Sailing courses for kids at the Centro Velico Caprera

Sailing courses for kids at the Centro Velico Caprera

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Why choose a sailing summer camp for your child

A sailing course for kids in Sardinia, immersed in the crystal clear sea of the Maddalena Archipelago, represents much more than a summer experience-it is an all-around educational opportunity. The Centro Velico Caprera has been welcoming youth and adults seeking authentic, safe and deeply formative training for more than 50 years. Today, its junior courses for 12- to 14-year-olds offer a smart alternative to the usual campuses, focusing on sports, nature and personal growth.

The benefits of sailing for 12- to 14-year-olds

Autonomy, responsibility, teamwork

Taking charge of the rudder, reading the wind, managing the crew: sailing is a concentration of practical and mental challenges. Kids learn to fend for themselves, make quick choices, and work with others to achieve a common goal. It's a perfect mix of autonomy, leadership and respect for rules, which is also reflected in daily life.

The Centro Velico Caprera: a unique educational environment

Centro Velico Caprera is one of the most renowned sailing schools in Europe. Each junior course takes place in a protected natural setting, within the Maddalena Archipelago National Park, with the support of experienced and certified instructors. Days alternate between theory, practice at sea and group activities.

Living together, sharing spaces and managing the boat are experiences that teach not only how to sail, but also how to grow. All in a safe, stimulating and value-rich environment.

How to register for the junior sailing course

Courses are aimed at 12- to 14-year-olds, including those with no previous experience. Each shift lasts about two weeks, with a choice of several summer dates. Places are limited and demand is high, especially in June and July.

Book now: summer is coming

Give your child a different summer that he will carry with him for a lifetime. A sailing course at Centro Velico Caprera is an investment in his or her future: educational, fun and deeply formative.

👉 Check out all available junior courses

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

At what age can you start a sailing course?

Centro Velico Caprera 's junior courses are designed for children between the ages of 12 and 14.

Where is the Centro Velico Caprera located?

The center is located on the island of Caprera in the Maddalena Archipelago, Sardinia.

Is it necessary to have experience?

No, the courses are also accessible to beginners. The important thing is to have a desire to learn and get involved.

How long is a course?

Each shift has a duration of about 13 days, with arrival and departure managed via organized ferry.

How does a typical day unfold?

The day alternates between theory, sea outings, group activities, equipment care and collective relaxation time, always under the guidance of the instructors.

CVC Foundation - Centro Velico Caprera ETS

Sea and sailing school since 1967. Courses on Dinghies and Cabin Cruisers with a unique teaching method, a continuously updated fleet and wind conditions among the best in the Mediterranean. The CVC Foundation - Centro Velico Caprera ETS pursues objectives related to the preservation of the marine environment and personal well-being through contact with the sea. Its activities are governed by a Statute and accounted for in a Social Report.

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Below you will find useful information for attending our courses. If you have any questions, please call us on +39.02.86452191.

Within one month (30 days) before the start of the course it is necessary that:

  • Upload to your CVC account a medical certificate (for at least non-competitive activity) in pdf format (you can use our form found here
    Without a certificate you are not admitted to the courses (we remind Milanese that we have an agreement with Medici In Famiglia on non-competitive medical certificates, all details here.
  • Upload the duly signed "release" form to your account. Failure to do so will result in ineligibility for courses:
    - form for minors;
    - form for adults;
  • Upload double-sided copy in single file of one of your ID documents
  • If this is your first course at CVC, or if you have not yet taken it, you must also upload a passport-size photograph of yourself.
  • Fill in your master data in your account: "account details" menu and "master data" menu.
    For luggage, use soft bags that take up little space when folded (no hard suitcases). Remember that at the base not cigarettes and tobacco are on sale. For all courses:
    • if you have already been to the CVC, bring your SAILING BOOKLET, it will be filled in by your shift manager.
    • sleeping bag (or sheet + blanket)
    • sailor's knife (*) needed on the boat for safety and on land as a cutlery (see photo on our website under "Recommended equipment" or "Frequently asked questions")
    • boat shoes and also boat boots for cabin cruiser courses
    • 2-3 linen changes
    • 2-3 changes of sports socks
    • casual short and long trousers
    • light, long-sleeved shirts and hats to avoid sunburn (light colours recommended)
    • woolen sweaters/fleece (at least 2) to cope with the cold at sea even in the summer months
    • personal hygiene items* and towels
    • battery-powered torch*
    • sunglasses
    • sailing gloves*
    • pillowcase (travelling courses only)
    • sunscreens
    • water bottle or thermal bottle

      Especially for courses on dinghies:
        • lightweight long or short-sleeved T-shirts made of lycra
        • spry top jacket
        • neoprene wetsuit*, essential in spring and autumn, also recommended in summer
        • high sailing shoes with socks (to protect your feet from the straps) or, better still, neoprene socks*. For D3, D4 and D5 courses knee pads may be useful.
      Specifically for courses on cabin cruisers:
        • light or heavy sailing oilskin (*) depending on the season
        • Boat shoes with suitable soles (no Superga or similar, they slip), boots in cooler months
        * items that can be purchased at the Caprera commissary
From the mainland > Olbia
By ship (arrival in Olbia or Golfo Aranci)
  • with TIRRENIA, MOBYLINES or GRIMALDI, departing from Genoa, Livorno (the night before) or other ports and arriving in Olbia. For information on current Conventions send an email to the secretary's office.
  • with SARDINIA FERRIES with departure from Livorno (the evening before) and arrival in Golfo Aranci.
By air (arrival in Olbia)
  • AEROITALIA, EASYJET, VOLOTEA or other airlines, with departures from major Italian cities
Olbia > Palau
Palau is 50 km from Olbia, these are the means of transport (journey time about 1 hour):
  • from Olbia port (maritime station), regular ARST bus service. Price about 3 Euro
  • from Olbia centre (bus station), ARST bus service with departures every hour
  • from Olbia airport: - hourly bus services to downtown Olbia - TURMOTRAVEL (0789/21487) runs a direct service from Olbia airport to Palau in the summer months-see schedule: https://gruppoturmotravel.com/linee-extraurbane - Aisoni cab service, with which the CVC has an agreement (70 Euro for cab up to 4 people, 90 Euro for minibus from 5 to 8 seats, 15 Euro per person per bus for groups of more than 8 people). Reservations at #0789/709309 or online www.sardegnatours.it . Mr. Aisoni will send the most suitable means (cab, minibus) according to the number of reservations.

Palau > La Maddalena From Palau to La Maddalena regular ferry (about 15 minutes).
La Maddalena > Caprera Base Every Saturday in La Maddalena 1:45 p.m., on the Waterfront via Amendola, motorboat Apollo II departure with a CVC sign will transport students to Caprera (meet 10/15 minutes before). Before May 1 and after Oct. 31, the motorboat will be replaced by bus, same time and meeting point. Phone to be used only on Saturday of arrival in case of emergency: 347/6749599. If you arrive late, you can call a cab from La Maddalena (see contact details among Useful Phones - average price 23/30 Euro or more). The Centro Velico Caprera does not organize collective trips but reports the existence of a Facebook page dedicated to arrivals and departures so that participants can make the best travel arrangements. It is not recommended to arrive at the base bycar . Access is allowed only as far as the gate to the Precruise dock, from there you wait for other students to arrive by ferry from La Maddalena. For the duration of the course you will have no opportunity to use it. For those arriving by car it is recommended to leave it in Palau.
    The base has three settlements on the south coast of the island:
    • Punta Coda where initiation courses are usually held.
    • Refinement, where other dInghy courses or cabin cruisers usually stay
    • Pre-cruise, where the cabin courses usually stay.
    There is a CVC infirmary at Punta Coda.

When disembarking from the ferry, the students of each course are assembled and assigned a place in the dormitories. You will take possession of your sleeping place, dressed appropriately for the swimming and scuba diving test (dInghy initiation courses) or for the activity on the boats. You will then be assembled in the classroom to receive instructions from the Chief of Instructors (Shift Leader) and base staff.
There are individual safety boxes in the Punta Coda Initiation settlement. You will be given the key against a deposit of 50 Euro. In the other settlements there are collective safes. The school is not liable for the theft of items left unattended. Avoid bringing valuables or excessive amounts of money.

Timetable
Life on Caprera is regulated by the following timetable:
06.30 wake up
07.00 breakfast
07.45 lesson
09.00 boarding
12.30 disembarkation
13.00 lunch
13.45 lesson
14.30 boarding
18.30 disembarkation
20.00 dinner
21.00 comments on the day
22.30 silence

Particular attention is paid to resting during the night: very intense sporting activity does not allow hours of rest to be lost.

  1. Centro Velico Caprera is a sailing and sea school, not a holiday resort: attending courses requires commitment, discipline, a spirit of adaptation and acceptance of rules of behaviour. Access to the Bases is reserved only for those who are teachers or students on an ongoing course. Cars (which must remain outside the gate) or motorbikes, dogs or other animals are not allowed. Acceptance to courses is at the sole discretion of the School.
  2. Arrivals and departures must take place strictly in accordance with the scheduled dates and times. No responsibility is assumed by the Centre with regard to journeys to and from the Caprera base.
  3. You may not leave the base, even temporarily, except for justified reasons and with the authorisation of the base chief. Visits from relatives or friends are not allowed, without special permission from the base chief.
  4. Tidiness and cleanliness, which are essential in a community life, concern not only one's own person and personal belongings, but also the dormitories, the common rooms and services, the surroundings, as well as the equipment and facilities of the Base.
    Vital to the School is the care of the boats and materials.
  5. Sleeping after a busy and tiring day is a sacred right, so all noise in the vicinity of dormitories must stop at the hour of silence. Small radios, cassette players and the like are not welcome and their use is forbidden in the common areas. Mobile phones are also to be used discreetly, but must be switched off during communal activities.
  6. On courses with dormitory accommodation, pupils are not permitted to attend the female students' dormitories and vice versa.
  7. Safety is a dominant theme in education both at sea and on land: from the obligation to wear a life jacket to rescue and fire-fighting equipment. Everyone contributes to the work of prevention, to avoid damage to people and equipment.
  8. The Head of the base has the right to remove from the base any student who proves to be unfit for community life at the school or who is guilty of serious misconduct.
  9. The use of boats is permitted for the School's institutional activities. Any other use must be authorised by the Base Head.
  10. The CVC reserves the right to take any measures, including sanitary measures, that it deems appropriate or necessary, in compliance with or as a result of legislative and/or regulatory provisions to gain access to the base and to attend courses.
  11. The rules reported above are subject to national and regional regulations for the measures, including behavioural and individual protection ones, aimed at fighting the spread of COVID-19, as well as those set out in the document "Behavioural rules for COVID-19 emergency" available for consultation. AT THIS LINKwhich is to be considered a substantial part of the present Code of Conduct.

In addition to personal telephones, to get in touch with students, from May to October, one can call the Secretariat in La Maddalena (0789/738529).

Cell phones are not allowed to be used on the boat or during lessons ashore.
Their use is allowed only during free time.

All trainees participate in communal activities (distributing meals, cleaning the mess, dormitories and facilities, helping in the sail room and on the dinghies). This will help to acquire the mindset of living together on a boat where the whole crew contributes to the activities on board.

For one day, in the weekly courses, or two days, in the fortnightly courses, each pupil is employed in the "commando."

    1. The CVC commissary is at Punta Coda and Precruise and is open daily (including Sundays). Hours: Punta Coda 12:30-1 p.m. 6:45-8 p.m. (Saturday 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.). Pre-cruise: 6:45-8 p.m. (Saturday 9:30-11 a.m.). At the commissary you can pay with cash, ATM or credit cards.
 
    1. At the commissary you can find:
 
    1. - technical garments for sailing:
 
    1. - windbreakers;
 
    1. - sailing gloves;
 
    1. - wetsuit boots;
 
    1. - neoprene wetsuits;
 
    1. - sailing pants;
 
    1. - boots (on request).
 
    1. - clothing for sailing:
 
    1. - polo shirts, sweaters;
 
    1. - shoes (on request).
 
    1. - Miscellaneous accessories: blankets, sleeping bags, knives. Cigarettes are not for sale
 
    1. You can also find:
 
    1. - drinks, cookies, snacks, etc;
 
    1. - personal hygiene items.
 
    1. If there are special needs (medicines, etc.), the commissary clerk can purchase the necessities from time to time in La Maddalena.
From week 23 to week 31 no alcohol will be sold at the Punta Coda commissary.

Coke, beer, wine and other beverages can be purchased through the staff at the commissary.
Water at the table and in the boat is provided free of charge, For personal use you can always refill your own water bottles from the dispensers provided at the bases.

    The CVC is organized to follow the diet of people with celiac disease or severe food allergies (notified to the Secretariat before the start of the course).
    In the case of food preferences, on the other hand, there may not be a dedicated meal, but one may choose the food genre, from those available, that is compatible with the intolerance as long as it is promptly reported and documented at the time of registration.

It is recommended that you bring your personal ASL card. There is an infirmary on Caprera.
If a transfer to a hospital in La Maddalena or Olbia is necessary, the student will have to pay for the transport back to the base.

    1. The last morning of your stay in Caprera is dedicated to tidying up the boats, the sails, the dormitories and the last bureaucratic formalities, including filling in the QUESTIONNAIRE (which you will have received by email in the early hours of the morning), where you can express your satisfaction with the school's activities and suggestions for improvement: we value your opinion! After filling in the questionnaire, you will have to prepare your luggage.
 
    1. Students are brought back to La Maddalena around 12.00 noon by motorboat (before 1 May and after 31 October the motorboat will be replaced by a coach). From La Maddalena you can take a ferry to Palau and from Palau the regular bus to Olbia. We recommend booking a flight or ferry departing from Olbia from 18.00 onwards.
 
    1. ARST and TURMOTRAVEL - Olbia-Palau-Olbia regular bus schedules:
 
    1. ARST: see http://arst.sardegna.it/orari_e_autolinee.html or call toll-free 800 865 042
 
    TURMOTRAVEL: see http://www.gruppoturmotravel.com/trasportopubblico.php or call 0789/21487
    1. Milan Secretariat 02/86452191
      La Maddalena Secretariat 0789/738529
      La Maddalena Hospital 0789/737732
      Cab Aisoni (Olbia/Palau) (also for minibuses) 0789/709309 - 336/814055
      Cab Todde 330/649933
      Cab Acciaro (also for minibuses of 6) 340/1554000 328/800335
      Cab Musa Roberto (also for minibuses) 347/3706074

      Phone to call only on Saturday of arrival in case of emergency: 347/6749599
1 Step 1
Can you swim?

1. Have you already attended sailing courses?

2. Have you already had experience of sailing, regattas or cruises?

3. Assess your ability to perform these manoeuvres in a white-sailed boat, either at the helm or as a crew member. (These are the manoeuvres you learn in the C2 course)

Manoeuvre
Manoeuvre never performedWith uncertaintyDiscreetlyWell
a. Setting sail from a buoy
b. Taking a buoy under sail
c. Keeping a tight bowline
d. Ruddering on slack
e. Turning to the bow
f. Stopping the boat by heaving-to
g. Gybing
h. Carrying out a sailing anchorage
i. Pulling up to a sailing dock
l. Take a hand of reefing on the mainsail when sailing
m. Changing a headsail with garrocci, while sailing, even in a strong wind
n. Recovering a man overboard

4. Can you tie these nautical knots?

Node
NoWith uncertaintyDiscreetlyWith ease
a. Savoy
b. Clove Hitch
c. Square knot
d. Sheet bend
e. Bowline
f. Taut-line hitch
How frequently do you go sailing in a year?
Do you have a licence?
If, in the opinion of the School, you do not have the experience for the course you require, are you willing to attend the level most suited to your abilities?

Your personal data will be used to support your experience on this website, in particular in this form to respond to your request. At this address you can view the full privacy policy: Privacy Policy

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1 Step 1
Can you swim?
How many years have you been sailing?
How frequently do you go sailing in a year?
Do you know how to tie these knots: bowline, clove hitch, half hitch and savoy knot?
What is your technical level?
WellFairlyWith uncertaintyNo
Sailing upwind
Sailing downward
Tacking
Gybing
Stopping the boat by heaving-to
What is your advanced technical level?C4
WellFairlyWith uncertaintyNo
Reducing sail (mainsail - jib)
Picking up a mooring under sail
Leaving and landing on a beach
Sailing without a rudder
Manoeuvring in restricted waters
Navigating within a route
Assess your level of experience on a cabin cruiser
WellFairlyWith uncertaintyNo
Recovering a man overboard
Mooring in a motor harbour
Pulling up to a quay under sail
Making a sailing anchorage
Arming/ramming the spinnaker
Arming/Ramming the gennaker
Plotting a course
Taking stock of the ship
Assess your level of experience on a cabin cruiser
WellFairlyWith uncertaintyNo
Recovering a man overboard
Mooring in a motor harbour
Plotting a course
Taking stock of the ship
Evaluate your level of experience on a cabin cruiserC4
WellFairlyWith uncertaintyNo
Recovering a man overboard
Mooring in a motor harbour
Pulling up to a quay under sail
Making a sailing anchorage
Arming/ramming the spinnaker
Arming/Ramming the gennaker
Plotting a course
Taking stock of the ship
Gybing with a spinnaker
Gybing with gennaker
English mooring with spring and batticule
Consult a pilot book
Preparing a piloting
Recognising I.A.L.A. signals (day/night)
Recognising a ship's navigation lights
Check the battery charge level with a tester
Interpreting a METEOMAR bulletin
Use a VHF radio with proper calling procedures
How many days in total have you sailed on a cabin cruiser?
Have you ever tackled night sailing?
How many hours have you spent at the helm, more or less?
How many times have you made a Ship Point while sailing?
If, in the opinion of the School, you do not have the experience for the course you require, are you willing to attend the level most suited to your abilities?

Your personal data will be used to support your experience on this website, in particular in this form to respond to your request. You can view the full privacy policy at this address: Privacy Policy

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1 Step 1
Can you swim?
How many years have you been sailing?
How frequently do you go sailing in a year?
Do you have a licence?
Do you know how to tie these knots: bowline, clove hitch, half hitch and savoy knot?
What is your technical level?
WellFairlyWith uncertaintyNo
Sailing upwind
Sailing downward
Tacking
Gybing
Stopping the boat by heaving-to
Maintaining a course
Picking up a mooring under sail
Knowledge of sailing terminology
Hoisting and lowering a sail
Adjusting a sail with the sheet
What is your technical level?
WellFairlyWith uncertaintyNo
Sailing upwind
Sailing downward
Tacking
Gybing
Only for C2, C2/C3
WellFairlyWith uncertaintyNo
Using a Winch
Anchoring under sail
Reduction of sails on a cruising yacht
What is your technical level?C4
WellFairlyWith uncertaintyNo
Sailing upwind
Sailing downward
Tacking
Gybing
Stopping the boat by heaving-to
Reducing sail (mainsail - jib)
Picking up a mooring under sail
Assess your level of experience on a cabin cruiser
WellFairlyWith uncertaintyNo
Recovering a man overboard
Mooring in a motor harbour
Pulling up to a quay under sail
Making a sailing anchorage
Arming/ramming the spinnaker
Arming/Ramming the gennaker
Plotting a course
Taking stock of the ship
Assess your level of experience on a cabin cruiser
WellFairlyWith uncertaintyNo
Recovering a man overboard
Mooring in a motor harbour
Plotting a course
Taking stock of the ship
Evaluate your level of experience on a cabin cruiserC4
WellFairlyWith uncertaintyNo
Recovering a man overboard
Mooring in a motor harbour
Pulling up to a quay under sail
Making a sailing anchorage
Arming/ramming the spinnaker
Arming/Ramming the gennaker
Plotting a course
Taking stock of the ship
Gybing with a spinnaker
Gybing with gennaker
English mooring with spring and batticule
Consult a pilot book
Preparing a piloting
Recognising I.A.L.A. signals (day/night)
Recognising a ship's navigation lights
Check the battery charge level with a tester
Interpreting a METEOMAR bulletin
Use a VHF radio with proper calling procedures
How many days in total have you sailed on a cabin cruiser?
Have you ever tackled night sailing?
How many hours have you spent at the helm, more or less?
How many times have you made a Ship Point while sailing?
If, in the opinion of the School, you do not have the experience for the course you require, are you willing to attend the level most suited to your abilities?

Your personal data will be used to support your experience on this website, in particular in this form to respond to your request. You can view the full privacy policy at this address: Privacy Policy

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