It’s not hard to see why one might choose to learn to sail in Croatia, and the fact that the Croatian coast boasts over 1200 islands is only a fraction of its appeal. Sailing traditions in Croatia date back to the Greeks, Romans, and Illyrians, when famous naval battles were fought in the Adriatic and are ingrained in Croatia’s history today. From Omiš Arrows sailed by local pirates to the remarkable maritime capacities of the Falkuša boats in Komiža, Croatia’s vibrant sailing heritage is cloaked in its charm.
Today, Croatia boasts several celebrated Olympic sailors who owe their skill to the Adriatic. The Fantela brothers won the historic 49er class gold medal at the Rio 2016 Games, while Croatia’s best-ever sailor, the eldest brother Šime Fantela, had already claimed two World Championships in the 470 and 49er class (something only four other sailors can boast), three European Championships, and the Olympic gold with Igor Marenić in Rio 2016. Tonči Stipanović won Croatia's first Olympic medal in the men's laser class, finishing second in Rio 2016, and did it again in Tokyo 2020, while Croatia’s promising young sailors are destined to rule in the international competitions ahead.
With a 6278 km coastline, well-equipped marinas, natural shelters thanks to its breathtaking bays, and internationally attended regattas, Croatia offers a sea of opportunities for sailors - and choosing a sailing school in Croatia to master this craft is one decision you won’t regret.
Why is sailing school in Croatia so important?
Learning to sail can be done at any age and at any stage in your life, that is, so long as you’re willing to put your sea legs to work. But if we can sum up the best reason why you should learn to sail, it’s undoubtedly that the sailboat is your classroom, and the sea and winds are your guides.
Sailing schools are structured educational environments that allow learners to apply their knowledge with all hands on deck, ensuring they can easily navigate the ropes of life on board. No prior experience is needed for sailing school, promising an encouraging setting for beginners, recreational sailors, or those that want to dive into competitive sailing. Led by professional yachtsmen, skippers, and masters of Kinesiology, learners are introduced to the nautical world by experts in their field. Specialized courses are also offered depending on what you wish to achieve with practical scenarios you may run into at sea.
What will you learn at sailing school in Croatia?
Let’s start with the basics. Sailing lessons are designed for you to learn the ins and out of a sailboat, from the simple task of steering to tying the most essential knots. And because a sailor must depend on winds with careful attention to their speed and direction, a crucial part of sailing in Croatia is learning to maneuver through Adriatic winds, some of which can present challenges when sailing the open sea.
What will you learn at sailing school in Croatia?
Let’s start with the basics. Sailing lessons are designed for you to learn the ins and out of a sailboat, from the simple task of steering to tying the most essential knots. And because a sailor must depend on winds with careful attention to their speed and direction, a crucial part of sailing in Croatia is learning to maneuver through Adriatic winds, some of which can present challenges when sailing the open sea.
Students will also learn the most important sailing techniques, from the points of sail and how to use the wind’s energy to drive the boat. The goal is to ultimately master the boat’s technical equipment and Adriatic weather forecast while acquiring knowledge on the appropriate nautical etiquette, attire, and safety measures no matter the situation you’re in.
Sailing courses can range from crew to skipper training, regatta, and day sailing, though their fundamentals remain the same. With small classes to ensure that the learning environment fosters your potential and overall expertise, sailing schools in Croatia promise attentiveness and hands-on training for you to flourish at sea.
Where can you find a sailing school in Croatia?
Sailing schools decorate Croatia’s coast and are led by experts from Olympic sailors to seasoned seamen who are praised for their professionalism and years of experience in the Adriatic and abroad. From Rijeka to Split and Dubrovnik, most sailing schools in Croatia are executed in English and conducted according to ISPA standards with some offering ASA curriculum.
What can you learn at So Farr Sailing School in Croatia?
Founded by two passionate sailors and sea lovers who spend more than 200 days a year behind the helm, So Farr Sailing School boasts over 20 years of experience in nautical tourism with a mission to promote sailing as a sport, way of life, and the Northern Adriatic as a nautical destination. And you can test your skills at their newly launched sailing school!
Driven by teaching the methodical principles of sailing in the most interactive and interesting way, So Farr Sailing School offers a series of courses fit for absolute beginners to advanced sailors and those just looking to spend the weekend out at sea.
The 3-day Basic Sailing Course is designed for those with zero experience behind the helm, where students will learn everything from basic sailing terminology to sailboat parts, maneuvers, directions, knots, rules, and safety. A great way to start growing your sea legs!
For those a bit more experienced, the Advanced Sailing Course is intended for students who have completed the basic course and have already acquired sailing knowledge, where students spend extended amounts of time at sea honing their expertise.
The Weekend Sailing Course is another great option for beginners, where theoretical lectures and practical classes at sea span across three days, while the 4-day Train & Race Course is designed for those eager to join regattas as a member of our racing team!
So Farr Sailing is located in Jadranovo in the Northern Adriatic near the more popular town of Crikvenica. If you’re interested in learning how to sail with us, get in touch.