JUNIOR ACADEMY
Discover the joy of sailing with BBDouro Nautical Experiences
Welcome to the BBDouro Nautical Experiences Junior Academy powered by Goldenergy, where we teach children aged 5 to 18 how to sail sailing boats on the Douro River, cultivating a passion for this sport and for the sea.
We think sailing is more than just a sport; it’s a life-changing activity that fosters personal development and the development of important skills. Our teaching method is tailored to the age and level of each little sailor, led by an experienced team of instructors passionate about the sea and this sport.
Whatever motivates your children to learn to sail – leisure, competition, or something more – we are here to guide them at every step of this adventure
Starting with the beginners level, we meticulously plan out the children’s adventure at our academy. Each student will have the chance to sail on various types of boats, either alone or in teams, and master the fundamentals of sailing navigation at this level.
In the beginning, we go through safety, turning and righting the boat, setting-up different boats, as well as steering skills and all the essential foundations of sailing navigation.
• This level is appropriate for sailors with little to no sailing experience.
Schedule: Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and/or from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Duration: 3 hours or 6 hours
Price:
Half-day tuition – €55.00
Full day tuition – €75.00
Single lesson half day – €20.00
Single lesson full day – €30.00
The first lesson is free!
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 and trapeze – and foster competition through simple regattas in a relaxed and fun environment.
To enroll in this level, sailors must have attended the beginners level.
Schedule: Sundays from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Duration: 7 hours and 30 minutes (including one-hour lunch break)
Price:
Monthly tuition – €75.00
Single lesson half day – €20.00
Single lesson full day – €30.00
Our academy’s highest level, where sailors advance after going to beginners and intermediate levels at the age of 14 or 15.
Here, sailors transition to bigger boats – the Platu 25 – and learn how to effectively perform any position on board.
At this level, there is a broader variety of activities: sailors go on boat trips, take part in regattas, and join our academy as active members, helping with beach clean-ups and instructing younger kids during Easter and Summer Sailing Camps.
To enroll in this level, sailors must have attended the beginners and intermediate levels.
Schedule: Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Duration: 7 hours and 30 minutes (including one-hour lunch break)
Price:
Monthly tuition – €75.00
Single lesson half day – €20.00
Single lesson full day – €30.00
Junior Sailing Academy Conditions
- The use of flotation devices is mandatory. They are provided by BBDouro.
- Lunch is not included.
- BBDouro provides a dining area with equipment for heating meals.
- 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 Junior 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.
"My son had an incredible experience at Junior Academy. He gained confidence, made friends, and learned to sail in a relaxed and fun environment."
PATRICIA CARVALHO
LEARN ABOUT THE BOATS THEY’LL BE SAILING
OPTIMIST
Suitable for younger sailors first sailing experience due to its stability and easy navigation.
LASER BAHIA
A versatile three-sail boat suitable for young sailors of all ages. Its stability and spaciousness make it perfect for sailing lessons, offering a fun and enjoyable nautical experience.
DART 16
An agile and thrilling catamaran, perfect for sailors seeking adventure. With a light and easy-to-maneuver design, it provides enjoyable rides and speed on the water.
LASER PICO
The ideal choice for beginners in sailing. Easy to maneuver, stable, and versatile, it offers a fun and accessible learning experience for young sailors of all ages.
O'PEN BIC
A popular vessel for young sailors. With its lightweight and easy maneuverability, it provides an exciting and educational introduction to sailing, fostering a child’s interest in sailing from an early age.
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.
WHERE WILL THEY SAIL?
Our sailors learn to sail in a protected sailing area free from strong winds, currents, and waves – in the natural reserve of the Douro estuary. Progression in sailors’ skills also signifies an expansion of the sailing area, gradually moving from the natural reserve to the rest of the Douro River and extending to the sea, along the coastal areas of Porto, Matosinhos, and Vila Nova de Gaia, near the Douro River entrance.
WHY CHOOSE BBDOURO?
We at BBDouro are dedicated to revolutionizing how kids are introduced to sailing in Portugal. Our Junior Academy stands out for providing a healthy and comfortable environment for children to learn to sail.
We do more than just teach sailing!
We have been passing on our passion for this sport and the sea since 2012, with the help of our experienced and dedicated instructors. We allow each student to experience the activity in their own way and promote the value of sustainability and environmental care, with frequent beach cleanup events.
“We want children to learn to sail in a fun and healthy way. Our Junior Academy sailors continue to visit us or practice sailing long after they’ve finished their course at the Academy and that’s the most important thing for us. More than teaching them how to tack and capsize, it’s making sure they’re doing an activity they enjoy and where they can be themselves.”
Diogo Couto
DO YOU HAVE YOUNG SAILORS AT HOME?
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.
ADULTS ACADEMY
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.
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.
