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7-DAY OF ADVANCED COURSE

ADVANCED SAILING COURSE

An advanced weekly program on a "performance cruiser" sports sailing yacht, ideal for sailors who want a higher level of control, precise maneuvers, fine trimming, more demanding conditions and advanced navigation.

Duration7 days
AccommodationOn board
ParticipantsMax. 6
Price1200-1800 EUR
LocationPunat, Krk Island
PrerequisitesBasic sailing
Advanced Sailing Course
NAS Sailing Center

Course Format

7 DAYS – 1 DAY THEORY · 6 DAYS INTENSIVE SAILING AND DOCKING

  • Locations: Punat / Kvarner
  • Sailing yacht: ***Elan E4 / E6 / Italia 9.98 / Pogo 36
  • Group: 4–6 participants
  • Schedule: 9–17 / night navigation (8 h/day)

*the sailing yacht on which the course will be held will be selected depending on the number of participants, weather conditions and availability

Course Objectives

  • Advanced sail trim (twist, profile, draft, sail shape) and assessment of sail settings and adjustments based on course and wind strength.
  • Timely and efficient reefing and changing of sails, particularly in difficult conditions (safety on deck, correct order of operations, coordination).
  • Advanced route planning with route optimization (wind, current, land shelter), timing for arrival and choice of safer variants if necessary (passage plan, waypoints, contingencies).
  • Execution of precise maneuvers with gennaker: setting up the gennaker and practicing downwind sailing with a focus on fast sail changes and speed while maintaining control of the vessel.
  • Advanced docking practice: docking in strong wind with control via stern lines, use of spring line, coordinated work and adjustment to local conditions.
  • Night navigation and advanced safety: sailing in night conditions (fixing position, use of navigation lights, collision avoidance, assessment of traffic) and execution of MOB maneuvers (man overboard) including the "Quick-Stop" method.
  • Skipper decision-making: integrated skipper day (planning, maneuvers, crew management, adherence to boat systems and safety procedures) with debriefing and application in real conditions.

Course Program

1 DAY 1 — THEORY AND VESSEL FAMILIARIZATION

  • Weather, safety, route planning, sail theory (twist, draft, trim indicators, telltales, correct adjustment).
  • Vessel inspection (layout, controls, rigging, halyards, sheets, reefing system, winch).
  • Preparation for advanced sailing – sail settings, crew roles and safety procedures.

2 DAY 2 — ADVANCED DOCKING IN DEMANDING CONDITIONS

  • Approach with a strong side wind: use of spring line, use of side pier, control with spring lines.
  • Repetition in reverse and with wind from different directions, safe stern docking with strong side wind.
  • Coordinated work and crew communication (helmsman, bow, central, stern) for flawless maneuver execution.

3 DAY 3 — ADVANCED SAIL TRIM (MAINSAIL AND GENOA)

  • Advanced mainsail trim (twist, profile, flattening, shifting of maximum draft) with assessment while sailing upwind/downwind.
  • Genoa adjustment with a focus on telltales, slot, leech tension.
  • Timely and correct reefing in changing wind (sheet, topping lift, mainsail halyard, slider).

4 DAY 4 — GENNAKER AND DOWNWIND SAILING

  • Preparation of the gennaker: setup of bowsprit, sock/dousing system, sheets and blocks.
  • Hoisting the gennaker, control via sheet and trimming line, technique for sailing at different angles (broad reach, deep angles).
  • Lowering the gennaker, switching to other sails and coordination (helmsman, trimmer, dousing team).

5 DAY 5 — ADVANCED SAFETY AND NIGHT NAVIGATION

  • Practical MOB (man overboard): practicing the "Quick-Stop" method with real execution and retrieval from the water.
  • Night navigation: departure with pre-planned night route – basic skills (position on chart, navigational and deck lights, lights of other vessels).
  • Crew rotation (watch system, time planning, efficient communication) and safe night sailing practices.

6 DAY 6 — LONG CRUISING AND ROUTE OPTIMIZATION

  • Passage plan: choice of destination, assessment of timing, use of alternative routes (shelter in lee, safety corridors, current, wind shift forecasts).
  • Practical sailing according to plan: precise course holding, sail changes, reefing if needed.
  • Management of long sailing – assessment of crew fatigue, hydration, distribution of duties, assessment of real-time sailing conditions and decisions when conditions change.

7 DAY 7 — INDEPENDENT SKIPPER DAY AND DEBRIEFING

  • Each participant (if in a group) has their own "skipper day" – takes the role of skipper and carries out all decisions: route, preparation, sail settings, crew management, docking, safety procedures.
  • Instructor is present in an advisory role – participants apply independently what they have learned.
  • Debriefing upon return: analysis of decisions, recommendations for further advancement, and completion of the course with discussion on possible directions for continuation of training.

Note: The course program may change depending on weather conditions. The instructor will adapt the plan if necessary in order to ensure, in the given circumstances, the highest possible level of safety and course quality.