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
Recreational Sailing Course in 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…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts7 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Recreational Sailing Course in Small Sailboats?
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.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
10-12-2026
Programme highlights
- 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.
- Get ready to enjoy sailing safely and have fun!
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of Recreational Navigation, Light Sailing and Initial Safety on Small Sailboats
- Recreational sailing concept in small sailboats and differences between light sailing, coastal cruise, sport boating and nautical ride
- Main parts of the sailboat: hull, deck, mast, boom, rigging, rudder, orza, sheets, halyards and candles
- Basic principles of flotation, stability, balance, sail propulsion and governance of the boat
- Environment conditions: wind, current, swell, depth, temperature, visibility and close maritime traffic
- Main Hazards: Overturning, Falling into the Water, Boom Strike, Fatigue, Drift, Disorientation and Sudden Wind Changes
02
Equipment, sailboat preparation, rigging and basic manoeuvres before sailing
- Selection of the sailboat according to level, crew, sailing zone, stability, sail surface and expected conditions
- Hull check, rudder, orza, mast, boom, rigging, candles, ropes, hardware and safety elements
- Personal preparation: vest, technical clothing, footwear, sun protection, hydration, gloves and basic communication
- Rig assembly, candle hoisting, initial fitting of sheets, checking knots and order of ends on board
- Boarding, weight distribution, crew position and stability check before leaving
03
Wind, courses, sailing trim and basic sailboat control
- Principles of the wind: windward, leeward, real wind, apparent wind, streaks and roles
- Navigation directions: tight, cross, long, furrowed and non-windling areas
- Basic trim of candles through sheets, tension, orientation, bagging and flame reading
- Government with rudder, boat balance, heel control and coordination between helmsman and crew member
- Speed changes, power reduction, controlled stop and control recovery in streaks
04
Essential manoeuvres, tacked, transluctuated, berthing and recovery from incidents
- Tap by Avante: Preparation, coordination, band change, fitting of the sheets and recovery of the course
- Basic trasluchada: Boom control, sail change, crew safety and hit prevention
- Departure and arrival at the beach, ramp, buoy, dock or protected area according to wind and space available
- Manoeuvre manoeuvre to recreational water: warning, control of the sailboat, safe approach and initial recovery
- Overturning action, sailing of the sailboat, re-loading, loss of material, tangled cape or rudder failure
05
Applied Recreational Navigation Project in Small Sailboats
- Case definition: light sailing, practice in nautical school, protected coastal navigation, lake, bay or family activity
- Diagnosis of the environment, level of crew, type of sailboat, wind forecast, risks and navigation conditions
- Design of the departure plan with preparation of the boat, route, planned courses, manoeuvres, times and cancellation criteria
- Preparation of the safety plan with vests, communication, roles, man to the water, overturning, return and response to incidents
- Basic maintenance proposal, good environmental practices and technical progression recommendations for future departures
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
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 en
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
- 01Maneuvering the sailboat safely in various conditions
- 02Understand and apply navigation rules to avoid collisions
- 03Interpreting meteorological information for decision-making in navigation
- 04Perform basic maintenance on the sailboat and its equipment
- 05Use appropriate safety equipment and respond effectively to emergencies
- 06Understand the basic principles of sailing and nautical terminology
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Sailing Instructor: In sailing schools, sailing clubs, or adventure tourism companies.
02Recreational Boat Skipper: Renting small sailboats for excursions or tourist activities.
03Nautical Activities Instructor: In summer camps, leisure centers, or educational programs.
04Sailboat Maintenance and Repair: In nautical workshops or specialized companies.
05Boat Sales: Advising on and selling small sailboats in nautical shops or shipyards.
06Nautical Event Organization: Regattas, voyages, or gatherings of small sailboats.
07Volunteering: In non-profit organizations dedicated to promoting sailing and the Marine environmental protection.
08Positions in marinas: Support staff in the management and organization of marinas.
09```
Questions
Entry Requirements
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 (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
Age Requirements:Minimum age of 16 years (or parental/guardian authorization).Prior Knowledge:No prior nautical knowledge is required, but familiarity with basic sailing concepts will be valued.Physical Aptitude:Adequate physical ability to maneuver a small sailboat and participate in outdoor activities.Personal Equipment:Appropriate clothing for sailing (sun protection, waterproof), non-slip footwear, life jacket (may be provided).```
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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