Cannes is ramping up its efforts to train the next generation of yacht professionals through a newly announced collaboration with EDGE Academy, designed to meet growing demand for skilled crew in the superyacht sector.
The partnership centres on the Professional Qualification Certificate (CQP) in Yacht Crew, a programme run by the Faculté des Métiers - École Hôtelière de Cannes and certified by the Fédération des Industries Nautiques. The qualification prepares candidates to work as stewards on private yachts, combining 315 hours of classroom instruction with 140 hours of hands-on experience at sea.
EDGE Academy will bring additional training content to the programme, focusing on areas such as onboard life, crew dynamics, cross-cultural communication, luxury service protocols and career preparation for international employment. The Faculté des Métiers - École Hôtelière de Cannes will retain responsibility for programme delivery, candidate assessment and certification.
The CQP currently accepts between 12 and 14 candidates annually, with a completion rate of approximately 85 per cent. Under the new three-year agreement, EDGE Academy will initially train around 10 additional students per cycle, with total capacity expected to rise to between 24 and 28 trainees per year.
The expanded curriculum is intended to bridge maritime competencies with the hospitality standards expected in the high-end yachting world, according to Cannes Mayor David Lisnard. Cannes City Council has called the updated programme unique within France for its integration of technical yachting skills and luxury hospitality training.