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ABOUT YOA SUPERYACHT TRAINING

Our Story

We know where you're heading because we have been there ourselves.


YOA Superyacht Training was founded in 2014 and is run by MCA Chief Officer Don McKee, who spent 15 years working on board some of the finest motor and sailing yachts in the business.

Don facilitates our 4 day deckhand course and is the co-owner and director of YOA ltd., an MLC2006 compliant crew agency with locations in Cape Town and New Zealand, that supplies crew to yachts worldwide.


Our focus is to provide first hand and current insight into the yachting industry and help new deckhands acquire the skills and techniques necessary to confidently start careers at sea. 

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We are located in Cape Town, South Africa and welcome students from around the globe.

WHAT WE DO

One thing, and we do it well.

YOA TRAINING

YOA Deckhand training is run by professionals that understand how to give you the best possible start in the industry.


We all start somewhere, but not everyone gets off on the right foot, let us help you find a job and keep it.

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Courses we can help with

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  • 4 day YOA Deckhand course

  • STCW basic training (including PDSD)

  • RYA Advanced Power boat

  • RYA Tender operator

  • RYA Power boat level 2 (PB2)

  • RYA Personal watercraft (PWC)

  • RYA Personal watercraft Instructor

  • VHF radio

  • Seafarer medical certficate

  • Stewardess training

  • Food safety

  • and many more

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You will always receive unbiased guidance about which additional courses will give you the most value for your money.

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We also offer consultations and career advice so you can get all the facts before you commit to booking courses.

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INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT

Don McKee began his career at sea in 1999 as race crew on 1987 America's Cup 12 Meter sailing yachts in the Caribbean, and left the industry in 2014 after having working his way from Deckhand to Chief Officer on yachts up to 90m LOA.

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As principal of YOA super yacht training, he is passionate about sharing his knowledge with those intending to enter the yachting industry, and provides ongoing guidance to his students throughout their careers.

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WE'RE WITH YOU FOR THE LONG-HAUL

We are with you every step of the way, from the day you start your courses, to the day you hang up your gear.


What can we to do for you? :

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  • Train you

  • Help you find a superyacht job via YOA crew agency

  • Advise you on how to save and invest your hard earned money

  • Give you ongoing career advice

  • Transition back to land when the time comes

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