ADULTS ACADEMY
Join BBDouro Nautical Experiences as We Sail Away and Explore the River Douro and the Sea
Welcome to BBDouro’s Adult Academy, where age and lack of time are no longer obstacles keeping any sailor from pursuing their passion for the sea and the sport.
Our academy provides a singular opportunity to set off on an unforgettable sailing journey in the Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia region, regardless of your level of sailing experience.
We at our Adult Academy think that sailing has no age limits. Our main objective is to provide the opportunity to experience the freedom of sailing regularly, in a relaxed environment and without having to invest in your own boats. We are dedicated to encouraging your love of sailing and comradery among fellow enthusiasts.
In our academy, we carefully structure the journey for our students, starting with the beginners level. This level is intended for individuals who have little to no knowledge about sailing.
Throughout the course, our instructors will cover topics like safety, maneuvers, boat setup, and the basics principles of sailing.
Classes are held on 7.5-meter boats, equipped with a mainsail and either a genoa or jib.
Type of lessons: group (4 to 5 people)
Schedule: Saturdays or Sundays, from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM or from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM
The chosen schedule is fixed throughout the course.
Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Number of Classes: 8
Price: €290.00
All the skills and fundamental knowledge acquired during beginners level are refined in the second stage of a sailor’s nautical adventure. At this level, we explore on advanced sailing navigation and boat performance concepts. We introduce new sails and onboard functions (such as spinnakers or gennakers), using the same boats as the initiation level.
By the end of this level, it is expected that every sailor will be able to sail a sailboat safely.
Sailors must have completed the beginners level in order to enroll in this level.
Type of lessons: group (4 to 5 people)
Schedule: Saturdays or Sundays, from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM or from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM
The chosen timetable is adhered to the entire course.
Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Number of Classes: 8
Price: €290.00
The objective of this level, which is taught aboard a Jeanneau 53, is to go from smaller boats to larger ones and apply the knowledge gained in earlier courses to a boat with noticeably higher applied forces.
Learning is concentrated on sailing navigation and includes a brief overview of seamanship maneuvers such docking and undocking, anchoring, and entering and exiting the harbor.
To register for this level, sailors must have attended the beginner and advanced levels.
The schedule is presented before the start of the course and validated between the students and BBDouro Nautical Experiences.
Type of lessons: group (min. 6 people)
Schedule: Saturdays or Sundays, from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM or from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Number of Classes: 6
Price: €290.00
Adult Sailing Academy Conditions
- The fee includes insurance, support documents, and all safety gear.
- Lessons scheduling according to students’ availability.
- All sailing lessons are conducted under the supervision of a trained instructor.
- To join the BBDouro Nautical Experiences sailing courses, you must be able to swim and agree to the BBDouro Sailing Academy Regulations.
- Special benefits for Carlsberg, Caudalie, CIN, Católica Porto Business School, Goldenergy, JOP Landrover, Lusíadas Saúde, Natixis, Redifogo, Sofarma, Splendouro, STB and Douro Marina clients. Contact us for more details.
"I started.... and haven't stopped. A sailing baptism turned into a series of sailing courses and an excellent conviviality and friendship."
PAULO CLARA
IN WHICH BOATS WILL YOU SAIL?
BENETEAU PLATU 25
A small racing sailboat known for its speed and agility. Its elegant design and competitive performance make it the top choice for sailors seeking thrilling racing experiences.
BENETEAU FIRST 7.5
An elegant and agile sailboat, perfect for those seeking exciting adventures on the water. At 7.5 meters, it’s a compact boat with impressive performance, making it a favorite among sailing enthusiasts.
JEANNEAU 53
A luxurious and spacious sailboat, perfect for cruising lessons, offering a comfortable environment and excellent performance for those looking to develop their sailing skills.
WHERE WILL YOU SAIL?
Our sailors learn to sail in a protected sailing area free from strong winds, currents, and waves – on the Douro River, in front of Douro Marina. Progression in sailors’ skills also signifies an expansion of the sailing area, gradually moving from the river to the sea, along the coastal areas of Porto, Matosinhos, and Vila Nova de Gaia, near the Douro River entrance.
WHY CHOOSE BBDOURO?
Regardless of age or physical condition, we at BBDouro are dedicated to transforming access to sailing as a regular sport in Portugal. We have been transmitting our passion for this sport and for the sea since 2012, with the help of our experienced and dedicated skippers. In a safe and welcoming setting, our Adult Academy provides a variety of courses that may be customized to each individual’s level of experience without the need for substantial financial investments.
We are the only academy in the Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia region offering morning and afternoon classes on both Saturdays and Sundays. Our academy can accommodate up to 60 sailors per period, ensuring the practice of a healthy sport and socializing among all our sailors.
“The adult sailing academy is for many students (and skippers) a ritual, a weekly routine that cannot be missed. In addition to our regular classes, we offer really different experiences such as taking part in national cruising championships, boat transportation or regattas between students. Maybe that’s why this academy has such a unique spirit between students and skippers!”
João Pinto Ribeiro
Ready to Set Sail?
IS THIS EXPERIENCE NOT WHAT YOU WERE HOPING FOR?
We can go sailing in another direction…
DISABLED SAILING
Teaching and practicing sailing as no limits at BBDouro. Our disabled sailing program on the INCA Lusíadas ForALL boat is tailored to meet the individual needs and skill levels of each sailor.
JUNIOR ACADEMY
Welcome to BBDouro’s Junior Academy, where every weekend on the Douro River we teach children aged 5 to 18 how to sail and foster their passion for the sport and the sea.
BBDouro offers the greatest Summer and Easter camps in Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto. Children aged 5 to 15 years old will enjoy fun-filled weeks at sea, with wind, sun, and sailing.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Sailing lessons tailored to each sailor’s schedule and availability, whether they are learning with a friend or on their own.
FOILING ACADEMY
The sailing academy for daring and for any sailor who wants to improve their foiling abilities. For those who dare to fly just above the water, we offer a variety of possibilities in private lessons or training camps.
SAILING TRIALS
During a two-hour cruise along the Douro River, you will experience the unique sensation of using just the wind to move forward and feel the adrenaline of the boat gliding on the water.
