What is expected of me as a skipper?

As a skipper you are expected to take the responsibility of handling the boat, which has been rented by a group of people who want to go sailing but don’t have enough competence to do it on their own. That means you get to go along on the boat as someone who has the know-how on sailing and who can tell people what to do when you set sail, lay anchor, etc.

What is the minimum age skippers are required to be?

Minimum age for both skipper and crew is 20 years old.

What is the maximum age?

We try to match the same age of skipper and crew. This mostly means no skippers are older than 35 years old.

Is the minimum requirement to sail in Greece 2 people with navigational certificate (NO VHF-license)?

Requirements for Greece
- Skippers license and passport of skipper.
- Skippers license and passport of co-skipper. If the co-skipper lacks license, then a written statement / signed assurance of the co-skipper that states that he/she is capable to handle the boat in case the skipper gets sick or similar is valid. Read more here

Requirements for Croatia
- Skippers license and passport of skipper + VHF certificate of skipper (will do with VHF of other person on the boat, but preferable with the same person.) Commercial endorsed skippers and RYA Yacht masters will be prioratised. What is commercial endorsement: Read more here

Which Skipper/Sailing certificates/licenses are accepted in Croatia/Greece/BVI (British Virgin Island)?

You find the whole list of which certificates/licenses here (click on Skipper Certificate). Alternatively, email us at skipper@theyachtweek.com.

Which are the qualifications needed if I live outside EU?

You will only need VHF license and Navigation certificate. Every skipper needs to attend the Skipper Academy if they want to work for The Yacht Week.

Where and how can I get my navigational certificate?

From your national sailing association.

What competency requirements are needed for the BVI?

You’ll need a navigational certificate and SKIPPER experience on a similar Yacht.

What are the minimum ASA (US based) certificates for Greece and Croatia?

If you have any of the certificates in the list you are qualified for both Greece and Croatia. However for Croatia you’ll also need a VHF license.

Do I have to do a skipper’s course of some sort?

You will need VHF license and Navigation certificate. And YES: Every skipper needs to attend the Skipper Academy if they want to work for The Yacht Week.

What happens if I do not pass the exam during Skipper Academy?

There are two ways it is possible to fail the Skipper Academy. Either you do not pass the practical exam with the RYA examiner or you are not seen as suitable for the TYW Skipper role. This may be because of you confidence as a skipper onboard, alcohol related issues or other behavioural issues that do not suit the standards of our organisation.

You will have no problems by staying focused and listening to the advice given during the course. Of course its good to have as much practice before hand as possible, so try to get out on a yacht before the course!

Unfortunately, if you do not pass the course, you will not be able to work with us.

I worked for TYW before, do I need to join the course?

If you worked for TYW before or already passed the course, you will be able to work without joining the Skipper Academy 2013. Note that we will prioritise skippers with Yachtmaster Certifications and commercial endorsements. We recommend all old TYW-Skippers to take their Yachtmasters!

What is a commercial endorsement?

Read more here

I don’t have time to attend the Skipper Academy, can I work anyway?

Unfortunately not. It is very important for us to provide the best skippers possible and we need make sure you can handle the role of a skipper!

I already have a RYA Yachtmaster certificate of competence, what do I do?

If you are already qualified as a RYA Yachtmaster we have a specially designed programme during our academy tailored to you. We will look further in to manoeuvring in ports and marinas, rafting boats together, usage of springs, caught anchors, the skipper role and other professional skipper qualities. Of course you will get to know all the other skippers and The Yacht Week management. If you pass the course you will be guaranteed a job in the summer.

Does having the French “permis cotier” count as a skipper license?

Yes

I have a VHF license, although not technically applied to sailing. Is that sufficient?

If it works in a plane I’m pretty sure it’s OK on a yacht. If there would be any problems concerning this we will solve it on site. No problem.

I subscribed as a skipper since December. What are the changes that I will be get a crew?

We still need skippers so the chances are pretty good. Send a mail to skipper@theyachtweek.com if you want to be assigned a boat.

I wanna be a skipper but I am a girl, is it a problem?

No of course it’s not a problem. We have many girl skippers, you are very welcome to join!

Do I get paid?

Each skipper will invoice The Yacht Week for their services according to their qualifications as follows:
RYA Yachtmaster and a commercial endorsement €500 per week*
RYA Yachtmaster Offshore or Ocean €450 per week*
RYA Yachtmaster Coastal – €400 per week*
Other valid nautical certificates: €350 per week*. See the list of valid certificates here

*This is the amount a skipper will invoice. Tax policies will vary in different countries. All skippers are responsible to comply with the tax policy of their country. This amount might change for preposition of working permits and professional skipper insurance.

When do I have to be there?

The boats are handed over during the afternoon on the first day of the event (Saturday). Therefore you should aim to arrive at the airport around lunch time.

What about the responsibility? Do I have to pay for a new boat if it sinks?

As a professional skipper you are responsible for the boat at all times. If any damages occur that are not directly caused by the crew, the skipper will have to pay for the damages. However, you will be covered by our professional skipper insurance and only a deductible will be paid to the Skipper Manager on site.

Can you arrange with accommodation if I get there a few days before?

No, we can not. If you have to spend a night or two somewhere before or after the event we recommend that you book a bed in a nearby city. A good place for searching and booking a place to stay is Hostelworld – Croatia or Hostelworld – Greece.

Does the skipper get his own cabin?

If the boat has a one person cabin the skipper will have it but if not the skipper has to share cabin with someone in the crew.

Can I choose my own crew?

You will be assigned a crew. If you have any preferences regarding crew or boat we will do our best to match it.

When do I get informed about the which yacht I will be skippering?

We’re handling a large amount of skippers and it sometimes happens that we miss someone. If you want to be assigned a boat the best way is to send a mail to skipper@theyachtweek.com with the weeks you want to join.

What is the minimum amount of week for a skipper? Can I participate for just one week?

The more weeks you make yourself available for the summer, the more likely it is that you will get the job. For the summer of 2012 we first of all looking for skippers that can work for at least 8 weeks!

Is the boat equipped with GPS / plotter / sea charts?

Yes, the boat is equipped with standard instruments, VHF radio, GPS, plotter and relevant sea charts for the area. There is also a GSM mobile phone onboard that receives text message forecasts and weather alerts every day.

Are the yachts equipped whit Radar?

No they are not.

Is there any way I can get to know the boat before the event starts?

No, the boats are usually rented out the week before the event and not returned before Saturday morning. Therefore you will not be able to see the boat beforehand. When the boat is handed over you get an introduction to how everything works onboard, and it is usually easy enough to go sailing straight away.

If I’m going to be a skipper for more then one Week, is it going to be on different yachts, or is it the same one?

It will most likely be different yachts, but you might be assigned the same yacht more then one week in a row.

What are the additional costs for me as a skipper? How much money will I spend during a week as a skipper?

As a skipper you will pay your own travel costs to the event (flight). During the week(s) you will only pay what you spend at bars/restaurants during evenings when you’re not onboard the yacht. Onboard the yacht you will only pay for beer/wine/drinks.

How much does a skipper cost?

In Greece, Italy and Croatia: €600 for all girls or mixed crew, €900 for all boys crew, in the BVI: $500/$900.

If we don’t have any skipper certificate. Will a skipper automatically be supplied and to what cost?

Please check our website for more information.

Will I be able to wash and dry my clothes at the marina during the Saturday when I change boat and crew?

Yes, you will be able to do this in the Marina. Drop-off is Friday evening and you pick it up Saturday afternoon.

What kind of “skipper gears” do all the skipper get?

You will get a polo with “Skipper” printed on it.

Is there any boat that requires two skippers? Me and my friend would appreciate to work with each other as skipper and co-skipper.

No. It’s one skipper for each yacht.