Sailing • Education • Leadership • Social Impact

Transforming Lives Through the Power of the Sea

YAGA Foundation delivers transformative educational experiences through sailing, developing leaders and building resilience for young people and adults from vulnerable communities.

Discover Our Programs Our Story

About Us

Motivating Young People Through Sailing

YAGA Foundation is a non-profit organization that uses sailing and experiential learning to develop young people and adults through leadership, resilience, communication, and emotional wellbeing programs.

Adventure with Purpose

We use sailing as a tool for personal development, providing real experiences that build character and skills.

Social Inclusion

We believe in equal opportunities. We provide access to programs for young people from disadvantaged or vulnerable backgrounds.

Authentic Leadership

We develop leaders through hands-on experiences that cultivate confidence, communication, and responsibility.

Certified Excellence

As an ISSA partner, we offer internationally recognized certifications in sailing and maritime communications.

Our Mission

We provide access to modern, safe, and transformative educational experiences at sea — for all young people, including those from disadvantaged or vulnerable backgrounds. Through our programs, our sailors return to their schools and communities with increased motivation, confidence, leadership and communication skills, and a fresh perspective on their self-worth and abilities.

14-24

Age range - youth

7 days

Expeditions

ISSA

Certifications

Mediterranean

Sailing location

Our Story

From Passionate Sailors to Purpose-Driven Foundation

What began as an exclusive gathering of sea enthusiasts has evolved into something truly transformative. YAGA started with a simple belief: that the most meaningful experiences happen where the horizon stretches endlessly and life takes on a different rhythm.

Why We Started the Foundation

After years of organizing yacht gatherings, retreats, and sailing experiences for passionate adventurers, we realized something profound: the transformation we witnessed in people at sea was too powerful to keep exclusive.

We saw executives find clarity, burned-out professionals rediscover purpose, and strangers become lifelong friends — all through the simple act of sailing together. We asked ourselves: what if we could bring this same transformative power to those who need it most?

That question became YAGA Foundation — our commitment to giving back to the community by creating meaningful experiences for people who need a psychological reset, guidance, and the life skills that only the sea can teach.

Every Wave Lifts Another

Our guiding principle

We do not organize escapes — we craft turning points. When you sail with YAGA, you are powering healing and leadership journeys for vulnerable youth and adults. Your experience directly funds life-changing programs for people who have hit rock bottom.

Leadership under pressure

Team communication

Problem-solving in real-time

Emotional resilience

Self-confidence

Adaptability

Where We Are Headed

The future of sailing is not just about adventure — it is about meaningful connection, discovery, and giving back. It is about transforming experience into purpose. And it is about recognizing that the most powerful journeys happen when we sail together.

That is the YAGA way.

Our Programs

Experiences That Transform

From youth programs to corporate retreats, every YAGA experience is designed to generate authentic transformation and lasting impact.

Program for young people ages 14-24

Youth Leadership

7-day educational expeditions that transform young people into leaders. We develop autonomy, confidence, teamwork, and communication skills through hands-on sailing.

Practical and theoretical sailing
Route planning and navigation
Personal development and leadership
ISSA certification included

Learn More

Programs for teams and leaders

Corporate Retreats

Transformative retreats for corporate teams combining wellness, leadership, and social impact. Aligned with ESRS standards for ESG reporting.

Authentic team building
Leadership under pressure
Mindfulness and recovery
ESG/ESRS Reporting Ready

Request a Quote

International qualifications

ISSA Certifications

ISSA-accredited courses for all levels: Competent Crew, Inshore Sailing Skipper, and VHF/SRC. Internationally recognized certifications.

Competent Crew
Inshore Sailing License
VHF Maritime Radio
ISSA Certified Instructors

View Courses

Programs for vulnerable communities

Social Impact

Free programs for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, with behavioral difficulties, or special educational needs. Every wave lifts someone up.

Youth from disadvantaged areas
People facing financial hardship
Special educational needs
Recovery and therapy programs

Support the Cause

Why Sailing?

More Than a Journey at Sea

Sailing is one of the cleanest ways to travel. Wind replaces fuel, nature replaces noise, and every mile traveled leaves almost no trace behind. But the real impact is not just environmental — it is human.

On the water, stress levels drop, clarity increases, and the mind resets. Nature becomes therapy. Silence becomes wisdom. Community becomes medicine.

Nature Clears the Noise

Nature brings clarity and builds a fresh perspective on life.

Real Challenges Reveal Real Leaders

Authentic situations bring out true leadership qualities.

Every Voice Matters

Hierarchies disappear — everyone is equal on board a vessel.

Tech-Free Space

Digital disconnection invites deep reflection and presence.

Shared Experience Builds Trust

Shared adventures forge bonds and develop lasting skills.

All experiences are guided by ISSA certified instructors

Ensuring international safety and seamanship standards throughout your journey.

Our Impact

Every Wave Lifts Someone Up

Your retreat funds life-changing programs for people who have reached their limits. Every sail lifts someone who has lost their way.

Sailors Trained

Lives Touched Annually

Expeditions Organized

Satisfaction Rate

Real People. Real Impact.

We do not just organize escapes — we create turning points. Every retreat is a human-to-human experience that cultivates trust, healing, and clarity. Your programs fund healing and leadership journeys for people from vulnerable communities.

Who we help:

Young people from disadvantaged urban areas
People facing financial hardship
Youth with behavioral difficulties
People with special educational needs
Trauma survivors in recovery
Teachers and caregivers recharging
Families healing after crisis

“This is not just an escape. It is purpose, not privilege. You rewrite lives — with wind, water, and heart.”

Partners & Certifications

International Standards of Excellence

We collaborate with top organizations and offer internationally recognized certifications to ensure the highest quality of our programs.

ISSA

International Sailing Schools Association

UCaptain

Academy of Skippers Partner

North Sailing Federation

Sailing Federation

World Wide Tours Ltd

Yacht Booking Agency Partner

Available Certifications

YAGA Foundation offers ISSA-accredited courses through our certified instructors, in partnership with a licensed ISSA training center. Official certificates and licenses are issued according to international standards.

Led by Cristian Negoiu, ISSA certified instructor and professional skipper.

ISSA Competent Crew

ISSA Inshore Sailing License

VHF Maritime Radio (SRC)

International Certificate of Competence (ICC)

ISSA operates within unified European and international standards, contributing to European Commission projects for harmonizing skipper training in the Mediterranean region and beyond.

Contact

Let's Talk

Ready to start your journey? Contact us for more information about our programs or to plan a personalized experience.

Ask Us Anything

Whether you are a company interested in corporate programs, a young person eager to discover sailing, or you want to support our cause — we are here to help.

ong@theyaga.com

Phone

+40 722 725 222

Sailing Location

Mediterranean Sea

March - October

Your CSR Contribution

20% of your CSR contribution funds our Youth Leadership program. As a partner, your company receives access to wellness and leadership programs for employees — at no additional cost and fully aligned with ESRS standards.