats cleanliness in top shape, and managing its organisation.

You will work closely with the skipper and accommodate up to ten guests onboard, providing assistance with boat mooring and sailing as needed. Balancing various tasks on and around the boat, a primary responsibility will be crafting unforgettable experiences and memories for your guests, ensuring their week is nothing short of exceptional.

In the evenings, you’ll have the opportunity to join guests for dinner and a SailWeek party ashore, adding a personal touch to their experience. It’s a rewarding challenge that goes beyond the basics. Are you ready to dive in?
7 AM
Start your day by rising and giving the boat a thorough tidy-up to create a welcoming environment for your guests.
7:30 AM
Begin preparing a delightful breakfast feast that will energise everyone for the day ahead.
9 AM
Once breakfast is enjoyed, clear away the mess and begin preparations for setting sail.
10 AM
Assist the skipper to set sail to your next picturesque destination. Now’s a perfect time to discuss the day ahead and organise any activities and dinner reservations.
12 PM
As lunchtime approaches and appetites start to build, begin preparing a scrumptious lunch.
2 PM
After serving lunch, tidy up those empty plates and take a quick swim before
embarking to your end of day location.
4 PM
Assist the skipper with docking for the evening and ensure the common areas are well organised and thoroughly cleaned.
7 PM
Join your guests for a dinner ashore.
10 PM
Participate in a SailWeek event with your guests. This is a great opportunity to mingle and build connections, adding a personal touch to their overall experience.
Pre-Registration for Next Year's

Host Academy Course

Pre-register now for the 2025 Host Academy Course. Applications open on 18/9/2024, and by signing up, you'll be notified as soon as they do. Pre-registration is non-binding, but it ensures you’ll be the first to know when the course is available. Fill out the form below to express your interest, and we’ll get in touch once applications are open.

Since the applications for this year's Host course are now closed, we are offering an opportunity for interested individuals to pre-register for next year. By pre-registering, you will receive a notification as soon as the applications for next year's course open. This pre-registration does not obligate you to apply or participate but ensures you are informed about the opportunity. Fill out the form below to express your interest.

The new season of Host Academy Course 2025 is opening soon.

BEGINNER

Host Course

2025 Dates & Pricing
CROATIA
26 April – 3 May Open
Course price for 2025: €1000 
Location:  Central Dalmatia (Croatia, Split region)
Payment plan:  3 instalments
  • €100 (48 hours after getting your confirmation mail)
  • €450 (35 days after the first payment)
  • €450 (30 days before the course)
Note
  • * The initial payment is a non-refundable deposit for the academy, which confirms your candidacy upon payment. If you choose to withdraw from the academy after making the payment, it will not be refunded.
  • Last-minute application are considered all the application within 30 days before the course.
  • For applications made within 30 days before the course, the total amount is due when making a application.
Requirements
  • Assumed knowledge: Culinary skills
  • Age requirement: 18 - 36
  • Language skills: Fluent in English
  • Great attitude and a team player
  • Duration: 7 days
  • Location: Split, Croatia
Course summary
  • Culinary Experience
  • Discovering New Recipes
  • Food Presentation Skills
  • Use of a Boat's Kitchen
  • Fundamental Sailing Knowledge
  • Rope-work Techniques
  • Assist with Docking and Anchoring
  • Competent Guest Handling
  • Boat Cleaning
  • Safety Awareness
  • First Aid Awareness
  • Communication and Teamwork Skills
  • Education on specific SailWeek routes
Evaluation
Throughout the week, we will closely observe your conduct, work ethic, attitude, and interpersonal abilities.

Upon completing your training at our academy, your knowledge and competencies will undergo assessment by one of our instructors. We will pay special attention to the following aspects:
  • Food Presentation: We expect your dishes to not only taste delicious, but also look aesthetic and visually appealing.
  • Taste of the Food: Your ability to impress us with your flavours is crucial.
  • Kitchen Time Management: We will evaluate your efficiency in ensuring everything is prepared on schedule.
  • Cleanliness and Hygiene: Keeping the boat in pristine condition is a must.
  • Sailing and Mooring: We'll assess your capability to assist the skipper in sailing and mooring tasks.
  • Safety Protocols: You need to demonstrate your knowledge of emergency procedures.
  • Communication Skills and Teamwork: Your ability to work effectively as a part of the SailWeek team will be evaluated.

Please note that, to maintain objectivity, the instructor evaluating your skills and knowledge will not be the same instructor who guided you through the academy's program.

The Goal/Outcome
Throughout the week, you'll receive comprehensive instruction under the individual guidance of your instructor to cultivate your skills as an exceptional host.
Our aim is to transform you into a proficient and confident host who excels not only in creating delicious dishes but also in assisting with boat maneuvering and sailing, all while maintaining excellent relations with guests.

Upon completing this course, we are certain you will be equipped to:

  • Excel in the kitchen, creating culinary delights
  • Skillfully plan meals for an entire week
  • Craft visually appealing dishes
  • Cook with new recipes
  • Possess fundamental knowledge of boat operations
  • Offer valuable assistance with docking and anchoring
  • Demonstrate comprehensive boat hygiene
  • Successfully manage guests and handle various situations that may arise

What's Included

  • 7 days of sailing in Croatia
  • Accommodation on board the boat
  • Bed sheets, blankets and towels
  • Course ingredients for cooking
  • Kitchen Appliances
  • Course materials and SailWeek Host handbook
  • Fuel for the boat
  • Marina fees
  • Croatia tourist tax
  • Final boat cleaning
  • SailWeek jacket

Additional Costs

  • Travel to Split, Croatia
  • Transfer to the marina
  • One group dinner ashore mid-week (not mandatory)

USEFUL LINKS

● Check out the frequently asked questions
FAQ
● Learn about earning
Pay scheme
* for Advanced and Catamaran courses
Accepted Licenses*

Sail & Work

For candidates who successfully complete the SailWeek Host Academy:
  • During your working weeks, you’ll have the chance to showcase your cooking skills, work ethic, and attitude towards guests.
  • Based on your overall performance, SailWeek may offer you additional weeks of work.
  • As a host, you’ll be working as a freelance contractor, giving you the freedom to accept or reject any work offers that do not suit you.
  • SailWeek covers all living expenses during the work period, ensuring you have a comfortable experience.
  • The job involves sailing yachts ranging from 40 to 60 ft in size, providing a diverse and exciting work environment.
  • While there is a minimum guaranteed income of €400, you also have the opportunity to earn up to €900 per week, plus tips.
Please note:
  • Not all the four working weeks are guaranteed to be in the same year, this depends on the booking situation.
  • Based on the demand and overall skills, you may get offered more work from SailWeek.
  • Hostesses operate as freelance contractors and can accept or reject any work we offer.

Ready to go?

Skipper or Hostess Academy
apply
© SailWeek Academy - All Rights Reserved.
SailWeek Academy is the part of SailWeek Ltd. whose registered office is located at 2nd Floor, Nucleus House, 2 Lower Mortlake Road, Richmond TW9 2JA, United Kingdom.
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