Hi Eva

You could have got an appropriate 'license' very easily. The International Certificate of Competence (ICC) is recognised in Croatia, and most if not all European countries. The ICC is very useful for experienced but not qualified sailors as it just requires a one day assessment, practical and theory.

The ICC is issued by many countries and can be obtained in the USA from training organisations in Annapolis and Florida. Here's a link to the Annapolis centre... http://www.yachtingeducation.com/#!contact/c1lmq and also the RYA website that provides more info... http://www.rya.org.uk/infoadvice/boatingabroad/icc/Pages/default.aspx

Sunsail should have told you about this possibility (they run ICC courses in the UK!!!!!)