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.
Your Objective
Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to operate a vessel independently.
By the end of the week, you will have transitioned from a novice to a capable skipper, equipped to navigate diverse maritime environments, anticipate challenges, and ensure the safety of your vessel and crew.
Certification (IYT) is optional, with practical and theoretical exams conducted on the final day.
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 built from 2024 onwards.
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
PREMIUM ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGE
Transparent pricing for a premium experience with zero hidden costs.
Step aboard and leave the logistics behind.
There is no shared expense fund or daily management required.
Your fee covers the entire operation of a brand new yacht, maximum two years old, allowing you to focus entirely on the sailing and the Mediterranean landscape.
INCLUDED
✓ 7 Days Accommodation on a Premium Yacht
✓ Private Professional 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
✓ 50% discount voucher for
international certifications
(VHF and International Bareboat Skipper)
What is Extra
✓ Dinners ashore & Alcoholic beverages
STANDARD PACKAGE
Authentic seamanship and practical yacht management.
Experience the true realities of offshore cruising.
This package provides expert instruction aboard our modern fleet of brand new yachts,
maximum two years old. Embracing traditional maritime logistics, the crew shares a common fund to independently manage provisions, diesel, and marina fees, giving you essential hands-on practice for your future commands.
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)
DEDICATED DATES AND CREWS
To maintain the integrity of your sailing experience,
our Premium and Standard packages operate completely independently.
These formats run on separate weeks, aboard different yachts, with dedicated crews.
We never mix Premium and Standard students on the same voyage.
This ensures that everyone on board shares the exact same logistical approach,
focus, and expectations for the journey.
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 All-Inclusive price?
We believe in a stress-free experience. Your price includes 7 nights of accommodation in a private cabin, expert professional instruction, all marina and berthing fees, fuel, final cleaning, and tourist taxes. We also provide breakfast and lunch on board, so you don’t have to worry about shared grocery funds or hidden boat expenses.
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What is included in the Standard Course price??
our base fee covers the core essentials of your training: your cabin aboard a modern yacht, professional offshore instruction, and all safety equipment. Because this package focuses on the real-world logistics of running a vessel, the crew handles the daily variable costs directly. Expenses such as supermarket provisions, diesel, marina berths, and local taxes are shared equally. To keep financial management simple and completely transparent, the crew uses the Splitwise app. Every shared expense is logged into the application, automatically tracking and dividing the daily costs among all students without any hassle.
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How do we handle dinner?
Every evening, we moor in a different marina or charming harbor. This gives you the freedom to explore the local Croatian culture and dine at authentic island restaurants. Dinner and personal alcoholic beverages are the only expenses not included in the course fee.
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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.