Learn to handle a Sailing Yacht
Your first step into the sailing world—catch the wind and discover life at sea.
Courses Dates
Week 20
8 – 15 May 2026
Croatia
OPEN – €900
Week 23
29 May – 5 June 2026
Croatia
OPEN – €900
At Sailing Academy, you’ll learn the ropes—literally. From mastering sail trim and navigation to handling real docking scenarios, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to sail like a pro. You’ll explore beautiful destinations, work as part of a crew, and experience the unique thrill of life at sea.
Sailing isn’t just about technique—it’s about adventure and connection. You’ll build friendships on and off the water, learning to work as a team while navigating new challenges.
Master the basics, embrace the adventure, and let the wind guide you—ready to set sail? Apply now.
This Could Be the Start of Your Sailing Journey!
Every year, we train future sailors from around the world. Those who successfully complete Sailing Academy gain the skills and confidence to handle a yacht and navigate real-world scenarios.
Join us and take your first step into the sailing world.
-
Learn to sail and handle a yacht with confidence. -
Gain essential skills in navigation, docking, and crew coordination. -
Explore stunning destinations while building lifelong friendships. -
Open the door to Skipper Academy and future professional opportunities. -
Experience the freedom of life at sea.
Ready to catch the wind?
Experience
No prior sailing experience required—just a willingness to learn and a passion for the sea.
Apply
Create an account and complete the application form. Show us why you’re ready to set sail!
Learn
Join Sailing Academy in Croatia and develop the essential skills for sailing and yacht handling.
Set Sail
After completing Sailing Academy, you’ll have the skills to sail independently and qualify directly for Skipper Academy.
Confident Sailing Starts Here!
Sailing Academy is designed for those who want to sail privately with confidence. Whether you’ve dabbled in sailing or just haven’t quite built up the skills to handle a larger yacht alone, this course will give you the knowledge and experience to take the helm with ease.
Over the course of a week, you’ll train on premium 45–50ft monohulls and catamarans, learning essential yacht handling skills like docking, sail trim, and navigation. Our experienced instructors will guide you through real-world scenarios, helping you master the techniques needed to sail confidently and manage a yacht independently.
Beyond technical skills, you’ll develop a solid understanding of yacht management—from safety protocols and anchoring to provisioning and crew coordination. You’ll also gain valuable insights into handling different weather conditions and making quick decisions under pressure.
By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills and confidence to sail larger yachts on your own or with friends and family. Whether you’re planning a coastal getaway or dreaming of longer passages, Sailing Academy sets you up for a lifetime of smooth sailing.
Additional Costs
-
Travel to Split, Croatia -
Transfer to the marina -
First night accommodation and food -
One meal ashore mid week
Skipper Academy Fast Track
Completing Sailing Academy gives you a direct path into Skipper Academy. In 2025, nearly 200 people applied for Skipper Academy, but only 28 were accepted. By passing Sailing Academy, you’ll skip the competition and secure your spot, setting you on course to become a professional skipper.
Being accepted into Skipper Academy is not a guarantee that you’ll pass—but 90% of our students do. Graduating from Skipper Academy opens the door to an exciting career as a skipper in the sailing charter industry, giving you the chance to work on premium charters and explore the world by sea.
Quarterdeck offers a unique opportunity—not only will you gain the skills to skipper a yacht, but you’ll also have the chance to secure your first weeks of work. Breaking into the industry can be tough, but Quarterdeck helps you get past that initial barrier, setting you up for success from day one.
Note: Choose Sailing Academy Week 20 followed by Skipper Academy Week 21 if you want to complete all courses and be ready for the 2026 Mediterranean season!