Cape Town's waterfront training academy delivering RYA, STCW, Yachtmaster and complete superyacht career programmes for crew at every stage.
Book direct →Ocean Star Sailing Academy is an RYA-accredited training centre based at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, one of the Southern Hemisphere's premier sailing destinations. The academy delivers a broad curriculum spanning STCW Basic Safety Training, RYA Shorebased theory, powerboat and personal watercraft qualifications, and full Yachtmaster Sail programmes — all in an environment that combines world-class facilities with year-round sailing conditions.
The academy is particularly well regarded for its intensive superyacht career packages. The Superyacht Deckhand Career Course bundles Efficient Deckhand theory, RYA Powerboat Level II, RYA Personal Watercraft, SAMSA SRC VHF, RYA Radar, RYA Diesel Engine and STCW10 including PDSD into a single practical programme, complete with course manuals and CV assistance to help students enter the industry employment-ready.
Alongside deck training, Ocean Star runs a 20-day Superyacht Stewardess Career Course (with Food Safety Level 2 included), a Superyacht Chef Career Course covering culinary and food-and-health-safety skills, and standalone RYA Shorebased theory courses at Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster level. The V&A Waterfront base puts students right at the heart of Cape Town's sailing scene from day one.
STCW safety-at-sea training delivered from the academy's V&A Waterfront base in Cape Town. The mandatory internationally recognised certification required before joining any commercial vessel.
Book on Ocean Star →RYA Day Skipper Theory and RYA Yachtmaster Theory shorebased courses. Build the essential navigation, meteorology and seamanship knowledge underpinning all RYA practical qualifications.
Book on Ocean Star →RYA Powerboat Level 1 & 2 and RYA Personal Watercraft (jet ski) courses. Essential qualifications for superyacht crew operating tenders and water sports equipment.
Book on Ocean Star →RYA Yachtmaster Sail — theory and practical — at an RYA and South African Sailing accredited training centre. One of the most respected offshore qualifications for professional sailors worldwide.
Book on Ocean Star →A 20-day intensive programme covering all aspects of the superyacht interior role, with Food Safety Level 2 included. Designed to take candidates from beginner to employment-ready interior crew.
Book on Ocean Star →Superyacht Chef Career Course combined with Food & Health Safety training. Prepares candidates for the galley on board superyachts, covering both culinary skills and maritime food hygiene requirements.
Book on Ocean Star →Intensive practical package combining Efficient Deckhand theory, RYA Powerboat Level II, RYA Personal Watercraft, SAMSA SRC VHF, RYA Radar, RYA Diesel Engine and STCW10 including PDSD — with course manuals and CV assistance.
Book on Ocean Star →Prices and dates are indicative — confirm directly with Ocean Star Sailing Academy before booking.
A 5-star luxury hotel in the heart of the Cape Town CBD, housed in a heritage building and offering a full-service spa, two restaurants, and an indoor pool.
View options →A 4-star boutique guesthouse in the De Waterkant neighbourhood offering luxury rooms, free parking, city-view balconies, and daily maid service.
View options →Self-catering luxury apartments and penthouses within the V&A Waterfront Marina, offering direct yacht-basin views, 4 communal pools, gym, and 24-hour security — serviced to 5-star hotel standard.
View options →Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is approximately 20 km (12 miles) south-east of the city centre. Journey to the CBD takes around 20–30 minutes by metered taxi or rideshare (Uber/Bolt), rising to 30–45 minutes in peak-hour traffic. Taxi fare is approximately ZAR 400–600 (roughly £17–£25). No direct public bus link — the MyCiTi airport bus service was discontinued in December 2022.
Cape Town Railway Station sits on Adderley Street in the CBD, serving as the hub of the Metrorail Western Cape (PRASA) network with lines running to Simon's Town, the Southern Suburbs, and the Cape Flats. Metrorail is low-cost but reliability and safety concerns mean most visitors and maritime professionals use taxis or rideshares instead. Underground parking is available at the station for drivers.
Regular ferry service operates from the Nelson Mandela Gateway, Clock Tower Precinct, V&A Waterfront, to Robben Island — primarily a heritage and tourist route (30–60 minutes' crossing each way). No scheduled inter-city coastal passenger ferry services operate from Cape Town.
Robben Island ferry →From the N1 or N2 national routes, merge onto the Elevated Freeway into the city, take the slipway into Walter Sisulu Avenue, then turn into Lower Long Street for the CBD. The N2 connects to the Garden Route and eastern South Africa; the N1 leads to Johannesburg. Parking in the CBD can be competitive — secure underground parking is available at Cape Town Station and at major shopping centres including the V&A Waterfront. Rideshares are often more convenient than self-parking in the city centre.
Open in Maps →Cape Town is well-served by air. Road is the most practical option once in the city — metered taxis and rideshares (Uber/Bolt) are widely used. The Metrorail commuter network exists but reliability can be poor; visitors are generally advised to use taxis or rideshares for safety and convenience.