Trip training in Croatia: Perfect sailing practice in the Adriatic
Do you want to improve your skills as a skipper and are looking for practical sailing training in one of Europe's most beautiful sailing areas? Then a sailing training in Croatia is just right for you! In this experience report, I will tell you (from a trainer's perspective) what a training week with professional guidance can look like – including night sailing, harbor maneuvers, sail trimming, and weather knowledge.
Start of the Sailing Training: Saturday, October 5 – Welcome Aboard
The sailing training begins on Saturday at 2:00 PM at Marina Kornati West in Biograd na Moru, an ideal starting point for sailing trips in the Croatian Adriatic. After the welcome and getting to know each other, a technician from Pitter Yachtcharter hands over the well-maintained training yacht to us.
Subsequently, all participants receive a comprehensive safety briefing from us two trainers – a first but essential step in taking responsibility as a skipper.
Sunday, October 6 – Sailing Start and Night Sail to Ilovik
In beautiful weather, we start our first leg with two yachts: a Bavaria C42 Rumba and a Bavaria Cruiser 46 Neo Star V. After casting off at 10:40 AM, we motor through the Zadar Channel, as the wind is too weak for sailing. Off Zadar, we experience the impressive play of the sea organ – an unforgettable experience!
From Zadar, the wind picks up, finally allowing for intensive sailing training maneuvers: tacking, jibing, reefing, sail trimming – everything is systematically practiced. In the evening, we anchor in Jazi Bay on the island of Molat.
Night Sailing as a Highlight
After dinner, our planned night sail to Ilovik begins. Here, the difference between practice and theory becomes apparent – especially in recognizing lighthouses. Thanks to thorough preparation and teamwork, mooring at the buoy at 2:00 AM goes smoothly.
Learning Effect of the Day: Different rules apply at night – good training makes the difference!
Monday, October 7 – Course to Mali Lošinj
After breakfast, we go ashore with the dinghy before setting sail at 2:00 PM towards Mali Lošinj. With stable wind, we sail intensively again. In the evening, we reach the city harbor. Strong southeast wind (Jugo) is forecast for the next day – we decide to stay in the harbor.
Tuesday, October 8 – Theory Day in the Harbor
Even without sea conditions, the training remains practical:
- Life raft briefing
- Radio training & Mayday calls
- Meteorology & interpreting weather apps correctly
- Shore excursion to observe wind and waves
Conclusion: Harbor days are also valuable training days!
Wednesday, October 9 – Harbor Maneuvers and Challenging Sailing Leg
Early in the morning, we practice harbor maneuvers, docking and undocking, and behavior in heavy boat traffic. Then we set sail in 20 knots of wind – perfect conditions to practice reefing maneuvers and sailing in waves.
The crew is enthusiastic about the behavior of the yachts under self-tacking jib. After about three hours, the wind weakens, and we motor to Marina Olive Island on Ugljan – after a day's performance of 51 nautical miles.
Thursday, October 10 – Storm in the Harbor, Training at the Mast
With up to 35 knots of southeast wind, the fleet remains in the harbor. Instead, intensive work at the mast with a bosun's chair is trained. Safety is the focus – especially in difficult weather conditions.
Friday, October 11 – Return to Biograd & Maneuver Training
To conclude, we return to Biograd at dawn. After refueling in Zadar, we pass the famous Heart Island Galešnjak – a highlight for all participants. Back in Biograd, the afternoon is used for alongside docking maneuvers. Thanks to perfect wind conditions, a fitting end to this training week.
Conclusion: Why Sailing Training in Croatia is Just Right for You
A sailing training in Croatia offers ideal conditions to develop as a skipper – whether for the first charter trip with family or as a refresher for more safety. The combination of practice and theory, day and night sailing, sail and motor training, maneuvers under real conditions, and professional coaching make this week the best preparation for responsible skippering.
Interested?
Whether as a skipper candidate or experienced sailor – secure your spot at the next sailing training in Croatia and gain valuable experience in one of Europe's most beautiful sailing areas!
Book Skipper or Sailing TrainingOur training is suitable for both beginners and experienced sailors.
The costs vary depending on the yacht and the cabin/berth you choose when booking.
Yes, the training is usually conducted with a mixed crew of individual sailors. This has the advantage of learning a lot from each other and trying out different roles on board. A respectful and team-oriented approach is expected. There is also the option to book the sailing training exclusively, meaning you come on board with your own sailing crew.
