Deckhand Courses

My experience of this course was one I’ll never forget. Chanel's attention to detail on everything helped me through this course! Everything was explained in such a way that I’ll never forget! You were an amazing instructor and so patient with us all. I hope to one day work on a boat with as chief stew like you.

- Kelsey Hunter

Amazing course, would highly recommend to anyone wanting to start their yachting career as a stewardess! Chanel presented a high-energy course that provided detailed insider information on the yachting industry and many helpful tips for daily stewardess work. Chanel's experience in the yachting industry is invaluable to students and as a 'green yachtie' I felt very lucky to have her as my mentor.

- Megan Nepgen

I completed this Stewardess Course in August 2021 and it was personally one of my favourites. Not only because the course itself was so fun and interesting, but the whole structure that was put together by Chanel Marais herself, was just so educating and helpful overall. I believe and trust that all the techniques and tips that Chanel handed over to us throughout the entire Stewardess course will always benefit our yachting Careers, throughout.
I never knew I could learn so many new useful skills, theoretically and practically, in only 5 days.

- Jessica Badenhorst

I am amazed at how much theoretical and practical knowledge we managed to fit into one week. The course provides a hands-on experience and the course material that you’ll get access to is extensive and thorough.
The resources that were provided to plan and execute the service day were beyond what I expected. I enjoyed doing the flower arrangements as I’ve never done anything like it before.

Chanel is an excellent instructor with years of experience, she had tips and tricks for just about anything. She was also willing to provide feedback on our CVs and she put us in contact with possible work opportunities. The course delivers well beyond what is promised.

I can say without a doubt that the course is a must for any aspiring yachty out there.

- Meslissa Lauwrens

Chanel is a hard working woman, specializing in the Yachting industry, with years of experience and detailed tips catering to everyone’s special field of interest. The knowledge, tips and dedication given to me has improved my basic knowledge of the Maritime industry.

The vast services VYA provides, as well as the broad knowledge given to me, has helped me put everything into action. To anyone who is interested in the Yachting industry, I would highly recommend VYA.

- Adriaan Hudson

It is with much enthusiasm that I am writing to recommend this life changing course. This experience has been a lifechanging experience that I am proud to have been part of. As a 17 year old the course has not only shown me that there is more to “the yacht life”. It has taught me that there is more to me than I ever knew.

I have not only found my confidence and grown as an independent person, but I found people that I now call family. This course has given me a glimpse of my future and how bright my future will be. If you are looking for an adventure, amazing atmosphere and the time off your life- this is the course for you.

- Jenna Nieuwoud

I honestly can't thank you enough for all of your support & guidance, from the initial call, where you selflessly gave me so much advice, to your amazing comprehensive E-book that is jam packed FULL of everything I could ever need to know to start my new career in yachting! I go back to your guide regularly as you update it with covid regulations, visa information and the list if all of the agencies!!! The value in it is astounding ! You are one of the most kindest, selfless souls that I have come accross and I have no doubt that I will succeed. I have a clear vision of the steps I need to take, for the route I want to go down and that is thanks to your guidance. You have also been a huge help in condensing my CV and cover letter and I've already had 3 offers for interviews , which is astounding, given the current market and the fact that I am green !

You're so approachable and I know that I can turn to you for guidance, should I need it. People like you are are what cemented my decision to join this industry, so willing to share your wealth of knowledge and offer support.
Thank you for being you and for all of your amazing work, helping so many others like me.

- Charlie Griffin

Chanel is one of those rare leaders who is big picture vision driven but also extremely detail orientated. She has an incredible bank of knowledge on all aspects of yachting from housekeeping to service, as well as special events organisation and handy tricks of the trade. I always felt lucky to be working with and learning from her while she was my Chief Stewardess.

She has also helped me with my own confidence, investing in my progress and being one of my biggest cheerleaders from the first day we started working together. My experience with her as my Chief Stewardess and Mentor will always be a highlight of my yachting career.

- Margaret Ketteringham

Working with Chanel over the five-day period not only provided me with greater insight into the inner workings of what it means to be a stewardess on board a vessel, but she also instilled a motivation within me, to get started within the industry as soon as possible. The course work was informative and valuable, covering all work with great detail.

Significant time for practical work was set aside and gave me and the other learners an opportunity to put what we had studied over the five days to the test. Overall both Chanel’s professionalism and enthusiasm was unfaltering throughout, I could not have asked for more with regards to the content covered or the lecturer.

- Kyla Cranfield

To anyone who consider it to become a stewardess and want to attend a stewardess course, I would highly recommend VYA. You will learn a lot in this 5 day course. From how to make a bed perfectly and laundry, all the way through to making cocktails, guest silver service etc. You will build up a lot of knowledge about planning events, setting tables and general knowledge about the superyacht industry.

I enjoyed the course from the start to the end and definitely walked away with much more knowledge about this industry than with what I came with. Chanel is very professional, excellent in her job, very helpful and 100% determined to her students and job. The support system that Chanel offers from the day your course start till the end of your yachting career is something out of this world. She is always willing to help out.

It was a pleasure to meet Chanel and to had the opportunity to learn from her.

- Wilke van Zyl

I would recommend this Academy for any person that wants to make a career in the yacht industry. Chanel Marais was the presenter of The 5 day Stewardess course. Chanel is a good teacher with years of yachting experience. She taught us about laundry operations, housekeeping, synchronised silver services, mixology and wine appreciation.

Chanel gave each student the opportunity to portray their creativity in each section, to build confidence and to thrive to their fullest. I enjoyed the mixology and folding of the towels the most. I have learned that teamwork and time are the most important factors in the yacht industry.

- Jo-Mari Van Zyl

The best investment you will ever make is investing in your knowledge, despite the uncertainty of being in my mid-forties in starting my Yachting career, I knew I needed a Company to inspire me on the start of becoming a Successful Stewardess. I found that and so much more with Chanel Marais at Superyacht Training Academy. Chanel doesn’t just do a stewardess course; she gives you calm advice that will stand with me in years to come. Her understanding about the industry is incredible. The course addresses the logistical hurdles of getting started and gives you practical insight into exactly what you should expect. Super informative, very helpful. I would highly recommend to anyone and everyone getting started. I liked the mindset and culture, for me all essential components taught made me realise that this was more than a course. I invested my time, gained knowledge, and knew I was going to gain experience with confidence from a company that had invested in me for the best journey of a lifetime

- Claire Figuiera

I did my stewardess course in May 2023. It was by far the best investment I have ever made. Chanel is beyond exceptional in her way of teaching us and giving us tips from her experience she had in the industry. She is such a lovely person to work with. Having done this course just gave me more confidence as to know what is expected of me and what I will be doing as a Stewardess. This course really just gives you what you need to know. This whole experience I had in this entire week would have not been able if it wasn’t for Chanel being such a great instructor and knowing that I have her on my side and supporting me for my future just makes this entire journey all worth it!

Thank you for the lovely experience and time we’ve had with you Chanel. You really are one of the great ones!

- Mia Fourie

From the day I met Chanel I knew that she loves and breaths Yachting, I could see her passion as well as enthusiasm to help people succeed in the industry of yachting. She not only conveys a professional class but she is a professional in the trade and her knowledge in the field is phenomenal.
I would not have been assisted and trained by anyone as good as Chanel, before signing up for the big career change I am embarking on, Chanels name went out before her and I have been told to contact her and to have Chanel give me my yachting training and that she is the best in the field.

This has happend to be my experience all together. I learned so many skill, Chanel’s presentation was packed with valuable information and tips. She caries out her presentations effortless and flawless and makes it very interactive and practically hands on. This information is very impactful and can only beter prepare you for the industry.

I am so very thankful for all the skill and knowledge I have gained by being in her class and presence. I am so thankful for her assistance and guidance with my cv and how to land a first job. I would recommend anyone to join her classes and to get the needed assistance in the yachting industry such as CV’s, Visas and training.

Thank you so very much Chanel.

- Annerie Maré