RYA Zero to RYA Day Skipper Sail - Seven Seas School of Yachting

Zero to RYA Day Skipper Sail

From complete beginner to skipper in two weeks.

This combined course is perfect for beginners eager to develop solid sailing skills and progress quickly from crew member to confident skipper. Over two weeks, you’ll gain hands-on experience living aboard and sailing through the stunning Greek islands.

This is how the programme works:

Week 1: Start with the RYA Competent Crew course to learn essential sailing skills, teamwork, and safety procedures.
Week 2: Advance to the RYA Day Skipper level, where you will take the helm, learn navigation and passage planning, and build skippering confidence.

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

Zero to RYA Day Skipper Sail

Location

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

Duration

14 days (live aboard)

Level

Beginner to Intermediate

Prerequisites

No previous sea time required.
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

Week 1: Sail handling, steering, ropework, safety, dinghy use, watchkeeping
Week 2: 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?

The Zero to RYA Day Skipper course is designed for complete beginners or those with very little sailing experience who want to progress quickly to a competent level.

It is ideal for people who:

Have little or no prior sailing knowledge or experience
Want a structured, accelerated path from beginner to certified Day Skipper
Are motivated to gain practical skills, confidence, and basic navigation knowledge in a short period
Wish to skipper a yacht safely in familiar coastal waters

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?

Week 1: Competent Crew
Focus: Learning to be a confident, competent crew member

Skills & Knowledge Covered:
Basic seamanship and sailing terminology
Ropework and essential knots
Steering under sail and power
Sail handling and trimming
Safety procedures, including man-overboard drills
Mooring, anchoring, and deck duties
Basic weather awareness and rules of the road
Working effectively as part of a crew
Goal: Participants gain hands-on experience and confidence as active crew members, forming a solid foundation for skippering.

Week 2: Day Skipper
Focus: Taking command and skippering a yacht in coastal waters

Skills & Knowledge Covered:
Skippering and decision-making
Passage planning and monitoring
Advanced navigation and pilotage (charts, compass, GPS)
Rules of the road (COLREGs) in more challenging situations
Boat handling under power and sail, including berthing and anchoring in varied conditions
Emergency procedures and use of VHF and safety equipment
Basic yacht maintenance and engine checks
Goal: Participants progress from competent crew to fully confident Day Skipper, capable of safely commanding a yacht in coastal waters.

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 per week of training.

A special 5% discount applies to students who book the two week Zero to RYA Day Skipper course.

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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