Docking training on a sailboat or catamaran

“Even if I was a complete beginner, Filip gradually gives me more responsibility and confidence, while always being there when you need guidance.”

I had a really excellent experience with Filip and Skipper Hotline. Filip is not only a very experienced sailor, but also an excellent instructor: patient, calm, clear in his explanations and, above all, genuinely interested in making sure that you understand what you are doing rather than simply following instructions. What I particularly appreciated was the strongly practical approach of the course. We spent a lot of time sailing, manoeuvring, docking and dealing with real situations on board (man outboard, neveras alerts, etc.). Even if I was a complete beginner, Filip gradually gives me more responsibility and confidence, while always being there when you need guidance. This makes the learning process both effective and enjoyable. The atmosphere on board was relaxed and friendly, but the training itself was serious and professional. I finished the course feeling that I had learned a great deal and, more importantly, wanting to continue sailing and developing my skills. I would definitely recommend Filip and Skipper Hotline to anyone who wants to learn sailing in a practical, hands-on way, particularly if the goal is to gain the confidence and skills needed to eventually skipper a boat independently. A great experience, both professionally and personally. Thank you, Filip.

“Despite some stressful situations, I had the boat under control the whole time.”

A very professional skipper and trainer. I was a beginner, and my first boat was a Bavaria C42. Filip first helped me get a feel for the boat and went through every docking and undocking maneuver with me. Yesterday, in the town harbor of Rab, I saw how well his calm, relaxed way works. Despite some stressful situations, I had the boat under control the whole time. Thank you for that! Filip also gives advice at any time by phone and WhatsApp, with questions about the weather or whenever you are unsure. So the service goes beyond the time you booked. I can only recommend him! 👍

“He doesn’t just teach you how to sail—he makes sure you feel confident doing it.”

Me and my family had an amazing experience learning to sail with Philip. From the very beginning, he created a calm and supportive environment, which made a huge difference—especially as someone who was a bit nervous at first. He explained everything clearly, broke down complex techniques into simple steps, and always made sure we understood before moving on. What really stood out to me was his patience and attention to detail. He doesn’t just teach you how to sail—he makes sure you feel confident doing it. Whether it was handling the wind, steering, or understanding safety, I always felt like I was in very capable hands. At the same time, the lessons were fun and engaging. There was a great balance between learning and enjoying the experience out on the water. You can tell he genuinely loves what he does, and that energy is contagious. I would highly recommend him to anyone—whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to improve your skills. Easily one of the best learning experiences I’ve had!

“What stood out to me most was his exceptional sense of responsibility and safety.”

Exceptional private sailing instructor and skipper I had the privilege of spending a sailing trip with Filip as our skipper and private sailing instructor, and I can recommend him without hesitation. What stood out to me most was his exceptional sense of responsibility and safety. Filip never pushed the group beyond what was appropriate for our level of experience or the weather conditions. Even when we were enthusiastic and wanted to try more, he carefully assessed the situation and made mature, professional decisions. This gave us a strong feeling of trust and security throughout the entire trip. Filip has an enormous depth of sailing knowledge. He has been connected to sailing since his youth and knows not only the technical side of sailing and catamarans, but also the local waters, bays, marinas, winds, and hidden details that you will not find in any guidebook. He understands risk extremely well and always acts with calmness, foresight, and precision. As an instructor, he is very clear, structured, and effective. He explains complex sailing situations in excellent English and makes them understandable even for beginners. At the same time, he expects real responsibility from his students. When he gives you a role on board, he also expects you to take it seriously. This combination of clarity, patience, and accountability made the learning experience extremely valuable. What also impressed me deeply was Filip’s human quality. He is humble, present, attentive, and genuinely committed to the people on board. He does not treat his work like a simple “9 to 5” service. He loves it, gives far more than expected and is always available when something is needed. He naturally puts the group first, even in small but meaningful ways. Filip is also a very conscious and thoughtful person. You feel this in the way he treats people, the boat, the sea, and every situation on board. He creates an atmosphere of trust, calmness, and awareness. For me, the experience with him was not only technical, but also deeply human. I would highly recommend Filip to anyone looking for a private sailing instructor or skipper. You will learn a great deal, always feel safe, and be guided by someone who combines deep expertise, strong responsibility, excellent communication, and rare personal integrity. Mark

“I can wholeheartedly recommend the training to everyone, whatever their starting level.”

Filip is a very experienced skipper who, with seemingly endless patience and a very structured approach, guides you into handling a sailboat that at first you might think is far too big to dare to sail. I am very grateful for the time in the training and for all the extra, spontaneous exercises, thoughts and ideas Filip shared. I can wholeheartedly recommend the training to everyone, whatever their starting level. We had complete beginners in the training, but also some who already had licenses and some sailing experience. Filip balanced this very well and, with a very pleasant atmosphere, made for helpful learning from one another. Thanks again, and see you soon!

“Filip has been accompanying me throughout the skipper licensing process as a teacher and continues to be my mentor for tough situations.”

Filip is a true asset when it comes to sailing in Croatia! Filip has been accompanying me throughout the skipper licensing process as a teacher and continues to be my mentor for tough situations. Whenever I go sailing in Croatia, I first give a call to Filip. His insights and guidance to plan my trip are tremendously valuable. He is well connected with the charter companies and always helps us find the right boat for the right setting. But not only that, once I am at sea I continue being in touch with him and appreciate his guidance to avoid bad weather scenarios and pick beautiful anchorages. It makes me feel at peace during my vacation, knowing that I have a most experienced local skipper helping me making decisions for the safety of myself and my crew. And if that's not enough, Filip is just a really nice guy and great to hang out with!

“As a trainer he is competent, detailed and clear.”

I had a chance to have Filip both as a trainer and as hotline support and in both cases I had an excellent experience. As a trainer he is competent, detailed and clear. With the hotline service I always had someone available to discuss a doubt or a decision. He was also very proactive, we were informed in advance on a Nevera storm approaching our spot.

“…finding an instructor who can teach the most important skills in a short time…”

Perfect organization and support Obtaining a license to operate a sailboat is one thing – but finding an instructor who can teach the most important skills in a short time to safely go sailing with the family is another. When the instructor can also arrange a suitable sailboat on short notice during peak season and suggest routes perfectly adapted to wind and weather conditions, you have the best foundation for a dream sailing vacation. Filip offers all of this. I can only recommend using his Skipper Hotline. Thank you, Filip – until next time.