RYA Day Skipper Sail - Seven Seas School of Yachting

RYA Day Skipper Sail Course

Learn to lead at sea with confidence. Start your first skipper training in Greece with top-tier RYA training.

Take your first steps as a skipper with the RYA Day Skipper Practical Course, a 7-day liveaboard training programme, meant to equip you with the necessary skills to underatake short coastal passages during daylight hours.

Departing from Athens, this course is meant for sailors with active crewing experience and wish to learn how to take command.

You’ll learn essential skippering techniques—passage planning, boat handling, navigation, and leadership—while gaining real-world experience in a supportive, small-group setting. Beyond the technical skills, the RYA Day Skipper course focuses on developing the mindset of a skipper—building confidence, leadership, and a sense of responsibility for both the crew and the yacht.

We are the only RYA Training Centre in Greece offering 7-day sailing courses — that’s 7 full days of training at sea, providing 40% more sailing time than the standard 5-day courses offered by most providers.

Key Course Information

Course Name

RYA Day Skipper Sail

Location

Departs from: Alimos Marina, Athens
Sails in: Saronic Gulf or Cyclades

Duration

7 days (live aboard)

Level

Intermediate

Prerequisites

RYA Competent Crew Course or
5 days of active sailing
100 miles and 4 night hours
RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory

Minimum Age

16 years

Group Size

Maximum 5 students per yacht

Student-Instructor Ratio

5:1 (maximum)

Format

Shared training or private tuition

Instructor

RYA Cruising Instructor onboard

Language of Instruction

English

What You Learn

Navigation, safety, passage planning, skippering skills, skipper mindset

Course Outcome

RYA Day Skipper Sail Certificate

Season

Courses available year-round

Costs

€1150 – €1950, depending on the season and the tuition boat

Related Courses

RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory
RYA SRC VHF Course

Next Step

Mile Building
RYA Coastal Skipper Sail Course

Frequently asked questions

Who is this course for?

Sailors with crewing experience: Those who have crewing experience or have completed the RYA Competent Crew course
Aspiring skippers: Sailors who want to skipper a sailing yacht in familiar waters by day.
Professional crew wanting more responsibility: Sailors looking to take the next step from crewing to skippering.

Why take this course with Seven Seas?

More than just certification – Our goal is to provide meaningful training, helping you build real skills and lasting confidence on the water, not just a piece of paper.

Extended duration – We offer 7 days of training instead of the standard 5 to ensure effective tuition and sufficient practice time

Experienced and supportive instructors – You’ll be guided by a team of highly skilled RYA instructors with years of experience and a deep understanding of the local waters.

Sail and explore the Greek islands – Learn to sail in one of the world’s most diverse and beautiful areas, with the added bonus of cultural immersion and island discovery.

What will I learn?

The RYA Day Skipper Course serves an ideal transition from crew to competent skipper, developing the practical skills and confidence to take command of a sailing yacht. Throughout the course, participants will delve into the following areas:

Preparation for sea
Navigation & pilotage
Collision Regulations (Rules of the road)
Meteorology
Passage planning and monitoring
Simple boat maintenance and basic engine knowledge
Emergency situations (passive & active safety) and the use of VHF
Boat handling under power and under sails in the harbour and at sea

Do I need to complete any theory in advance?

Yes, participants are required to complete the RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory or possess equivalent theory knowledge before starting the practical course. This ensures you have the essential knowledge of navigation, charts, weather, and safety, allowing you to focus fully on developing practical skills on board.

How does a typical day on board look like?

Each day, your hands-on sessions will kick off in the early morning and typically wrap up in the early afternoon. These sessions may involve traveling between destinations or practicing in the harbor where the boat is berthed.

Following the practical sessions, there might be some theory to cover. As the afternoon progresses into evening, you’ll have the opportunity to unwind, savor your dinner outdoors, and explore the surroundings through sightseeing. It’s a balanced blend of learning and leisure to make the most of your experience.

Who will I be sharing the boat with?

The cap for participants on any RYA sailing course is set at 5, ensuring optimal learning and practice opportunities for each attendee, along with dedicated attention from the instructor.

Rather than relying on automatic booking systems, we prioritize direct communication with all prospective participants. This approach allows us to thoughtfully create groups with individuals who are compatible.

Our groups comprise individuals from diverse cultures worldwide, creating a vibrant and dynamic social environment.

Can I book this course as private training?

Yes, you can!

We offer the option to run this course as private training, tailored to your schedule, your own boat (if applicable), and your specific learning needs. It can be organised for individuals, couples, families, or small groups who prefer a more personalised experience

What are the prices for this course?

For group training, pricing depends on the season you choose to join us (low, mid, or high), the training boat you prefer, and your accommodation options. Prices range from €1,150 to €1,950.

To see the exact cost for your preferred dates, please refer to our availability calendar.
For private tuition, as this is a fully tailor-made package, please contact us for a personalised quote.

Will I receive a certificate at the end of the course?

Yes, you will!

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive your RYA Day Skipper Sail Certificate. This license is a widely accepted certification that allows holders to charter boats is many countries worldwide, and also entitles holders to apply to the RYA for an International Certificate of Competence (eligibility requirements apply).

Available Yachts

Jeanneau 44i

S/Y IKAROS

Beneteau Cyclades 50.4

S/Y SIORA

Bavaria 40

S/Y EMILY

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