Sailing courses at Operah — our largest sailboat
Experience sailing for real aboard Operah, Sailstar's proud flagship — a Beneteau 50, designed by Bruce Farr. With its fifteen meters, four cabins and full comfort, Operah is fast, stable and spacious — perfect for combining learning and adventure in the archipelago.
**4 Days Sailing in the Stockholm Archipelago
- Four-day sailing course — a complete training in maneuvering, sailing, safety and navigation.
English courser
Several of our courses are also taught in English — “Basic sailing course — large yacht” — with participants from all over the world. A unique opportunity to practice sailing, languages and teamwork in an international environment.
About the boat
Operah is equipped as a modern ocean cruiser with:
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New sails (2019-2024) and modern navigation equipment (Raymarine Axiom 9 with AIS)
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Four cabins, four toilets and heaters with ventilation throughout the boat
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Large refrigerator, LED lighting, lithium batteries and comfortable pads
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Full teak deck, dual steering wheel, large cockpit and swimming platform
For whom?
The courses are suitable for you as:
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Want to develop your sailing into bigger boats
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Planning to rent or buy your own sailboat
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Or just want to experience an active holiday in the Stockholm archipelago
We start from Viggbyholm (Täby) — a perfect starting point for sailing out towards the outer archipelago.
- Course for four days on a large sailboat
- Sailing in the Stockholm archipelago
- Accommodation three nights in double bunk
- Three breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners
- Spring course book “Basics of sailing”
We start from Viggbyholm. There is plenty of free parking on site and by public transport you can easily reach Viggbyholm by Roslagsbanan to Näsbypark.
If you have food allergies, diets, etc let us know no later than a week before the course.
Please note that food is included in the course except for a dinner eaten on some lovely archipelago nook.
The boat has four cabins, one of which is used by the instructor. Two cabins have a double berth with a width of 150 cm and one cabin has a bunkbed, bunk bed, with two single beds. For an additional fee, you can book your own cabin.
We have sailing racks (sailing clothes), life jackets on board for everyone. There is also bedding - sheets, duvet covers, pillowcases, pillows, duvets and even bath towels and towel for everyone.
Company Presentation — Sailstar
About Sailstar
Sailstar is one of Sweden's most established sailing schools for adults — founded and run by Tomas Sandström, sailor, instructor and author of several of the country's most widely used sailing books.
Since its inception in 2010, Sailstar has trained over 4,800 sailors in everything from beginner courses to advanced racing and long-distance sailing.
The business starts at Viggbyholm in Täby, north of Stockholm, and is complemented by international courses in Greece.
The philosophy is simple — to teach sailing in a safe, educational and inspiring way where practice, experience and knowledge go hand in hand.
History
Sailstar was founded with the vision to create a sailing school that took adult learning seriously.
Unlike many traditional sailing schools, Sailstar initially built its courses on small groups, well-trained instructors and modern boats.
The 2010s saw the addition of big boat courses at Operah, racing activities with Aira 22 boats, and international sailing weeks in Croatia.
In 2025, the business expanded to Greece as well, with a sailing base in the Olympic Marina, Lavrion.
Today
Today Sailstar offers a complete training program for both beginners and experienced sailors.
The company has a unique combination of practical instruction in modern boats and well-structured training materials — including the course book Basics of Sailing and several further developed theory modules online.
The instructors are experienced sailors with a solid background in racing, long-distance sailing and training.
Course operations are conducted with modern day sailors (Aira 22), dinghies, NF boats and large sailboats (Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440 “Agrippa” and Beneteau 50 “Operah”).
Course Offers
Sailstar offers courses for all levels — from first sailing experience to advanced training:
Basic level
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Dinghy course adults — sailing basics, balance, wind feeling
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Day sailor/Aira 22 — sailing on keelboat, Sailing certificate 1
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Large boat — Basic Course (Operah) — Practical Sailing Certificate 1
Continuation & Improvement
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Advanced Course — NF (Sailing Certificate 2)
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Safety course and weather planning (1 day)
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Maneuvering & addition (1 day/ ½ day)
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Sailing certificate 3/long distance and night sailing
Race sailing & training
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Race sailing course (Aira 22) — speed, trim, strategy
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Racing training every Thursday throughout the season
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Private training and corporate events
International Courses
- Sailing weeks in Greece — Olympic Marina, Lavrion
Our Philosophy
Sailstar stands for pedagogy, safety and the joy of sailing .
Each participant is given time to develop at their own pace, supported by instructors who both teach and inspire.
We believe in hands-on training in real conditions, small groups, and clear goals -- from first stroke of cruise to advanced navigation.