88,688+ dreams turned into reality

Day Skipper in Primosten

Experience
Study
Destination
Croatia
Duration
1 week
Ages
18 to 65

Limited spots. Earliest available arrival is currently Jun 2024, and closing very soon.

Book now, pay later. Cancel anytime.

Trip overview

With every inch of the earth mapped, photographed, and shared on social media, is sailing the high seas the last real adventure on this planet? 

Who knows? But what is for certain is that developing your sailing skills will open up endless adventures for you on the ocean. It might even pave the way towards a career in the marine world. 

If you already have some experience with sailing, and you’re interested in securing your RYA-certified Day Skipper licence, this is the trip for you.*

On this done-for-you trip, you’ll get everything you need to live on board a sailboat in Primosten, Croatia, while earning your Day Skipper certificate, including: 

  • Intensive Day Skipper course. You’ll get 6 training days at sea as you learn everything about your craft from your RYA-qualified sailing experts. In a small group of maximum 5 people, you’ll learn all about navigation, piloting, handling the yacht, ‘rules of the road’, and tons more. 
  • Meals included. Before you set sail with your crew, you’ll all team up to do a massive grocery shop (known as provisioning in the yachting world) to make sure you have enough food and drinks for the week. Food and drinks are provided for the duration of the course (excluding eating out)
  • Onboard accommodation. You’ll share a double cabin aboard the yacht. Imagine waking up in the morning and diving straight into the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea from the deck of the yacht you’re currently living on. 
  • RYA Day Skipper certificate. Provided you pass the course, you’ll get a certificate for all your hard work. This certificate comes from the RYA – a global authority on maritime law and certification. Which means this is a real qualification that would be useful if you ever decide to chase a career in the maritime industry. 

There are plenty of ways to learn the ropes of sailing to unlock the ocean for you to explore. So why not do it in absolute style? 

Spend a week living aboard your floating classroom while you sail around the turquoise paradise of the Adriatic Sea. 

This dazzling coastline is one of the premier yachting destinations in the world – just one of the reasons why Croatian people are so well-renowned for their sea-going skills. 

While most travellers will enjoy a swim in the Adriatic or a maybe a day trip on a sailing boat, you’ll be living aboard the yacht for the duration of the course, giving you full immersion into the sea faring lifestyle. 

You’ll learn everything about operating your yacht, the weather, and the meanest mistress of them all – the ocean. 

On top of this, you’re in Croatia! The amazing coastline has a healthy scattering of islands and archipelagos off the coast to explore – all packed with history and magic. The cities on the mainland are some of the most majestic in Europe, all close enough to the Adriatic Sea. 

Can you picture it? You and your crew work together like a well-oiled machine, guiding your beautiful yacht into a new harbour every night. 

Since the hard work is done, it’s time for a quick dip in the Adriatic before enjoying a delicious Croatian beer on deck with your crew as a billion stars poke a billion holes in the inky canvas stretching over you. 

If you’re thinking about a career in the maritime industry this will be a good place to start – especially because you’ll be walking away with a globally recognised Day Skipper certificate. 

When you go with Global, you get the full experience for a fraction of the hassle. We offer the complete package for learning how to sail in Primosten.  

Our team will help you with the essentials you need to start your new journey with a bang! Including helping you with visas, enrolling you in classes, securing your accommodation, and a whole lot more. 

* If you don’t have any sailing experience, you can get all you need on our Ultimate Sailing Course. This adds a week to your trip before the Day Skipper course which will meet the requirements for the certificate. It also doubles your time living aboard a sail boat in Croatia so win-win.

Inclusions

Tap to expand

Intensive Day Skipper Course
Dedicated Trip Coordinator
Trip visa guidance
Personal Travel Concierge
Pre-Departure Guide
Private airport transfer
Onboard accommodation
Meals
Online theory content
Fees, taxes and petrol
Additional learning tools
RYA Day Skipper Certificate
Ongoing local team support
Global Emergency Line
GWorld Acess
SocialNEW
Global AcademyNEW
Marketplace dealsNEW
$250 off your next trip

Just in case it’s not clear already, we’re not an employment or recruitment agency. Read more

Qualification

To qualify for this trip you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be between 18-65 years of age
  • Be a citizen of an eligible country
  • Have no criminal convictions in the past 5 years

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Trip details

Your week-long RYA Day Skipper course is a complete immersion in the world of yachting. You will spend the entire week on the boat, learning everything there is to learn about taking a boat out under your own steam and successfully navigating local waters. There are a wealth of skills to learn here and what is so good about this course is that every single one of them is hands-on. No sitting in a classroom, imagining what it is like to plot a course or read the charts, this is all out there on the open sea, helping to pilot a yacht along the Adriatic coast of Croatia. Being a Day Skipper is a big responsibility, so you will understand that this is an intensive course, but once you have completed it and you have your ticket, it opens up doors to work anywhere in the world. 

Before you click to join us on the high seas, there are a few requirements. In order to get started on your Day Skipper licence, you will first need to have had some experience. The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) request that you have clocked up 100 miles and 5 days experience as an active crew member on a yacht and have theory knowledge at Day Skipper level or equivalent. If you don’t, one of the best ways to get this sorted is to partake in our Ultimate Sailing Course, which includes a week’s training on becoming a competent crew member, before undertaking the Day Skipper course. 

Arrive in Croatia with the reassurance that you will be many steps ahead of every other traveller in search of the same experience. There are many ways to explore the country by boat, but nothing that offers such an immersive experience as this. Every night you will help pilot the yacht to a different harbour, getting to explore the unbelievable beauty of the Croatian coastline and the multitude of islands that line it. You will be able to take a morning and evening swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic and chill on the deck with your newfound friends in the evenings, with the natural beauty of Croatia all around you. True heaven.  

If you want to explore Europe further, then you are in a great spot to do it. You can head down the coast to Montenegro, the current European must-visit country, or jump on a ferry, or take a spectacular train ride to Italy, and from there you have access to all the big hitters of Europe. However, Croatia itself is somewhere you should definitely spend more time, with truly unbelievable cities to explore and a warm, welcoming culture to dive into.   

Requirements 

You must be physically fit for intensive sailing and qualify for a Schengen tourist visa.

You will need to have completed the Yacht Crewing Course or 100 miles on a yacht as an active crew member with 5 days onboard & theory knowledge at Day Skipper level or equivalent. 

Please note: these are the minimum requirements from the Royal Yachting Association (RYA). Please take a look at our Ultimate Sailing Course if you don’t meet these requirements.

What extra costs will I have? 

Flights, travel insurance, meals whilst on-shore, souvenirs & spending money.

Accommodation & meals

You’ll stay aboard the yacht you’re crewing on. You’ll share a double cabin with another crew member. 

With your accommodation on the high seas sorted, how will you get the food you need to fight off scurvy? 

You’ll team up with your crew to do a massive grocery shop before you set sail, making sure everyone has enough food and drinks for the trip. The cost of this grocery shop is included in your trip.

Trip itinerary

Arrival

You will be collected from the airport and transferred to the Marina in Primošten. If you choose to, you can arrive a few days early to acclimatise and explore the city of Split before your course starts in earnest. 

Day 1

Your trip will start on a Saturday at 4pm. After being transferred from the airport, you will meet up with your crew and team for the week. Then you will do some grocery shopping, safety, course planning and basic information briefing before departing on Sunday morning.

Ongoing

Training is scheduled for 6 days with overnight stays in different harbours/bays every night. The sailing days normally see a departure by 9am, with lunch taken on the go (sandwiches/big salad) and then dropping anchor by 5pm. All in all, it is a long and intense day of sailing, but you will always have some time to chill and go for a swim at the end of it.   A typical day looks like this:  Get up at 7.30/8.00, have a swim, breakfast, briefing of the day, start sailing, a quick stop for lunch, sail until 5pm (ish), drop anchor, have a swim and a drink, cook a meal altogether, chat under the stars. Pure bliss.    Course Content Your intensive seabound course will include the following topics:  Preparation for sea Deck work Navigation Pilotage Meteorology Rules of the road Maintenance and repair work Engines Victualling Yacht handling under power Yacht handling under sail Passage making Night cruising

Why choose us

Our Study trips are designed to get you set up in your new life overseas – learning new skills from the locals – as smoothly as possible. Our goal is to save you time, money, and stress while eliminating the risk of returning home early. Here’s how we do it: 

We’re with you from the moment you get started. You’ll be assigned a dedicated Trip Coordinator. They’ll guide you through the next steps and answer all your questions. They’ll also help you with the pesky visa. No guesswork – only the right paperwork, approved the first time, in your hands before you leave. 

Your Personal Travel Concierge will help with flights, insurance, visas, and any add-ons you’d like for your trip. These are real humans too – no robots here. 

Once you land in Croatia our local team will be waiting for you at the airport. You’ll be taken straight to your initial accommodation in Primosten. 

But our support doesn’t end there. We’ll be in touch during your trip to make sure everything is going smoothly. If you have any questions or concerns we’re one quick message, DM, email, or carrier pigeon away. 

Our team is well travelled so you can rely on our experience. We’re with you every step of the way. 

Join 80,000+ travellers – giving us 10,000+ 4 & 5 star reviews – by choosing Global to make your travel dreams come true. 

Most travellers book their trip 6-12 months in advance. Dates are flexible, but spaces are limited. So if you’re serious about studying in Croatia, don’t delay. 

With our Book Now, Decide Later feature, you can get started with a small deposit today, and take a full year to choose your dates. 

We’ll take over from there, helping you with visas, flights, accommodation, and setting you up with our partner in Croatia. 

This is the trip for you if you’re after the ultimate experience in Croatia, complete with everything you need and 24/7 support.

Click the red button to check dates & prices.

Why Study

The main purpose of this trip is to get you confidently running a yacht while you live aboard off the coast of Croatia. 

There’s only so much you can learn in a classroom. And this is especially true when it comes to sailing or getting to know the ocean. There’s simply no substitute for getting out there and doing it! 

That’s why you’ll be living aboard the very yacht you’re learning on for the duration of your course. 

This week-long course is intense, with plenty of hands-on learning involved. 

It’s all about transforming you into a confident skipper of small vessels, so you can pilot your own boat anywhere in the world with style. 

There’s a ton of new stuff for you to learn, so there will be some theory work to do. But, for the most part, this trip focuses on learning by doing. Meaning you’ll be putting your new skills into practice until you nail them with your eyes closed (although, as a competent crew member, you’ll learn to not do things on a yacht with your eyes closed). 

We’ve teamed up with an RYA certified training school. Which means, as long as you pass, you’ll walk away with an internationally recognised certificate which will go a long way should you ever wish to go into the maritime industry.

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Frequently asked questions

Why go with Global Work & Travel?

As the world’s leading gap-year and "work & travel" company, we provide a premium service for Global Travellers. Choose from a variety of awesome experiences worldwide. We assist with visas, pre-departure, flights, insurance, and tours. Our cool tech features support you throughout the journey. As a Global Traveller, access gWorld, our personalized app. Keep important documents and trip details handy. Enjoy exclusive Marketplace deals, a social network, language learning, side trips, meet-ups, and more. It's like all your favorite apps merged into one, but better! Our support doesn't stop there. With a 24/7 emergency team, 90+ staff, and ongoing assistance, we ensure you feel like a local. Join the 80,000+ Global Travellers who have turned their travel dreams into reality with us. We proudly boast the most & best reviews in the biz!

Are flights & insurance included?

While we would love to include flights and insurance in our trip packages, it is not feasible to have a fixed price due to the diverse destinations, trip durations, and individual coverage needs of our travellers from around the globe. However, once you register for the trip, we will assign you a dedicated Travel Concierge. They will work closely with you to arrange the ideal flights and insurance tailored to your specific adventure. Rest assured, our team is here to ensure you have a smooth and hassle-free travel experience from start to finish!

How do I choose the right study trip?

With so many incredible options, we understand that selecting the perfect study trip can be tricky. That's why we recommend booking your favourite one, and your dedicated Trip Coordinator will guide you through the project details. They will consider your interests, goals, and desired outcome for the trip. If we find another trip that better suits your preferences, we can easily swap you over to ensure you have the ideal study experience. Rest assured, we're here to help you find the right fit!

How does accommodation work?

You will be provided clean, comfortable, and safe accommodation for the entire duration of your study experience! Depending on the specific trip, the accommodation will either be on-site or conveniently located near the course location for your ease and convenience. You can focus on your studies and enjoy a worry-free and fun stay during your exciting journey with us.

Do I need any prior experience for a study trip?

Most of our study trips are designed to cater to participants of all abilities and levels of experience. You can confidently join our program without any previous background or expertise. Our courses are structured to provide a valuable and enriching learning experience for everyone, ensuring you can make the most out of your study trip adventure, and go home with a new or developed skill!

What is the typical group size I'll be studying with?

The group sizes for our study trips typically range from 4 to 12 people, with variations depending on the specific trip. Most of our participants are travelling solo and share a common enthusiasm for learning and making new connections. And as our travellers come from various countries worldwide, joining a study trip offers an exceptional opportunity to build a diverse network of friends from all corners of the globe!

Do I get a certificate upon completing the study course?

Absolutely! Upon successfully completing the study course, you will be awarded a certificate to acknowledge your hard work and dedication. This valuable certificate serves as a notable achievement and an impressive addition to your resume. Future employers will recognise your commitment to personal and professional growth, reinforcing your qualifications and enhancing your career prospects. Or, frame it on your wall to show off to family and friends of the epic skill you picked up abroad!

Why should I book now?

Covid-19 threw us a curve ball and pretty much halted all travel. This means that we have a backlog of travellers, just like you, who are desperate to get out and explore the world! Global Work & Travel works on a first-in-best-dressed basis. Booking earlier ensures that you don’t miss out on the best intake, season, placements and more! We recommend our travellers take 6-12 months to plan their trip for a reason - to make sure you’ve got everything organised perfectly, stress-free. As a Global Traveller you’ll get exclusive access to gWorld, our personalised app where you can keep all of your important documents and trip details in one spot and gain insider access to everything Global. This is where you will find exclusive Marketplace Deals, a unique social network to connect you with other like-minded Global Travellers, access to our Academy with an ever-growing range of skills & languages, and so much more. Think all of your favourite apps merged into one, but like, better? Why not give yourself something to look forward to by booking that trip!

Can I travel with a friend?

Yes you can! Simply tell your Trip Coordinator after booking that your friend is also going and they can link your profiles. For most of our trips we should be able to have you and your friends placed together or nearby. Meaning that you can live, work, play & travel together! But wait there's more! Not only can you travel the world with your besties at your side, you can also earn some extra cash towards your own trip just by referring your friends to Global Work & Travel. You can learn more about the great referral rewards program inside your gWorld account once you join. And for those who decide to go-it-solo, we’ve made it easier to meet other Global Travellers in the same region as you. Just like any other social platform, you’ll be able to interact, share, chat and meet with some really cool people who are doing trips just like you!

Can I bring my pet along?

At Global Work & Travel, we share a deep love for animals and fully understand the special bond you have with your pet. We recognise the challenges of embarking on a trip without them. Due to travel restrictions, requirements, and limited pet-friendly accommodations among our host organisations, we regretfully cannot facilitate their inclusion in the journey. However, many of our customers choose to entrust their pets to a family member or friend, embark on their adventure, and return home to wagging tails and furry cuddles.

What happens if I want to cancel my trip?

We know that life can get in the way of travel, so all our trips come with a great deal of flexibility. In most cases, if you cannot travel on your selected date, you can place your trip on hold to deal with whatever is holding you back, and continue in the future without incurring any penalty. You may also have the option of transferring to an entirely different trip and destination as well, or even transferring your trip to a friend or family member. In the event that you need to outright cancel your trip, if you give us 84* days notice you can do so with only a 50% cancellation fee. Your refund of the balance will come in the form of a Store Credit which you can put toward any other trip that we offer, including tours through third-party providers, as well as holidays through DealsAway.com, and is valid for 2 years from date of issue. As international travel can be complex, your options are based on the progress of your trip organisation and our support team can assist you in finding the best solution for your needs.

How it works

1. Choose a trip style

Find your dream experience & destination, then secure your spot with a flexible & low deposit. Activate your gWorld to unlock some cool perks. Well done! The hardest part’s over!

2. We become friends

Book a time to meet your dedicated Trip Coordinator who knows all the ins & outs of your trip. They’ll be by your side and working behind-the-scenes to pull everything together.

3. Time to go!

We’ll get your tickets, accommodation & transfers ready. Our in-country team or partner will have everything prepared & waiting for your arrival. Get on the plane with no worries!

4. 24/7 support

Never stress, knowing we’re there with you when you need us with ongoing & unlimited local team support and check-ins. And just in case, we’ve got an emergency team on stand-by, 24/7.

Still have questions?

Why go Global

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Worldwide support

Know that someone is always ready to assist throughout the journey & they’re only a call, tweet, comment, text or double tap away, 24/7.

We're the experts

With over 10 years in the industry and a team of over 90 passionate pros, you can bet we know our stuff better than anyone else.

Partner network

We have over 1,200 partners around the globe, so we have access to plenty of exclusive opportunities to make your trip the best it can be.

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