- Sailing School
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by Ultra Sailing Team
Learn to sail
Sailing is everybody’s sport. Passion for sailing is contagious. It spreads easily, as there’s no age or gender limit for this activity. One can begin learning to sail as early as at the age of five or six, at which children join sailing clubs and enter sailing schools, as well as later in life, at any age. The good news is there’s a boat for anyone and every age or gender, even in terms of competition. As a general rule, small, wet boats, without fixed ballast keel, are more suitable for young and physically able sailors, but those who got their start aboard such small boats never give up on their first love. The best example is the famous Danish sailor Paul Elvstrom, who, after winning several Olympic medals in the Finn class, switched in his sixties to the super-fast Olympic Tornado catamaran winning bronze medal at the Olympics, or the glorious Austrian sailor Hubert Raudashl who also reached his sixties as a successful Olympic helmsman for his country. For a regatta sailor, the summit of career would be exactly participation (and getting a medal!) at the Olympics, or joining an America’s Cup crew. So after completing our decent sailing school, you will not only enjoy watching a race course more, even on television, but you will also be able to participate in club competitions, regardless of the age group you belong to. Still, if you are not interested in racing, you may always sail for your own pleasure and find joy in your club’s home waters, or along the wonderful eastern Adriatic islands and coast.
Paragraph from the book “Sailing – nautical skills”
This is the book that is always at disposal to our sailing school participants. Headquarters, classroom and instructors are based in Split where all our sailing courses take place. We have had countless sailing school participants come through our sailing school over the past 25 years. We are happy to say that some of them are now proud owners of sailing boats, some are investors in the charter industry, some loyally come back each year and rent our sailing boats with their family and friends.
Entering the world of sailing – 10 frequently asked questions
Are there age limitations when applying to the sailing school?
Ultra sailing school is intended for those who are over 18. In case a 16 year old child would want to apply, they can but only with accompanied by an adult from the family. If you want to be with your children and family and still actively learn, we suggest taking up our “Family sailing course” where we will adapt to your needs.
Where can kids learn how to sail?
Ask around sailing clubs in your own country. Optimist is popular with children, but also diverse and makes for a good foundation for later. Kids start with their sailing lessons at about the age of 6-7 at their local clubs. As any sport, if you begin at a later age, you will need a bit more luck. Sailing in the Optimist class takes up a lot of time (changing, equipping the boat, going out to sea and sailing, going on regattas…..), but this will certainly you’re your child stronger and independent. It is not uncommon for parents to participate and accompany their kids to regattas so this opens up a whole new world of exciting, positive experiences for the whole family.
Individual sailing lessons?
Our classes mostly consist of 3-5 participants, who usually come alone or in pair, and don’t have a problem of sharing a sailboat with others. In case you want the individual lessons (one on one), it can be organized but the price is 3 times higher.
What can I learn on a sailing course?
You will learn the basics: from sailboat parts and how they work, to sailor’s knots, lifting and lowering the sails, maneuvering, tracking the weather, navigational lights and marks….. See our basic program here
How much training till I can sail by myself?
Experience makes a sailor. What we recommend is completing at least 2 courses (ISPA competent and/or ISPA day skipper /ISPA coastal advanced). In any of these courses our main goal will be to pass on as much knowledge as we can, not only about sailing basics, but technical characteristics of a sailboat, weather forecast, and of course life on boat and sea in general..
I want to get my sailing license right away..!
No problem..! We organize taking the test for you. Ultra sailing theoretical lessons are enough to take the exam with the Harbour master office in Split. Exam is paid separately around 700 kn (approx. 90€). Sailing license category B is enough to rent a jet-ski, a dinghy, sailboat or a catamaran up to 30 BT, and it is valid in Croatia and abroad. For those with certificates from other countries, you can check its validity on the official webpages of Croatian Ministry of maritime affairs ,
Does Ultra sailing organize exams for valid licenses approved by the Ministry?
Yes, after each of the ISPA courses, participant gets a license with which they can rent a charter boat and is recognized by the Ministry of maritime affairs of Croatia. Our sailing school is a part of the International ISPA organization, whose licenses are recognized all over the world.
I want to participate in a regatta
If you have finished one of our courses, stay tuned to Ultra on social media where we will keep you posted about all regattas we participate in Croatia and how to apply. Usually those are Komiža regatta, Vis regatta, Mrduja, South-Dalmatian regatta…
I don’t want to learn how to sail, just relax on a sailing yacht or a catamaran
We get this a lot. For those who just want to relax and not think too much, the best solution is to rent a catamaran or a sailing yacht with a professional skipper. This is the most prevalent form of being at sea. Croatian Adriatic is well known by having the highest level of organized charter business in the world. You will be surprised by clean and tidy marinas, employees who speak a few languages, and professional local skippers.
What to take when going sailing?
It depends on the season, but what is mandatory is a sailing suit, white T-shirts, a cap, sunglasses and non-slippery shoes. Ultra sailing school provides suits and gloves, so you don’t need to worry about those. If you are coming during winter or spring it is smart to have warm spare clothes that you can wear underneath the sailing suit. Also it is recommended to have a soft bag instead of a suitcase as it is easier to store. Sunscreen, bug repellents are always a plus, even during spring and autumn. Bathing suit is a must : – )
