JTC Skipper Academy

In a small crew, with personal support from our instructors, you’ll dive into the material and build your skills step by step. Even with the focus on training, there’s plenty of time to have fun together and enjoy the crew atmosphere.

We’ll cover approximately 150 nautical miles during the course. On most days, we’ll spend 6 to 8 hours on the water.

Requirements:

• You’ll need at least the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or an equivalent qualification such as German Sportküstenschifferschein (SKS), Austria’s FB2, Switzerland’s Hochseeausweis
• You can apply once you’ve sailed at least 1,500 nautical miles on seagoing sailing yachts, (approximately five to eight weeks of sailing).
• You have either skippered a sailing trip yourself or have experience manoeuvring a yacht over 38ft.
• You’ve successfully applied to become a JTC skipper, and our team has invited you to join the Skipper Academy.
• You can swim unaided for at least 20 minutes.
• You’re ready to take an active part in everyday life on board. Alongside the sailing training, that includes preparing meals, tidying up and washing dishes.

Your Crew

• We sail as a flotilla of 1 to 4 yachts, with 8 to 10 participants on each yacht.
• Most of the crew members come from across Europe.
• Around 80% of participants are young professionals aged 27 to 33.
• Our JTC skippers are specially trained through the Skipper Academy.

A Balanced Crew

• We aim for an even gender mix when the trip is fully booked at least two weeks before departure..
• We’ll thoughtfully match you with the crew that suits you best. You can tell us about any preferences in the booking form.

Crew Chat

You’ll get access to your crew chat right after booking. Say “Hey Crew 😍🤙” and start planning your journey together!

• All yachts are booked exclusively for our crews in advance.
• We’ll confirm your exact yacht model after the crews have been assigned, around two weeks before the trip starts.
• All academy trips take place on monohulls.

Easy Payment

• Deposit: Pay 30% of the trip price when you book.
• Remaining balance: Due six weeks before the trip starts.
• Payment methods: PayPal, bank transfer, credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Klarna.

Reserve Your Place for Free for 5 Days

• Available until six weeks before the trip starts.
• Select the five-day reservation option in the booking form.
• If you don’t book within five days, the reservation expires automatically.

Cooking or Dining Out:

• We usually prepare our meals on board ourselves.
• On some days, we have the opportunity to eat out ashore in the evenings.
• When cooking, we can form teams of two, so that each person takes turns cooking/washing up. However, everyone usually helps out anyway.

Advance Preparation:

• Our groceries for the week will be ordered online in advance and delivered to the marina on the day we arrive.

• Before the trip, we’ll therefore have a video call to discuss meal and drink planning. The JTC skipper will organize the call.

• There is a very small supermarket on site where we can pick up any last-minute essentials if needed.

• Midway through the week, we’ll stop at a marina where we can stock up on fresh food and drinks.

• If you have any food intolerances or allergies, please let your crew know in advance (during the video call) so they can be taken into account when planning the shopping.

Airport: Split Airport (Split-Kaštela)
Marina: ACI Marina Split
You can find the route from the airport to the marina on Google Maps.

Check-in

Your crew will meet at 11:00 a.m. on the first day at a café near the marina. We’ll share the exact location in the crew chat.

Check-out

A mandatory seminar runs until 5:00 p.m. on the final day, so you cannot leave early. You’re welcome to stay on the boat for one more night after the seminar.

When should I book my flights?

Book your arrival so you can make it to the café by 11:00 a.m. on the first day. Arriving the day before gives you time to rest and perhaps meet some of your fellow crew members that evening.

What to pack?

• Most crew members travel with carry-on luggage.
• A suitcase takes up too much space in the bunk, so you should use a bag instead.
• Important for sustainability: Biodegradable hygiene products (shampoo, sunscreen, etc.).
• For sleeping under the starry sky, you should bring a sleeping bag.
• Towel, pillow, pillowcase, wool blanket, and a bedsheet for the mattress are provided on almost all trips.
• The crew fund does not need to be brought in cash. Most expenses can be paid on site by card or withdrawn in cash.

Climate

• Warmest month: July & August
• Average temperature: 30°C during the day, 20°C at night
• Average # rainy days: 3
• Coldest month: January & February
• Average temperature: 12°C during the day, 5°C at night
• Average # rainy days: 10

Mobile reception & electricity

Mobile reception:

• Most days of our route have good network coverage.
• Depending on the bay, weather, and distance covered, there may be no reception at times.
• Check with your provider for roaming charges.

Electricity:

• Smartphones and other small devices can be charged on board via the 12V connection.
• In most ports, other devices such as cameras, laptops, etc., can be charged via shore power (220V) during the berthing time.
• A power bank is recommended.

Currency, prices & tips

Currency:

• Payment is in Euros.
• Cashless payment with credit card is possible.
• Some ATMs accept EU bank cards for withdrawals.

Prices:

• Restaurant visit: Approximately 20 to 40 euros per person.
• Food prices may vary depending on the store, location, and offerings.

Tips:

• Average tip: about 10%.

Culture

• Dalmatia is known for its traditional Klapa singing, recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.
• The cuisine of Dalmatia is Mediterranean, famous for its seafood and olive oil.
• Historic cities like Dubrovnik and Split provide insight into the rich heritage of the region, from Roman times to the Renaissance.

Safety in the country

• Dalmatia is considered a safe region for solo travelers.
• Keep important documents and cash safe.
• Having a printed or digital copy of your documents is recommended.
• Be cautious of pickpocketing.

Entry requirements & vaccinations

For Schengen area citizens:

• A valid ID card or passport.

For other citizens:

• Please check the current entry requirements on the website of your Federal Foreign Office before booking.

Vaccination:

• No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry.
• Your standard vaccinations, according to the vaccination calendar of the Robert Koch Institute, should be up to date.
• If you have any questions, consult your general practitioner (or a travel medicine specialist).