Advanced Performance Sailing
Elevate your seamanship.
Master spinnaker handling, sail trim, and complex navigation dynamics.
From Competence to Mastery
Designed for skilled sailors, this 7-day intensive is not about learning the ropes.
It represents the shift to mastering the vessel.
With expert coaching from our captains, you will master the physics of sail trim, the thrill of Spinnakers and Gennakers, and the nuances of crew leadership.
This is where you transition from a driver to a true commander.
REFINING SKILLS FOR PERFORMANCE & SAFETY
Advanced Curriculum
✓ Downwind Mastery: Rigging, hoisting, and trimming Spinnakers (symmetric) and Gennakers (asymmetric). Mastering the gybe and "peeling" techniques.
✓ Precision Sail Trim: Understanding twist, draft position, car adjustments, and backstay tension to optimize speed in light and heavy air.
✓ Regatta Dynamics: Tactics for the start line, mark rounding efficiency, and right-of-way rules in competitive scenarios.
✓ Complex Navigation: Night sailing exercises, blind navigation (fog simulation), and advanced passage planning.
✓ Troubleshooting: Solving sailing issues like line tangles (broaches), rudder failure simulation, and emergency steering.
Pushing the Envelope
While we still navigate through the beautiful islands of the Adriatic, the objective and tempo of this course are fundamentally different. The scenery is secondary to the training.
We move beyond fair-weather sailing, actively searching for more challenging conditions to refine your boat handling skills under pressure, always within a managed environment. The curriculum is advanced: you will execute complex tasks such as docking and undocking in tight marinas without engine assistance, conducting disciplined night watches, and taking decisive command as you lead the crew through realistic simulated emergencies. It is a week of high-intensity learning, structured to build the deep competence and reactive muscle memory essential for safe offshore cruising or high-level racing.
GENNAKER & ASYMMETRIC HANDLING
Mastering Downwind Dynamics without the Chaos
Downwind sailing should be fast, silent, and efficient.
Yet, most sailors rely on the engine when the wind drops because they fear the "big sail".
In this module, we demystify the asymmetric spinnaker.
You will learn that handling 150m² of sail cloth is not about muscle, it is about strict procedure, clear communication, and understanding the apparent wind. We turn anxiety into tactical advantage.
Preparation & Hoisting
Safety begins in the cockpit. We teach you the rigorous checklist required before the bag even opens. You will learn proper sheet routing, halyard preparation, and the critical role of the "tack line".
We practice the hoist coordination between the pitman and the bowman to ensure the sail fills instantly and cleanly, avoiding the dreaded hourglass twist.
Active Trimming & Gybing
Driving under a gennaker requires a different mindset. You will learn to steer by the luff, understanding the constant dialogue between the helm and the trimmer. We cover VMG (Velocity Made Good) optimization, how to keep the sail pressurized in waves, and the step-by-step choreography of the inside gybe, ensuring the sheet never wraps around the forestay.
The Drop & Recovery
Getting the sail down safely is more important than getting it up. We drill the "Letterbox Drop" (using the mainsail as a shield), the standard hatch drop, and snuffer handling. You will learn how to depower the sail instantly using the sheet and brace, allowing a single crew member to recover the canvas even in increasing winds without panic or equipment damage.
Time & Location
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Duration: 7 Days (Sat-Sat)
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Check-in: Saturday, 17:00
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Check-out: Saturday, 09:00
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Base: D-Marin Dalmacija, Sukošan (Pier A)
Private Accommodation
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Occupancy: Single Occupancy
(1 Person per Cabin). -
Couples: Double bed available only upon request for couples.
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Privacy: No sharing with strangers.
Requirements
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Experience: Previous sailing experience required.
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License: International Bareboat Skipper recommended (but not mandatory if experienced).
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Health: Fit for active maneuvering.
The Outcome
By the end of the week, you will possess the instinctive skills to handle a vessel in varying weather conditions. You will understand how to extract maximum speed from the sails and how to keep your crew safe when the weather turns. You will emerge not just as a license holder,
but as a Yachtmaster.
INCLUDED
✓ 7 Days Onboard a Modern Performance Yacht
✓ Professional Race Coach & Instructor
✓ Unlimited Fuel & Final Cleaning (No hidden fees)
✓ All Marina & Anchoring Fees (Full coverage)
✓ National Park Tickets (Kornati & Krka)
✓ Excursion Transfers (e.g., Krka Waterfalls)
✓ Daily Breakfast & Light Lunch (Prepared onboard)
✓ All Tourist Taxes
✓ Exclusive Welcome Kit
What is Extra
✓ Official License Exam Fee (Optional)
✓ Dinners ashore & Alcoholic beverages
PREMIUM ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGE
Transparent pricing for a premium experience with zero hidden costs.
Unlike standard charter schools, we do not ask for a shared expense fund ('kitty').
Your fee covers the entire operation of a brand new yacht (max 2 years old).
FAQ | Advanced Sailing Course
What technical skills will I master in this course?
This course is designed to transition you from a sailor to a confident skipper. We focus on advanced boat handling, including precise docking maneuvers in tight marinas (Mediterranean mooring), the use of the Gennaker for performance sailing, and complex passage planning. You will also experience night navigation to master light recognition and radar situational awareness.
How many miles will we cover during the week?
We typically cover approximately 200 nautical miles during this intensive week. This is an excellent way to build a significant entry in your logbook, which is essential for those aiming for higher-level international certifications or proving experience for future yacht charters.
Will we sail at night?
Yes. Understanding the sea after sunset is a critical skill for any offshore sailor. We conduct supervised night passages to help you gain confidence in navigation, light identification, and maintaining safety protocols in low-visibility conditions.
Is the IYT certification included?
The IYT certification is optional. Since many of our advanced students already hold certain licenses and are joining to refresh their skills or master specific maneuvers, we offer the certification as an add-on. Both practical and theoretical exams are conducted on the final day of the course.
What is included in the All-Inclusive price?
To keep your focus entirely on the training, your fee covers 7 nights in a private cabin, expert professional instruction, all marina and berthing fees, yacht fuel, final cleaning, and tourist taxes. We also provide high-quality ingredients for breakfast and lunch on board.
How do we handle dinners and shore time?
After a day of intensive training and maneuvers, we moor in local marinas or harbors. This allows you to relax and enjoy the local Croatian gastronomy. Dinner at restaurants and personal alcoholic beverages are the only expenses not included in the course price.
Where is the meeting point for the Advanced Course?
We meet at D-Marin Dalmacija in Sukošan, near Zadar. This is our strategic base because it provides immediate access to challenging navigation routes and top-tier marina facilities. You will receive a detailed arrival guide with maps and transport tips once your booking is confirmed.