Get ready for the most exciting learning experience of your life!
Get ready for the most exciting learning experience of your life!
SAILING SCHOOL
Our bases in Croatia are in Pula and Dubrovnik
About Sailor's School
- IYT Skipper's CertificatesWe provide training under the International Yacht Training (IYT) system. As of today, IYT certificates are recognized in 56 countries worldwide. The high training standards ensure that our graduates acquire all the necessary knowledge and skills for independent sailing adventures.
At the request of our students, we can also arrange the issuance of the ICC (International Certificate of Competence) in addition to the IYT Bareboat Skipper Sail license. - We care about your comfortComfortable accommodation during training — no more than 5 students per yacht in each group. Every student gets enough space and individual attention from the instructor. During the course, the yacht returns almost every day to the home marina, where our students have access to comfortable facilities, restaurants, and shops.
We provide training in three different countries. In each location, you will find an experienced instructor, a comfortable yacht, and our consistently high training standards. - English speaking sailing school in CroatiaAll theoretical materials and practical sessions are conducted entirely in English. This ensures that our students feel confident using international sailing terminology and can easily charter yachts anywhere in the world after completing their training.
If you choose to study with us in Croatia, your entire course — both theory and practice — will be delivered in English. - SupportWe are always by your side! Our students receive all-around support even after completing their training. We will help you charter a yacht, recommend a charter company and sailing region, assist in planning your route, and much more :)
After finishing the course, you will not only receive a certificate to skipper a yacht but also our lifelong support in the world of yachting.
And in addition — an extra discount on yacht rentals worldwide and a significant discount on renting our own yachts. - Own fleetIn Croatia, we have three modern cruising yachts ELAN of different sizes and configurations at our disposal. Equipped with air conditioning and heating for all conditions, they are fully fitted for comfortable living.
Accommodation on board is included in the training price. At the moment, our fleet includes Elan 43 (2023) 3 cabins, Elan 45 (2016) 4 cabins, and Elan 50 (2017) 5 cabins.
In Turkey, we usually conduct training on a sport and model sailing yacht Beneteau First 40 with three cabins, but we can also make exceptions and charter another yacht at your request. - Our basesCroatia:
Dubrovnik / ACI Marina Slano
A safe, well-protected bay where you can confidently make your first independent moorings. The marina where our school is located was opened in 2018, offering our students modern showers, a swimming pool, and a restaurant.
Arrival airport: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Pula / Marina Veruda
The spacious and sheltered Veruda Bay, stretching south of the city of Pula, has become home to a comfortable marina with 633 berths for yachts. A swimming pool, restaurants, and comfortable shower facilities are waiting for our students.
Life in the marina is vibrant not only in summer but throughout the year.
Arrival airport: Pula, Croatia
Turkey: Marmaris / Netsel Marina
The most popular and legendary Netsel Marina in Turkey resembles a small city. It has everything needed for a comfortable stay: modern showers and toilets, a wide choice of restaurants, a supermarket, and yacht supply stores.
Arrival airport: Dalaman, Turkey
IYT Bareboat Skipper Sail is the most popular skipper training course for sailing yachts in Europe and America. This intensive 10-day program is the best option for mastering the basic skills of yacht handling, even for those with no prior experience.
Holders of this certificate can charter a yacht without a crew and skipper it independently. Yacht charter and insurance companies worldwide recognize this certificate.
You can view the list of accredited schools in Croatia on the official website.
International Yacht Training
Holders of this certificate can charter a yacht without a crew and skipper it independently. Yacht charter and insurance companies worldwide recognize this certificate.
You can view the list of accredited schools in Croatia on the official website.
International Yacht Training
Impressions
Your training leaves you with more than just sailing skills — it gives you experiences and emotions you’ll carry for a lifetime.
And the scenery? It’s the same breathtaking setting that Hollywood directors select for their movies.
And the scenery? It’s the same breathtaking setting that Hollywood directors select for their movies.
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The most important thing you should know is that our mission is to teach you how to safely and independently handle a sailing yacht.
We don’t sell certificates, and we don’t want to be embarrassed about the quality of our graduates’ moorings in front of our partner charter companies.
One of our school’s founders also runs a charter company, and the key question every instructor asks at the exam is simple:
“Would you trust this person with your own yacht?”
That’s where our responsibility lies. Our students risk their deposits and safety — while we put our reputation and yachts on the line.
So, if you don’t become a Captain right away — don’t worry. First, you can become an excellent Sailor.
For those who don’t pass the Bareboat Skipper exam, there’s always the Flotilla license, which allows you to skipper a yacht within a flotilla, or the Crew license, making you the perfect team member.
And believe us — it’s far better to be a great Sailor than a poor Captain.
We don’t sell certificates, and we don’t want to be embarrassed about the quality of our graduates’ moorings in front of our partner charter companies.
One of our school’s founders also runs a charter company, and the key question every instructor asks at the exam is simple:
“Would you trust this person with your own yacht?”
That’s where our responsibility lies. Our students risk their deposits and safety — while we put our reputation and yachts on the line.
So, if you don’t become a Captain right away — don’t worry. First, you can become an excellent Sailor.
For those who don’t pass the Bareboat Skipper exam, there’s always the Flotilla license, which allows you to skipper a yacht within a flotilla, or the Crew license, making you the perfect team member.
And believe us — it’s far better to be a great Sailor than a poor Captain.
Our courses
The most popular intensive course.
Duration: 10 days — essential knowledge and skills according to IYT standards.
Duration: 10 days — essential knowledge and skills according to IYT standards.
Duration: 14 days — our signature course, recommended for everyone who wants to truly master sailing.
We’ve packed it with even more hands-on practice and extra miles at sea, so you gain both skills and confidence at the helm.
We’ve packed it with even more hands-on practice and extra miles at sea, so you gain both skills and confidence at the helm.
Курс повышения квалификации, для желающих овладеть практикой дальних морских переходов и отточить свои навыки.
How we teach
Theory
As soon as you enroll, we’ll send you study materials to review at your own pace. Getting familiar with them before the practical part is essential — it means you’ll have more time on the water, practicing real sailing skills instead of theory.
Practical classes
Classes at the school start every day at 9:00 a.m. and go on until everyone is pleasantly exhausted :)
Weather permitting, we head out to sea daily for practical training, explaining theory along the way and working through the tricky parts.
Every student takes a turn as skipper, learning not only to handle the yacht but also to lead the crew.
Weather permitting, we head out to sea daily for practical training, explaining theory along the way and working through the tricky parts.
Every student takes a turn as skipper, learning not only to handle the yacht but also to lead the crew.
Exam
At the end of your training, you’ll take both theory and practical exams — the final step toward becoming a skipper.
Theory is checked with a short written test, while practice is assessed on the water: mooring, man-overboard recovery, sailing courses relative to the wind, anchoring, setting and trimming sails, and leading the crew.
Theory is checked with a short written test, while practice is assessed on the water: mooring, man-overboard recovery, sailing courses relative to the wind, anchoring, setting and trimming sails, and leading the crew.
Your skipper license
Upon successful completion of both theory and practice, you are awarded a temporary skipper certificate.
Within 4–6 weeks, your official plastic IYT Bareboat Skipper License and VHF License will be delivered directly to your address.
Within 4–6 weeks, your official plastic IYT Bareboat Skipper License and VHF License will be delivered directly to your address.
Training Yachts
At the moment, our fleet includes three yachts of different sizes.
Training usually takes place on the Elan 45 (4 cabins, 2016), but upon request we can also arrange practice on the larger Elan 50 (5 cabins, 2017) or on the brand-new Elan 43 (3 cabins, 2023).
All yachts are also available for charter, so after completing the course our students can rent a yacht they already know and feel comfortable with for their first independent voyages at sea.
Our Base in Dubrovnik
Welcome to ACI Marina Slano, our home port nestled just 40 km from Dubrovnik Airport, at the very heart of the breathtaking Elaphiti Islands archipelago.
Opened in 2018, this modern marina combines comfort and charm: spotless facilities, a crystal-clear swimming pool, and a cozy restaurant with views of the Adriatic.
Here, surrounded by turquoise waters and the beauty of untouched islands, your sailing adventure begins.
Welcome to ACI Marina Slano, our home port nestled just 40 km from Dubrovnik Airport, at the very heart of the breathtaking Elaphiti Islands archipelago.
Opened in 2018, this modern marina combines comfort and charm: spotless facilities, a crystal-clear swimming pool, and a cozy restaurant with views of the Adriatic.
Here, surrounded by turquoise waters and the beauty of untouched islands, your sailing adventure begins.
Our base in Pula, Marina Veruda
Our sailing school also welcomes students in Marina Veruda, a spacious and well-sheltered marina just south of the historic city of Pula. With 633 berths, modern facilities, comfortable showers, restaurants, and even a swimming pool, it offers everything you need for a pleasant stay during your training.
Life in Marina Veruda is vibrant not only in summer but throughout the whole year, making it a perfect base for both learning and enjoying the beauty of the Adriatic.
Our sailing school also welcomes students in Marina Veruda, a spacious and well-sheltered marina just south of the historic city of Pula. With 633 berths, modern facilities, comfortable showers, restaurants, and even a swimming pool, it offers everything you need for a pleasant stay during your training.
Life in Marina Veruda is vibrant not only in summer but throughout the whole year, making it a perfect base for both learning and enjoying the beauty of the Adriatic.
What our students say
You can check more reviews here google here
Sailor’s School is a wonderful IYT (International Yacht Training) school where all the theory is explained in a very clear way and plenty of practical training is provided. In just 10 days, you can turn into an impressively skilled skipper.
The marina where the training yachts are moored is calm and picturesque, with everything you might need — there’s even a swimming pool :)
The team at Sailor’s School is fantastic.
The marina where the training yachts are moored is calm and picturesque, with everything you might need — there’s even a swimming pool :)
The team at Sailor’s School is fantastic.
Sailor’s School – IYT, located in a picturesque setting. Our instructor explained the theory brilliantly and taught the practice with great care. Nikita went above and beyond, dedicating extra time so that everyone could complete the exercises and truly understand how theory works in practice. Most importantly, he explained everything calmly, even when we didn’t get it right the first time :). Nikita and his team provide high-quality education and full guidance throughout your stay. A special thanks to Kristina, who looked after us and the crew during the entire time and even made an amazing tiramisu ❤️.
Nikita is a very wise and thoughtful teacher. He helps you understand not only the IYT program but also introduces you to another world — one deeply connected with nature, winds, and the sea 🌊.
Nikita is a very wise and thoughtful teacher. He helps you understand not only the IYT program but also introduces you to another world — one deeply connected with nature, winds, and the sea 🌊.
I attended the IYT Sailor’s School in April 2024. Having never been to sea before, I successfully completed the Bareboat Skipper course and passed the exams to become a sailing and motor yacht captain. And all of this was possible thanks to the way the training process is organized at Sailor’s School.
It all begins the moment you decide to enroll as a student. Rest assured, you’ll receive detailed answers even to the questions you might consider “silly.” Then you’ll be guided with planning your trip to the home marina and with accommodation. And then the training begins.
You will be taught seamanship by people with incredible experience and a real talent for teaching. Step by step, you’ll be guided to feel what a boat, the sea, and the wind truly are. Gradually, as your responsibility grows, you’ll discover new things, make mistakes, correct them yourself, and become a confident skipper. You’ll have plenty of theory and even more practice — but all of it will be seamlessly woven into daily passages between the many islands and towns of the area. You’ll only feel tired when you happily retreat to your cabin in the evenings.
If, by the end of the course, you pass the exams and receive your certificate, it means you are competent and trusted to take a yacht on charter as a captain. (The school’s owners also have their own small fleet here, so you can take your first charter in a familiar, friendly environment — which will only boost your confidence.)
The home marina, ACI Marina “Veljko Barbieri” Slano, is small, very cozy, clean, and fresh, with everything you need and more. The surrounding nature is breathtaking, and from the water you’ll see it all from an entirely new perspective.
Highly recommended.
It all begins the moment you decide to enroll as a student. Rest assured, you’ll receive detailed answers even to the questions you might consider “silly.” Then you’ll be guided with planning your trip to the home marina and with accommodation. And then the training begins.
You will be taught seamanship by people with incredible experience and a real talent for teaching. Step by step, you’ll be guided to feel what a boat, the sea, and the wind truly are. Gradually, as your responsibility grows, you’ll discover new things, make mistakes, correct them yourself, and become a confident skipper. You’ll have plenty of theory and even more practice — but all of it will be seamlessly woven into daily passages between the many islands and towns of the area. You’ll only feel tired when you happily retreat to your cabin in the evenings.
If, by the end of the course, you pass the exams and receive your certificate, it means you are competent and trusted to take a yacht on charter as a captain. (The school’s owners also have their own small fleet here, so you can take your first charter in a familiar, friendly environment — which will only boost your confidence.)
The home marina, ACI Marina “Veljko Barbieri” Slano, is small, very cozy, clean, and fresh, with everything you need and more. The surrounding nature is breathtaking, and from the water you’ll see it all from an entirely new perspective.
Highly recommended.
My husband and I completed our training — everything was excellent. The instructor is highly experienced and knows how to work with people of different skill levels, so even complete beginners can learn just as effectively as those with some prior experience.
Most of our training took place in calm and sunny weather, but when a storm came, we didn’t panic — together with our experienced instructor, we managed the boat successfully.
We are very grateful to our instructor, Nikita, for his approach to teaching and for sharing his passion for the sea. We’re now waiting for our licenses and already planning our first voyage. Thank you, Sailor’s School!!!
Most of our training took place in calm and sunny weather, but when a storm came, we didn’t panic — together with our experienced instructor, we managed the boat successfully.
We are very grateful to our instructor, Nikita, for his approach to teaching and for sharing his passion for the sea. We’re now waiting for our licenses and already planning our first voyage. Thank you, Sailor’s School!!!
An excellent school with experienced instructors and a wonderful approach. My husband and I really enjoyed the course — it covered both theory and practice. Now we are two proud and confident captains. I highly recommend this school!
I’ve taken several different trainings in various fields and met many instructors. Nikita is a true instructor by nature. If you’re still unsure whether yachting is right for you, Nikita will guide you onto the right course ;) He will professionally, calmly, and carefully help you become a yacht skipper through the IYT system. Only the highest recommendations.
Special thanks to Kristina — the cake you baked for my birthday was the most wonderful surprise ;)
With respect from Lithuania!!! See you soon at the regatta!
Special thanks to Kristina — the cake you baked for my birthday was the most wonderful surprise ;)
With respect from Lithuania!!! See you soon at the regatta!
FAQ
Once you decide on the course duration and choose a time that works best for you, we’ll send you a contract to review. If you don’t have any questions about it, we’ll issue an invoice for 50% of the course fee and sign the contract with you.
Do I need to study theory before the course?
Yes, it’s a good idea. After you sign the contract, we’ll send you some theory materials to read before the training starts. This will help you get familiar with the main terms and make it easier to understand everything during the course.
Don’t worry — we’ll still go over the theory together, but doing a bit of reading in advance will make your learning much smoother and more enjoyable.
Yes, it’s a good idea. After you sign the contract, we’ll send you some theory materials to read before the training starts. This will help you get familiar with the main terms and make it easier to understand everything during the course.
Don’t worry — we’ll still go over the theory together, but doing a bit of reading in advance will make your learning much smoother and more enjoyable.
First of all, your sailing clothes should protect you from water and sun, be comfortable, non-restrictive, quick-drying, and lightweight.
Since space on a yacht is quite limited, we recommend packing your belongings in a soft bag and bringing only the essentials.
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For warm weather:
• Mid-length shorts (preferably with a reinforced seat for comfort on the hard deck) — 1–2 pairs
• T-shirts with short or long sleeves (cotton or synthetic) — 2–3 pieces
• A top layer for cooler evenings (windbreaker or fleece jacket) — one jacket is enough
• A cap with a clip (so it doesn’t blow away in the wind) or any comfortable hat for sun protection
• Sunglasses
• Sailing gloves*
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For cooler or off-season weather:
• Thermal underwear — useful in windy or cold conditions
• Fleece jacket
• Waterproof and windproof jacket
• Pants or overalls — loose-fitting and comfortable, preferably water-resistant
• Hat or cap
• Flip-flops or shower shoes (everyone will need them in the marina)
• Buff or neck gaiter — to protect your neck from sun or cold wind
• Sunglasses
• Sailing gloves*
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Footwear:
Shoes for sailing should have light-colored, soft, non-slip soles suitable for wet surfaces.
If you’re going sailing in colder weather, you might also want to bring rubber boots.
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Toiletries:
Be sure to bring sunscreen — you can get sunburned even on a cloudy day.
Everything else is the same as for any trip: underwear, socks, and personal hygiene items.
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Medications:
Bring your personal medications and motion sickness remedies.
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About sailing gloves:
A key part of sailing gear is sailing gloves — ideally with three fingers closed and two open.
This design protects your hands and fingers when handling ropes and during mooring.
Cycling, ski, or gym gloves are not suitable — they are made for different purposes.
The gloves should be comfortable and provide a secure grip.
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Recommended sailing brands:
• Musto, Helly Hansen, Gill — classic and versatile options
• Sail Racing, Zhik — more technical gear, great for active sailors and racers
• Tribord (Decathlon) — the most affordable option, perfect for beginners. You can find a complete basic sailing outfit there for a very reasonable price.
A crew fund, also known as a boat kitty, is a shared pool of money created by the crew to cover common expenses during a sailing trip — in our case, during training.
The money is usually spent on groceries, drinking water, and other shared needs on board.
This is a standard practice once you start doing your own sailing trips on a chartered yacht.
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How does it work?
• Each crew member contributes an equal amount (unless agreed otherwise).
• The money is kept by one of the crew members, who collects receipts and keeps track of expenses.
• All spending is transparent and usually recorded in a shared log or app.
💡 Useful app for managing a crew fund: Splitwise
The minimum number of students required for the course to take place is three.
If you’ve already paid for the course and, one month before the start date, fewer than two people have enrolled, we’ll contact you to either reschedule your training or refund your deposit — whichever works best for you.
Base in Slano:
Fly to Dubrovnik Airport, then take a taxi or public transport — it’s about 40 km to Slano.
From Split Airport, the distance to Slano is around 200 km.
Base in Pula:
Fly to Pula Airport, then take a taxi or public transport to Veruda Marina — it’s about a 20-minute ride.
Croatia is the perfect place to take your first steps in sailing.
In the world of yachting, it holds a special place thanks to its unique combination of natural beauty and highly developed sailing infrastructure.
The country’s stunning landscapes and mild Mediterranean climate certainly contribute to its popularity among sailors — but the key factor is its charter fleet, the largest in the world, with over 4,500 yachts of various classes.
That’s far more than in other popular sailing regions, such as Turkey, where the fleet numbers around 600 yachts.
Croatia also offers an exceptional number of comfortable marinas — currently 56, and the number continues to grow.
Croatian marinas are known for their comfort and excellent service. They provide full support to sailors: you can always request docking assistance over the radio, and in every marina you’ll find clean showers and restrooms, freshwater refills, shops, restaurants, and secure berths.
In addition to marinas and quiet bays, many island restaurants have their own docks, allowing sailors to moor right next to the terrace — a perfect way to enjoy fresh local cuisine that’s only accessible by boat.
All these factors make Croatia an ideal destination for both beginner and experienced sailors.
The coastline stretches for 5,600 km, with 1,246 islands, of which only about 50 are inhabited — offering countless opportunities for exploration and peaceful anchorages sheltered from bad weather.
The abundance of islands also ensures calmer seas even in strong winds, making it a safe and comfortable place for your first sailing experiences with a beginner crew.
The sailing season in Croatia runs from early April to late November, and the coast is divided into five regions, each with its own history, landscapes, and attractions — all worth exploring.
To truly discover Croatia by yacht, you’d need at least 6 to 10 weeks on the water.
It’s also worth noting that yacht charter prices in Croatia remain competitive compared to other Mediterranean destinations, and the variety of fleets allows you to find exactly what fits your needs and preferences.
Our school has two bases:
• in the south, near Dubrovnik (Slano), and
• in the north, in the city of Pula.