From skipper to pro: take your yachting skills to the next level

At first glance, it might appear that a captain must be master of every aspect of sailing. Yet every seasoned sailor knows there’s an ocean of knowledge still waiting to be discovered. Because we believe in continuously developing in our sailing life, we’ve put together tips to help you continue progressing — even long after you’ve earned your skipper’s license.

Perhaps the best way to broaden your sailing experience is by joining training / refresher cruises. At yachting.com, we host these regularly in well-known destinations like Croatia, Greece, Spain, and Italy (ask for a current offer our sales representatives). If you’re an experienced sailor seeking a bigger challenge, we also organize longer, more complex voyages—including ocean crossings, where you’ll sail between continents for weeks at a time.

Do you usually sail with family or friends and find that you’re the one who knows the most about the boat? If so, consider inviting a professional skipper along for your next trip. You’ll have the chance to pick up tips, tricks, and techniques from someone who has logged thousands of nautical miles — and get a taste of what it’s like to sail like a pro. Just ask our sales team when booking your boat, and we’ll help arrange a professional skipper to join you.

Sailing in classic yachting destinations like Croatia, Greece, Italy or Spain in the summer no longer pushes your boundaries? Then try ocean sailing in the Canary Islands, experience the cool North Sea off Sweden or Norway, or navigate around rugged Iceland. Even more demanding — yet stunningly beautiful and wild — is sailing in Scotland. Venturing into these challenging, tidal waters will elevate your skippering skills to a whole new level, and you’ll have plenty of stories to tell — since these are not the waters most sailors frequent. If you’re not quite ready to take it on alone, a refresher cruise or the help of a pro skipper will come in handy.

If you currently hold a licence that offers graded levels, why not aim even higher? You could even upgrade your qualification to the prestigious British RYA certification. By accumulating more miles and experience (using the methods mentioned in this article), you’ll be well on your way to securing a higher-level skipper’s licence.

A sailor always learns something new when he tries a different vessel or sails. Do you always rent a catamaran on holiday? Try a monohull sailboat. Are you used to self-tacking jibs? Next time try a boat with a large genoa or gennaker. In our fleet of boats, you'll find all kinds of sailboats, catamarans, houseboats, power catamarans, gulets or motorboats.

“He who reads much, learns much” is especially true in sailing. There are countless sailing books available, from comprehensive training manuals to enthralling memoirs. If you want to take a break from technical guides, dive into one of the 5 best books about sailing the seas or watch a sailing movie. Just keep in mind that some action-packed films might take a few liberties with the truth!

Recreational cruising and competitive racing are two entirely different worlds. If you want to test your mettle under pressure — navigating tight start lines, pitting your tactics against others, and occasionally pushing your boat to its limits — signing up for a regatta is a fantastic idea.

In sailing meccas like Croatia, several regattas take place each year (usually spring or autumn). Some have a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, while others are fiercely competitive.

Don’t feel like racing but still want to sail with multiple boats? Flotilla cruises may be your best bet. Gather a few crews, plan a route, and explore in a group. You’ll see a different side of sailing — plus, it’s a lot of fun.

Specialized courses or lectures for sailors can sharpen your skills on various topics, such as MOB (man overboard) drills, sail trimming and essential port manoeuvres. These courses, including some available online, will reinforce best practices in real-life scenarios—something every skipper benefits from.

For more informal learning, attend talks by experienced sailors who have ventured around the world. Listening to their first-hand accounts (and asking questions) can be both inspirational and educational. These sessions often open opportunities to join future expedition cruises or to connect with other enthusiasts.

Following social media profiles and joining Facebook groups for sailors can keep you up to date on current conditions in different destinations. These platforms are also a great place to network — whether you’re looking to offer your skills as a skipper or find extra crew members for an upcoming trip.

While it might seem unrelated, sea survival and first aid courses are crucial for any skipper. Many programs worldwide allow you to practice:

• Inflating a life raft in real conditions
• Rescuing unconscious individuals from the water
• Wound suturing and diving techniques

When you’re responsible for your crew’s safety, these skills can make all the difference.

Sailing with kids can be challenging, but it’s also an excellent learning experience. You’ll sharpen your ability to keep an eye on restless youngsters while mastering the art of teaching them fundamental sailing principles. Patience, communication, and adaptability are key — skills that will serve you well throughout your skippering career.

How well do you really know your boat’s engine, wind gauges, and other instruments? Gaining insight into the vessel’s technical aspects — not to mention learning how to handle basic repairs — will significantly boost your confidence and independence at sea.  We think it so important that we've included it in our sailing bucket list. You’ll also find courses dedicated to diesel engine maintenance and repair, which can be a life-saver if you ever encounter mechanical trouble.