The Superyacht Training Academy is now open!

The newly launched Superyacht Training Academy, a partnership collaboration between the V&A Waterfront; the Superyacht Culinary Academy and the Ocean Star Sailing Academy is dedicated to developing the essential skills required by superyacht crew. With growing interest in Cape Town as a port, the number of superyachts and cruise ships docking at the V&A Waterfront is steadily increasing. With it, the need for suitably trained local staff to work on them. Superyachts are also often available for charter so a well-trained staff crew able to cater to guests at a high standard of comfort is essential.

The interior of the Academy has been fitted out to resemble actual on-board facilities of a vessel. Students therefore become accustomed to working within the confined spaces of a real yacht. The training kitchen is also equipped just as a galley kitchen would be.

Partnerships

David Green, the V&A Waterfront’s CEO said, “Coastal cities around the world compete to attract Superyachts because while the boats are in port they support tourism and local businesses with operational and leisure spending as well as providing a sought after spectacle in the harbour. Cape Town is also home to almost 70% of the local boat-building industry, sustaining technical skills required to service all types of ocean-going craft and driving the standards of excellence necessary to thrive in this sector.

“This answers the call from Government to accelerate the economic potential of the ocean economy through destination marketing, maritime skills training, job creation and stimulating the boat building industry.”

David Green – V&A Waterfront CEO

“The V&A Waterfront already nurtures an ecosystem that support all the requirements of the industry and we are already seeing growth in overall interest from superyacht owners. They look for new destinations and challenges and many newer superyachts are now built for exploration to places like Antarctica. Cape Town is perfectly positioned midway between South America on the one side and New Zealand on the other, plus we are relatively closer to European markets than they are” said Green.

Cape Town – A Booming yacht industry

The City has all the boat-building expertise. Local boat -builder Robertson and Caine is currently filling an international order for 200 luxury boats by next year, and delivers an estimated three 40- foot luxury catamarans overseas every week.

Green said “This is another step in building and equipping facilities at the Waterfront to accommodate this industry. We would see many more superyachts visiting the city if the owners and captains know that well trained local and international staff are available to them.”

Training

Training will focus on the three key entry points vital for a career in the industry. Namely Chefs, Deckhands and Stewardesses. In addition to basic training in each segment, the Academy will also ensure that students are armed with their basic marine training and safety licences, without which they cannot be employed on boats.

The Academy is  working with International Yacht Training {IYT) Worldwide, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), and South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) to ensure the local training is on par with global standards, and approved by the Marine and Coastal Agency (MCA).

We look forward to welcoming you on board!

The Superyacht Training Academy Team