Sailor, Instructor, and Lifelong Adventure-seeker.

Hi, I’m Tolga Gökova—sailor, coach and lifelong adventure-seeker. I took my first tack at nine in an Optimist, raced Optimist and Laser for years, then swapped a Vancouver degree for full-time deck life. Today I hold RYA Yachtmaster Ocean & Offshore Instructor credentials and a YY5 Instructor rating from the Turkish Sailing Federation. Highlights? In 2022 I circumnavigated Turkey Duo-class with Atilla Gökova in 13 days 15 h 2 m, setting a national record. Back in 2016 I skippered my students across the Atlantic, becoming the youngest Turkish skipper to complete the crossing with a crew.

Each summer I run week-long training camps along the Southern Aegean; winter sends us offshore to Israel, Malta or Italy. Sessions weave sail trim, night navigation and real-world miles into every lesson. When I’m not at the helm, I’m grinding through an Ironman—endurance fuels everything I teach. Ready to sharpen your skills or simply feel the edge of the sea? Come aboard.

Certifications

First Aid
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
RYA Yachtmaster Ocean (Royal Yachting Association)
RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Instructor (Royal Yachting Association)
Turkish Sailing Federation YY5 Instructor
STCW Basic Safety Training
GMDSS General Operator Certificate (GOC)

Key Achievements

Set the Duo (two-person) Turkey Circumnavigation record with brother Atilla: 13 days 15 h 02 m (May 2022)
Became the youngest Turkish skipper to lead an Atlantic crossing with students (2016)
Founder of Sail.Lab sailing school; delivers year-round offshore & coastal training programmes and flotilla voyages in the Aegean and Mediterranean, backed by 10 + years of professional instruction.
Offshore expedition leader to Israel, Malta, Italy
National record holder: Duo‑class sail around Turkey (2022)
Professional sailor & maritime consultant with racing roots in Optimist and Laser classes
RYA Yachtmaster Ocean + Offshore Instructor

Safety statement

Charts, weather windows and contingency routes are checked twice a day; if conditions slip outside our limits, we reef, divert or wait it out—no record is worth a reckless decision. When you know the ocean is respected, you’re free to learn, push your skills and enjoy the ride.

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified & credentialed

Verified credentials that underpin every adventure.

SAFETY

Safety is the protocol

Safety is the keel of every mile I sail. Before we cast off I run a full briefing that covers docking, anchoring and emergency-response procedures, then drill each crew member until the moves feel intuitive. On the water I keep group sizes small, equip everyone with life-jackets and harness lines, and carry dedicated man-overboard and medical kits. My boats—and my syllabus—are audited by the Turkish Sailing Federation and the Gökova Sailing Academy, where “safe and professional training is assured with well-experienced instructors and captains.” Charts, weather windows and contingency routes are checked twice a day; if conditions slip outside our limits, we reef, divert or wait it out—no record is worth a reckless decision. When you know the ocean is respected, you’re free to learn, push your skills and enjoy the ride.