Sailing lessons for children in Hvar
On holiday in Hvar with children who want to try something real? Every summer Jedriličarski klub Zvir, the town's sailing club since 1951, runs a sailing school for children on the sheltered water of Križna luka, a ten-minute walk from the main square. Visiting families are welcome to join for a week or more.
Message the coach — WhatsAppWhat a session looks like
Sessions run every day except Sunday at 14:00 and last about two hours. Children rig their own Optimist on the beach, go through the day's drill ashore, then sail as a group with a coach alongside in a safety RIB. The first days are about balance, steering and turning back to the shore on purpose; by the end of the week most children can round a few marks on their own. Older or more experienced children move to the ILCA 4.
Who it's for
Children aged 7 to 12 who can swim. No sailing experience is needed. Older children with some experience can be placed in the racing group — ask the coach.
Safety
Every child wears a life jacket on the water, the group is never without a coach in a RIB, and sessions are moved or cancelled when the wind is too strong. The club's coaches are licensed by the Croatian Sailing Federation.
Practical details
- Where
- Križna luka, Hvar — the club's base, east of the old town
- When
- 15 June to 15 August, Monday to Saturday, 14:00
- Bring
- Swimsuit, a t-shirt that can get wet, water shoes or old trainers, sun cream, a hat with a strap, a bottle of water. Everything else — boat, sail, life jacket — is the club's.
- Language
- Sessions are in Croatian and English
How to book
Message coach Bepo on WhatsApp with your child's age, swimming ability and the dates you're in Hvar. Places per session are limited, so write a few days ahead in July and August.
WhatsApp — coach Bepo+385 095 856 7254 · Joško Kovačević (Bepo)
Or use the form on the sailing school page.
Parents' questions
- Can my child join for just a few days?
- Yes, but a full week gives the best result — that is when a child first sails out alone, rounds a few marks and comes back to the beach.
- How young can my child start?
- From age 7, if the child swims confidently and is happy being away from you for two hours.
- Can we watch?
- Yes. The beach at Križna luka is open; most parents swim or sit at the café while the group is out.
- What if it's windy or raining?
- Rain doesn't stop sailing; strong wind does. The coach decides at 13:30 and lets you know on WhatsApp.
Learn to sail, make friends and fall in love with the sea — in Hvar, where the club has been teaching children since 1951.