IYT Recognized Training Center
Our School
We love the sea. We enjoy embracing the blue safely. We are passionate sailors and want to share all our experiences and learnings so that you can also enjoy the sea as much—or even more—than we do. At Algarve Cruising Center, our primary goal is to provide a pleasant, safe, and fun maritime training environment. All of this takes place in the heart of the Ria Formosa Natural Park – Algarve.
We offer sailing and powerboat courses at all levels.
“We aim to provide engaging and inclusive learning moments at sea. We want to offer experiences that develop your skills in handling a recreational vessel, even if you have no prior experience, inspiring you to become a "thalassophile”—from the Greek word meaning 'lover of the sea.'"
An experienced team you can trust
Algarve Cruising Center's team presents solid background training and sea experience that will keep you safe and confident enough during your course. We also encourage our members to develop those special soft skills that make the difference under challenging conditions.
Ricardo is the School’s Technical Manager and a founding partner of the association that owns the nautical school, where he also serves as the Principal. Beyond sailing across the seven seas, Ricardo is passionate about sustainability, ocean literacy, and conservation. He actively promotes awareness through educational and social projects focused on protecting the marine environment. Trained as a teacher, he also lectures on water sports at the University of Algarve.
Sérgio is one of our Powerboat Instructors. His background is in training and education across various organisations. He completed his Yachtmaster Offshore certification during an ocean passage to Madeira Island with our school. Sérgio is also certified to serve as a Race Committee Officer in dinghy sailing events.
Johan comes from Belgium and lives full-time aboard Andorinha, a 15-meter sailing vessel anchored off the coast of Faro. When he’s not teaching powerboat courses, Johan works remotely as a software developer.
Paulo is our handyman. He provides TLC to our boats.
He has lots of experience in boat maintenance.
Did you know that every student who joins a course with Algarve Cruising Center is also supporting ocean conservation and social projects?
That’s right — a part of every course fee goes directly toward initiatives focused on ocean literacy, environmental education, and marine conservation.
Our mission is to help create a healthier, more sustainable ocean through education, awareness, and action.
Learn more about our ongoing projects and how your sailing journey makes a difference [here].
