• My passion for sailing and my vocation as a teacher have gradually merged into a job that gives me so much satisfaction. I became an IVF federal instructor in 2002, but in the early years I worked only with children on Optimist. Now I prefer to teach adult courses on monohulls.

Course for Beginners

DATES 2026:

  • March 21-22
  • April 18-19

The beginners’ course is ideal for those who have never been on a sailboat but also for those who occasionally sail with friends and would like to become more familiar with it.
Topics:

  • Getting out to sea safely (step by step)
  • How to help during mooring and unmooring maneuvers
  • points of sail and sail trim
  • tack and gybe
  • communication aboard
  • anchoring safely
  • reducing sail (reefing)
  • heaving to
  • MOB drill
  • bases of navigation
  • right of way

During the day at sea, the students exchange roles so everyone learns how to stand at the helm giving precise orders to the crew, how to trim sails, use winches, hoist the mainsail, etc.

My main goal is for all students to learn the basics of sailing while having FUN. On board I like to create a positive and relaxed atmosphere, so on my boat there is no shouting!

I am definitely not the best instructor when it comes to racing tactics, but instead I am very patient and good with those who are afraid; from me you learn safely and without stress. To address everyone’s fears, doubts, and questions, it is essential to work in small groups; my courses are held with 4 or at most 5 people.

Courses are held in the Gulf of Trieste on weekends, but I am also available during the week if we can get at least 3 people together. In addition, there is the possibility of organizing individual and tailor-made courses (preparation for a boat license, for example). Write me a message and I will be happy to talk about it.

Advanced Courses

DATES 2026:

  • April 10-11-12 (Trieste)
  • June 29 – July 4 (Lošinj, Croatia)
  • July 6-10 (Lošinj, Croatia)
  • July 13 -20 (Lošinj, Croatia)

Advanced courses last more days and are dedicated to those who have already mastered the basics but still have doubts/insecurities and would like to become more autonomous (e.g., renting a boat with family or friends).
Topics:

  • coastal navigation
  • communication with the crew
  • Various scenarios of English moorings and stern at the quay
  • heaving to, reefing, man overboard drill
  • safety on board
  • programs and apps to know (weather and navigation)
  • anchoring (choice, possible problems, doing it under sail)
  • use of on-board instrumentation (radar, ais, vhf)

Tailored/Individual Courses

Sometimes the best choice in terms of time, energy and money is a course tailored to you, your family or your group of friends. These courses are designed for those who already have a clear goal in mind.

Examples:

  • If you want to better prepare for the boating license exam, we can do a crash course where we will endlessly repeat all the procedures you may be asked to do on the exam
  • If you have bought or inherited a boat and need help getting started with it we can take the course on your boat, so with my help you start to get to know it better and get the hang of it.
  • You are only interested in taking a mooring course because otherwise you are already doing well.
  • You already have a list of specific questions or things you would like to learn and you have limited time.
  • You and your friends/family want to rent a boat without a skipper but you are still not 100% sure that you will be able to handle all the situations that may arise.

The courses are tailor-made, so the mode, duration and schedule will be decided on a case-by-case basis. If you think a customized course is what you need, please do not hesitate to contact me. It will be a real pleasure to be able to help you achieve your goals!

Testimonials

I asked Jasna to give me a one-day private lesson, and I can say it was a truly wonderful day. I learned many new things, while reinforcing and putting into practice the knowledge I already had. Jasna was very patient, friendly, and full of helpful advice throughout the course. She also prepared a delicious lunch, during which I listened with interest to her stories about her adventures and experiences on the boat. The entire experience was relaxing, informative, and very enjoyable. I highly recommend it!
Patricia at the helm
Patricia, Austria
Private Course
My three-day sailing trip with Jasna was undoubtedly a memorable journey. From the very beginning, I could sense her infectious passion for sailing and the sea, which made the entire adventure exciting and educational. Jasna is not only a skilled instructor but also a passionate soul who loves to share her knowledge and experience. Throughout the trip, she showed endless patience in guiding the group, providing clear instructions and encouraging everyone to participate. Her professionalism and friendly approach created a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere on board. Furthermore, the sunset and the night spent at anchor added a touch of romance and wonder to the overall experience. In conclusion, I highly recommend a sailing adventure with Jasna to anyone who wants to learn how to safely handle a boat and enjoy a unique experience.
Chiara, Italy
Beginner course
I want to take this opportunity to sing Jasna's praises. I really enjoyed the sailing course I took with her and, more importantly, I learned a lot. She has been fantastic. Jasna is friendly, cheerful, calm, supportive and really knows her stuff! Whenever I encountered a problem she quickly found effective solutions and thanks to her I became more confident in my sailing skills.
Erika, Italy
Advanced course
A mature, experienced instructor with a wealth of knowledge and patience. We covered all the most important aspects of managing a crew, and even when it comes to the engine, I finally know what I need. The approach—“For an hour, the boat is yours; you decide where to go and what to do”—is the most effective way to learn the responsibilities of a skipper. A wealth of advice and solutions, all drawn from a treasure trove of life experience and solo sailing across the world’s oceans. Top-notch!
Rok, Slovenia
Advanced course
If sailing for you isn't just sipping gintonic and sun tanning on the deck but something relaxing for your soul no matter the bruises or weather conditions, if you want to learn or improve the skills in a calm trustful no conflict environment, if you want to get to know interesting and just great likeminded people, then joining Jasna on one of her courses or trips is the answer.
Mihela, Slovenia
Advanced course
I took a private course with Jasna on my family's sailboat. Since I already had some basic knowledge but also quite a few gaps in my understanding, and since I wanted to get to know our Lepa Vida really well—its strengths and weaknesses (as well as my own)—I needed a more personalized teaching approach. Right from the first email, Jasna clearly understood what I needed and what I wanted. During the course, I learned about my sailboat’s engine, overcame my fear of mooring (including the alongside style), and acquired the basics of safe navigation, rules at sea, radio communication, and anchoring. A great deal of emphasis was also placed on boat maintenance and inspection: what needs to be replaced and when, and what repairs you can do yourself. Jasna immediately senses the areas where you feel confident and those where you’re a little less so, and she guides you in a reassuring and encouraging way to gradually overcome your insecurities. By the end, you really feel like you’ve got the hang of it and can sail safely. While maneuvering—whether it feels like there’s too much wind or perhaps none at all—you’ll also discover incredible stories about sailing through seven-meter waves in New Zealand, swimming with whales, and making do with makeshift anchorages. The company is great, and I've learned so much—and I can't wait to put everything I've learned into practice!
Martina, Italy
Private Course
Before taking my family on a cruise, I wanted to take an advanced course because I had some doubts about how to hoist and reef the mainsail using lazy jacks. I also wanted to learn how to heave to. During the course, we did all of that, so I filled in the gaps in my knowledge (which I’m aware I have). Much more will come with experience—I know that. What did I like best? Exactly what you’re famous for: in addition to your extensive knowledge, you create a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. It’s immediately obvious that you have a background in teaching when you explain things: you don’t overdo the theory, you give clear answers, and at the same time, you don’t roll your eyes when asked trivial questions :). Keep up the great work!
Vasja, Slovenia
Advanced course
What I liked most about the beginners' course was the way Jasna, after a comprehensive explanation, calmly began to give us instructions as if she had the best crew in the world on board. Jasna has a positive attitude and is patient, exactly what an adult student wants; she is serious but without rigidity. In just a couple of days she managed to turn a diverse group of people who previously did not know each other into a crew that would happily continue sailing, even though the course was now over.
Barbara, Italy
Beginner course

If you have more questions, feel free to write or call me!