Skipper Academy
Learn. Sail. Work.
Skipper Academy
The SailWeek Skipper Academy offers an intensive one or two-week course for beginners and advanced/certified skippers. After successfully completing the academy, an individual can begin a new career and become a SailWeek skipper.
What opportunities will be available to me after successfully graduating from the SailWeek Academy?
Join the Sailweek team, where exciting opportunities await our talented candidates.
Earn a competitive weekly salary ranging from €550 to €1100, plus additional tips*.
Enjoy the convenience of inclusive accommodation and meals during your time with SailWeek.
Gain valuable experience navigating yachts between 40 and 60 feet in length.
Which course is the right course for me?
BEGINNER
- No prior sailing experience required
- Two distinct weeks of instruction
- Master the fundamentals of sailing and docking
- Ideal for launching a sailing career or simply expanding your knowledge
- Prepare for a fresh challenge
ADVANCED
- Prior sailing experience required
- Internationally recognised license already acquired
- One-week intensive training
- Accelerated learning
- Elevate your career to the next level
CATAMARAN
- Previous experience sailing monohulls is required
- An already obtained internationally recognised license
- One-week intensive training
- The beginning of a catamaran career
Pre-Registration for 2025
Skipper Academy Courses
Pre-register now for the 2025 Skipper Academy Course. Applications open on 18/9/2024, and by signing up, you'll be notified as soon as they do. Pre-registration is non-binding, but it ensures you’ll be the first to know when the course is available. Fill out the form below to express your interest, and we’ll get in touch once applications are open.
BEGINNER
ADVANCED
CATAMARAN
Beginner Course
2025 Dates & Pricing
| CROATIA, Split | |
| 22 – 29 March AND 5 – 12 April |
Open |
| 29 March – 5 April AND 12 - 19 April |
Open |
Course price for 2025: €1600
Location: Central Dalmatia (Croatia, Split region)
Payment plan: 3 instalments
- €100 (48h after getting your confirmation mail) *
- €750 (35 days after the first payment)
- €750 (30 days before the course)
Note
- * The initial payment is a non-refundable deposit for the academy, which confirms your candidacy upon payment. If you choose to withdraw from the academy after making the payment, it will not be refunded.
- Last-minute application are considered all the application within 30 days before the course.
- For applications made within 30 days before the course, the total amount is due when making a application.
Requirements
- Assumed knowledge: None or Basic
- License: No license required
- Age range: 18 - 36
- Language skills: Fluent in English
- Minimum duration: Split across 2 separate weeks
- Location: Split, Croatia
Course summary
- Know Your Boat: Learn about maritime terms and different parts of a boat.
- The Basics of Sailing: Understand the fundamental principles of sailing.
- Rope-work & Nautical Knots: Learn various knots and their applications in nautical settings.
- Springs & Anchors: Gain knowledge about the use of springs and anchors in boating.
- General Seamanship: Learn essential skills and practices for safe and efficient boating.
- Maneuvering the Boat: Understand how to maneuver and control the boat effectively.
- Docking and Anchoring: Learn the techniques and procedures for docking and anchoring a boat.
- Terrestrial Navigation: Gain knowledge of navigation techniques using landmarks and terrestrial references.
- The Basics of Meteorology: Understand the fundamentals of weather and its impact on boating.
- Safety Awareness: Learn about safety measures and precautions to ensure a safe boating experience.
- First Aid: Gain knowledge of basic first aid techniques for boating emergencies.
- VHF Radio: Understand the use of VHF radio communication in boating.
- Communication Skills & Teamwork: Develop effective communication skills and teamwork for boating.
- Preparation for the Tour: Learn how to prepare and plan for a boating tour or expedition.
Evaluation
During the two weeks, we will be monitoring your behavior patterns, work ethic, attitude, and people skills, not just your boat handling. After completing the training, your knowledge and skills will be assessed by our sailing instructors.
Note
Please note that to maintain objectivity, the sailing instructor evaluating your skills and knowledge will be different from the instructor who guided you through the academy program. You will also have an additional examiner on shore.
Your grade will consist of 3 evaluations:
- Your instructor’s assessment of your progress throughout the week
- Your performance on the practical exam
- The external evaluators observations from the shore
The Goal/Outcome
Our goal is to transform you into a skilled and professional skipper. You will acquire the ability to navigate and sail a boat effectively while developing excellent communication skills, allowing your confidence as a skipper to grow.
By the end of this course, we are confident that you will have the ability to:
By the end of this course, we are confident that you will have the ability to:
- Successfully navigates a boat during daylight hours in coastal regions.
- Demonstrate proficiency in docking a boat.
- Demonstrate proficiency in anchoring a boat.
- Skillfully sail a boat using sails.
- Resolve minor mechanical issues.
- Utilise VHF radio effectively.
GET YOUR LICENSE
In order to become a SailWeek skipper, it is necessary for you to obtain an international license.
After completing the SailWeek Academy, you will be fully equipped to apply for one.
Accepted licenceYou can either:
- Take the test in your own country
- Take the test in Croatia through our partner
Advanced Course
2025 Dates & Pricing
| CROATIA | |
| 26 April – 3 May | Open |
| GREECE | |
| 3 – 10 May | Open |
Course price for 2025: €1000
Location:
● 26 April – 3 May 2025, Central Dalmatia (Croatia, Split region)
● 3 – 10 May 2025, Greece (Athens region)
● 26 April – 3 May 2025, Central Dalmatia (Croatia, Split region)
● 3 – 10 May 2025, Greece (Athens region)
Payment plan: 3 instalments
- €100 (48 hours after getting your confirmation mail) *
- €450 (35 days after the first payment)
- €450 (30 days before the course)
Note
- * The initial payment is a non-refundable deposit for the academy, which confirms your candidacy upon payment. If you choose to withdraw from the academy after making the payment, it will not be refunded.
- Last-minute application are considered all the application within 30 days before the course.
- For applications made within 30 days before the course, the total amount is due when making a application.
Requirements
- Qualifications: You must hold an internationally recognised sailing qualification.
Please click here for valid accepted sailing licence. - Experience: This is not a beginners course; you should be comfortable handling a yacht in any weather condition.
- Age range: 18 - 36
- Language skills: Fluent in English
- Minimum duration: 7 days
- Location: Split, CROATIA and Athens, GREECE
Course summary
- Advanced Seamanship Skills: Advanced skills required to operate a vessel safely and efficiently in all weather conditions. It includes knowledge of the vessel’s fittings and equipment, as well as practical skills necessary to operate and maintain the vessel.
- Maneuvering in Narrow Areas: Ability to navigate a vessel through narrow areas such as channels, harbors, and marinas. It requires precise control of the vessel’s speed and direction.
- Docking and Anchoring in Windy Conditions: Ability to safely dock or anchor a vessel in windy conditions. It requires knowledge of how wind affects the vessel’s movement and how to use that knowledge to control the vessel.
- Minor Individual Motor Repairs: Ability to perform minor repairs on a motorized vessel. It includes knowledge of basic engine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair.
- Advanced Navigation: Advanced skills required for navigation at sea. It includes knowledge of celestial navigation, electronic navigation, and chart reading.
- Meteorology: Study of weather patterns and how they affect sailing conditions. It includes knowledge of weather forecasting, cloud formations, and wind patterns.
- Safety Awareness and Signals: Ability to recognize and respond to safety hazards while on board a vessel. It includes knowledge of safety equipment, emergency procedures, and communication protocols.
- Man Overboard (MOB) Exercises: Ability to respond quickly and effectively when someone falls overboard. It includes knowledge of rescue techniques, communication protocols, and emergency procedures.
- Boat Rescue Exercises: Ability to respond quickly and effectively when another boat is in distress. It includes knowledge of rescue techniques, communication protocols, and emergency procedures.
- First Aid: Ability to provide basic medical care in an emergency situation. It includes knowledge of CPR, wound care, and other life-saving techniques.
- Advanced Sailing and Sail Trimming: Advanced sailing techniques used for racing or high-performance sailing. It includes knowledge of sail trim, boat handling, and racing tactics.
- Sailing Regattas: Organized sailing events where boats compete against each other. It includes knowledge of racing rules, tactics, and strategies.
- Creating Line and Circle Rafts: Techniques used for tying boats together in a line or circle formation. It includes knowledge of knot tying, line handling, and boat positioning.
- Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with other crew members while on board a vessel. It includes knowledge of communication protocols, radio operation, and signaling.
- Crew Handling: Ability to manage a crew effectively while on board a vessel. It includes knowledge of leadership skills, delegation, and motivation.
- Guest Management: Ability to provide excellent customer service while on board a vessel. It includes knowledge of hospitality skills, guest relations, and problem-solving.
- Tour Preparation: Ability to plan and prepare for a sailing tour. It includes knowledge of route planning, provisioning, and safety planning.
- Introduction to Locations and Local Tours: Introduction to local areas where sailing tours are conducted. It includes knowledge of local history, culture, geography, and attractions.
Evaluation
During the two weeks, we will be monitoring your behavior patterns, work ethic, attitude, and people skills, not just your boat handling. After completing the training, your knowledge and skills will be assessed by our sailing instructors.
Please note that to maintain objectivity, the sailing instructor evaluating your skills and knowledge will be different from the instructor who guided you through the academy program. You will also have an additional examiner on shore.
Please note that to maintain objectivity, the sailing instructor evaluating your skills and knowledge will be different from the instructor who guided you through the academy program. You will also have an additional examiner on shore.
Your grade will consist of 3 evaluations:
- Your instructor’s assessment of your progress throughout the week
- Your performance on the practical exam
- The external evaluator's observations from the shore
The Goal/Outcome
In this advanced course, our aim is to transform you from a recreational skipper into a proficient professional skipper by addressing your weaknesses and improving your strengths. Through more complex navigation exercises, you’ll acquire the experience necessary to excel in the nautical industry.
Our objective is to shape you into a well-trained and professional skipper. This encompasses not only the ability to expertly handle and sail a boat but also to establish excellent communication with guests and develop your confidence as a skipper. By the course’s conclusion, we are confident that you will have the capability to:
By the course’s conclusion, we are confident that you will have the capability to:
Our objective is to shape you into a well-trained and professional skipper. This encompasses not only the ability to expertly handle and sail a boat but also to establish excellent communication with guests and develop your confidence as a skipper. By the course’s conclusion, we are confident that you will have the capability to:
By the course’s conclusion, we are confident that you will have the capability to:
- Skipper a boat in coastal regions of the Mediterranean, Baltic, or non-tidal waters.
- Navigate a boat effectively in diverse weather conditions.
- Sail a boat at a superior standard.
Catamaran Course
2025 Dates & Pricing
| CROATIA | |
| 26 April – 3 May | Open |
Course price for 2025: €1200
Location: Central Dalmatia (Croatia, Split region)
Payment plan: 3 instalments
- €100 (48 hours after getting your confirmation mail) *
- €550 (35 days after the first payment)
- €550 (30 days before the course)
Note
- * The initial payment is a non-refundable deposit for the academy, which confirms your candidacy upon payment. If you choose to withdraw from the academy after making the payment, it will not be refunded.
- Last-minute application are considered all the application within 30 days before the course.
- For applications made within 30 days before the course, the total amount is due when making a application.
Requirements
-
To attend this course you have to have one of the internationally recognised sailing qualifications.
This is not a beginners course! You should be comfortable handling a yacht in any weather condition.
Please check here for valid accepted sailing licence. - Assumed knowledge: Please check Licenses needed to attend Advanced SailWeek Academy course
- Minimum age: 18
- Language skills: Fluent in English
- Minimum duration: 7 days
- Location: Central Dalmatia (Split region)
Course summary
- Advanced Seamanship skills
- Maneuvering a catamaran
- Two engine maneuvering in narrow spaces
- Sailing a catamaran
- Docking and anchoring a catamaran
- Docking and anchoring during windy situation
- Minor individual motor repairs
- Advanced navigation
- Meteorology
- Safety awareness and signals
- MOB exercises
- Boat rescue exercise
- First aid
- Advanced sailing and sails trimming
- Sailing regattas
- Creating line and circle rafts
- Communication skills
- Crew handling
- Guest management
- Preparation for the tour
- Introduction to the locations and Local tours
Evaluation
During the week, we will be monitoring your behaviour patterns, work ethic, attitude, and people skills, not just your boat handling. After completing the week-long training, your knowledge and skills will be assessed by our sailing instructors.
Please note that to maintain objectivity, the sailing instructor evaluating your skills and knowledge will be different from the instructor who guided you through the academy program. You will also have an additional examiner on shore.
Please note that to maintain objectivity, the sailing instructor evaluating your skills and knowledge will be different from the instructor who guided you through the academy program. You will also have an additional examiner on shore.
Your grade will consist of 3 evaluations:
- Your instructor’s assessment of your progress throughout the week
- Your performance on the practical exam
- The external evaluator's observations from the shore
The Goal/Outcome
In this advanced course, our aim is to transform you from a recreational skipper into a proficient professional skipper by addressing your weaknesses and improving your strengths. Through more complex navigation exercises, you’ll acquire the experience necessary to excel in the nautical industry.
Our objective is to shape you into a well-trained and professional skipper. This encompasses not only the ability to expertly handle and sail a boat but also to establish excellent communication with guests and develop your confidence as a skipper. By the course’s conclusion, we are confident that you will have the capability to:
By the course’s conclusion, we are confident that you will have the capability to:
Our objective is to shape you into a well-trained and professional skipper. This encompasses not only the ability to expertly handle and sail a boat but also to establish excellent communication with guests and develop your confidence as a skipper. By the course’s conclusion, we are confident that you will have the capability to:
By the course’s conclusion, we are confident that you will have the capability to:
- Skipper a boat in coastal regions of the Mediterranean, Baltic, or non-tidal waters.
- Navigate a boat effectively in diverse weather conditions.
- Sail a boat at a superior standard.
What's Included
- A certified Sailing Instructor from the Royal Yachting Association (RYA)
- 7/14 days of sailing in Croatia/Greece
- Accommodation on board the boat
- Bed sheets, blankets and towels
- Food during the course (we provide the groceries, you prepare the meals)
- Course materials (printed, audio, and video) and a SailWeek skipper handbook
- Fuel for the boat
- Marina fees
- Croatia/Greece tourist tax
- Final boat cleaning
- SailWeek jacket
Additional Costs
- Travel expenses to Split, Croatia or Athens, Greece
- Transport to the marina
- A group dinner ashore halfway through the week (not mandatory)
USEFUL LINKS
● Check out the frequently asked questions
FAQ● Learn about earning
Pay scheme* for Advanced and Catamaran courses
Accepted Licenses*REVIEWS
See what participants say about SailWeek Academy!
REVIEWSSail & Work
For candidates who successfully complete the SailWeek Skipper Academy:
- During your working weeks, you’ll have the chance to showcase your skills, work ethic, and attitude towards guests.
- Based on your overall performance, SailWeek may offer you additional weeks of work.
- As a skipper, you’ll be working as a freelance contractor, giving you the freedom to accept or reject any work offers that do not suit you.
- SailWeek covers all living expenses during the work period, ensuring you have a comfortable experience.
- The job involves sailing yachts ranging from 40 to 60 ft in size, providing a diverse and exciting work environment.
- While there is a minimum guaranteed income of €500, you also have the opportunity to earn up to €1000 per week, plus tips.
© SailWeek Academy - All Rights Reserved.
SailWeek Academy is the part of SailWeek Ltd. whose registered office is located at 2nd Floor, Nucleus House, 2 Lower Mortlake Road, Richmond TW9 2JA, United Kingdom.
SailWeek Academy is the part of SailWeek Ltd. whose registered office is located at 2nd Floor, Nucleus House, 2 Lower Mortlake Road, Richmond TW9 2JA, United Kingdom.