Professional Skipper Training Course

Professional Skipper Training Course

What is the Professional Skipper Course?

Professional Skipper Course is a vocational training program that kick starts your journey to becoming a skipper. The path to becoming a professional skipper starts with theoretical and practical training, and is followed by vocational work as a Sail Croatia skipper.

Successful applicants can benefit from many years of knowledge and experience, taking you to a level where you can competently skipper yachts and catamarans on our Private Yacht Tours.

Skipper training is open to Croatians, EU nationals and other countries which allow work in Croatia. For international skippers we are able to offer Theory and Practical training, and may be able to assist with work permits.

Great week learning to sail!

Both instructors were very helpful, patient and knowledgeable! I learned so much in one week on the water and feel confident in the skills they taught me. Both instructors were every receptive to questions and always checked in to ensure we were understanding the process or the skills they were teaching. Overall very happy:)

Grace, April 2026
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Fantastic experience

Best. Vacation. Of. My. Life! This was a wonderful experience. The instructor was kind, patient, and extremely helpful. I learned an extraordinary amount in just seven days. Croatia is beautiful and the people are kind. Honestly, I would do this again just because I had so much fun. I'm 53 and I made friends with people in their 20s and early 30s. I thought I'd be the old man, but they treated me so kindly. I cannot recommend this enough. Croatia is beautiful and should be experienced with a sailboat.

Kyle, May 2026
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The Pathway to a Professional Skipper

7 Day Croatia Skipper Course: From €1,099

A 7 day practical training course that allows you to build on your experience and knowledge in everyday sailing and technical situations. This practical course takes place onboard a 43ft yacht.

4 Day Skipper Theory: €505

This course provides a basic understanding of sailing and the rules of the sea. You will need to complete an exam to obtain a license. Technically you will be allowed to skipper upon completion of this element, however practically it takes experience to be a successful skipper.

2 Day Customer Care

A 2 day course covering customer care training and first aid. This course is provided by Sail Croatia and is a requirement for all Skippers before working with guests.

Flotilla Skipper

We invite a small number of skippers each year to join our flotilla skipper program. Here you build skill, knowledge and experience in sailing, and more importantly, customer service.

Private Yacht Tour Yacht Skipper

As you progress professionally (usually after a couple of seasons), you will move on to skippering yachts on our Private Yacht Tours. The highest standards of customer care are expected on this product.

Flotilla Lead Skipper

Our Lead Skippers are responsible for managing the day to day sailing and entire team on our flotilla.

Private Yacht Tour Catamaran Skipper

The highest level of progression for a Sail Croatia Skipper is onboard the Catamarans on our Private Yacht Tours. These Skippers are responsible for customer care and skippering our luxurious Catamarans.

SKIPPER PRACTICAL COURSE

This 7-day practical course takes place onboard 43ft yachts, with liveaboard training and one-on-one mentoring from professional skippers in a small group of up to 5 trainees.

You’ll learn everything needed to start skippering with confidence, including Navigation, Safety, Docking, Sailing techniques, and Mechanical troubleshooting.

Optional theory and customer care modules are offered separately. After the course, you’ll be ready to sail independently in Croatia.

Date: Sunday 11 October, 2026
Location: Split ACI Marina
Price: €1,099
Additional Costs (payable locally): Food & Drinks, Transfers

Please note: prices are based on twin-share onboard

SKIPPER THEORY COURSE

This 4-day classroom-based course provides the essential knowledge required to obtain your official Skipper’s License (Category C), allowing you to commercially skipper a vessel in Croatian waters.

Led by experienced maritime instructors, the course covers navigation, meteorology, safety at sea, collision avoidance, radio communication, engine troubleshooting, and Croatian maritime law.

By the end of the course, you’ll be well prepared to sit and pass the Harbour Master's Exam with confidence.

The Theory Course and Category C License are not required to join the 7-day Practical Skipper Course, but we strongly recommend completing this or an equivalent course to enhance your practical training and qualification path.

Date: Available on enquiry
Location: Split, Croatia
Price: From €505 per person (payable locally)
Additional Costs (payable locally): Harbour Master Exam (≈€135), Medical Exam (€72 - €135)

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