01
Theory with purpose
Clear explanations establish the principles behind every practical exercise.
Meet SailWeek Academy
Meet SailWeek
Academy
Practical training in Croatia for aspiring skippers and hosts who want to build real confidence, professional habits and readiness for life on board.
Applications are not yet open.
Who we are
Built by SailWeek.
Created for life on board.
SailWeek Academy is the professional training arm of SailWeek, created to prepare future skippers and hosts for the practical realities of life and work on board.
The Academy combines structured learning with the operating experience behind SailWeek. Participants train in Croatia through theory, supervised practice and continuous instructor feedback.
Our goal is to develop capable, responsible crew members who understand technical standards and the human side of creating a safe, professional experience at sea.
01
Founded by SailWeek Ltd.
A specialist maritime school for skippers and hosts.
02
Learning by doing
Theory is reinforced through supervised, real-life practice.
03
Two professional pathways
Dedicated training for future skippers and hosts.
Academy trailer
See SailWeek Academy in action
▶Watch the current SailWeek Academy trailer on YouTube.
Our training philosophy
Built for reality,
not the classroom
Knowledge matters most when it can be applied with confidence. Academy training combines clear explanation, supervised practice and feedback that helps participants improve in realistic onboard situations.
The aim is not only to complete a course, but to understand the standards, judgement and teamwork expected on board.
How the Academy works
Practical by design
02
Supervised practice
Skills are developed through hands-on repetition in real onboard conditions.
03
Feedback that builds confidence
Instructors give direct guidance so participants can progress responsibly.
The Academy team
People who teach
from experience
Marko Kovač
Academy Manager
Ashley Ward
Academy Coordinator
Ivan Bačeković
Skipper Instructor
Goran Škorić
Skipper Instructor
Marko Gomez Karadža
Skipper Instructor
Adriano Valčić
Skipper Instructor
Daniel Keleman
Skipper Instructor
Rasmus Hommelgaard
Skipper Instructor
Abby Sinclair
Host Instructor
Laurie Sinclair
Host Instructor
Mateja Sigur
Host Instructor
Our values
Confidence built
the right way
Responsibility first
Good judgement, preparation and respect for people on board come before shortcuts.
Learning through practice
Confidence grows through clear instruction, repetition and honest feedback.
People make the experience
Technical ability and guest care work together to create a professional week at sea.
After the Academy
Training can
open doors
Successful graduates may be offered work with SailWeek or selected external partners, depending on performance, availability and market demand.
Any engagement is offered separately. Skippers and hosts work as independent contractors and remain free to accept or decline each opportunity.
Participant reviews
Learning that stays
with you
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.
Follow the journey
Follow SailWeek Academy
Training weeks, practical sessions and life on board — follow the Academy on Instagram and YouTube.
Ready to explore?
Choose your path
on the water
Compare the training routes and decide which Academy experience fits your goals. Applications are not yet open.