We are passionate sailors wanting to teach you everything we know so you can enjoy the seas as much as we do! At Algarve Cruising Center we aim to give the best training possible within a pleasant, safe and fun environment in the heart of the Portuguese Region of the Algarve. We offer IYT certified courses on both sailing and motor boating and for all levels of expertise.
We are based in the "Marina de Olhão", a beautiful harbour located just a few steps away from the center of this picturesque Portuguese town. Showing the real Algarve, Olhão offers great sceneries, amazing seafood and perfect sailing grounds, just 10 minutes away from Faro airport!
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Learning how to sail and manage a boat requires time on the helm. That's why we limit our courses to a maximum of 4 students at a time. Each one gets his own bunk and comfortable space as part of the crew.
Get a internationally recognized certification that allows you to sail around the world.
You are welcome to stay aboard our boat on all our sailing courses! Locally sourced breakfast, lunch and dinner are also included in our price. We will go shopping together to our local market so you can get a glimpse of our culture and traditions.
We try to minimize our environmental impact as much as possible when sailing, so no single-use plastics onboard! We have filtered water of which you can fill your bottle to stay hydrated. Together with Non-Profit Organization (NPO) – Associação para o Estudo e Conservação dos Oceanos - we run environmental awareness campaigns on this and other ocean conservation subjects!
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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.
The School's technical manager and founding partner of the association that owns the nautical school, Ricardo is also the main instructor of the nautical school. In addition to sailing on the seven seas, Ricardo is interested in sustainability and conservation, promoting awareness campaigns in schools. Ricardo is trained as a teacher and teaches water sports at the University of Algarve.
Pedro loves the Ocean. He is a delivery skipper, dinghy instructor and Powerboat instructor. He took an architect degree, but he prefers the ocean as an office.
Sérgio é one of our Powerboat Instructors. His backgroup is relatetd with training in differente organizations. He is also taking the Yachtmaster degree and working towards his sailing instructor course certification.
Paulo is Vilamoura's Master of Condor and when he's not at the helm of this iconic boat in Vilamoura's marina, he collaborates in the maintenance of the school's boats. Paulo was one of the great workers in the recovery of our sailing-school.
After taking a sailing course with our school, Juan never stopped sailing. She bought her boat and now works from her sailboat all over the world. Juan gives face to the school through our fantastic Algarve Cruising Ceter website and also sailing expeditions - Atlantic Explorers. He is our webmaster and digital content creator. She will soon start participating as a First-Mate in sailing expeditions.
Sandra is our Social Investigator. When she is not full of work studying the impact of COVID on our society, she helps us to think about how we will communicate our courses. Sandra actively participates in the conservation activities of our association and she is responsible for our microplastics conservation project.
We offer a variety of IYT certifications (International Yatch Training) and other course combination options for both sail and powerboats. What about spending one week out on the water learning the skills you need to start bareboat cruising on your own?
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