Recreational Sailing Course in Small Sailboats
Why this course?
Learn to master the art of Recreational Sailing on Small Sailboats.
This course provides you with the essential skills to sail safely and confidently, from the fundamentals of sailing and rigging to planning coastal passages. Discover how to interpret weather conditions, perform basic and advanced maneuvers, and use traditional and modern navigational tools. Perfect for beginners and those looking to hone their skills on the water.
This course provides you with the essential skills to sail safely and confidently, from the fundamentals of sailing and rigging to planning coastal passages. Discover how to interpret weather conditions, perform basic and advanced maneuvers, and use traditional and modern navigational tools. Perfect for beginners and those looking to refine their skills on the water.
Differentiating Advantages
- Intensive Practice: Maximize your time on the water with practical exercises designed to reinforce each concept.
- Safety First: Learn best practices and procedures to ensure safe and responsible sailing.
- Certified Instructors: Receive instruction from experts with extensive experience in recreational sailing.
- Sailing Community: Connect with other sailing enthusiasts and share experiences and knowledge.
- Optional Certification: Obtain a recognized certification to validate your skills and knowledge.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 25-04-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Sailing enthusiasts who want to acquire basic knowledge to sail safely in small sailboats.
- Sailing beginners looking for a practical introduction to sailing, sail trimming, and safety at sea.
- Owners of small sailboats who want to gain confidence to enjoy their boats independently and responsibly.
- Families and groups of friends who want to share the sailing experience in a safe and controlled environment.
- People interested in outdoor activities looking for an exciting new hobby connected with nature.
Learning flexibility
Ā Adapted for people with limited time: content concise and practical, online exercises and availability of supplementary material.
Objectives and competencies
Maneuvering the sailboat safely in various conditions:
“Adjust sail trim and steering to wind intensity and sea state, maintaining course and stability.”
Understand and apply navigation rules to avoid collisions:
Use the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) proactively, integrating information from navigation instruments and adapting the strategy to the environmental conditions (traffic, weather, sea state).
Interpreting meteorological information for decision-making in navigation:
Analyze and predict the impact of weather on navigation safety, optimizing routes and crossing times.
Perform basic maintenance on the sailboat and its equipment:
“Inspect, clean and lubricate key components (engine, rigging, winches) and diagnose/repair minor faults following manuals.”
Use appropriate safety equipment and respond effectively to emergencies:
“Inspect and maintain safety equipment (PPE, lifeboats, fire extinguishers) and conduct realistic emergency drills for a rapid and coordinated response.”
Understand the basic principles of sailing and nautical terminology:
“Identify directions, winds, parts of the vessel, and basic maneuvers to move safely on board.”
Curriculum - Modules
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to coastal maneuvering: definitions, objectives, and limitations
- Maritime safety: regulations, equipment, and emergency procedures
- Basic meteorology: atmosphere, pressure, wind, clouds, and precipitation
- Navigation instruments: compass, log, depth sounder, radar, and GPS
- Nautical charts: types, symbols, and use in coastal navigation
- Nautical publications: sailing directions, notices to mariners, and tides
- Rules of the trade: overtaking, crossings, and channel navigation
- Lights and shapes: types, characteristics, and meaning
- Sound signals: use in fog and other situations emergency
- Voyage planning: route, estimated times and alternatives
‘
- Basic vessel nomenclature: bow, stern, port, starboard
- Ropework: basic knots (figure eight, bowline, clove hitch), loops, and coiling
- Docking and undocking maneuvers: use of fenders and mooring lines, wind and current
- Anchoring: site selection, chain calculation, anchoring and weighing anchor techniques
- Safety on board: life jackets, flares, EPIRB, life raft
- Personal safety equipment: harnesses, lifelines, appropriate footwear
- Basic meteorology: atmospheric pressure, temperature, wind, clouds, fog
- Interpretation of reports Weather warnings: storm warnings, coastal forecasts
Effects of wind and waves: navigation in strong winds, large waves
Precautions in adverse weather conditions: preparation and action
‘
- Basic Nomenclature: Parts of the boat, rigging, sails, and rope
- Forces on the sail: Apparent wind, angle of attack, lift, and drag
- Basic Maneuvers: Tacking, gybing, reefing sails
- Fine Sail Adjustment: Halyard, vang, sheet, and traveler tension
- Sailing on Different Courses: Close-hauled, Beam reach, Broad reach, Downwind
- Safety on Board: Mandatory safety equipment, life jackets, harnesses, lifelines
- Basic Ropework: Essential nautical knots (figure-eight, clove hitch, bowline)
- Basic Meteorology: Pressure Atmospheric conditions, wind, clouds, and frontal systems
Meteorological information sources: bulletins, synoptic charts, apps
Precautions in bad weather: preparing the ship, safety maneuvers
‘
- Basic Nomenclature: Parts of the boat, rigging, and sails.
- Wind Theory: True wind, apparent wind, angles, and forces.
- Safety Equipment: Life jackets, safety lines, flares, portable VHF radio.
- Boat Preparation: Inspection of the hull, sails, lines, and steering equipment.
- Basic Maneuvers: Launching and landing, tacking, and gybing.
- Fundamental Positions: Upwind, reaching, broad reach, and downwind.
- Sail Trim: Trim, easing, luff and foot tension.
- Safety on the Water: Man overboard (MOB) procedures, rescue, and emergency call.
Weather conditions: Cloud identification, interpreting weather bulletins, and caution in case of sudden changes.
Basic legislation: Navigation regulations, permitted and prohibited areas, and beach use.
‘
- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety ā diagnosis ā intervention ā verification ā report) applicable to any system.
Plan de estudio - MĆ³dulos
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to coastal maneuvering: definitions, objectives, and limitations
- Maritime safety: regulations, equipment, and emergency procedures
- Basic meteorology: atmosphere, pressure, wind, clouds, and precipitation
- Navigation instruments: compass, log, depth sounder, radar, and GPS
- Nautical charts: types, symbols, and use in coastal navigation
- Nautical publications: sailing directions, notices to mariners, and tides
- Rules of the trade: overtaking, crossings, and channel navigation
- Lights and shapes: types, characteristics, and meaning
- Sound signals: use in fog and other situations emergency
- Voyage planning: route, estimated times and alternatives
‘
- Basic vessel nomenclature: bow, stern, port, starboard
- Ropework: basic knots (figure eight, bowline, clove hitch), loops, and coiling
- Docking and undocking maneuvers: use of fenders and mooring lines, wind and current
- Anchoring: site selection, chain calculation, anchoring and weighing anchor techniques
- Safety on board: life jackets, flares, EPIRB, life raft
- Personal safety equipment: harnesses, lifelines, appropriate footwear
- Basic meteorology: atmospheric pressure, temperature, wind, clouds, fog
- Interpretation of reports Weather warnings: storm warnings, coastal forecasts
Effects of wind and waves: navigation in strong winds, large waves
Precautions in adverse weather conditions: preparation and action
‘
- Basic Nomenclature: Parts of the boat, rigging, sails, and rope
- Forces on the sail: Apparent wind, angle of attack, lift, and drag
- Basic Maneuvers: Tacking, gybing, reefing sails
- Fine Sail Adjustment: Halyard, vang, sheet, and traveler tension
- Sailing on Different Courses: Close-hauled, Beam reach, Broad reach, Downwind
- Safety on Board: Mandatory safety equipment, life jackets, harnesses, lifelines
- Basic Ropework: Essential nautical knots (figure-eight, clove hitch, bowline)
- Basic Meteorology: Pressure Atmospheric conditions, wind, clouds, and frontal systems
Meteorological information sources: bulletins, synoptic charts, apps
Precautions in bad weather: preparing the ship, safety maneuvers
‘
- Basic Nomenclature: Parts of the boat, rigging, and sails.
- Wind Theory: True wind, apparent wind, angles, and forces.
- Safety Equipment: Life jackets, safety lines, flares, portable VHF radio.
- Boat Preparation: Inspection of the hull, sails, lines, and steering equipment.
- Basic Maneuvers: Launching and landing, tacking, and gybing.
- Fundamental Positions: Upwind, reaching, broad reach, and downwind.
- Sail Trim: Trim, easing, luff and foot tension.
- Safety on the Water: Man overboard (MOB) procedures, rescue, and emergency call.
Weather conditions: Cloud identification, interpreting weather bulletins, and caution in case of sudden changes.
Basic legislation: Navigation regulations, permitted and prohibited areas, and beach use.
‘
- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety ā diagnosis ā intervention ā verification ā report) applicable to any system.
- Basic terminology for dinghies: parts of the boat, sails, rigging.
- Personal safety equipment: life jackets, footwear, appropriate clothing.
- Basic knots: figure eight, square knot, clove hitch, bowline.
- Basic maneuvers: tacking, gybing, close-hauled, reaching, beam reach, downwind.
- Sail trim: halyard tension, foot, sheet, sheet traveler.
- The wind: direction, intensity, wind scales, effects on navigation.
- Safety on the water: preventing falls overboard, rescue procedures.
- Capturing and Righting: Righting techniques, safety measures.
Basic navigation rules: Headings, priority between vessels.
Basic vessel maintenance: Cleaning, rigging inspection.
‘
- Introduction to dinghy sailing: Types of boats, parts, and basic terminology.
- Wind fundamentals: True, apparent, and surface wind. Effect of wind on sails.
- Rigging and rigging: Identification, adjustment, and basic maintenance.
- Basic maneuvers: Tacking, gybing, close-hauled, reaching, beam reach, and downwind.
- Safety on board: Mandatory and recommended safety equipment. Life jackets, flares, portable VHF radio.
Essential nautical knots: Clove hitch, bowline, square knot, overhand knot.
Weather precautions: Recognizing weather patterns, sources of meteorological information.
Rules of right and navigation: International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs).
Basic first aid: Treating minor wounds, sunburn, hypothermia.
Environmental responsibility: Minimizing the impact of navigation on the marine ecosystem.
- Introduction to sailing: principles of wind and forces on the sail.
- Nautical terminology: parts of the boat, rigging, and sails.
- Safety on board: life jackets, harnesses, lifelines, life raft.
- Basic knots: clove hitch, bowline, square knot, half hitch, figure-eight knot.
- Basic sailing maneuvers: tacking, gybing, close-hauled, quartering, reaching, beam reach.
- Sail adjustments: halyard tension, sheet tension, vang tension, vang tension.
- Basic meteorology: cloud identification, wind scales (Beaufort scale), weather forecasting.
- Precautions in bad weather: reefing Sails, weathering the storm, riding out the storm.
- Basic First Aid: treatment of wounds, burns, hypothermia, dizziness.
- Emergency Procedures: Man Overboard (MOB), Mayday Call.
‘
- Basic terminology: parts of the boat, rigging, sails, tackle.
- Safety equipment: life jackets, flares, portable VHF radio, first aid kit.
- Essential nautical knots: bowline, clove hitch, square knot, reef knot.
- Hoisting and lowering sails: mainsail, jib, genoa, spinnaker.
- Basic sail trim: angle of attack, leech tension, sheet car.
- Heads to the wind: close-hauled, reach, broad reach, downwind.
- Tacking and gybing: technique and coordination.
- Risks and hazards in sailing
- Dinghy sailing: capsizes, collisions, adverse weather conditions.
- Emergency procedures: man overboard, abandoning ship.
- Basic legislation and best practices: navigation rules, respect for the environment.
‘
Career opportunities
- Sailing Instructor: In sailing schools, sailing clubs, or adventure tourism companies.
- Recreational Boat Skipper: Renting small sailboats for excursions or tourist activities.
- Nautical Activities Instructor: In summer camps, leisure centers, or educational programs.
- Sailboat Maintenance and Repair: In nautical workshops or specialized companies.
- Boat Sales: Advising on and selling small sailboats in nautical shops or shipyards.
- Nautical Event Organization: Regattas, voyages, or gatherings of small sailboats.
- Volunteering: In non-profit organizations dedicated to promoting sailing and the Marine environmental protection.
- Positions in marinas: Support staff in the management and organization of marinas.
“`
Admission requirements
Academic/professional profile:
Degree/Bachelor's degree in Nautical Science/Maritime Transport, Naval/Marine Engineering, or a related field; or proven professional experience in bridge/operations.
Language proficiency:
Recommended functional maritime English (SMCP) for simulations and technical materials.
5. Induction
Updated resume, copy of degree or seaman's book, ID card/passport, letter of motivation.
Technical requirements (for online):
Equipment with camera/microphone, stable connection, ā„ 24ā monitor recommended for ECDIS/Radar-ARPA.
Admission process and dates
1. Online
application
(form + documents).
2. Academic review and interview
(profile/objectives/schedule compatibility).
3. Admission decision
(+ scholarship proposal if applicable).
4. Reservation of place
(deposit) and registration.
5. Induction
(access to campus, calendars, simulator guides).
Scholarships and grants
- Sailing Fundamentals: Learn the basic principles of sailing in small boats.
- Essential Maneuvers: Master the techniques of tacking, gybing, anchoring, and docking safely.
- Safety at Sea: Learn safety protocols, how to use lifesaving equipment, and how to act in emergencies.
- Basic Meteorology: Interpret weather conditions to plan your trips and sail responsibly.
- Maritime Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the rules of navigation to avoid collisions and ensure safety on the water.
Testimonials
I successfully completed the recreational sailing course on small sailboats, gaining the confidence and skills necessary to sail safely and efficiently. I mastered maneuvers such as docking, tacking, and sailing in different wind directions, as well as gaining a thorough understanding of navigation principles, maritime safety, and meteorology. Now I thoroughly enjoy sailing, exploring new waters with confidence and skill.
During the Sports, Recreation and Aquatic Activities course, I overcame my fear of water, learned to swim different styles and obtained the aquatic lifeguard certification, which allowed me to get a summer job at a water park.
Mastering sailing small sailboats allowed me to fully enjoy the sea. I learned to read the wind, adjust the sails, and plot courses safely, culminating in a solo coastal voyage that exceeded my expectations.
I successfully completed the recreational sailing course on small sailboats, learning to sail safely and confidently in various conditions. I mastered basic maneuvers, nautical terminology, and navigation principles, allowing me to fully enjoy the experience on the water.
Frequently asked questions
Approximately perpendicular to the vessel, coming from the stern at an angle that allows the sails to be filled without flapping.
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.
To provide lateral resistance to prevent the sailboat from moving sideways due to the force of the wind and to allow sailing against the wind.
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 (3ā6 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 University + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
- Basic terminology: parts of the boat, rigging, sails, tackle.
- Safety equipment: life jackets, flares, portable VHF radio, first aid kit.
- Essential nautical knots: bowline, clove hitch, square knot, reef knot.
- Hoisting and lowering sails: mainsail, jib, genoa, spinnaker.
- Basic sail trim: angle of attack, leech tension, sheet car.
- Heads to the wind: close-hauled, reach, broad reach, downwind.
- Tacking and gybing: technique and coordination.
- Risks and hazards in sailing
- Dinghy sailing: capsizes, collisions, adverse weather conditions.
- Emergency procedures: man overboard, abandoning ship.
- Basic legislation and best practices: navigation rules, respect for the environment.
‘
Request information
- Complete the Application Form
- Attach your CV/Qualifications (if you have them to hand).
- Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you want the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
Teachers
Eng. TomƔs Riera
Full Professor
Eng. TomƔs Riera
Full Professor
Naval engineer specializing in the selection, integration, and optimization of propulsion systems for yachts, high-speed craft, and service vessels.
Eng. SofĆa Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. SofĆa Marquina
Full Professor
Materials engineer specializing in marine composites and corrosion protection systems for ships, yachts, and port structures.
Eng. Javier BaƱuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier BaƱuls
Full Professor
Naval electrical engineer with over fifteen years of experience in the design, integration, and operation of power and automation systems.
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Specialist in meteorological and operational decision-making for coastal and offshore navigation, integrating wind, wave, and current models.
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Naval engineer with a PhD in applied hydrodynamics and over a decade of experience designing high-performance hulls and marine structures.
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
MCA-certified captain with command of ocean-going vessels, specializing in advanced maneuvering, navigation management, and bridge safety.