ABOUT
Yacht Charter Training Academy
YCTA was founded as an answer to the lack of standardized training that addresses the needs of crew in the midsized (40-70ft) charter yacht industry. This is particularly true for new crew entering this exciting and challenging field. The courses designed by YCTA are specifically designed by crew, for crew. Drawing on the experience of dozens of industry professionals including: crew, vessel managers, vessel owners, and adult education specialists. Our goal is to set a practical and achievable standard for crew training on mid-sized yachts.
This training is achieved by providing learners with a snapshot of what their roles actually entail, allowing learners to understand the expectations and standards that they must meet. This will help prevent learners from struggling though the learning process for years as they develop their skills and knowledge in the field. Until now, trial by fire was the only training method available for mid-sized charter yacht crew.
Rather than addressing the skills involved with sailing the vessel, or how to cook, YCTA courses are designed to cover the multitude of
intricacies involved with actually running charter vessels. This is the formal training that is so essential to the everyday life of crew, but that has been unavailable until now.
The material put forth by YCTA was created specifically to help take the uncertainty and mystery out of this industry for those who seek to expand their knowledge, become more professional, and more capable stewards of the guest experience and their vessel(s). This includes knowledge on how to foster strong relationships, effectively career manage, complete daily tasks, plan charters, and effectively deal with a variety of social, technical, and maintenance issues in this highly demanding and intimate setting.
We believe strongly in the yacht charter industry and the oceans on
which it makes its home. We want to help others unlock the amazing
opportunities it can offer, and for crew to fully access the skills and confidence they require to achieve success in this field.
Vision
To train midsized charter yacht crew on how to effectively manage time, understand the expectations of their position, and balance the many competing interests that they will face both on charter and off.
To help further their professional goals in a more sustainable, and ultimately, successful way. Providing crew with confidence and control over their professional environment in a way that serves both the guest experience in a service capacity, and the needs of the crew.
Mission
Whereas the midsized yacht charter industry is widely non-standard, it is our mission to help usher in standardization of expectations through the training of midsized yacht charter crew. This is to give confidence to both crew in their roles, and to those who hire them to care for vessel assets and to carry out professional charters. This training must include an introduction to the nuanced aspects of running a charter program, and an explanation of the expectations that will be placed upon crew.
Values
- Integrity
- Respect
- Teamwork
- Flexibility
- Empathy
- Community
- Environmental stewardship

Flair Martin
FOUNDER
“Our slice of the marine charter world has its own unique identity, one filled with hard-working, engaged, and present individuals who form a global, yet close-knit community. Our goal is to help build the confidence of those new to working in this rewarding industry. YCTA is here to give a head start to those who have undertaken this rewarding career path.”