Seafarer Training Greece

The RYA or Royal Yachting Association is the UK national governing body and is widely known for offering some of the finest sailing courses in the world. These internationally recognized qualifications, delivered by certified instructors, provide a structured learning path that combines theory with hands-on experience, ensuring you have the skills to sail anywhere. All courses are run over 6 days (Monday to Saturday) at a maximum ratio of 5 students to 1 instructor and will take you to a different harbour each night, a perfect way to experience the Ionian while learning all the skills you need to sail your own yacht.

The RYA Start Yachting course is an introduction to sailing for complete beginners. It covers essential skills like steering, sail handling, and basic safety procedures, providing a foundation for further sailing education or simply enjoying time on the water. This is not a prerequisite to Competent Crew, but is a great course for children and those who are looking for a laid back week.

A great course for those wanting to learn to sail, the RYA Competent Crew equips you with the skills to be a valuable asset on board. You’ll learn sail handling, essential ropework, and seamanship practices, making you a confident and competent crew member for coastal adventures. No prior sailing experience required.

Advance your sailing knowledge with the RYA Day Skipper course. This course, designed for those with some basic experience, builds on existing skills and introduces coastal navigation, passage planning, and yacht handling in both tidal and non-tidal waters. By the course’s end, you’ll be qualified to skipper small yachts on short coastal passages during daylight hours.

The South Ionian islands sit just off the coast of Western Greece and create a wonderful protected expanse of water which is perfect for training. Lefkas, the most northerly island, with its rugged coastline and lush greenery, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture. Kefalonia enchants visitors with its stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming villages nestled amidst olive groves. Meganisi beckons with its serene atmosphere, secluded beaches, and traditional tavernas serving freshly caught seafood. Kalamos captivates with its tranquil ambiance and unspoiled landscapes, providing a haven for relaxation and exploration. Meanwhile, Ithaka, steeped in mythology and history, invites travellers to uncover its ancient ruins, olive groves, and crystal-clear waters, embodying the essence of a quintessential Greek island escape.

These islands, plus many smaller ones offer the vibrant atmosphere of bustling harbors along with the serene beauty of secluded anchorages, all waiting to be explored.

Reliable weather in the Ionian makes this a hugely popular sailing destination, with temperatures ranging from the low 20s in the early/late season up to the mid-30s in July and August. Sailing conditions are generally moderate with winds typically force 2-5, and a largely protected body of water to explore. More open-water sailing is available to the north or further south.

The winds tend to be light in the mornings, giving excellent opportunities to practice boat handling. By mid-afternoon, the wind builds providing pleasant sailing conditions. There are numerous locations with stronger gusts to demonstrate more advanced sailing skills safely.

Our fully coded RYA Training Yachts in the Ionian are the perfect places to train and gain confidence as you work towards your goals. Below you can find full information on our 3 training yachts, Bartholome, Anna and Kos 469.

To book or check availability get in touch with our experienced team on one of the links below.

0208 324 3118

[email protected]

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There are a multitude of ways to travel to our base in Nikiana, whether you are joining us for the week or combining it with a larger trip. We are located in Nikiana Harbour, right in the heart of the village, which is easily reachable by both public and private transport. Courses in the Ionian run from Sunday to Sunday with training yachts being available to embark from around 14.00 onwards on the first day and disembarking around 9.00 at the end of the course. The instruction starts at 9.00 on the Monday morning and finishes at around 17.00 on the Saturday evening.