Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Course · 300 h · 5 modules
Advanced Sailing Course
Master the art of Advanced Sailing and take your skills to the next level.This intensive course is designed for experienced sailors looking to refine their techniques and explore new frontiers. Learn to optimize your boat's…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts14 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Advanced Sailing Course?
Master the art of Advanced Sailing and take your skills to the next level.
This intensive course is designed for experienced sailors looking to refine their techniques and explore new frontiers. Learn to optimize your boat's performance, make strategic decisions in challenging conditions, and master the complexities of wind and currents. Become a safe, efficient sailor capable of tackling any challenge the sea throws your way.
This intensive course is designed for experienced sailors looking to refine their techniques and explore new frontiers.
Differential Advantages
- Sail Optimization: fine-tuning, advanced trim, and sail selection based on conditions.
- Strategy and Tactics: weather analysis, route planning, and decision-making in races.
- Advanced Maneuvers: spinnaker/gennaker, tacking and gybing in difficult conditions, man overboard.
- Night Navigation: use of instruments, navigation lights, and safety in the dark.
- Emergency Management: breakdowns, extreme weather conditions, and safety procedures.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
08-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Advanced Sailing Techniques: Master course optimization, sail trimming in extreme conditions, and race strategies.
- Meteorology for Sailors: Learn to interpret weather patterns, predict wind changes, and make informed decisions for safe and efficient sailing.
- Planning Complex Voyages: Acquire skills in route planning, onboard resource management, and problem-solving at sea.
- Safety and Survival: Delve into safety protocols, emergency management, rescue techniques, and first aid in maritime environments.
- Electronics and Digital Navigation: Use electronic navigation tools, charting software, and communication systems for accurate and reliable navigation.
- Get ready to take your sailing to the next level Take sailing to the next level and face challenges with confidence and experience.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Improvement of sailing, fine boat adjustment and advanced performance control in different sea and wind conditions
- Advanced review of aerodynamic and hydrodynamic principles that determine the behaviour of the sailboat and its overall performance in navigation
- Fine adjustment of candles, sheets, cars, birds, backstay, halyards and other trim elements to optimise power, balance and speed
- Advanced interpretation of the balance between the Velic Centre, drift centre, heel and load on the helm in demanding navigation
- Sailing control techniques at different angles to the wind with an emphasis on efficiency, stability and exploitation of the boat's potential
- Correction of yield losses derived from poor trim, excess heeling, unnecessary resistance and driving errors
02
Advanced manoeuvres, sailing transitions and technical management of the sailboat in high-level navigation
- Improvement of tacking and transluctuated with precise control of the boat, sails and the coordination of the crew
- Advanced course change manoeuvres in medium and strong wind conditions with reduction of speed losses and balance control
- Technical management of curls, rag reduction and adaptation of the Velic plan to increase in wind and change of conditions
- Manoeuvres for lifting, lowering and controlling bow candles, larger and carrying candles in advanced navigation contexts
- Coordination of complex manoeuvres on board: distribution of functions, operational sequence, communication and risk control during execution
03
Sailing in demanding conditions, management of bad weather and decision making in complex maritime scenarios
- Advanced navigation techniques with strong wind, formed sea, gusts, cross wave and high demand scenarios for crew
- Boat management under bad weather: Sail reduction, dynamic balance, structural conservation and control of the effort on the rig
- Hard, cross-tight navigation and stern with adverse sea while maintaining safety, control and efficiency of travel
- Decision making on defeat, safeguarding, postponement of manoeuvres and prioritisation of safety under compromised weather conditions
- Advanced Incident Prevention and Response Procedures: Man to Water, Loss of Government, Partial Breakage and Fatigue of the Crew
04
Strategic Navigation, Wind Reading, Optimisation of Defeats and Performance Techniques in Regatta or Advanced Cruise
- Advanced reading of the real and apparent wind, identification of roles, streaks, calming and pressure changes over the navigation field
- Optimisation of sailing defeats according to wind angle, current, state of the sea, traffic and time or efficiency targets
- VMG-oriented, cross-over, stern navigation strategies, boat control and continuous performance improvement
- Tactical fundamentals of advanced navigation on coastal and regatta tours: positioning, coverage, choice of boards and anticipation
- Integration of navigation instruments, wind data and direct observation to support tactical and strategic decisions on board
05
Capstone Project of advanced sailing with technical planning, operational execution and evaluation of boat and crew performance
- Definition of the study case: type of sailboat, crossing or route profile, expected conditions and technical objectives of navigation
- Preparation of the advanced navigation plan: defeat, meteorology, sailing strategy, planned manoeuvres and organisation of the crew
- Design of the trim scheme, performance control and tactical decision-making according to phases of the selected navigation
- Integration of security protocols, contingency management and adaptation criteria to changes in wind, sea and operational load
- Technical evaluation of boat and crew performance: manoeuvres, speed, control, efficiency, safety and quality of execution
Workload
Study Time and Workload
300 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Experienced sailors looking to perfect their technique, optimize vessel performance, and explore new routes.Offshore skippers wanting to expand their knowledge in advanced meteorology, celestial navigation, and emergency management at sea.Racers aspiring to improve their strategy, tactics, and crew coordination to compete at the highest level.Sailing instructors wanting to update their skill
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Master advanced trim techniques to optimize boat performance in various conditions.
- 02Manage onboard resources effectively on long-distance voyages.
- 03Respond effectively to emergency situations and perform advanced safety maneuvers.
- 04Interpret and apply complex meteorological information for strategic decision-making in navigation.
- 05Use advanced electronic navigation systems and astronomical navigation techniques to determine position and plot precise courses.
- 06Lead and coordinate the crew in specific roles to optimize navigation efficiency and safety.
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Sailing Instructor: In nautical schools, sailing clubs, or adventure tourism companies, teaching advanced sailing techniques.
02Recreational Boat Skipper: Boat rentals, private charters, or nautical event companies, taking groups of people sailing.
03Professional Sailor: Participating in national and international sailing competitions, as part of professional teams.
04Nautical Activities Instructor: In summer camps, summer programs, or outdoor activity centers, supervising and teaching sailing to young people and adults.
05Boat Maintenance Manager: In shipyards, slipways, or naval repair companies, responsible for the inspection and maintenance of sailing boats.
06Consultant Nautical: Advising individuals or companies on the purchase, sale, or outfitting of sailing vessels.
07Nautical Event Organizer: Planning and coordinating regattas, voyages, or sailing-related activities.
08Crew Member on Cruising Vessels: Working on sailing vessels undertaking long-distance voyages, either as a professional or volunteer crew member.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Advanced sailing involves greater autonomy and responsibility in decision-making, including planning longer voyages, crew management, handling complex weather situations, and mastering more sophisticated sailing techniques, while basic sailing focuses on the essential skills for sailing in controlled conditions and close to the coast.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Prioritize safety by maximizing the use of favorable winds and ocean currents, while avoiding storms and areas of prolonged calm, considering the cyclone's path according to the time of year.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Previous Nautical Qualification:Recreational Boat Skipper (PER) or higher nautical qualification.Sailing Experience:Prove a minimum of hours of sailing (e.g. 50 hours) as a skipper or crew member.Fundamental Theoretical Knowledge:Mastery of meteorology, sail theory, advanced maneuvers and safety in sailing.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of the nautical qualification, certificate of navigation hours, DNI/Passport.```
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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