Beginner Sailing Course
From Novice to Competent Crew.
Build a solid foundation in safety, seamanship, and life at sea.
Your First Step into the Sailing World
This course is designed for those with little to no prior experience who dream of understanding the true mechanics of sailing. Over 7 intensive days, we demystify the ocean.
You will evolve from a passive passenger into an active, useful, and confident member of the crew.
Under the guidance of our expert professional Captains, you will build the correct habits from day one—blending the discipline of serious sailing with the joy of exploring the Adriatic coast.
What You Will Master
The 5 Pillars of Seamanship
✓ Boat Maneuvering: Docking (stern-to and alongside), catching mooring buoys, safe anchoring techniques, and maneuvering in tight spaces using the "prop walk" effect.
✓ Navigation & Electronics: Reading paper charts, passage planning, understanding meteorology, and using onboard instruments (GPS/Plotter).
✓ Skipper Skills: Check-in/Check-out procedures (how to inspect a charter boat), knots, rope handling, and crew leadership.
✓ Safety at Sea: VHF radio usage, Man Overboard (MOB) recovery, first aid location, and emergency protocols.
✓ Technical Troubleshooting: Recognizing and solving common mechanical failures (engine checks, water pump, batteries) to ensure self-sufficiency.
Exploring the Archipelago
Our journey begins and ends in D-Marin Sukošan, following a route carefully crafted to offer a dynamic range of sailing environments. We will transit the sheltered waters of the Šibenik Canal, anchor near the stunning Krka Waterfalls, and navigate the intricate archipelago of the Kornati National Park—a perfect real-world training ground.
This is full immersion. Living aboard 24/7, you experience the authentic reality of charter life.
From strategic morning briefings to relaxing evening debriefs docked in historic harbors, you are completely absorbed in the sailing lifestyle.
Build a practical foundation for sailing
By the end of the week, you will have practised essential sailing, boat handling, navigation and safety skills under professional supervision. Your instructor will help you understand your strengths and the experience you need before taking responsibility as skipper.
Certification is optional and depends on the requirements and assessment for the qualification you choose. Completing a beginner course does not automatically qualify you for independent yacht charter.
THE CREW FOUNDATION
Handling, Ropework, and Rules of the Road
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: You never share a cabin with a stranger.
Requirements
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Experience: None required.
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Health: Must be able to swim.
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Gear: Soft bags only
(Packing list provided).
Tacking & Gybing
Mastering the wind angle.
We drill the precise choreography of the Tack (upwind) and the Gybe (downwind).
You will learn to coordinate the helm and sheets to maintain momentum through the turn, executing smooth transitions without losing speed or control of the boom.
Essential Knots
A knot is a security device, not just a loop. We focus on the "Big Five" of sailing: Bowline, Clove Hitch, Round Turn, Figure-Eight, and Cleat Hitch. You will learn not only how to tie them under pressure but also when to use the correct knot for the specific load and situation.
Collision Regulations
The logic of traffic at sea. Before you take the helm, you must understand who has the right of way. We simplify the "Rules of the Road," teaching you to instantly identify risk in crossing, overtaking, and head-on scenarios so you can navigate crowded waters with confidence.
Our Premium Training Fleet
Start Your Journey on Modern Yachts
We believe your first experience at sea should be safe, comfortable, and unforgettable.
Our beginner courses are held exclusively on high-performance monohulls.
With pristine sails and state-of-the-art equipment, you get the best handling and absolute peace of mind while you learn.
Beneteau First 44
The Speed and Performance
Engineered for pure performance and speed, the Beneteau First 44 delivers an exhilarating sailing experience. Its aerodynamic lines and advanced sail plan ensure swift, responsive handling. You will feel the immediate connection to the wind, making it an exceptional vessel to understand the true dynamics of fast, efficient sailing.
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Key Specifications:
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Cabins: 3
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Heads (Bathrooms): 2
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Length Overall: 14.15 m
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Diesel Capacity: 200 L
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Water Capacity: 370 L
Bavaria C46
The Strength of German Engineering
Representing the pinnacle of strong German engineering, the Bavaria C46 offers unmatched stability and robustness on the water. Its solid construction provides a secure, steady platform, allowing you to learn with absolute confidence. Even in changing conditions, this yacht remains incredibly steady, forgiving, and highly reliable.
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Key Specifications:
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Cabins: 4
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Heads (Bathrooms): 3
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Length Overall: 14.50 m
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Diesel Capacity: 244 L
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Water Capacity: 554 L
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490
The Innovation in Design
A masterpiece of modern maritime design, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 redefines comfort and movement on deck. With its innovative walk-around decks and ergonomic layout, every aspect of this yacht is crafted for seamless operation. The intelligent, elegant design allows you to move safely and effortlessly while mastering your new skills at sea.
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Key Specifications:
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Cabins: 4
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Heads (Bathrooms): 4
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Length Overall: 14.42 m
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Diesel Capacity: 240 L
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Water Capacity: 640 L
COURSE FEE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
Your course fee covers professional instruction in English, onboard accommodation
and the listed safety equipment.
Fuel, marina and mooring fees, groceries and other listed onboard expenses are paid separately
and shared by the crew. Restaurant meals, personal drinks and optional certification fees are additional.
INCLUDED
✓ 7 Days Accommodation on a Modern Yacht
✓ Private Professional Instructor
✓ Complete Safety Equipment and Training Gear
What is Extra
✓ Shared Crew Fund (Diesel, Marina, Mooring, and Anchoring Fees)
✓ Onboard Provisions (Supermarket shopping for breakfast, lunch, and snacks)
✓ Dinners ashore and Alcoholic beverages
✓ National Park Tickets and Land Excursions
✓ Local Tourist Taxes
✓ Airport Transfers
COUPLES / FRIENDS
You will share a double cabin (ideal for partners or close friends) and enjoy the authentic experience of practical yacht management. Operating as a true offshore crew, you will manage a shared fund for variable daily costs, including marina fees, fuel, and provisions.
€ 3000 per couple
(€ 1500 per person)
OPTIONAL CERTIFICATION PATHWAY
Enhance your seven-day training in Croatia with an optional international certification pathway.
Choose the VHF/SRC Radio Certificate or work towards the IYT International Bareboat Skipper qualification, subject to the required experience and logged sea miles.
VHF/SRC Radio Certificate
€290
You will learn how to operate a marine VHF radio correctly, communicate with marinas and other vessels, make routine calls, and use the proper procedures for distress, urgency and safety messages.
This qualification is a required foundation for sailors who wish to progress towards further skipper certifications. It demonstrates that you can communicate safely and correctly by marine radio — an essential responsibility when operating a yacht.
For anyone planning to charter, skipper a yacht or build a professional maritime career, the VHF/SRC Certificate is a valuable and internationally recognised addition to their sailing profile.
Certifications are optional and involve additional fees. Bareboat Skipper candidates must meet the required experience and logbook requirements before assessment.
IYT International Bareboat Skipper
International Bareboat Skipper — Sail
€990
Designed for sailors who want to take command of a sailing yacht with confidence. This pathway develops the practical skills needed for coastal cruising, including navigation, passage planning, sail handling, anchoring, mooring, safety procedures and skipper decision-making.
It is the natural next step for sailors who want to charter sailing yachts, lead their own crew and move beyond simply participating on board. You will gain the knowledge and practical confidence to take real responsibility as skipper.
To qualify, you must have a minimum of 200 logged sea miles in your logbook. The certification includes both practical and theoretical examinations on the final day of the sailing programme. The VHF/SRC Radio Certificate is required for progression towards skipper certification.
International Bareboat Skipper — Power & Sail €1290
This option combines the sailing-yacht skipper pathway with practical powerboat handling. Alongside sailing skills, you will develop confidence in engine-based manoeuvring, close-quarters control, docking and operating a motor yacht safely.
It is ideal for sailors who want greater flexibility when chartering or working in yachting. Being qualified and confident on both sail and power vessels broadens your opportunities, strengthens your professional profile and prepares you for a wider range of boats and destinations.
To qualify, you must have a minimum of 200 logged sea miles in your logbook. The certification includes both practical and theoretical examinations on the final day of the sailing programme. The VHF/SRC Radio Certificate is required for progression towards skipper certification.
Certifications are optional and involve additional fees. Bareboat Skipper candidates must meet the required experience and logbook requirements before assessment.
FAQ | Beginner Sailing Course in Croatia
Do I need any previous experience to join the Beginner Course?
No experience is required. This course is specifically designed for those who have never stepped on a sailboat or have only very limited experience. We start with the fundamentals, ensuring you feel safe and comfortable from the moment you board our modern yachts.
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What are the sailing conditions like during the course?
We prioritize your comfort and learning. We sail during daylight hours and only in favorable weather conditions. The waters around Sukošan and the Zadar archipelago are generally calm, providing the perfect environment for beginners to learn without the stress of heavy seas or extreme winds.
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Is the certification included in the course?
The IYT (International Yacht Training) certification is optional. Many of our students are beginners, while others are returning to refresh their skills and already hold a license. If you wish to be certified, we conduct the practical and theoretical exams on the final day, ensuring you have the entire week to practice and gain confidence before the assessment.
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​​What is included in the Course Fee & Cabin Options??
Your course fee includes onboard accommodation, professional instruction in English, and the safety equipment and training gear listed for your course. Fuel, marina and mooring fees, groceries and other listed onboard expenses are paid separately. Certification fees are additional.
How are meals organised?
The crew buys groceries and prepares meals together on board. Grocery costs are shared separately from the course fee. Meals ashore and personal drinks are paid individually
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​How are shared expenses managed?
Variable onboard expenses are shared by the crew and recorded using Splitwise. Before booking, we explain which costs are included in the course fee and which are paid separately.
​Where exactly do we meet to start?
The course starts and ends at D-Marin Dalmacija in Sukošan, just a short distance from Zadar Airport. Before your trip, you will receive a detailed arrival guide with a map of the marina, the exact pier location, and tips on the best taxi or bus options to reach us safely.
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Will I have to share a cabin?
No. At Sailing Munich, we provide Single Occupancy in a private cabin as our standard to ensure you have the privacy and rest you need.
Double cabins are only used if you are traveling with a partner or a friend.