Stern-to in Split — Inshore Skipper in Mediterranean traffic

I remembered dinghy racing but not 40-foot yachts in holiday traffic. FairHelm's Croatia Inshore week rebuilt my confidence: stern-to mooring, lazy lines, and VHF calls to harbour masters — all with four students so everyone helmed daily.

The instructor treated marina manoeuvres like archipelago drills: brief, execute, debrief. When I scraped a fender on day three, we talked about approach angle and crew signals, not shame.

Mediterranean sailing looks glamorous until 18 boats queue for the same quay. Then it is communication.

I use the ISSA Inshore certificate for charter companies that ask for formal qualifications. Next step: more miles before I consider buying — FairHelm's ownership articles are my homework list.