Sailing Academy
Sailing Academy is a 7-day course designed for anyone looking to learn the fundamentals of sailing and handle a large sailing yacht with confidence. Whether you want to charter a yacht for your friends and family, sail your own vessel, or take the first step toward a professional career, this course covers essential skills like sail trim, navigation, and docking.
Courses Dates
2026 Courses
Croatia
8 - 15 May 2026
Croatia
29 May - 5 June 2026
2027 Courses
Croatia
8 - 15 May 2027
Croatia
29 May - 5 June 2027
This is an entry-level course designed for those with little to no prior sailing experience, but with a strong desire to learn. No prior experience or licence is required. However, a willingness to embrace the challenges of life on the water is essential.
Throughout the course, you will learn key sailing fundamentals such as sail trim, tacking, and gybing. You will also cover basic navigation, knot tying, and weather reading. Practical training will focus on real-world scenarios, including stress-free Mediterranean mooring and anchoring. This ensures you feel confident handling a large sailing yacht in a variety of conditions.
Beyond technical skills, you will gain valuable experience exploring local ports and anchorages, developing local knowledge that will serve you well on future sailing adventures. You will also have the chance to connect with fellow students and your instructor, as you will live, eat, and sail together as a crew for the week. Expect plenty of fun along the way!
Learn to Sail, No Experience Needed
This is an entry-level course designed for those with little to no prior sailing experience, but with a strong desire to learn. No prior experience or licence is required. However, a willingness to embrace the challenges of life on the water is essential.
Throughout the course, you will learn key sailing fundamentals such as sail trim, tacking, and gybing. You will also cover basic navigation, knot tying, and weather reading. Practical training will focus on real-world scenarios, including stress-free Mediterranean mooring and anchoring. This ensures you feel confident handling a large sailing yacht in a variety of conditions.
Beyond technical skills, you will gain valuable experience exploring local ports and anchorages, developing local knowledge that will serve you well on future sailing adventures. You will also have the chance to connect with fellow students and your instructor, as you will live, eat, and sail together as a crew for the week. Expect plenty of fun along the way!
Is this course for you?
Are you eager to learn the fundamentals of sailing and yacht handling?
Do you dream of confidently chartering a yacht for your friends and family?
Are you looking for the best possible preparation to launch a professional career via Skipper Academy?
Are you someone who is ready to step up and take the helm for the first time?
Are you a team player who is excited to learn and grow alongside others?
Are you curious, adventurous, and ready to embrace life on the water?
Most importantly, are you up for a challenge and some serious fun?
If that sounds like you, do not hesitate. Join us for an unforgettable week on the water!
What you can expect from us
What you can expect from us
- Personalised Training – Hands-on instruction and one-on-one guidance from experienced skippers to build your confidence on the water.
- Comprehensive Lessons – A balanced mix of shore-based theory and practical on-water training to give you a solid foundation in yacht handling and sailing.
- Essential Course Materials – All the tools and resources you need to understand the fundamentals of sailing and yacht operations.
- Crew Coordination Skills – Learn how to work effectively with a crew, communicate clearly, and create a smooth sailing experience.
- Sailing & Docking Techniques – Master key maneuvers like tacking, gybing, and Med-mooring to confidently handle a yacht in various conditions.
- Local Exploration & Team Building – Sail along Croatia’s beautiful coastline, gaining local knowledge while bonding with fellow trainees during fun social activities.
- An Unforgettable Week – Train, sail, and connect with like-minded adventurers in one of the world’s most stunning sailing destinations.
By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills, confidence, and experience to take the next step in your sailing journey.
What we expect from you
- Be in good physical shape – Sailing can be physically demanding, so a reasonable level of fitness is important.
- Be able to swim – Comfort in the water is essential for safety and confidence on board.
- Be open to learning – A positive attitude and willingness to take on new challenges are key to getting the most out of the course.
- Enjoy working with others – Sailing is a team effort, so being social and working well with others will make the experience more rewarding.
- Bring a sense of adventure – If you’re ready to embrace life on the water and step outside your comfort zone, you’re in the right place.
Academy Format
The Sailing Academy is an intensive 7-day program designed to take you from little to no sailing experience to confidently handling a yacht. Each yacht is led by a dedicated instructor and shared by a small group of students, creating a supportive and interactive learning environment. Our bases are located in beautiful sailing hubs, including Baotic Marina in Trogir, Croatia, Alimos Marina in Greece, and Nanny Cay Marina in Tortola, BVI.
Course Breakdown
The course starts in the morning with a welcome briefing, followed by theory lectures, provisioning together as a crew, and a mandatory safety brief on the yacht. If the weather and timing allow, you will head out for a short shakedown sail before nightfall.
You will sail every day, completing daily passages with a different stop most evenings at an anchorage or marina. The daily focus rotates through docking, anchoring, sail trim, navigation, and crew communication.
After a final passage back to the home marina, the course officially ends at 15:00. This follows a yacht clean-down, an individual debrief with your instructor. Friday night students usually organise their own dinner (not included)
At 09.00 the yachts should be empty. You may sleep onboard on Friday night but we recommend that you pack your bags and tidy up before you go to bed.
Should you want to sleep in it's recommended to book alternative accommodation.
Course Outcomes
Upon completing the Sailing Academy, you will gain the skills, confidence, and experience needed to handle a large yacht and sail confidently in real-world conditions. More than just a training program, this is your foundation for a future of adventure and exploration on the water.
Whether your ultimate goal is to sail independently with loved ones or to advance to Skipper Academy, this week will transform your abilities. You will develop technical sailing skills, the confidence to handle real-life situations at sea, the ability to work effectively with a crew, and the knowledge to navigate the challenges of yacht handling with ease.