+385 22 439 000

info@centerofsailing.com

Frequently Asked Question

How can I learn how to sail?

The best is to join a course at a sailing school. We offer courses for all levels – beginner: RYA Competent Crew course, or RYA Day Skipper Fast Track, intermediate: RYA Day Skipper course and advanced: RYA Coastal Skipper course.

We also offer courses to expand and broaden your sailing knowledge: RYA VHF – SRC Marine Radio courseSail Faster!, and mile-building Dubrovnik Adventure.

The advantage of joining a course at a sailing school is that a trained instructor will lead you through it following a structured program, saving you much time and struggle. Our experienced and patient instructors will help you achieve your goal of becoming a sailor. They have thousands of miles under their belt and enjoy teaching sailing.

Who can learn how to sail?

Anyone can learn how to sail – regardless of age and fitness level. Sailing is truly a lifelong activity. Different models of yachts and types of sailing allow people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels to enjoy it.

Our sailing yachts are performance cruisers, which makes them suitable for learning and regatta sailing without compromising comfort. As for age, we offer courses for 12 + (12 – 18 years only accompanied by parent/guardian at all times).

How long it takes to learn sailing?

You’ll learn the basics of sailing in a week at a sailing school. However, to get the minimum required certificates and skills in sailing, navigation, seamanship and meteorology to sail safely on your own, you’ll need to take at least two theory and practical courses.

We recommend the RYA Competent Crew (practical) course, followed by RYA Day Skipper Theory and RYA VHF – SRC Marine Radio courses, and the RYA Day Skipper (practical) course at the end. If you want to get the skills and certificates to sail on your own as soon as possible, check out our RYA Day Skipper Fast Track course. We also offer courses to expand and broaden your sailing knowledge – Sail Faster! course and mile-building Dubrovnik Adventure.

What are RYA sailing courses and certificates?

British Royal Yachting Association’s (RYA) training scheme is the world’s biggest, best and most reputable yachting training scheme. With more than 50 years of tradition, the RYA offers more than 100 courses – from beginner to professional level – through 2.400 recognised training centres in 58 countries.

Each year, more than 270.000 people learn how to sail on sailing yachts or dinghies, operate a powerboat, motor yacht or jet ski, surf and race on the RYA courses. More than 25.000 professional RYA instructors deliver the RYA courses, and the RYA publishes more than 100 publications to support its courses. Also, over 25.000 professionals working on commercial vessels worldwide have RYA Certificates of Competence.

The RYA certificates for recreational and professional boaters are recognised and accepted worldwide. With the RYA Day Skipper or the RYA Coastal Skipper certificate and a VHF – SRC Marine Radio certificate, you’ll be able to charter a sailing yacht in Croatia and most countries worldwide. Center of Sailing is an RYA recognised training centre.

What does it mean that the Center of Sailing is an RYA recognised training centre?

Center of Sailing is an RYA recognised training centre, which means we comply with the high standards of the RYA training scheme. Our RYA instructors are trained professionals who did most of the RYA courses they now teach. The equipment of our yacht and the way we operate comply with RYA’s strict safety standards, and we must pass an RYA inspection every year.

The RYA licences us to run the RYA courses following a structured program accompanied by all necessary handbooks and training materials published by the RYA. The RYA also authorises us to issue the RYA certificates for successful students after the courses.

To enable our students to expand and broaden their sailing skills, we also offer non-RYA courses – Sail Faster! and mile-building Dubrovnik Adventure.

Which RYA sailing courses and certificates does the Center Of Sailing offer?

We offer the RYA Competent Crew (practical) course, the RYA Day Skipper Theory course, the RYA Day Skipper (practical) course, the RYA VHF – SRC Marine Radio course, the RYA Coastal Skipper course. We also offer a Day Skipper Fast Track program and refreshers of RYA courses.

After successfully completing these courses, students get awarded the appropriate RYA certificate. The RYA certificates for recreational and professional boaters are recognised and accepted worldwide. With the RYA Day Skipper or the RYA Coastal Skipper certificate and a VHF – SRC Marine Radio certificate, you’ll be able to charter a sailing yacht in Croatia and most countries worldwide.

What are the advantages of the RYA courses?

– Internationally recognised and accepted certificates
– Quality educational materials and methods
– Professional instruction by trained instructors
– Specific goals and training for each level of the program
– Special students discounts on chartering one of the boats in our fleet

What’s the RYA courses pathway?

First, you join the RYA Competent Crew course to learn sailing, knots and basic seamanship. Then you follow with a Day Skipper Theory course and a Day Skipper (practical) course to start sailing on your own.

The RYA Day Skipper certificate, accompanied by the RYA VHF – SRC Marine Radio certificate, is the minimum requirement to charter a yacht in Croatia and worldwide.

The RYA Coastal Skipper course is the next step if you want to sail day and night on longer coastal and offshore passages. It also puts an excellent foundation for the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster(TM) qualifications

What to pack/wear for/on a sailing course?

Warm weather: hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, shorts, T-shirts, long sleeved top for sun protection, swimwear, non-marking deck shoes or trainers, flip flops (only on land), spare set of clothing, toiletries, clothing for trips ashore, lightweight jacket (hiking type)

Cold weather: sunglasses, sunscreen, lightweight jacket, fleece, hoodie, comfortable quick dry trousers, non-marking deck shoes or trainers, sailing boots, waterproof sailing jacket and trousers, warm underwear, a spare set of clothing and clothing for trips ashore. 

Please note that even in the summer months it can get chilly on the sea so don t forget to pack a beanie and/or neckwarmer.

Special sailing gear: We strongly advise taking a pair of good-fitting sailing gloves.
Here are some brands and stores where you can find sailing gear: Decathlon, GillSailing Point, Musto, Helly Hansen, Slam, Henri Lloyd.

Please use soft foldable bags because of the limited storage on board. In case you can’t avoid a hard-shelled trolley we have some storage place in our office. Please take all the medicines (prescription and non-prescription) needed for the whole course duration.

Bedding, blankets, towels and beachtowels are in price included.

I have no foul-weather gear. Can I still take part in a course?

In that case, we have some waterproof jackets and trousers for you so you can still enjoy your course staying dry. Please note that the choice of sizes may be limited.

What’s included in the price of a sailing course?

– The course
– Instructor
– Accommodation in shared cabins – single-use of cabins available
– Free unlimited wi-fi on board
– Fuel
– Cooking gas
– Final cleaning
– Docking fees in the base marina – ACI Jezera
– Bed sheets, blankets, duvets, pillows, pillowcases, towels,beach towels
– Cleaning utensils, kitchen towels, bathroom soap, mosquito repellent
– Plates, glasses, cups, cutlery
– Tourist tax
– VAT

Additionally, for the RYA courses:
– RYA Instructor
– RYA course materials and handbooks
– RYA certificates, after successful completion of the course
– RYA log books with mileage signed in

Not Included:
– Flights and travel costs
– Travel and medical insurance
– Docking/buoy fees in other marinas/bays
– Food & drinks – for the crew and the instructor

Do I need my safety equipment?

No, our sailing yachts are equipped with all required safety equipment, including liferaft, self-inflatable lifejackets and harness lines.

What are the additional costs of a sailing course?

– Food & drinks – for the crew and the instructor
– Docking/buoy fees in other marinas/bays
– Flights and travel costs
– Travel and medical insurance

What facilities are available onboard?

Depending on the course booked, the yachts are equipped with 2, 3 or 4+1 cabins and (1 or 4 toilets with sinks, mirrors and hot water showers). The kitchen includes the most important – a fridge, sink, two gas cooking rings and a small oven.
 
Offshore there are 12 VOLT and USB chargers for computers and phones. 220 Volt power is available only when docked in a marina or port. Since our routes are sometimes out of the coverage of telephone networks, there may be interruptions in communication.

In which language are the courses held?

All RYA courses are held exclusively in English. Other can be in Croatian, German and English – depending on the student’s wishes.

What if I become seasick on a sailing course?

It’s always a good idea to come prepared with sea sickness medication like Dramamine, even if you never need it. We’ll provide it if you don’t have it with you. Sea sickness usually reduces on its own after a few hours or days as the body gets used to the motion. We’ll always find the time to stop so you can recover without skipping any course program.

How can I keep sailing after the course?

If you want more sailing experience after the course, you can join one of our upgrade and mile-building courses. If you want to spend some time on the water with your family but still need support for skippering a yacht, you can book a family sailing trip with us.

We can organise team-building for your business colleagues or partners too. You can also charter one of the yachts from our Alternautika charter fleet. The students who successfully finish their RYA Day Skipper or RYA Coastal Skipper course get 30% off in case they decide to charter with us. You’ll also need an RYA VHF-SRC Marine radio certificate to charter a yacht in Croatia and other countries worldwide.

How do I make a booking?

You can make the booking online or via email.
For online booking follow the steps after clicking on a ‘BOOK NOW’ button next to the date in the course description. The Booking form will open, and you’ll be able to input all the required information there. Finally, the system will take you to the payment form if we don’t need to approve your booking request before you can pay. If we do, we’ll contact you within 24 hours of your booking request and proceed with the booking afterwards.
If you prefer booking via email please send us an email or fill in the contact form and we will get back to you soon describing the following steps.
Also, feel free to contact us for everything you need.

Can I book as an individual? Can we book as a group?

Both are possible. We ll do our best to make everyone feel welcome and involved.
For group bookings and additional info please contact us .

Is there a minimum of students required for the course to take place?

No. We do not cancel courses – even if it means you’re the only student.
We understand that you have taken a vacation, booked flights and rearranged your life to take this course.

What are the payment methods?

You can pay by bank transfer, credit card and PayPal. 50% upon booking request and 50% latest four weeks before the beginning of the course. If you book the course within 30 days before the start of the course, we’ll charge the total amount of the course price. 

What is your cancellation policy?

Please see our general terms and conditions.

When does the course start and finish (schedule for travel and flights planning)?

Each RYA course starts with meeting with your instructor and boarding on saturday 18 h.
The lessons start on sunday 09 h and end on next thursday in the afternoon/evening hours.
You are welcome to stay onboard until friday morning.

Which is the closest airport to the training center?

Our training center is situated in Jezera on the island of Murter, on the Adriatic coast between the towns of Zadar and Sibenik. The closest airport iz Zadar airport (ca 65 km, 50 min drive), but Split airport is also within reach (ca 95 km, 1 h 15 min drive).

What is the best way to reach Centerofsailing from the airport?

The easiest way to reach us is by taxi transfer. In high season it is adviseable to arrange the transfer in advance. We ll be happy to arrange that for you (in that case please provide full name, contact phone, flight nr, arrival time and airport).
In case we have several students arriving to the same airport we connect them to enable them to split the transfer costs.
The second option is via bus from Zadar/Split to Vodice and by taxi from Vodice to Jezera.

Is accomodation included in price? What type?

Yes, accomodation onboard is in price included. Our course boats are equipped with all necessary for a comfortable stay on the water. There is no need for you to take your sleeping bags or towels – bedding is included, as well as towels for shower and hands, beachtowels and basic sanitary equipment (liquid soap, dishwashing liquid and sponge, kitchencloths).
Don t be worried about cold weather as there is webasto heating onboard.
Unlimited WIFI is also available onboard (you ll be provided with the password).
The price is based on a shared cabin occupanccy but you can also book a single cabin which increases the price by 50%.

Need help?

We organise sailing courses for all knowledge levels: – beginners, advanced, cruising, skippers and custom made courses.