UKSA’s Superyacht Hospitality course is a unique programme designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to work as a steward/stewardess in the fast-growing superyacht sector. You will be trained by our highly experienced, expert team to deliver exceptional levels of service and will leave fully appreciating the attention to detail expected onboard 7-star luxury vessels.
About the Superyacht Hospitality training course
UKSA’s ALL-INCLUSIVE, Superyacht Hospitality course is a unique programme which will equip you with all the expertise required to work onboard these prestigious vessels to deliver the ultimate standard of service. You will be trained in our unique superyacht training centre including two newly launched facilities including a fully equipped cabin/dining room, alongside the superyacht galley and laundry room, giving you a comprehensive superyacht simulation experience.
The three-week course is delivered by UKSA’s experienced superyacht instructor team and has been developed to align with the reputable IAMI GUEST Program.
UKSA has been delivering courses for over 30 years and we are proud that our one-to-one sessions, mentoring, careers advice, CV writing and recruitment support will give you the edge and contacts you need to enter the industry with confidence.
Training at UKSA gives you excellent value for money as all food and accommodation (both on board our yachts AND on site), tuition, mentoring and careers guidance are included in ONE PRICE. There are no hidden extra costs at UKSA.
Our aim is for you to leave the course, brimming with confidence and the skills to step aboard your first superyacht with the right attitude and skillset to succeed.
Superyacht Hospitality training course overview
Personal presentation, professional etiquette and protocol
Table management, placement and settings
Styles of service, order & steps of service
Cocktails, bartending, wine and spirit appreciation
Flower arranging and presentation
Service Practical including Cocktail and Canape Preparation
7* Housekeeping and attention to detail
Cleaning and laundry services
Health and safety onboard
Appreciation of crew dynamics and life onboard
Understanding of the high standards required
UKSA superyacht uniform provided (branded polo shirts)
Assisted funding available
As a charity, we do have funding opportunities available for many of our students. UKSA is committed to make training and qualifications accessible to those who have the desire to succeed in a yachting or watersports career. Your course advisor will be able to provide you with the details, assess your eligibility and put you forward if you are a suitable candidate. To see a full list of all of our funding options visit our funding opportunities page or call us to talk about your options on +44 (0)1983 203038
Meet your instructors
The Superyacht Hospitality course is a unique programme designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills required to work as a steward/stewardess in the fast-growing superyacht sector with a focus on going above & beyond industry expectations. As part of the course, you will be trained to deliver exceptional levels of service and will leave fully appreciating the attention to detail expected onboard 7-star luxury vessels, which will set you apart from other international candidates applying for the same roles.
Over your time with Ben, Holly & Kaya, you will be introduced to the world of high end hospitality including Wine & Cocktail Appreciation (including Practical and Theory based learning), Laundry and Housekeeping Skills, Event Planning, Service Skills (including Silver Service), Floristry and The Little Gloster’s Super Yacht 101 – a super yacht service philosophy developed by The Little Gloster for the course specifically, as well as other practical essentials to succeed with onboard employment.
Ben & Holly Cooke
With over thirty-five years combined experience in the hospitality industry, Ben and Holly look forward to sharing their passion for cookery, fine wines and hospitality with you all. As a husband-and-wife team (with colleague Kaya Simpson) – they hope their interactive classes, practical learning and stories will fill you with inspiration to start your own adventure within the superyacht industry. Read more.
Kaya Simpson
Having trained at UKSA herself, Kaya was aboard Superyachts for five years before specialising in the high end restaurant world where she started working with Ben & Holly. Kaya will be managing elements of the course on behalf of Holly, whilst she takes a little time off following the birth of her second child in December 2021, after which the course will be shared again between the three of them.
Superyacht Hospitality training course requirements
Steward/Stewardess’s are typically required to work long hours and must be physically fit and able. You must be energetic and enthusiastic with an ability to work to a high standard in all tasks. Some previous experience in hospitality is a great bonus, but not at all necessary to join the training. Also if you have aligned experience in beauty, food & beverages, catering, wine & art appreciation, massage, sports & training, these extra skills will also be useful in your career progression.
You must have an ENG1 seafarer medical fitness certificate to work at sea (Find out more about the ENG1 Medical Certificate). Whilst it’s not essential to hold your ENG1 to complete your training with UKSA, it is required to hold this to secure work in the industry. For this reason, we recommend all students gain their ENG1 before they attend training.
On successful completion of the Introduction Modules, you will have an eligibility to apply for the GUEST Certificate of Competence.
Why train with UKSA?
From our unique waterfront campus in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, we have a wide range of facilities and fleet to ensure that our students have the very best learning experience. This course is all-inclusive, meaning everything is on site and all of your food and accommodation is included, so you can focus on your training.
“If I have any advice for people considering the course I’d say ‘Just do it’. If anything, I wish I had done it sooner! The course taught me all the basic skills I needed to secure a job as well as giving me the qualifications required. My group were lovely and the course instructor, Vanessa, is amazing (take notes of everything she says! ) All staff at UKSA are so friendly and approachable and you can tell they really want you to succeed in the industry. Once you finish your 3 weeks they are still there supporting you, helping you find a job and for any advice you may need.“
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I have honestly had one of the best times of my life. I have made friends that I’ll have forever and the experience as a whole has had a huge impact on me. If I was to advise someone how to get the best from this course I would say go to the bar in the evenings, speak to people and take any advice that is offered. In this way you will be prepared for your future in the superyacht industry.
Maria Barratt – Networking/SY Hospitality/Maria Barratt
Ben & Holly Cooke
Kaya Simpson
Why train with UKSA?
