Superyacht Training Academy acquired by NetEd Group
The Superyacht Training Academy (SYTA) has been acquired by the NetEd Group, strengthening South Africa’s position as a key global contributor of highly skilled superyacht professionals, while expanding access to accredited maritime education and sustainable career pathways in the international luxury yachting sector.
SYTA is a specialist maritime institute offering internationally accredited complete training professional yacht crew. Based in Cape Town it offers programmes for superyacht deckhands, stewards and chefs which equip attendees with the primary qualifications needed for a career in the superyacht industry.
SYTA is strategically positioned at the V&A Waterfront suburb and, with the recent announcement of the V&A’s new superyacht basin which includes six dedicated superyacht berths, it is expected to further increase superyacht visits to the area and set Cape Town up as an industry development destination.
Stuart Loxton, CEO of SYTA, said:
“The status of the V&A precinct continues to grow, and its working dock facilities are indicative of the quality and expertise that the local maritime industry has and can build.”
Private education group NetEd brings together four top private higher education institutions, more than 50 qualifications, and 23 000 students across South Africa. Its institutions include Eduvos, Isa Carstens® Academy, and Stellenbosch Business Institute, alongside investment partner EXEO Capital as its founding shareholder.
This latest investment aligns with a growing need for vocational and trade-based skills within the South African economy.
Ben Shaw, M&A Executive at NetEd, says that the investment represents a key opportunity to broaden education options and improve the employability of students. He commented:
“We were impressed by the calibre of SYTA graduates, and we believe SYTA’s holistic training shapes strong working professionals with highly transferable skills. These skills include teamwork, problem solving, decision making, resilience and adaptability – all critical for an AI-enabled world.
“There is lasting value in this form of practical, globally relevant education and so the choice to invest was both intuitive and decidedly future-forward.”
According to NetEd, the superyacht industry has seen robust expansion over the last year with Coherent Market Insights projecting over 11% in annual growth. Having reached a market value of $21.6 billion in 2025, the industry represents considerable socioeconomic potential, with South Africa among the top role-players in this talent-driven market.
While boat-building accounts for a significant proportion of this value chain, talent in the form of superyacht crew is equally critical. It is estimated that South Africa is one of the world’s leading sources of talent, with thousands of crew members appointed annually and approximately 90% of locally trained students achieving placement in well-paid international roles on board.
Loxton concluded:
“By its nature, providing top-level hospitality on superyachts is hard work with commensurate pay. Most junior crew stay in the industry for three years so there is massive demand for new crew every season.
“The choice to work both seasons – in different hemispheres – is the individual’s. We highly recommend doing this to secure tenure. Ultimately, graduates return to South Africa with experience, skills, confidence, and savings.”