SetSail

SetSail: How a Romanian Sailing School Is Turning Managers into Captains

Sailing used to be a rare hobby in Romania. Today, thousands of people are taking the helm—and most of them are business leaders looking for a new kind of challenge.

At the center of this movement is SetSail, Romania’s largest sailing school.

From a Family Passion to Romania’s Top Sailing School

SetSail started 16 years ago, founded by Ovidiu Drugan, his sister Corina, and their father Sorin. They grew up loving water sports and wanted to show people in Romania that sailing isn’t just for experts—it’s something anyone can learn.

When SetSail first opened, only 60 to 80 people joined each year. Today, the school trains around 350 students annually and has taught over 4,300 people how to captain a boat.

Why Business Leaders Are Heading to Sea

In 2025, about 75% of SetSail’s students were managers, entrepreneurs, and corporate professionals.

Why are so many bosses swapping their office desks for sailboats?

“Sailing isn’t just about relaxing,” says founder Ovidiu Drugan. “On a boat, you have to make quick decisions, communicate clearly, and work together when conditions change fast. Those are the exact same skills you need in business.”

SetSail also runs corporate team-building events on the water, helping teams practice leadership and crisis management in real life.

About the Courses

SetSail offers professional, comprehensive navigation courses to help students earn any category of skipper or captain’s license. As a top-tier yachting school, SetSail is among the leading course providers for skippers and ship captains in Romania, backed by expert trainers and its own sailboat fleet on the Black Sea. It provides the ideal place for anyone looking to follow a childhood dream and experience true freedom on the open water.

Students take theory classes in Bucharest or Limanu (near Mangalia) and practice on real boats in the Black Sea at Limanu Port or on Snagov Lake. SetSail provides training for all license types (A, B, C, D, and S categories), allowing graduates to sail along the coast, on open seas, rivers, and sailboats.

1. The Intensive Course (4 Days) Designed for busy people or those living outside Bucharest who want to finish quickly on the coast.

• Location: Marina Limanu / Mangalia.
• Daily Schedule: Theory in the morning, practical training at sea in the afternoon.
• Night Sailing: Includes a unique night navigation session (5:00 PM to midnight).
• Final Exam: Practical exam on the last day with an official maritime authority representative.

2. The Classic Course (Long Format) Ideal for Bucharest residents or remote learners who prefer a steady pace.

• Theory: Held over 2 weeks at the Bucharest office (18:00 – 21:00, Monday to Thursday), with a live Zoom option for remote participants.
• Practice: 3 days of hands-on sailing at Marina Limanu.

3. Course for Motorboats (Class D) A specialized course designed for powerboat enthusiasts.

• Theory (Bucharest): 3 days of evening classes (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, from 17:00 to 21:00) at the SetSail classroom (15 Virgiliu Street, 3rd floor).
• Practice (Snagov Lake): Practical sessions held on Wednesday at Snagov Lake. Students can select their preferred time slot directly from their SetSail student account.
• Practical Exam: The ANR practical exam takes place on Thursday.

Why Choose SetSail?

• Very High Exam Pass Rate: Exceptionally high pass rate for the official boat license exam on the first attempt.
• Performance Fleet: Hands-on training on fast, safe, performance cruising yachts.
• Elite Instructors: Taught by experienced sailors with decades of ocean navigation experience.

Course Investment

• Full C + D + S Package: €750 + VAT
• Sailing Only (For those who already hold C & D licenses): €450 + VAT

Flotillas and Big Trips Abroad

SetSail doesn’t just teach in Romania—it also organizes sailing flotillas to destinations such as Greece, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, and Italy.

In May 2025, SetSail set a record: over 400 Romanians on nearly 60 boats sailed through the Cyclades islands in Greece together. Most of the captains on those boats were former SetSail students.

By making boating vacations normal for families and friends, SetSail has built a real community of sea lovers across the country.

To learn more, visit www.setsail.ro,