Ralf Uka
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The calm, competent skipper, experienced across all 7 seas as a former professional seaman, is the specialist for sailing trips on the North Sea and Baltic Sea. This delights absolute beginners, crews doing practical SKS training, and especially the generation 50+.
The "Kalami Star" is recognised as a training vessel by the BG Verkehr and the BSH (Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie). There is no higher safety standard for yachts. Charter yachts are not subject to these high standards. Better ask before signing on with yacht XYZ, safety first!
We (my wife and I) were aboard the "Kalami Star" with Ralf at the end of August 2026 for an SKS practical training trip. After my booking enquiry, Ralf rang us straight away and then shared his extensive collection of helpful documents and links.
After the phone call it was immediately clear that we were in good hands with Ralf. Simply wonderful on a personal level, which makes learning really enjoyable. His "Kalami Star" is a superb, very well-maintained boat and you can tell that sailing is a matter close to the skipper's heart.
On our trip we were able to get our first taste of the Danish South Sea Islands. Ralf is not only an outstanding sailing instructor, but also a tour guide with extensive knowledge who can share the odd amusing yarn. Our route also took us through the Fehmarn Sound Bridge to Burgstaaken, from where we undertook a night passage back to Heiligenhafen. During this we navigated diligently using the chart, lighthouses,... with the chartplotter switched off. A memorable experience that in my view belongs in every good training course.
After extensive manoeuvring practice, where every crew member was able to brush up their skills, everyone successfully completed the practical SKS examination on Friday.
Thank you dear Ralf for the wonderful time aboard, for the patience you had with us, for all the laughter we shared and everything you showed us and taught us.
In conclusion, we can only recommend Ralf unreservedly and hope that our paths will cross again in the future.
Ahoy Anke & Simon, your skipper is delighted with you about the successful SKS training and examination trip and it seems we did everything right from the preparation (extensive material) right through to the practical SKS examination. Welcome to the club and "fittingly" always a can's width under the keel. Had great fun with you and success comes when you're willing to leave your comfort zone, that's how it should be!
Wind and the tide determine your course on the North Sea! Each evening, the skipper set the next destination based on the current wind and weather forecasts! He has a great deal of sailing experience and always brought us and KalamiStar safely to the next place!
Everything from A-Z (casting off/mooring - chopping onions) was done together by the crew.
Two weeks full of beautiful sights and impressions flew by in no time.
Thanks to the crew and the skipper
... that was not an easy trip for you as a still inexperienced (co-)sailor, but a challenging one, and you carried your part brilliantly all the way to the home port. Many thanks
I spent just under a week with Ralf and did a skipper training course. It was not only a lot of fun, but also very good for practising all the manoeuvres for the harbour and out at sea again. This gives you renewed confidence for the next trip.
Ahoy Thomas, many thanks for the positive feedback. I enjoyed sailing with you and it's clear that successful training only happens when the crew wants to succeed. Those who don't push beyond their limits don't develop further. Keep on course. Best wishes, Ralf
First of all: thank you, thank you, thank you Ralf - that was brilliant!!
What did I expect from a skipper training course? I didn't have any particular idea beforehand and just gave it a try - and it was absolutely the right decision.
From the planning, preparation and communication beforehand, through to the trip itself and afterwards too - there's not just nothing to complain about, it's simply superb.
From the very start, we were "met where we were". Ralf chose a relaxed introduction to get to know each other over coffee (tea) and cake. As a crew, we were able to get to know one another before receiving the best safety briefing "ever". Ralf explains everything - very thoroughly and calmly. All questions are answered. Ralf pays great attention to safety and showed us that he even has "transmitters" on the life jackets - who knew such things existed. Impressive.
Ralf explains and practises every possible manoeuvre with us. We have enough time to repeat them as often as needed, until any fears or concerns I had at the start, for example with docking, disappeared.
I can now sail and "manoeuvre" much more freely.
Thanks Ralf! It was simply AMAZING.
Until next time.
Best regards
Heiko
Ahoy Heiko, you really learned a lot and it doesn't work without sweaty palms. You dared to leave your comfort zone. Unfortunately a new one now follows. If you want, I'll accompany you. Best wishes, Ralf
Anyone who wants to spend time on a larger sailing boat, learn to sail properly, and at the same time values an all-round great atmosphere, will find exactly what they're looking for on the Kalami-Star.
The way Ralf shares his knowledge is truly exceptional. With great patience, experience and a fine sense of intuition, he explains tips and tricks so clearly that you always feel safe and in the best of hands.
The entire trip is excellently organised: from careful route planning and practical weather knowledge to actively involving the crew - everything is just right. What's especially impressive is that even small unplanned situations are handled with confidence and turned into valuable learning moments. This way, sailing isn't just explained, but truly brought to life.
This overall package absolutely convinced me. So much so that I became a repeat offender straight away and have already booked my next Baltic Sea trip – I'm already tremendously looking forward to it!
It would be wonderful if you could watch crew and skipper learning from above. You'd see how the skipper develops new challenges out of whatever the crew delivers. It goes so far that the crew eventually takes the skipper along to discover Albuen. Really a dream destination, though actually too shallow for a 1.85 m draught. Still, we crossed the shoals as if we only drew 1.60 m. Thanks for the team spirit.
With Ralf you learn to sail. And for life.
I spent time on the Baltic Sea with Ralf both in April at 10°C and rain, and in June at 30°C with swimming. For me it quickly became clear that if I ever wanted to seriously get my official sailing licence, it would only be on the Kalami Star.
And so I successfully completed my SKS training week and, at the end of the week, my exam as well.
Why Ralf and the Kalami Star?
You can tell from Ralf and the way he brings sailing closer to you that he has a lot of teaching experience.
Every - aspiring - sailor has a different character, and Ralf responds to each "learning type" very individually, calmly and with composure.
He brings along wit and plenty of engaging stories, so you feel well looked after. It's important to him that every customer has a good time and really learns the practical side, if that's what they want. But you can also just have a relaxed holiday week on the Kalami Star. For me, it's definitely a feel-good ship. It's not for nothing that there are so many "repeat guests".
Thank you, Ralf!
Oh, you learn for life on board too ... I'm really glad about that, because that's not just down to the skipper, but the whole crew. And the skipper loves learning too ... for life. It seems that the sailors who come aboard the Wohlfühlchiff are keen to learn and enjoy life. That makes me happy, and of course I'm looking forward to new sailors joining us. Thanks, Bettina
I sailed with Ralf and three other crew members in the Danish South Seas. It was my first time on a sailing ship. I was a bit nervous at first. It was quite impressive how the ship heeled over even in a light breeze. The further out we went towards the open sea, the more wind there was and the "wilder" the trip became. Thanks to gradually getting used to it, and to the thoroughly experienced and safe skipper, it became more and more fun. Ralf let me take the helm quite quickly out on open water and set the course. I steered both by sight and using the electronic navigation aids. Holding the course is quite demanding, after all there aren't any rails like on a train.
We catered for ourselves on board. With Martin we had an excellent cook aboard, who prepared delicious meals from the ingredients we'd brought along. The camaraderie was very pleasant, everyone was considerate. Every evening we headed for a harbour, where we could freshen up in the sanitary facilities available. Trips ashore took us to a museum or to small beach huts. So there was some culture involved too.
The trip gave me wonderful insights and showed me the power of the wind and the waves. It certainly wasn't the last time.
Harald
Hi Harald, great that you have such fond memories of the trip. Lovely that you newcomers - Uli and you - really got a taste for sailing. The Dschunxx from the regular crew were thrilled with you too. See you around, Ralf
Anyone who wants proper training should do a trip with Ralf Uka. What sets it apart from other sail training trips?! Nobody switches off the power at night, and you have to manage without a plotter or other devices! Here, seamanship is still called for - navigating with paper charts, identifying lights, spotting buoys, working out course and speed. All of this is part of the experience with Ralf Uka.
The man/woman overboard manoeuvre also gets pretty realistic at times. A crew member climbs into the survival suit and jumps overboard. The trainees quickly realised that bringing a buoy on board is a very different game to bringing in an 80kg fellow sailor! Realistic training is definitely what sets Ralf Uka apart. Manoeuvre training until it really works, while still keeping everyone in good spirits. Ralf Uka is a warm-hearted person with a fine sense of humour - patient, yet still focused on the goal.
I've known Ralf Uka since 1984 and have done several trips and deliveries with him. I recommend everyone get trained by him - you come away with more practical skills than usual. It's no wonder the failure rate in exams has only been around 2% over the years. You might think something's not quite right about that, but it is - he's an instructor who puts his heart and soul into it.
My children all got their licences with Ralf Uka!
Hi Klaus, that's almost too much of a good thing, but of course it makes me happy. It's true that our training concept is pretty unique - that naturally applies to the trainings too. I've linked a few examples in the trip reports. Many thanks for the great review, see you around, Ralf
With Levi, Frank, Angela and the skipper, we dodge our way between showers and thunderstorms from Heiligenhafen into the NOK and from Brunsbüttel across to Heligoland, the stepping stone to the North Frisian Islands. We take our time on Heligoland, Föhr, and Amrum. On Pellworm there's sadly only time for a one-night stand, what a shame. Finally, between showers and thunderstorms again, back through the NOK to the Baltic
to our home port.
Skipper training is the holistic preparation for taking command of yachts and involves more than just harbour manoeuvres. The aim of the training is to gain experience, competence and confidence in handling the yacht safely, even in difficult situations. Skipper training means practical experience on board in constantly changing roles and requires preparing yourself and the crew for manoeuvres, leading calmly and confidently, and letting yourself be guided at the bow line, the fender or the helm.
The crew (from left) Jens G., Martin, Jens K., Levi and the skipper actually wanted to sail Skagen Rund, but we must have taken a wrong turn somewhere. Too much wind from the western quadrant took us in 24 hours from Heiligenhafen straight to Roenne/Bornholm. On trips like this, not everything goes smoothly, but better read it for yourself - click the link ...
Skagen Rund in two weeks from Heiligenhafen? Doesn't always work out well, the weather window simply has to be right. In June 24 we did it again with Levi (from left), Eike, skipper, Dirk and Martin (the photographer in this case). An ambitious trip - with unexpected stopovers and escort service by Dolfin. Curious? Click the link.
With Uli (from left), skipper, Martin, Harald and Dirk, we set off on a windy trip into the Danish South Seas. Two absolute beginners on board offer no sacrifice to the lurking Neptune – that's just how it has to be. The skipper, along with Martin & Dirk from the regular crew, do their utmost to introduce the budding sailors to the art of seamanship. Will they succeed? Click on the link ...
Levi, Kay and Marion (from left) set off from Heiligenhafen without the skipper (right) for now. He only comes on board in Cuxhaven and doesn't interfere with a crew that has already bonded. The photo above shows the crew on the highest mountain in the district of Pinneberg ... and that happens to be on Helgoland. Between Borkum and Sylt, everything revolves around Helgoland. It will be a wonderful voyage through tidal waters. Anyone who wants to know how to sail an "Ostseeschiff" (Baltic Sea boat) in tidal waters should click the link
With Rainer (from left, regular crew), Noah, Stefan, Sven and the skipper, we set off from Heiligenhafen on 26 April 25, heading for Bagenkop, with the SKS exam coming up next Friday. An intensive week full of surprises awaits the crew and skipper, who of course is determined to keep up his successful track record. So far, of 139 SKS candidates, only one sailor has failed. That number must not grow. Curious? Click the link!
With Hans-Jürgen (from the right), Frank, Markus & skipper we train for three full days, almost day and night. We sail just about every berthing manoeuvre, practise man overboard recovery (including the Hamburger manoeuvre) and navigate through the night without a plotter. An ambitious programme, but does it work? Click on the link ...
With Christian (in the photo, from the left), Swen-Olaf, Armgard, Ruben & Skipper Ralf, we sail a wonderful training trip. The crew, thoroughly experienced in sailing, trains everything there is to train and even enjoys a swim at a water temperature of 13 degrees. We sail through the night (without a plotter) and one crew member goes overboard several times. You can't learn more than that in one week – or can you? Click the link ...