One Journey
From Frustrated Learners to Founders of Good Captain Sailing School in Bulgaria
Our Story
A story of vision, persistence, and salty lessons.
Once upon a time...
Once upon a time in the coastal town of Varna, Bulgaria, lived a couple — Max and Anastasia — united by a shared dream: to learn how to sail and explore the open sea. They envisioned thrilling voyages, wind in their hair, and the freedom that only sailing can offer.
But their excitement soon gave way to frustration. The local sailing schools offered limited options, outdated methods, and overall unsatisfying experiences that made their dream feel out of reach.
A Life-Changing Decision
Because the sea deserves better captains.
Max and Anastasia found themselves learning from grumpy captains, where each lesson felt more like a chore than the joyful adventure they had imagined. But they believed sailing should be fun, inspiring, and full of excitement — not something that discourages beginners.
Fueled by determination to change the status quo, they made a life-changing decision: to turn their frustration into purpose. They would build a sailing school that redefined the learning experience — one that replaced pressure with passion and made sailing accessible, enjoyable, and truly unforgettable.
To Achieve the Goal
Qualified instructors and maritime professionals.
To bring their vision to life, Max and Anastasia understood that deep expertise was essential. They embarked on an intensive learning journey, enrolling in and successfully graduating from top-tier certification programs — including:
- Bulgaria Maritime Administration – Official Government Authority. The Bulgarian Maritime Administration is the national regulatory body under the Ministry of Transport, responsible for maritime safety, vessel registration, crew certification, and compliance with international maritime conventions.
- ISSA – International Sailing Schools Association. An organization that unites sailing schools and instructors globally, providing internationally recognized sailing certifications with a focus on practical skills and accessibility.
- RYA – Royal Yachting Association. The UK’s national governing body for sailing, windsurfing, and powerboating. RYA is known for its rigorous training and certification standards, highly regarded worldwide.
- NauticEd – Nautic Education. A U.S. – based sailing education provider offering internationally recognized e-learning courses with a competency-based training model. NauticEd emphasizes theory + practical integration through affiliated schools.
- PADI – Professional Association of Diving Instructors. Although primarily focused on scuba diving, PADI is the world’s largest diving training organization. It’s commonly referenced in marine education due to its global structure and certification model, similar to sailing institutions.
each awarding them globally respected professional certifications, officially recognizing them not just as skilled sailors — but as qualified instructors and maritime professionals.
Through these courses, they immersed themselves in both the theoretical and practical foundations of sailing. From seamanship and navigation to VHF marine radio operation and precise boat handling, they invested countless hours mastering the skills required to lead by example — and to teach with confidence.
The Yacht Delivery
Starting point of Good Captain Sailing Academy in Bulgaria.
Fueled by their passion and commitment to real-world experience, Max and Anastasia took their sailing journey one step further. They set off on a bold adventure — sailing a yacht from the picturesque Croatian town of Šibenik all the way to Varna, Bulgaria. The voyage was filled with challenges, but each obstacle became a lesson in resilience, seamanship, and teamwork. Battling stormy weather and navigating calm seas alike, they completed the journey with determination. That very yacht became the first vessel of their sailing school — a symbol of their dedication and the starting point of Good Captain.
Starting the Sailing School
Helping you sail smarter, braver, and more curious.
Armed with certified expertise, hands-on experience, and a firm belief that sailing should be joyful and accessible, Max and Anastasia founded the Good Captain Sailing School. Their vision was clear: to offer an engaging, high-quality learning experience that blends practical seamanship with a welcoming, student-focused environment. From day one, their goal was to inspire confidence and curiosity — creating a space where beginners and aspiring skippers alike could thrive, grow, and fall in love with life at sea.
Reputation Building
Driven by Passion. Defined by Perseverance.
Good Captain Sailing School quickly earned a reputation for its exceptional teaching approach, patient instructors, and commitment to making sailing accessible and enjoyable for all. Max and Anastasia’s dedication to quality instruction and student-centered learning set the school apart in the region.
Their journey—from frustrated learners to founders of a thriving sailing academy—is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Their belief that sailing should be fun, empowering, and welcoming struck a chord with students who had previously felt discouraged by traditional training experiences.
The Legacy
Meaningful mark on the sailing community in Bulgaria.
Over the years, Good Captain Sailing School has flourished, leaving a meaningful mark on the sailing community in Bulgaria and beyond. What began as a dream is now a recognized hub for accessible, high-quality maritime education. Max and Anastasia’s vision reshaped how people learn to sail — turning frustration into confidence, and hesitation into lifelong passion.
Their dedication has nurtured a generation of capable, joyful sailors who now explore the seas with skill and purpose — carrying with them the spirit of Good Captain sailing school in Varna wherever the wind takes them.
