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Complete the practical course that fits your experience.
SAILWEEK ACADEMY · PROFESSIONAL SKIPPER & HOST TRAINING
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PRACTICAL HOST TRAINING
HOST ACADEMY
Train in Croatia for life and work on board. Build confidence in guest care, food preparation, teamwork and practical yacht support.
Applications for the 2027 programme • Split region, Croatia
Applications for the 2027 programme • Split region, Croatia
LocationCroatiaPractical training in the Split region
Format1 weekSeven-day Host Academy course
FocusHands-onFood, guest care and yacht support
Next stepCareer routeFuture work opportunities
From training to opportunity
A CLEAR ROUTE FORWARD
Academy develops practical host skills. Suitability and seasonal demand determine whether future SailWeek assignments may be offered.
Complete assessment
Demonstrate strong food, safety, guest-care and teamwork skills.
Become eligible
Successful Academy graduates may be offered work opportunities with SailWeek or selected external partners, depending on performance, availability and market demand.
Accept assignments
Available assignments are offered based on performance, availability and market demand.
Successful graduates who meet the required standards will be considered for available roles. Hosts work as independent contractors and may accept or decline offered assignments.
HOST ACADEMY TRAINING · SPLIT, CROATIAOne complete host pathway
HOST SKILLS ON BOARD
One practical week combining culinary training, guest care and essential yacht-support skills.
HOST ACADEMY
Learn to plan, prepare and present food in a working yacht environment while building confident guest-care habits.
BEST FOR
Food preparation, presentation, galley organisation and guest care.
Food preparation, presentation, galley organisation and guest care.
- One intensive seven-day training week
- Meal planning, preparation and presentation
- No sailing licence or STCW is required to attend
2027 DATE1–8 May 2027
LOCATIONSplit region, Croatia
LOCATIONSplit region, Croatia
€1,000€100 deposit + €450 + €450
Apply
Course details
PLAN YOUR TRAINING
One practical Host Academy course with clear requirements, learning outcomes, assessment and payment information.
HOST & CULINARY SKILLS
HOST ACADEMY
One intensive week focused on food, hosting, yacht operations and confident guest care.
€1,000€100 deposit + €450 + €450
Dates
Confirmed training week
1–8 May 2027
Entry requirements
Bring practical culinary confidence
Culinary skills required.
Ages 18–36 and fluent English.
A strong attitude and team mindset are essential.
Outcome & role
Build complete host readiness
Develop food preparation, presentation, guest care, hygiene, basic seamanship, safety and teamwork skills.
View the SailWeek pay schemeWHAT HOSTS LEARN
- Meal planning and shopping preparation
- Breakfast and lunch preparation
- Food presentation in a yacht environment
- Galley organisation, cleanliness and hygiene
- Safety awareness and first-aid fundamentals
- Guest communication, teamwork and route preparation
- Fundamental sailing knowledge
- Rope-work techniques
- Assist with docking and anchoring
ASSESSMENT
Practical, professional evaluation
Performance is evaluated across food quality, timing, cleanliness, guest care, teamwork, safety and professional conduct.
ASSESSMENT METHOD
Assessment is carried out throughout the week by Academy instructors.
Assessment is carried out throughout the week by Academy instructors.
PAYMENT & CANCELLATION
The €100 first instalment is the booking deposit, forms part of the total course price and is due within 48 hours of receiving your booking confirmation and invoice. Under the normal schedule, half of the remaining course price is due 35 days after the first instalment, and the other half is due 30 days before the course starts.
If the normal instalment schedule would make the second instalment fall after the final payment deadline, the full course price is due in one payment within 48 hours of receiving your booking confirmation and invoice, and before the course starts. Applications accepted within 30 days before the course starts also require full payment in one payment. Your booking confirmation and invoice will state the payment method, amount and exact deadline that apply to your booking.
Send your cancellation in writing. The cancellation fee is the total value of all instalments due at the time we receive your written cancellation. Any charge will not exceed our reasonable net loss caused by your cancellation, taking account of costs saved and any resale. We will explain the calculation and refund any excess already paid.
Read Terms & Conditions →Apply for the confirmed 2027 Host Academy week.
ApplyHost training in action
FOOD, GUEST CARE AND TEAMWORK
Real Host Academy sessions in Croatia, with practical coaching in the galley, on deck and with guests.
Course costs
WHAT IS INCLUDED
A transparent overview of what the course price covers and what participants arrange separately.
TRAINING ESSENTIALS COVERED
- Accommodation onboard the training yacht
- Bed sheets, blankets and towels
- Course materials and SailWeek host handbook
- Boat fuel and marina fees
- Croatia tourist tax and final boat cleaning
- SailWeek jacket
- Food package during the course — participants may need to top it up during the week
ADDITIONAL COSTS
- Travel to Split, Croatia
- Transfer from the arrival point to the marina
- Personal travel and health insurance
- Optional group dinner ashore during the week
Food clarification
The food package is included. Participants prepare meals together onboard and may need to supplement the package during the week. This is not a catered-meal service.
The food package is included. Participants prepare meals together onboard and may need to supplement the package during the week. This is not a catered-meal service.
The role on board
FROM GALLEY TO GUEST EXPERIENCE
Host Academy prepares you for the rhythm of life and work on board: planning meals, caring for guests, supporting the skipper and helping the yacht run smoothly.
Plan and prepare
Organise the galley, provisions and daily guest experience.
Welcome and organise
Create a clean, warm and well-organised environment on board.
Support the skipper
Assist with sailing, docking, anchoring and practical deck tasks.
Create the experience
Eligibility for opportunities depends on skills, performance, availability and demand.
Hosts work as independent contractors and may accept or decline offered assignments.View the SailWeek pay scheme
Participant proof
READ VERIFIED ACADEMY REVIEWS
Current participant feedback comes directly from the verified Google Reviews source.
I recently completed the Sailweek Academy as a Skipper and honestly it’s an experience I’ll remember forever. Over the two weeks you learn everything to do with boats in such a hands on way. You naturally become more confident every single day. It’s not just about learning the basics, they really teach you how to take charge, skipper the boat, manoeuvre the yacht, dock confidently, catch a buoy, throw an anchor and understand every role on board, including how to handle situations independently if you’re alone on the boat.
What made it so special for me was how immersive the whole experience was. You’re constantly learning by doing and also by watching others practise. Being surrounded by such a great group of people made it even better. The friendships and connections made during the academy are something I’ll genuinely take with me long after the course.
I came away from the two weeks with a lot more confidence, amazing memories and a real love for sailing. I couldn’t recommend the experience enough to anyone interested in a boat life.
A very special thank you to Marko, Goran, Josip, and Daniel for making the whole experience what it was. You could really see the passion you all have for sailing and it made such a difference learning from you all. Thank you for all the laughs, support, late night sessions and memories over the two weeks it genuinely meant a lot.
What made it so special for me was how immersive the whole experience was. You’re constantly learning by doing and also by watching others practise. Being surrounded by such a great group of people made it even better. The friendships and connections made during the academy are something I’ll genuinely take with me long after the course.
I came away from the two weeks with a lot more confidence, amazing memories and a real love for sailing. I couldn’t recommend the experience enough to anyone interested in a boat life.
A very special thank you to Marko, Goran, Josip, and Daniel for making the whole experience what it was. You could really see the passion you all have for sailing and it made such a difference learning from you all. Thank you for all the laughs, support, late night sessions and memories over the two weeks it genuinely meant a lot.
Sailweek academy was a great experience! The instructors were extremely knowledgeable and helped show us the ropes. This week gave us everything we need to be fantastic hosts onboard, whilst also exposing us to wonderful like minded people! Thank you, see you in summer!
Just finished the sail week academy 2026!!!! ⭐️ so much fun being on a boat in Croatia for the week, met some amazing people and was non stop learning all week !!!!
The instructors were all so helpful and knowledgeable & wanted to see us all be the best we could be !!! <3
The instructors were all so helpful and knowledgeable & wanted to see us all be the best we could be !!! <3
I completed the Sailweek Host academy in 2026 and have only the best things to say about it!
All the staff/instructors are so warm and welcoming, while also being super professional, helpful and generous with their tiem and knowledge at the same time. This week almost felt like a relaxing holiday week of sailing where I also acquired many skills that have helped set me up for work in the industry.
Would definitely recommend for anyone that wants to get started in the hosting/skipping industry, super valuable.
All the staff/instructors are so warm and welcoming, while also being super professional, helpful and generous with their tiem and knowledge at the same time. This week almost felt like a relaxing holiday week of sailing where I also acquired many skills that have helped set me up for work in the industry.
Would definitely recommend for anyone that wants to get started in the hosting/skipping industry, super valuable.
Ready to host on the water?
START YOUR HOST ACADEMY JOURNEY
Apply for the 2027 Host Academy course.