Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it hard work?
2. What do I need to bring?
3. Am I guaranteed a job?
4. What is the difference between this and the shorter programmes?
5. What is Airlie Beach like?
6. How do I get to Airlie Beach?
7. What does an Australian Working Holiday cost?
8. Can I take part is this course when I do not have a Working Holiday Visa?
9. Are the qualifications I get recognized elsewhere in the world?
10. Are you affiliated with the RYA?

Is it hard work?

Yes and no! Work on the Commercial Charter Yachts can be pretty tough: provisioning the yacht, assisting guests, assisting with cleaning, working the decks, assisting the cook. However, if you are energetic and don't mind getting involved, you will love it.

What do I need to bring?

On the course all meals and linen are provided. All you need to bring is your swim gear, sun screen, clothing, a hat and sunglasses. As you will be spending the entire day on the water, you better also bring a t shirt with long sleeves not to get sun burnt. When you are going in the Australian autumn or winter, you might need a jacket too.

Am I guaranteed a job?

No, but then again all of the Xtreme Gappers that did this course were offered a job. You would have to fail the course (which is highly unlikely) or be very anti-social with terrible interpersonal skills not be offered a job. At the end of the day it is in your interest to pass the course, and there are jobs out there. This really is the gate way to the best backpacker job in Australia.

What is the difference between this and the shorter programmes?

By taking this course you are given priority for when jobs arise in the fleet. There are other shorter courses on offer providing similar qualifications. However, anyone who has done a sailing course on a small boat (say 25 to 45ft) would soon quickly realise that working on a Maxi is a whole new ball game. The rigging is different, the loads are different, you have coffee grinder winches, multiple winches working together and these yachts can really cause harm if people are not familiar, trained and experienced. This programme gives you experience on the big yachts and greatly increases your emploment prospects.

What is Airlie Beach like?

Airlie Beach is really popular, and for good reasons too. Check the video section for more of an idea about the area.

How do I get to Airlie Beach?

When you head out from Europe to do the Whitsundays as the first thing you will do Down Under the best is to fly to Cairns or Brisbane. Cairns is about 600km located from Airlie Beach and Brisbane around 1,100km. From there you take the Greyhound bus to Airlie Beach. When you are already in Sydney there are two options. The fastest is to fly from Sydney via Hamilton Island to Airlie Beach (around 120GBP one way). Airlie Beach has only got an airport for continental flights. Or the longer version would be to take a Greyhound Bus or use the Bruce Bus Pass OZ Experience. For your information Sydney to Airlie Beach is around 1,900km.

What does an Australian Working Holiday Visa cost?

The Australian Working Holiday Visa subclass 417 costs around £170, which is the equivalent of €215. Rates change constantly so use this only as an indication. Furthermore you need to have around £2,000 in your bank account when you enter Australia with a Working Holiday Visa. You will apply for a visa before you go and will do this online at the website of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship of the Australian Government.

Can I do the course if I do not have a Working Holiday Visa?

Yes, you can undertake the 23 day program. but when you are oversees and do not have a working holiday visa, you cannot apply for a job with us at the end of the program. Some guests have done this program because they saw it as a good way to spend 3 weeks.    

Are the qualifications I get recognized elsewhere in the world?

Yes, if you succeed you will have a valid internationally recognized sailing degree. However you may need further certifications to work else where like your first Aid Certificate and The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) certificate.

Are you affiliated with the RYA?

Unfortunately we are not affiliated with the RYA, so we would not employ someone with any of the RYA qualifications, for example the RYA Day Skipper Qualification. So, in order to be able to obtain a job with us you have to do the course.