Life Course Academy: 8-Month Sailing Gap Year in Sardinia
Program Overview
Life Course Academy offers an eight-month residential sailing gap year in Costa Smeralda, Italy for ages 18-25. Competitive sailing is the training ground; high-performance methods are the learning system; personal and professional progress is The Goal.
From 1 October 2027 to 31 May 2028, students complete 1,000 hours: 500 on the water and 500 of learning on shore. They progress from sailing foundations to crew performance, tactics, race-condition training and a final international regatta. On-shore learning covers physical preparation, recovery, self-awareness, teamwork and leadership, and monthly individual guidance.
Applicants must be able to swim, work in English and be ready for physical activity, direct feedback, team responsibilities and residential life. A seven-step cycle combines objectives, practice, feedback, reflection, repetition and transfer beyond sport. Each student creates a Progress Portfolio and practical 90-Day Action Plan.
Fee: USD 97,800 excluding VAT, including four-star hotel accommodation and three premium meals daily. Applications open 1 September 2026; the waiting list is free, optional and non-binding. The program is private and non-accredited.
Ready to dive deeper into this program?
Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.
Program Highlights
What's Included
Exclusions
Quick Details
- Post High School
- During College
- After College
- Experiential Learning
- Self-Discovery
- Sports
- Wilderness
Updated Aug 7, 2026
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Sardinia, Italy
Available Terms / Availability
- Years Offered
- 2027
Eligible Nationalities
- All Nationalities
Education Levels & Language
- Language
- English
- Education
- High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
- University Freshman (1st Year)
- University Sophomore (2nd Year)
- University Junior (3rd Year)
- University Senior (4th Year)
- University 5th Year or More
- Some college credit, no degree
- Associate degree
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
Accommodation Options
- Other
Application Procedures
- Online Application
- Written Application
- Phone/Video Interview
Age Requirement
18-25
Duration
- Post High School
- During College
- After College
Starts At
- 8 months: $97,800
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about LIFE COURSE ACADEMY
Be the first to review LIFE COURSE ACADEMY
If you've participated in this program, your review helps future students decide.
Review this ProgramInquire
Inquire about this program
Have a question? Send us a message and the program team will get back to you.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all the most common questions about LIFE COURSE ACADEMY.
Is previous sailing experience required?
No. Complete beginners start with structured foundations, while experienced sailors refine their technique and take on more demanding roles. All applicants must be able to swim, work in English and be ready for regular physical activity, feedback, team responsibilities and residential life.
What is included in the program fee?
The eight-month programme fee is USD 97,800, excluding VAT. It includes 1,000 hours of learning and training, four-star hotel accommodation and three premium meals per day. The waiting list is free, optional and non-binding. The programme is private and non-accredited.
Is accommodation included in the fee?
Yes. The USD 97,800 eight-month programme fee, excluding VAT, includes four-star hotel accommodation and three premium meals per day throughout the official programme dates.
Who can apply?
Motivated young adults aged 18–25 of any nationality may apply. They must be able to swim, be comfortable learning and working in English, and be ready for regular physical activity, changing outdoor conditions, direct feedback, team responsibilities and residential life.
When does the first program run?
Applications open on 1 September 2026. The first eight-month residential programme runs from 1 October 2027 to 31 May 2028 in Costa Smeralda, Sardinia. The waiting list is currently open, free, optional and non-binding.
Related Programs
Browse programs you might like
EF Education First
4.25
59 reviews
Spend 12 incredible weeks exploring Tamarindo, Rome, and Tokyo, three unforgettable destinations that showcase the world’s diversity. This immers...
Carpe Diem Education
4.5
6 reviews
Join Carpe Diem for an unforgettable gap semester, exploring rich history and modern cultural identity in Italy & Greece. These two nations signi...
CIEE High School Grads Abroad
No reviews yet
Live and learn in the capital of Tuscany, improving your Italian fluency while exploring Florence. Spend a semester abroad perfecting your Itali...
Have more questions?
We're here to help!
The GoAbroad team is here to support you as you choose the best program for you, and LIFE COURSE ACADEMY is also happy to answer any questions you have.
Trusted by millions of travelers worldwide since 1997