Train at Academy
Complete the practical course that fits your experience.
SAILWEEK ACADEMY · PROFESSIONAL SKIPPER & HOST TRAINING
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PRACTICAL SKIPPER TRAINING
SKIPPER ACADEMY
Train on the water in Croatia. Build practical confidence, sharpen your judgement and take the next step toward professional skippering.
Applications for the 2027 programme • Split region, Croatia
LocationCroatiaPractical, on-water training
Formats1 or 2 weeksBeginner and Catamaran paths
StyleHands-onSmall-group learning
Next stepCareer routeFuture work opportunities
From training to opportunity
A CLEAR ROUTE FORWARD
Academy prepares you for future work opportunities with SailWeek and selected external partners.
Hold the licence
Obtain and maintain the required commercial qualification.
Become eligible
Successful Academy graduates may be offered work opportunities with SailWeek or selected external partners, depending on performance, availability and market demand.
Accept assignments
Available assignments are offered based on performance, availability and market demand.
Successful graduates who meet the required standards will be considered for available roles. Skippers work as independent contractors and may accept or decline offered assignments.
SAILING & MARINA TRAINING · CROATIAChoose your course
BEGINNER OR CATAMARAN
Both courses are practical and intensive. Choose by your current experience, licence status and goals.
BEGINNER ACADEMY
Learn the essentials of sailing, docking, anchoring, navigation, safety, VHF communication and crew leadership across two practical training weeks.
BEST FOR
New skippers and sailors with limited hands-on experience.
New skippers and sailors with limited hands-on experience.
- Two one-week training blocks with a one-week break between them
- Practical boat handling, leadership and safety
- No recognised skipper licence required to attend
PROGRAMME A3–10 Apr 2027
AND
17–24 Apr 2027
PROGRAMME B10–17 Apr 2027
AND
24 Apr–1 May 2027
AND
17–24 Apr 2027
PROGRAMME B10–17 Apr 2027
AND
24 Apr–1 May 2027
€1,700€100 deposit + €800 + €800
ApplyCATAMARAN ACADEMY
Convert monohull experience into confident catamaran handling in one intensive week.
BEST FOR
Licensed skippers with prior work experience on monohulls or catamarans.
Licensed skippers with prior work experience on monohulls or catamarans.
- One intensive practical week
- Recognised skipper licence required
- Catamaran systems, manoeuvres and decision-making
2027 DATE1–8 May 2027
€1,200€100 deposit + €550 + €550
View accepted licences →ApplyCourse details
PLAN YOUR TRAINING
Compare the full Beginner and Catamaran pathways including dates, pricing and entry requirements..
NO LICENCE REQUIRED
BEGINNER ACADEMY
Two-week programme delivered as two one-week training blocks with a one-week break between them.
€1,700€100 deposit + €800 + €800
Dates
Two programme options
Entry requirements
Start with no experience
No prior sailing experience required. No recognised skipper licence is required to attend. Training takes place in the Split region.
Outcome & licence
Build the practical foundation
Develop coastal sailing, docking, anchoring, navigation, safety and crew-leadership skills. Academy completion does not itself issue a commercial licence.
Assessment
Practical evaluation
Boat handling, knowledge, progress, teamwork, work ethic and professional conduct.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS LEARN
- Boat terminology, seamanship and nautical knots
- Sailing fundamentals and sail handling
- Docking, anchoring and manoeuvring
- Navigation, meteorology and safety awareness
- VHF communication and basic first aid
- Communication, teamwork and tour preparation
2027 assessment format: Assessment is carried out throughout the course by Academy instructors, with a final practical exam at the end. Participants are assessed on boat handling, rope work, docking and manoeuvring, navigation and safety, teamwork, communication, work ethic and professional conduct..
PAYMENT & CANCELLATION
ApplyThe €100 first instalment is the booking deposit, forms part of the total course price and is due within 48 hours of receiving your booking confirmation and invoice. Under the normal schedule, half of the remaining course price is due 35 days after the first instalment, and the other half is due 30 days before the course starts.
If the normal instalment schedule would make the second instalment fall after the final payment deadline, the full course price is due in one payment within 48 hours of receiving your booking confirmation and invoice, and before the course starts. Applications accepted within 30 days before the course starts also require full payment in one payment. Your booking confirmation and invoice will state the payment method, amount and exact deadline that apply to your booking.
Send your cancellation in writing. The cancellation fee is the total value of all instalments due at the time we receive your written cancellation. Any charge will not exceed our reasonable net loss caused by your cancellation, taking account of costs saved and any resale. We will explain the calculation and refund any excess already paid.
Read Terms & Conditions →EXPERIENCED SAILORS
CATAMARAN ACADEMY
One intensive week for licensed skippers with prior work experience moving into catamaran handling.
€1,200€100 deposit + €550 + €550
Dates
Confirmed training week
1–8 May 2027
Entry requirements
Licence and experience required
A recognised skipper licence is required. Previous work experience as a skipper on a monohull or catamaran is required. This is not a beginner course.
Outcome & licence
Professional catamaran handling
Strengthen advanced catamaran handling, navigation, safety, crew management and guest-facing decision-making. Valid licensing remains a separate requirement.
Assessment
Practical evaluation
Catamaran handling, navigation, safety, teamwork, work ethic and professional conduct.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS LEARN
- Catamaran systems and advanced seamanship
- Twin-engine manoeuvring in confined spaces
- Catamaran docking and anchoring in wind
- Advanced navigation and meteorology
- MOB, rescue, safety and first-aid exercises
- Crew handling, guest management and tour preparation
2027 assessment format: Assessment is carried out throughout the course by Academy instructors, with a final practical exam at the end. Participants are assessed on boat handling, rope work, docking and manoeuvring, navigation and safety, teamwork, communication, work ethic and professional conduct..
PAYMENT & CANCELLATION
View accepted licencesApplyThe €100 first instalment is the booking deposit, forms part of the total course price and is due within 48 hours of receiving your booking confirmation and invoice. Under the normal schedule, half of the remaining course price is due 35 days after the first instalment, and the other half is due 30 days before the course starts.
If the normal instalment schedule would make the second instalment fall after the final payment deadline, the full course price is due in one payment within 48 hours of receiving your booking confirmation and invoice, and before the course starts. Applications accepted within 30 days before the course starts also require full payment in one payment. Your booking confirmation and invoice will state the payment method, amount and exact deadline that apply to your booking.
Send your cancellation in writing. The cancellation fee is the total value of all instalments due at the time we receive your written cancellation. Any charge will not exceed our reasonable net loss caused by your cancellation, taking account of costs saved and any resale. We will explain the calculation and refund any excess already paid.
Read Terms & Conditions →Training in action
HELM, SAIL AND DECKWORK
Real Academy sessions in Croatia, with hands-on coaching on board.
Course costs
WHAT IS INCLUDED
A transparent overview of what the course price covers and what participants arrange separately.
TRAINING ESSENTIALS COVERED
- Accommodation onboard during each training week — accommodation during the break week is not included
- Bed sheets, blankets and towels
- Course materials and SailWeek skipper handbook
- Boat fuel and marina fees
- Croatia tourist tax and final boat cleaning
- SailWeek jacket
- Food package during the course — participants may need to top it up during the week
ADDITIONAL COSTS
- Travel to Split, Croatia
- Transfer from the arrival point to the marina
- Licensing or certification costs where applicable
- Optional group dinner ashore during the week
Food clarification
The food package is included. Participants prepare meals together onboard and may need to supplement the package during the week. This is not a catered-meal service.
The food package is included. Participants prepare meals together onboard and may need to supplement the package during the week. This is not a catered-meal service.
Separate licensing step
YOUR LICENCE COMES AFTER THE ACADEMY
No licence is required to attend the Beginner Academy. After completing it, you must obtain one of SailWeek’s accepted international licences separately before you can become eligible for skipper opportunities. Catamaran Academy applicants must already hold a recognised licence.
Complete Academy training
Build practical skills and complete the relevant Beginner or Catamaran programme.
Choose an accepted licence
Check which international skipper licences SailWeek accepts for the role.
Complete certification separately
Take the required test or certification separately through an approved external provider.
Maintain valid licensing
Eligibility depends on valid licensing, skills, performance and demand.
Beginner candidates use this list after the Academy; Catamaran applicants should check it before applying.View accepted licences
Participant proof
READ VERIFIED ACADEMY REVIEWS
Current participant feedback comes directly from the verified Google Reviews source.
I recently completed the Sailweek Academy as a Skipper and honestly it’s an experience I’ll remember forever. Over the two weeks you learn everything to do with boats in such a hands on way. You naturally become more confident every single day. It’s not just about learning the basics, they really teach you how to take charge, skipper the boat, manoeuvre the yacht, dock confidently, catch a buoy, throw an anchor and understand every role on board, including how to handle situations independently if you’re alone on the boat.
What made it so special for me was how immersive the whole experience was. You’re constantly learning by doing and also by watching others practise. Being surrounded by such a great group of people made it even better. The friendships and connections made during the academy are something I’ll genuinely take with me long after the course.
I came away from the two weeks with a lot more confidence, amazing memories and a real love for sailing. I couldn’t recommend the experience enough to anyone interested in a boat life.
A very special thank you to Marko, Goran, Josip, and Daniel for making the whole experience what it was. You could really see the passion you all have for sailing and it made such a difference learning from you all. Thank you for all the laughs, support, late night sessions and memories over the two weeks it genuinely meant a lot.
What made it so special for me was how immersive the whole experience was. You’re constantly learning by doing and also by watching others practise. Being surrounded by such a great group of people made it even better. The friendships and connections made during the academy are something I’ll genuinely take with me long after the course.
I came away from the two weeks with a lot more confidence, amazing memories and a real love for sailing. I couldn’t recommend the experience enough to anyone interested in a boat life.
A very special thank you to Marko, Goran, Josip, and Daniel for making the whole experience what it was. You could really see the passion you all have for sailing and it made such a difference learning from you all. Thank you for all the laughs, support, late night sessions and memories over the two weeks it genuinely meant a lot.
Sailweek academy was a great experience! The instructors were extremely knowledgeable and helped show us the ropes. This week gave us everything we need to be fantastic hosts onboard, whilst also exposing us to wonderful like minded people! Thank you, see you in summer!
Just finished the sail week academy 2026!!!! ⭐️ so much fun being on a boat in Croatia for the week, met some amazing people and was non stop learning all week !!!!
The instructors were all so helpful and knowledgeable & wanted to see us all be the best we could be !!! <3
The instructors were all so helpful and knowledgeable & wanted to see us all be the best we could be !!! <3
I completed the Sailweek Host academy in 2026 and have only the best things to say about it!
All the staff/instructors are so warm and welcoming, while also being super professional, helpful and generous with their tiem and knowledge at the same time. This week almost felt like a relaxing holiday week of sailing where I also acquired many skills that have helped set me up for work in the industry.
Would definitely recommend for anyone that wants to get started in the hosting/skipping industry, super valuable.
All the staff/instructors are so warm and welcoming, while also being super professional, helpful and generous with their tiem and knowledge at the same time. This week almost felt like a relaxing holiday week of sailing where I also acquired many skills that have helped set me up for work in the industry.
Would definitely recommend for anyone that wants to get started in the hosting/skipping industry, super valuable.
Ready for practical training?
TAKE THE NEXT STEP ON THE WATER
Apply for the 2027 Skipper Academy programme.