Sailing is one of the most ancient skills people acquired, which helped them discover new places, new continents ... In the past the purpose of sailing was trade, conquests, plundering, war activities, domination, etc. Steamships, and later on motor ships, pushed sailing ships completely out of merchant navies. However, even today many replicas of those sailing ships still sail, usually in the capacity of school ships of naval academies or nautical academies, in countries that cherish their maritime tradition. The last event which gathered probably the entire world fleet of those ships was the regatta organized to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America - Columbus 1992.

Nowadays sailing is an Olympic sport, and the famous America's Cup, the oldest official sport competition in the modern history, first took place in 1851. Most of today's sailors are recreational sailors, who rent sailing boats in summer for a week or two and sail the Adriatic Sea.

It is not too difficult to learn how to sail safely and easily in relatively good weather conditions. More time and energy has to be invested in learning sailing skills, tricks of life on board and how to be in harmony with the nature. Just like any school, sailing school has its program of study. During the 15 years of school's history the program has not changed significantly, which says a lot of its quality. The study of sailing starts with the beginner's course. Some of you might want to skip that one, but it offers the basics, and skipping the basics makes any further progress much more difficult.

Beginner's course - One-week course

The beginner's course teaches you how to act and what to do in different positions on a sailing boat, how to handle the ropes and sailing equipment, how to perform the basic maneuvers, trim and reef the sails, how to steer... During the seven-day period of acquiring the basic sailing knowledge students sail on ten-meter long sailing boats (Adriatic 1020 or Val 35) in the waters of National Park Mljet.
During the morning session the students get ready to go afloat and receive detailed explanations of all the activities on the program for that day. The afternoon session comprises the first aid lectures followed by the analysis of that day's sailing activities and all the questions students might have are being answered. Day after day there is so much to do.

Meals/Food?
Very good and in large quantities. Every morning breakfast is served after gymnastics in Hotel Odisej, during the day there is a break for a packed lunch on board, and dinner is served at Hotel Odisej after the afternoon classes and a short break.

Free time?
There's hardly any since there are so many things which have to be done. We plan one day off during the course, so you can participate in any excursion or any other activity at Hotel Odisej.

Program of the beginner's course for the base POMENA 1st DAY 09 00 - Class: getting acquainted with the basic safety equipment, correct way to move onboard and usage of deck equipment and ropes 10 00 - Preparation of the main sail and jib, sailing out and exercising the handling of the helm and sheets – trim of sails 13 00 - Returning to the shore, lunch break and resting 15 00 - Continuation of sailing 18 00- Returning to the shore, folding the sails and tiding up the sailing boat 2nd DAY 09 00 - Class: sailing in course, trimming of sails, bowline and clove hitch 10 00 - Preparation of the boat for sailing, sailing out 13 00 - Returning to the shore and lunch break 15 00 - Continuation of sailing 18 00- Returning to the shore and tiding up the sailing boat 3nd DAY 09 00 - Class: reefing of the main sail, changing of the front sails, reef knot and sheet bend 10 00 - Sailing out 13 00 - Returning to the shore and lunch break 15 00 - Continuation of sailing 18 00- Returning to the shore and tiding up the sailing boat 4nd DAY 09 00 - Class: tacking, avoiding collision, figure eight knot 10 00 - Sailing out 13 00 - Returning to the shore and lunch break 15 00 - Continuation of sailing 18 00- Returning to the shore and tiding up the sailing boat 5nd DAY 09 00 - Class: jibbing, anchoring, attaching to a buoy, anchor hitch and buoy hitch 10 00 - Sailing out 13 00 - Returning to the shore and lunch break 15 00 - Continuation of sailing 18 00- Returning to the shore and tiding up the sailing boat 6nd DAY 09 00 - Class: man overboard, turn of 360 degrees 10 00 - Sailing out 13 00 - Returning to the shore and lunch break 15 00 - Continuation of sailing 18 00- Returning to the shore and tiding up the sailing boat ................ Distribution of diplomas and completion of the official part of the program Photo gallery

Sailing program on Mljet island for season 2008

Reservations for sailing need to be sent to the hotel together with room reservation in the hotel with all activities included.

1. 7 days of sailing instructions on the sailing boat Adria - capacity is 6 people will be 400 € per person.     For groups of 4 or more people there will be discount of 10%.
2. Half day sailing instruction (three hours) on the same boat Adria will be 30 € per person.
3. One whole day of sailing instruction on the sailing boat Adria will be 60 € per person
4. Sailing on small sailing boat (dinghy) - Deriva type - capacity 2 people – 30 € for half day rent and
    60 € for the whole day rent.

We will also include windsurfing in our sport program - prices will be: 7 € per hour, 20 € for half day and 30 € for the whole day.