English EN |  Hrvatski HR |  Deutsch DE

Sailing School Croatia - Weekend Sailing Course - CREW

During the three day intensive sailing program, the aim is to teach attendees the basic skills and knowledge of sailing. This program includes the following: theoretical and practical part of teaching (meteorology, nautical charts, on sailing boats in general, maneuvering engine, sailing on default route, changing direction according to the wind...).

ISSA Yacht Crew - Basic Sailing Course (3-Day Weekend Program)

This 3-day weekend sailing course is designed for beginners or those with basic sailing knowledge. The goal of the course is to teach the essential skills and foundational knowledge needed to become an effective yacht crew member. By the end of the program, participants will complete the ISSA Yacht Crew certification.


Course Details

Prerequisites:

  • No prior sailing experience required

  • Minimum age: 16 years old

  • Suggested course duration: 20 hours (minimum 3 days)


Skills and Knowledge Gained

Yacht Construction:

  • Understand the basic parts of a yacht and their functions:

    • Cockpit, Bilge, Heads, Galley, Bow, Stern, Boom, Mast, Rigging, Haulyards

  • Operate essential yacht systems:

    • Toilet, Gas oven, Sink, Shower

  • Refuel and refill water and diesel tanks

  • Operate the inboard engine (start, stop, check cooling system, pre-start inspection)

Line and Spring Handling:

  • Combine lines of the same or different diameters

  • Tie essential knots:

    • Bowline, Fisherman’s Bend, Fasten a line to a cleat, Coil mooring lines

  • Handle mooring lines:

    • Hand over, Take, Make fast on cleats, Let go

Sail Handling:

  • Set and strike sails

  • Reef sails and shake out reefs

Fender Handling:

  • Secure fenders with the proper knots

  • Maneuver the fenders effectively

Anchor Operation:

  • Prepare the anchor for weighing

  • Operate the windlass (let out and take in chain)

Dinghy Operation:

  • Safely deploy and retrieve the dinghy

  • Secure the dinghy to the yacht

  • Use paddles effectively

Safety Skills:

  • Move safely around the deck

  • Use safety equipment (life vests, harnesses)

  • Operate distress signaling equipment (pyrotechnics, mirrors, flags, etc.)

  • Use firefighting equipment (fire extinguishers, blankets)

  • Make distress signals using at least four methods

Other Skills:

  • Observe and communicate information about the sailing area (e.g., direction and distance to objects)

  • Understand navigation lights on your yacht at night

  • Signal appropriately in foggy conditions

  • Effectively handle the helm


Course Schedule

  • Arrival: Thursday evening or Friday morning – Get acquainted with your instructor, accommodation, and course schedule.

  • Course Start: Friday morning – The program begins with theory classes, followed by sailing from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with breaks for lunch and swimming.

  • Daily Routine: Each day will follow a similar structure:

    • Morning: Wake up, breakfast, theory session

    • Day: Sailing with breaks for lunch and swimming

    • Evening: Dinner and debrief

  • Course End: Sunday afternoon – Completion of the program, certification, and a final debrief.


This course is ideal for beginners or anyone who wants to refresh their basic sailing knowledge and skills. You’ll gain the confidence to handle various yacht operations and enjoy the freedom of the open water in a safe and structured environment.

Continuing education and training: ISSA Inshore Skipper, Advanced Sailing and Racing Skills, Offshore and Regatta Courses.

PRICES, DATES AND AVAILABILITY
BOAT LEADER CATEGORY C LICENCE
Read more about sailing equipment & gear needed on board

Sign up