Beware of RYA instructor Franco del Fabbro at White Wake Sailing School
RYA Training Centre: White Wake Sailing School
Base: Kremik Marina, Primosten, Croatia
Course: Practical RYA Yachtmaster Offshore
Dates of core training: March 29 – April 2 2025
Instructor: Franco del Fabbro
The five-day training course is an official course offered by the RYA Training Centre "White Wake Sailing School". The course took place with Kremik Marina as a base. The marina is located about 45 minutes drive north of the Split airport.
I enrolled in the course to prepare for the two-day exam for an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certificate. These two days followed on the same spot, i.e. Kremik, the five-day preparation course, which was administered by an official RYA examiner from the UK, Mr. Mike Acton.
We were four adult students attending the five-day training led by the representative of the school, Mr. Franco del Fabbro.
My concerns and complaints relate to the behaviour and attitude of del Fabbro’s during the initial five days of training. His permanent shouting, anger, irritation, verbal attacks, and bullying behaviour made the whole week a very unpleasant experience. In the given situation, having paid 1400 € for the training and by so unable to leave and go home and forget about the certificate, I have never met such an unpleasant person in my whole life.
In his role as an RYA certified trainer, del Fabbro behaviour toward the crew of four can be summarised by the following words:
• Impatience
• Aggressive communication
• Bullying attitude
• None-teaching ability
• Anger and frustration
• Sarcastic comments
I passed the exam and hence landed the certificate. Me and another participant in the training days have filed two individual complaints to the RYA organisation in the UK. RYA is currently investigate this matter. The reason for my complaint is that no one should have the same experience that I went through these five days. I hope my complaint will prompt action from RYA so that del Fabbro won't be able to represent RYA anymore.