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RYA Training Centre Croatia

RYA Training Centre Croatia

Learn to sail at our RYA training centre in Croatia. Then island-hop along the Dalmatian Coast with expert RYA instruction in crystal-clear Adriatic waters, from beginner to qualified skipper.

Adriatic Sea · Split · Dalmatian Coast

Dates & prices Get a quote

  • RYA accredited
  • Adriatic Sea · Split
  • From £1,095pp
  • ATOL protection
Days of tuition per course
6
Max student to instructor ratio
5:1
Courses from per person
£995
Season runs May to October
May – October

Learn to Sail in Croatia

Our RYA Training Centre in Croatia: Learn to Sail and Qualify as a Skipper

RYA Training CentreAccredited courses taught by RYA-qualified instructors

Learn to sail in Croatia, where the crystal-clear Adriatic and vibrant island life make training feel like an adventure. At our RYA training centre in Croatia, accredited courses also combine expert instruction with a genuine holiday atmosphere.

Because we are based in Split, you island-hop along the stunning Dalmatian Coast. You also discover hidden coves, historic towns and charming villages while building the skills to skipper your own yacht. All courses are run in English.

Why Croatia

Why Learn to Sail in Croatia

01

Island Hopping Every Day

You reach a different harbour every night, from Hvar and Brač to Vis and Trogir, so each day brings a new discovery.

02

Reliable Sailing Winds

The Maestral, a steady northwesterly, builds through the afternoon. As a result, learners get ideal, progressive conditions every day.

03

Vibrant Base City

Split is one of Europe’s most exciting cities, and its UNESCO World Heritage Roman palace is also yours to explore on your first and last evening.

04

Expert Guidance

Seafarer’s RYA-accredited instructors teach in small groups, so you build skill and confidence at your own pace.

05

Learning That Feels Like a Holiday

Above all, crystal-clear water, great food ashore and stunning scenery make every training day one to remember.

Instruction on deck during an RYA course

RYA Courses

RYA Sailing Courses Available in Croatia

Six RYA courses, from your first day on a yacht to Coastal Skipper. Find your level below and choose your next qualification.

Beginner

No sailing experience needed

RYA Start Yachting course on a Seafarer training yachtStep 1 · Practical

RYA Start Yachting

A taster of yachting for beginners, or for budding sailors too young for Competent Crew.

  • Normally a 2-day course in the UK
  • Run over a week at our Mediterranean schools
  • Time for learning and time for fun

2–6 days · Age 8+View course

RYA Competent Crew course students on a Seafarer training yachtStep 2 · Practical

RYA Competent Crew

Learn the basics and become an active member of the crew rather than a passenger.

  • Ideal for complete beginners
  • A fun and immersive course
  • Formalises your crewing experience

5–6 days · Age 12+View course

Intermediate

For sailors ready to learn to skipper

RYA Day Skipper shorebased theory course, studied onlineStep 3 · Theory

RYA Day Skipper Shorebased

A comprehensive introduction to sailing theory, studied online.

  • Coastal navigation, pilotage and chartwork
  • Weather forecasting and meteorology
  • Collision regulations and electronic navigation

40–45 hours onlineView course

RYA Sailing Courses RYA Day Skipper PracticalStep 4 · Practical

RYA Day Skipper Practical

The most popular RYA course, and the standard required to skipper a yacht in many destinations worldwide.

  • For aspiring skippers with some yachting experience
  • Builds on essential theory and sailing skills
  • Makes you eligible for the ICC

5–6 days · Age 16+View course

Advanced

For experienced skippers

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore theory course, studied onlineStep 5 · Theory

RYA Coastal / YM Offshore Shorebased

Advanced theory for the Coastal Skipper practical course and the Yachtmaster Offshore exam.

  • Revision of the Day Skipper theory
  • Offshore and coastal navigation by day and night
  • Pilotage and meteorology

Approx 60 hours onlineView course

RYA Coastal Skipper course on a Seafarer training yachtStep 6 · Practical

RYA Coastal Skipper Practical

Takes your practical skills to the next level, on longer coastal and offshore passages.

  • Passage planning
  • Advanced yacht handling under sail and power
  • Heavy weather sailing and emergency situations

5–6 days · Age 17+View course

Sailing Area

Explore the Dalmatian Coast on Our Sailing Courses

From our RYA training centre in Croatia at ACI Marina Split, you sail south through the central Dalmatian islands: Brač, Hvar, Vis and beyond. Historic towns, hidden coves and UNESCO World Heritage sites also make every passage memorable.

  • TemperatureMid-20s to Low-30s °CMid-20s °C in May and October, then rising to the low-30s °C in July and August.
  • WindsMaestral — Force 3–5A reliable northwesterly builds through the afternoon, so it is consistent, learner-friendly and great for building confidence.
  • Sea StateSheltered Island ChannelsSailing between islands provides natural shelter, while open Adriatic passages are available for more advanced practice.
Map of the sailing area around Split

Weather & Sailing Conditions in Croatia

Overall, the Adriatic offers excellent, learner-friendly conditions throughout the season. Calm mornings are perfect for harbour manoeuvres, whereas the afternoon Maestral provides reliable wind for sailing practice.

  • Temperature: Mid-20s °C in May and October, rising to mid-30s °C in peak summer.
  • Winds: The Maestral, generally Force 3–5, builds through the afternoon.
  • Sea state: Sheltered between islands, although open water options are available for more advanced practice.
  • Training value: Calm mornings for manoeuvres, then afternoon breezes to build confidence under sail.

Dalmatian Highlights

Highlights of Sailing in Croatia

  • Skradin

    Skradin

    Skradin, a hidden gem at the head of the Krka river, acts as the gateway to Krka National Park’s waterfalls. Explore charming streets, or delve into Skradin’s rich history, dating back to Roman times.

  • Hvar

    Hvar

    Hvar, Croatia’s jet-setter isle, offers lavender fields, chic marinas, and sun-drenched beaches. Explore charming Hvar Town or unwind in hidden coves, all bathed in Adriatic sunshine.

  • Brač

    Brač

    Brač, a Croatian gem, stuns with Zlatni Rat, a white pebble beach with ever-shifting horns. Hike Vidova Gora, the Adriatic’s peak, for breathtaking island panoramas.

  • Vis

    Vis

    Vis represents an important part of Croatia’s modern history – standing proud and defiant and the birthplace of Marshall Tito’s communist committee.

  • Trogir

    Trogir

    Trogir, a UNESCO world heritage site, stuns with a maze of medieval streets, Romanesque facades, and Venetian architecture. Explore the grand Cathedral, climb the bell tower for panoramas, or stroll the waterfront and soak in the town’s timeless charm.

  • Primošten

    Primošten

    Primošten, a picture-perfect town, lures with pebble beaches, turquoise waters, and a historic core. Climb to Our Lady of Loreto for stunning views, or savor fresh seafood by the harbour.

  • Smaller Islands

    Smaller Islands

    Off Split’s coast lie idyllic Dalmatian islands. Solta offers quaint fishing villages, wild nature, and hidden coves. The Pakleni archipelago boasts secluded beaches, turquoise waters, and a vibrant nightlife scene. Drvenik Veli, the largest, entices with peaceful coves, historic charm, and opportunities for relaxation.

Training Fleet

Our RYA Training Yacht in Croatia

During the course, your RYA-coded training yacht in Split is the Dufour 44 Performance Pyrolyse, and she is also your home for the week. This versatile 14-metre (44ft) yacht is perfect for beginners as well as experienced sailors, thanks to easy handling, comfortable living space and exciting performance in all wind conditions.

As a result, you master stress-free manoeuvres and experience the joy of sailing on this exceptional training yacht.

See Pyrolyse in full

Dufour 44 Performance Pyrolyse under sail

Take a look inside Pyrolyse

Hover over the camera icons on the layout (or tap them on a phone) to see the cabins, the heads, the saloon and the cockpit.

Layout of the Dufour 44 Performance Pyrolyse: aft cabins, saloon, galley, heads and forward cabin

  • Cabins & Sleeping

    Three Cabins On Board

    There are two aft cabins with a shared heads/bathroom, as well as a larger en-suite bow cabin with a double bed and two bunks. However, the starboard aft cabin is reserved for the instructor. All cabins also have hatches and fans for ventilation, with full bedding throughout the season. In addition, the saloon converts to a double bed at a £50 discount, no single supplement.

  • Shared Spaces

    Light & Airy Interior

    Inside, there is a generous saloon seating area, a fully equipped galley and a chart/navigation station. There is also 12v charging in the saloon, plus 220v shore power when berthed. Soft bag storage is also available under the seating area.

  • Exterior

    Cockpit & Sails

    The comfortable cockpit, meanwhile, has a single steering wheel. A bimini provides sun shade, while a sprayhood offers foul-weather protection. Sailing power comes from a fully battened mainsail with lazy bag, as well as a large roller genoa.

  • Safety

    Fully RYA Compliant

    Above all, Pyrolyse meets all RYA and local safety coding requirements. For example, equipment includes inflatable lifejackets for all crew, a liferaft, multiple VHF radios, jackstays, gas and smoke detectors and other specialist safety gear.

Book Your Course

Dates and Prices: RYA Sailing Courses in Croatia

These course dates have now passed

New course dates are being finalised. Call our team on 020 8324 3118 or request a quote to reserve your place early.

Our RYA training centresGreeceSouthampton, UK

Practical CourseDescription Ideal for
SYStart YachtingYounger children, those looking just to relax
CCCompetent CrewChildren 12 or over, adults wanting to learn
DSDay SkipperThose wishing to skipper as part of a flotilla
CSCoastal SkipperMore experienced sailors, ideal for bareboat charter

10% multiple course discount applies when 2 or more courses are booked for an individual at the same time. However, an additional compulsory charge of £120 per person per week covers mooring fees and tourist tax.

What’s Included

Everything Included in Your Sailing Course in Croatia

  • 6 Days Tuition with an RYA Instructor
  • Fuel & other yacht running costs
  • Mooring Fees
  • Bed Linen & towels
  • £50 discount for RYA Day Skipper Theory
  • Provisions for breakfast & a light lunch

Optional Extras

Enhance Your Sailing Course in Croatia

  • Ensuite Cabin — £50 per person
  • Private yacht (max 5 pax) — 4.5 x single person price
  • ICC Assessment — £100 per person (standalone)
  • Cruising Scheme Logbook — Available here
  • Competent Crew Skills Book — Available here
  • Day Skipper Course Notes — Available here

Along with shared courses, we can also offer private tuition on a yacht of your choosing at any point during the season. Price for the instructor is £1,495 for the week plus their own cabin on the yacht and food. Get in touch with our team for a bespoke private tuition quote.

Travel

Getting to Our RYA Training Centre in Croatia

Our RYA training centre in Croatia is based at ACI Marina Split, right in the heart of the city and 15 minutes’ walk from the historic Roman palace centre. Courses generally run Saturday to Saturday. You embark from 17:00 on arrival day, then disembark around 09:00 on departure day.


  • Flights

    There are direct Saturday flights to Split Airport from London (Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton & Stansted), Manchester and Bristol, as well as from a wide range of other European airports.


  • Bus & Taxi

    Seafarer transfers from Split Airport to the marina take around 45 minutes. Local buses also serve the city and the wider metropolitan area, including Trogir.


  • Ferry

    In addition, regular ferries run from Split to all nearby Dalmatian islands and to Dubrovnik. International ferries also sail to various Italian ports, such as Ancona and Bari.

Common Questions

FAQs About Learning to Sail in Croatia

Do I need any sailing experience?

No. In fact, our RYA Competent Crew and Start Yachting courses are ideal for complete beginners who want to learn to sail in Croatia.

How long is the course?

You’ll be in Croatia for 7 nights, and our courses run for 6 training days, Saturday to Friday. You’ll sail to a different harbour each night, exploring the Dalmatian islands while building your skills.

Will I earn an RYA qualification?

As long as you meet the standards set by the RYA, yes. Courses are RYA-accredited, so you’ll receive the correct certificate once your instructor confirms your competence.

Where will I stay?

You’ll live on board the training yacht during your course. The operating costs of the training yacht are also included, so it is a comfortable and stress-free sailing experience.

When is the best time to learn to sail in Croatia?

The season runs from May to October, so there are plenty of dates to choose from. Early and late months are pleasantly warm, while July and August offer the warmest water and the most consistent Maestral winds.

Which airport should I fly to?

Fly to Split Airport (SPU). Seafarer transfers then take approximately 45 minutes to reach the ACI Marina Split base. If Seafarer arranges your flights, your entire package is ATOL-protected.

What’s included in the price?

Your course fee covers tuition, yacht accommodation, fuel, bed linen, shower towels, provisioning for breakfast and light lunches, and all essential training materials.

Is the course suitable for solo travellers?

Yes, absolutely. Many students join alone, because small groups and shared on-board life quickly create a friendly, supportive atmosphere. As a result, solo travel is a real pleasure.

Book Your Course

Ready to Learn to Sail in Croatia?

To book or check availability, get in touch with our experienced team. You might also like our Greece and UK training centres, or our overview of the RYA Yachtmaster scheme.

Call or email us

Request a quote

Tell us your dates and party size, and we’ll then come back to you with availability and prices.

Peace of mind

Book with confidence

Every payment you make to us is financially protected, from deposit to balance. Holidays with flights are covered by our ATOL licence, and holidays without flights by our ABTOT membership. Trading since 1995.


  • ATOL Protected — Licence 9511

    All flight-inclusive holidays are fully ATOL protected


  • ABTOT Member — No. 5660

    Additional protection for bookings without flights