Quarterdeck Skipper Academy is where The Yacht Week skippers are trained. In April 2019 I was very fortunate to be able to join this group in Split Croatia to learn how to lead the most fun sailing experience in the world. The Yacht Week is known as a week of sailing parties, basically a flotilla of yachts chartered together, where they end up moored in the same places for big parties. The yachts are skippered by the most talented and skilled skippers from around the world who not only know how to safely create a perfect circle mooring but also can manage groups of charter guests who may or may not be completely sober.
The experience is catered by some of the best hosts/ chefs and the Skipper Academy was also the Host Academy so when we weren’t training, we were acting as guests to sample the delicious meals the host candidates were making for us. As a Yacht Week skipper we’re also expected to know something about the local areas we’re visiting so the experience included some land excursions as well in Split and Hvar. Of course I had to find Cafe Aloha in Hvar!
After a week of training, on the last day we’re evaluated by the instructors who decide if we have what it takes to be a Yacht Week skipper, not everyone passes. Honestly, I’d say this was one of the most challenging training courses I’ve attended and I’m proud to say I got invited to be a Yacht Week Skipper for the upcoming season! I have some things going on in Hawaii this summer though so the plan is to organize groups from Hawaii and put together our own groups. Sailing in Hawaii is awesome but sailing the Med, especially Croatia is whole ‘nother level!
