An Incredible Week of Sailing in Croatia!
Having just completed our ASA 103, 104, and 114 certifications with Sailing Virgins, we clocked an impressive 150 nautical miles along the stunning Dalmatian Coast aboard the catamaran Seaside Dreams—a week that successfully blended rigorous tactical learning with high-seas adventure! Our instructor, Joep, made the whole experience an absolute blast. His pure passion for sailing was infectious, and his wealth of knowledge made even the trickiest catamaran maneuvers easy to understand. Best of all, Joep is incredibly patient, wickedly funny and just an amazing person. He kept things completely calm, encouraging, and stress-free and even took time to gracefully assist with dock lines of neighbouring boats. We highly recommend Joep!
I Came to Earn Sailing Certifications and Left a Different Person
This was my first time sailing on the Adriatic, and I arrived with an ambitious goal: to earn my ASA 101, 103, 104, and 114 certifications as quickly as I could. Sailing Virgins sent me all the required books well in advance, and from the moment they arrived, I made it my mission to read every one of them and be as prepared as possible for the practice exams and the week ahead. Our skipper and instructor for the week was Joep—someone nearly half my age, but with a remarkable ability to read people, understand what they need, and push them just far enough outside their comfort zone to stimulate real growth. I came away from this experience having grown not only as a sailor, but as a person. Joep has an excellent way of taking the theory and presenting it in a practical, easy-to-understand way. More importantly, he backed that theory up with real-world experience, stories, and plenty of hands-on practice. We were given the time and encouragement we needed to work on each skill until we understood it and could perform it with confidence. I also learned an incredible amount from the other members of the crew. The combination of Joep’s instruction, the experiences we shared, and everything we learned from one another made this so much more than simply a sailing course. This truly was the trip of a lifetime. I arrived with the goal of earning four ASA certifications. I returned home not only a sailor, but in many ways a new person. Thank you, Joep and Sailing Virgins, for an experience I will never forget.
Excellent week sailing around the islands of Croatia
Completed the weeklong monohull course with Sailing Virigns in Croatia aboard a Salona 46. It was a beautiful area and I had a great time exploring the islands outside of Split, snorkeling in crystal waters, and improving my sailboat handling skills. Our instructor Joep was fantastic! He was very knowledgable, patient, explained things clearly, and provided excellent encouragement. With his guidance, I was able to test out of 101 and complete the 103/104 certifications in the span of the week without issue. I definitely feel well-prepared for future sailing adventures.
Amazing family experience
My family and I had an amazing experience sailing to beautiful anchorages and villages in Croatia. Matthew was an amazing instructor! I took an advanced sailing course and my family beginner courses with him. He was patient and taught us to be responsible, safe and confident sailors !
Fun sailing
We had a fantastic experience sailing to beautiful anchorages and villages in Croatia. Matthew was an amazing instructor! I was a newer sailor. He was patient and considerate - we learned a lot about sailing, also had tons of fun and laughs together. Thank you!
Sailing the beautiful BVI with new friends
Fabulous trip with a nice group of people--two couples and singles spanning ages. I think we all considered each other good friends at the end of trip. Giocomo was an excellent skipper and teacher, and also able to set a fun comfortable tone for our group. The BVI voyage had just the right amount of sailing challenge and comfort. The waters and moorings were absolutely beautiful.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review.A group of strangers finishing the week as good friends is one of our favourite things to hear, and the BVI certainly plays its part with its beautiful scenery and waters.Giacomo will be thrilled to read your lovely words. Whenever the next trip calls, we would love to welcome you back aboard!
Julie W2026.08.17
Verified
Trip of a lifetime!
Truly the trip of a lifetime for our whole family. This had been on our bucket list for years and it exceeded our expectations across the board. Matt designed the week in such a way that each of us got what we wanted and needed in the week - a balance of rest and adventure, quiet nights on the boat playing card games and nights in the towns, days of learning how to sail with lots of naps in between. I couldn’t recommend Sailing Virgins or Matt enough. We hope to join one of your trips again soon - we’ve definitely found a love for sailing through this experience. Thank you!
Thank you for taking the time to leave us this wonderful review, it means a lot to all of us her at Sailing Virgins!A trip that has been on the bucket list for years carries a lot of expectation, so we are delighted the week lived up to it for the whole family.We will make sure Matt sees your incredibly kind words. Whenever you are ready for the next one, we would love to have you back on board!
Valerie v2026.08.10
Verified
Amazing for all ages!
Amazing sailing class with Chris combining skills (finished 101 and 103), sightseeing (new docking every night), food/drinks, opportunities for hiking and swimming, and more fun. Appropriate for all ages and sailing levels. Took our 11 year old who also truly loved it. Safe, fun, and finished a sailing certification! Really looking forward to booking 104/114. Chris' English etiquette and humor made the week work smoothly!;) Highly recommended!!
Can't wait for the next one!
I had an incredible time on my monohull course in Croatia. Chris was a fantastic skipper - patient, knowledgeable, and somehow managed to keep a group of solo travellers with very different skill levels all on the same page. I learned a lot, laughed a lot, and left feeling far more confident on the water. Couldn't recommend it more.
Thank you so much for this great review and recommendation! It sounds like you and the crew had a brilliant week together and that confidence you have built on the water is really well deserved. We will make sure Chris sees your kind words. We cannot wait to have you back for the next one!
Paul A2026.08.01
Verified
7 Day family sailing trip around islands of Croatia
Matt was our skipper for a glorious week sailing around the islands of Croatia. From our very first contact with Matt to our final farewell he was a true pleasure to be with. He impressed us all with his professionalism, his warm and engaging character and his willingness to share fascinating insights and experiences. As an experienced sailor, I am aware of the challenges and difficulties a sea voyage can present. Matt handled everything with care and charm during our trip and our family felt safe every minute we were onboard and ashore. He always went the extra mile to ensure we were comfortable with all the activities he planned and was willing to adjust the schedule according to our needs. Matt has a great sense of humor and was polite and respectful at all times. He was always forthcoming with suggestions and recommendations, all of which made our trip feel unique and personalized to us. I cannot recommend Matt highly enough for the way he took care of us. He would be my first choice for anyone who is looking for a professional guide to provide a safe, fun and personalized adventure at sea
Thank you so much for this wonderful review and high recommendation! We are so glad your family felt safe, comfortable, and well looked after throughout the week. Coming from an experienced sailor that really means a lot to us. We will make sure Matt sees your very kind words and we hope to welcome your family back on the water with us again soon!
John M2026.07.22
Verified
Spectacular week with Sailing Virgins in Croatia
So you are thinking about learning how to sail? Having just spent a week in Croatia with Sailing Virgins with Captain Chris Edmonds I feel compelled to share a bit about the experience. My week in Croatia was one of the most memorable, intense, and rewarding weeks I can remember. A group of strangers came together in Split, Croatia, to learn how to sail a 46’ monohull. After a week of sailing, swimming, hiking, Wim Hof breathing, laughing, crying and of course sharing fresh coffee each day… we left a family. A family of certified skippers that I can’t wait to sail and adventure with again somewhere, some day! Chris made an educational program something more... a life experience that perfectly balanced teaching, coaching, and opportunities for personal growth. Huge thx to @sailingvirgins and the penultimate skipper / DJ Chris Edmonds!
Thank you so much for this wonderful review! A group of strangers arriving in Split and leaving as a family of certified skippers is exactly the kind of transformation we love to hear about. The fact that the week felt like so much more than just a sailing course, and that you came away with real skills, real growth, and real friendships, is everything we aim for. We will make sure Chris sees your very kind words. We cannot wait to see where your next adventure takes you!
Steve W2026.07.17
Verified
A Modern Argonautica
Never did Jason of old outshine our Captain Chris now, Driven to teach us and make of our crew modern-day Argonauts, Sailing the sapphire-blue swells of the storied Adriatic waters. No harpies troubled our course, no sirens sang out to lure us, Yet was the hard-won badge, my ASA credential, my own Golden Fleece now — Won on a voyage more golden than any old fable has painted. Every bold crew needs its Jason to steer them through wonder and danger; Ours we found in Captain Chris, forged of the same daring metal. Great is the gulf between good and a voyage that’s truly the greatest — Captain Chris was the bridge, spanning that gulf with his skill and his spirit.
What a review! We are genuinely in awe. Your ASA credential, hard won on the water and immortalized in verse. That is a first for us and we absolutely love it. Congratulations on your Golden Fleece and we will make sure Captain Chris sees this. We hope your next voyage is equally legendary!
Scott B2026.07.13
Verified
What a trip!
I arrived as a complete sailing novice and, just one week later, left feeling only one step away from becoming a Day Skipper. The progress I made in such a short time exceeded all my expectations. Captain Chris couldn’t have done more to ensure everyone on board achieved their goals. His calm, patient, and clear style of instruction created a relaxed atmosphere where learning felt enjoyable and confidence grew every day. No question was too much trouble, and he always took the time to explain not just what to do, but why. It was a fantastic experience from start to finish, and I can’t recommend Captain Chris highly enough to anyone looking to learn to sail or develop their skills. I’m already looking forward to our next adventure together in Majorca!
Thank you so much for this wonderful review! We love that confidence grew a little more every day. That is exactly what we aim for with every student. We will make sure Chris sees your kind words, and we cannot wait to have you back on board in Majorca!
Brittany O2026.07.13
Verified
Made memories of a lifetime!
My husband Ben and I set sail with Chris (our instructor) and 3 other attendees and left with life long friends. We did the Croatia route and sailed to multiple islands experiencing different historical places. My husband has sailed his whole life and I was a beginner and we both left feeling way more confident in our abilities as sailors! Chris was so patient, kind, and clear with how he explained the art of sailing to all of us. He was always available to answer any questions we had and was enthusiastic about all of us getting the opportunity to practice different skills. We were able to do hikes to beautiful caves with amazing views, do brief meditations together as a group, eat at local restaurants, and swim in beautiful waters. We had so much fun. We can’t wait to sail with Chris again, potentially in the Mallorca route!!! It was truly a memory of a lifetime and I can’t wait to continue our growth as sailors with Sailing Virgins!!
Thank you so much for this wonderful review! The fact that both an experienced sailor and a complete beginner left feeling so much more confident is exactly what great instruction looks like, and that is something to be really proud of. We love that you and Ben made lifelong friends along the way too. That kind of connection is something truly special.We will make sure Chris sees your kind words, and we cannot wait to have you both back on board for the next adventure!
JoeDimes2026.07.09
Verified
Exceptional Training, Unforgettable Vacation
Exceptional Training, Unforgettable Vacation: A Masterclass with Sailing Virgins Our week with Sailing Virgins (June 7–13) completing the ASA 101, 103, 104, and 114 curriculum was nothing short of phenomenal. We ran a mixed charter—two of us embedding intensive ASA certification training into a relaxed cruising vacation for four close friends. Balancing serious instruction with a leisure charter is a tall order, but Sailing Virgins executed it flawlessly. Our instructor, Arthur, was absolute top-tier. His ability to manage the diverse dynamic of three couples on board while maintaining a gold standard of safety and instruction was incredibly impressive. Arthur didn't just teach the students; he went above and beyond to ensure every single person on the boat had an elite experience. He is patient, consummately professional, and possesses the rare ability to tailor his teaching style to real-world, high-consequence scenarios without ever dampening the fun of the trip. As a student, I wanted rigorous, confidence-building instruction, and that is exactly what was delivered. The practical, hands-on training took place in varied, real-world conditions that truly prepared us for future bareboat chartering. I left the boat feeling genuinely capable, commanding, and ready for our next blue-water adventure. If you are looking for top-tier ASA certifications but still want a vibrant, well-organized, and premium charter experience, Sailing Virgins is the gold standard. Massive thanks to Arthur for an unforgettable week.
Thank you so much for this incredible review! Leaving the boat feeling genuinely capable and ready for your next bareboat adventure is the best possible outcome and you should be really proud of what you achieved in just one week.We will make sure Arthur sees your kind words. Hope to have you back on the water with us again soon!
Byron M2026.07.05
Verified
Great sailing instructors and experience
Nacha was a great instructor. She’s easy to talk to, an instructor who talks everything out, and really makes sure you understand what you are doing. I went with my oldest and she made the trip great for both of us. Pascal was in our flotilla. He’s another fantastic instructor that cares and puts in all the hard work. They are a fantastic choice for anyone who wants to learn and also enjoy learning. Thanks!! 🙏
Sailing Virgins, St Martin, and Nacha - What An Adventure!
Sometimes when you do an adventure trip you try to temper your expectations, even as you have high hopes for the best. More so when perhaps you schedule it at the last minute . But then you have experiences like ours sailing (and learning) with Nacha on our Sailing Virgins trip between St Martin, St Bart, and Anguilla - and discover that not only are you expectations exceeded, a new bar has been set. Nacha's attitude, energy, and sailing knowledge were core to our fantastic experience - from the morning routines to on-shore excursions to in-motion instruction...and her adaptability as surprises arose during the week (and/or we the crew found ourselves in low-energy states during the week). Learned a ton, great times with both our crew and our sister boat - and memories that will last a lifetime. Can't recommend highly enough...
Far better than I ever imagined!
From the first meeting at French Deli to the final goodbye on the docks on the east end of Tortola, Nacha and Pascal, and Sailing Virgins, made this learning adventure one for the record books! Incredible teaching, solid hands on learning, beautiful places chosen for our adventure, incredible meals and too many laughs to count. Thank you so much for being a phenomenal Captain, Nacha, and Pascal, it’s never zombies….only mushrooms!!
Verified
