Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Diploma · 800 h · 8 modules
Diploma in Nautical Sports and Competitions
This program empowers you to master the essential skills to excel in the aquatic world. Learn everything from the fundamentals of sailing and windsurfing to advanced competitive kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding techniques…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts7 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Nautical Sports and Competitions?
The Diploma in Nautical Sports and Competitions
This program empowers you to master the essential skills to excel in the aquatic world. Learn everything from the fundamentals of sailing and windsurfing to advanced competitive kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding techniques. This program is designed for enthusiasts and professionals looking to optimize their performance, understand water safety, and develop winning strategies.
Differential Advantages
- Expert Instructors: Learn from renowned athletes and coaches with extensive experience in nautical competitions.
- Comprehensive Training: Combines theory with intensive practice in various nautical disciplines.
- Safety First: Master safety and water rescue protocols to prevent incidents.
- Competition Strategies: Develop career plans, physical and mental preparation techniques to achieve success.
- Professional Networking: Connect with a community of nautical sports enthusiasts.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
28-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Comprehensive Mastery: Learn to manage watersports, from strategic planning to successful execution of events.
- Key Competencies: Develop skills in team leadership, sports marketing, risk management, and legal regulations.
- Practical Approach: Immerse yourself in real-world case studies and interactive simulations that will prepare you for the challenges of the industry.
- Networking: Connect with industry experts and peers from around the world, expanding your opportunities professionals.
- Professional Certification: Earn a recognized diploma that will boost your career in the exciting world of watersports.
- Prepare to lead the future of watersports with comprehensive, cutting-edge training.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals, classification and institutional framework of water sports
- Historical evolution and typology of nautical sports (sailing, rowing, boating, surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing and motonautics)
- International Governance: World Sailing, FISA, ICF, ISA, UIM and Olympic Committees
- Classification of boats and sports boards: Olympic classes, monotypes and open formulas
- Technical regulations, measurement certificates and control of gauges
- Nautical sports infrastructure: clubs, marinas, stranding ramps and race courses/tracks
- Sports Ethics, Fair Play, Marine Spirit and Anti-Doping Code (Wada/AMA)
- Environmental Impact, Sustainability in Aquatic Sports Events and Ecological Certifications
- National and international federations
02
Nautical Competition and Arbitration Regulations
- Sailing Regatta Regulations (RRV) and Standards for Prevention of Competition Approaches
- Competition regulations in rowing and boating (online and slalom tracks)
- Judging criteria in wave and slip sports (surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing)
- Structure and roles of regatta officers, judges, referees and metres
- Protest procedures, hearings, penalties and reparation of times
- Handicap and Time Compensation Systems (ORC, IRC, Portsmouth Yardstick)
- Regulatory safety and personal protective equipment Mandatory according to discipline
- Judges and Regatta Officers
03
Physiology, biomechanics and physical preparation of the nautical athlete
- Specific metabolic and energy demands in boaters, rowers and landscaping athletes
- Paleo biomechanics, rowing, swing kinematics and cinching posture (Hiking)
- Training Explosive Force, Core Muscle Endurance and Dynamic Balance
- Physiological adaptation to the aquatic environment, thermoregulation and prevention of heat stroke/hypothermia
- Nutrition, hydration strategy and supplementation applied to water performance
- Prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of recurrent injuries in water sports
- Sports psychology: focus, stress management in output and resilience in the face of adverse conditions
- Injury Prevention
04
Organisation, logistics and management of nautical events
- Design of the master plan of a nautical event (local championships, world championships and ocean regattas)
- Selection, layout and beaconing of regatta fields (Barlovento-Lecker, Trapezium, Slalom)
- Land Logistics: Boat Park, Zoning, Weighing and Access Control
- Management of maritime permits, coordination with the Port Authority and Port Captaincy
- Water Logistics: Support Fleet, Bearings, Press, Judges and VIP Vessels
- Budget management, sports sponsorship, transmission rights and nautical marketing
- Volunteer planning, operational staff and award protocol
- Planning of a nautical event
05
Hydrodynamics, aerodynamics and equipment optimisation
- Fluid dynamics applied to hulls, orzas, rudders and oars
- Trim, tackle tension and candle/comet design to maximise speed
- Selection of high-tech materials: carbon fibre, Kevlar, resins and laminated fabrics
- Maintenance, preparation of underwater hull, polishing of hulls and conservation of the race equipment
- Use of hydrofoils (foils) in sailboats, windsurfing, kitesurfing and surfing
- On-board telemetry, load sensors, navigation data processors and analysis cameras
- Biomechanical analysis using video analysis and performance tracking software
- Optimisation of competition material
06
Local Weather, Tactics and Career Strategy
- Microclimate in coastal and inland water regatta fields (lakes, rivers)
- Visual detection and reading of gusts, wind directions, thermals and pressure lines
- Analysis of local currents, tides and effectiveness in choosing the favorable side
- Pre-Out Strategy: Positioning, Timing, Passage Priority and Favored Line
- Navigation tactics in sections of sniffing, punching and rearing (marking, clean air)
- Use of weather forecasting applications and tactical analysis software (Vakaros, Sailmon)
- Quick adaptation of the strategy to sudden climate changes in full competition
- Reading of the regatta field
07
Safety, water rescue and crisis management in skills
- Emergency and Medical Evacuation Plan (EAP)
- Deployment of the sea rescue device, pneumatic boats (RIBS) and rescue jet skis
- Rescue techniques of trapped, capsize or tangled athletes
- Sea state monitoring, severe weather alerts and suspension of evidence
- Security communications: VHF radio network, dedicated channels and relief interconnection
- First aid applied to the aquatic environment, basic life support and drowning management
- Management of crisis communication, relationship with media and reputational shielding
- Competition Security
08
Data Analysis, Talent Detection and Final Project
- Post-regatta analysis (debriefing): GPS tracing, speed polar and tactical errors
- Base training programmes, sailing/rowing schools and teaching methodology
- Detection and development of high performance nautical sports talent
- Inclusion in nautical sports: adaptations for sailing and paddle parapan American/Olympic
- Trends and Innovation: E-Sailing Racing, Virtual Regattas and Urban Show Formats
- Management of nautical clubs and high-performance sports centres
- Presentation of the final project
- Final project: Comprehensive design, security dossier and operational plan for a high-level nautical championship
Workload
Study Time and Workload
800 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
Sports coaches looking to specialize in nautical disciplines, optimizing training techniques and strategies.Active tourism professionals wanting to expand their offerings with safe and attractive nautical activities, boosting local development.Sports science and physical education students seeking a practical approach to managing and developing nautical skills.Sports facility managers needin
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
- 01Skillfully manage recreational boats
- 02Mastering water rescue and salvage techniques
- 03Apply maritime legislation and safety regulations
- 04Organize and referee nautical sporting events
- 05Develop advanced skills in teaching water sports
- 06Designing customized training programs for nautical athletes
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Water Sports Instructor: teaching sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, rowing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and other disciplines.
02Water Activities Monitor/Guide: leading groups on excursions and recreational activities at sea or on lakes.
03Competitive Team Coach: physical and technical preparation of athletes in various water sports.
04Nautical Facility Manager: management of clubs, marinas, schools, and water activity centers.
05Water Sports Event Organizer: planning, coordination, and execution of regattas, championships, and other events.
06Sports Consultant specializing in water sports: advising athletes, clubs, and companies in the sector.
07Lifeguard Technician
08and aquatic lifeguarding: prevention and rescue at beaches, swimming pools, and other aquatic areas.
09Sales in nautical equipment and services companies: sale and promotion of products and services related to nautical sports.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Sailing, kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, open water swimming, water skiing, wakeboarding, rowing, canoeing.
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.
It covers both aspects, both the practice of water sports and the organization of competitions.
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
Academic/Professional Profile:Sports Technician Diploma in the corresponding nautical specialty (sailing, rowing, canoeing, etc.); or demonstrable experience in nautical sports and/or related training.Specific Knowledge:Basic knowledge of water safety.Basic knowledge of the competition rules of the chosen nautical discipline.Physical Aptitude:Adequate physical fitness for practicing nautical sports.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of sports qualification (if applicable), medical certificate of fitness for sports practice, ID/Passport, letter of motivation.```
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Frequently Asked Questions
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