RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Course

No previous experience at sea or prior knowledge is required for you to join the course. If you have no experience at sea, you might consider having a look at the RYA Competent Crew Skills booklet, which would help you greatly in familiarising yourself with the syllabus before joining the course. You can easily purchase a printed or electronic version of the booklet from the RYA Shop by clicking the button below.

You must be at least 12 years old to join the RYA Competent Crew course.

Every course we offer is conducted in English, with instructors who possess fluency and proficiency in the language. This ensures a seamless and effective learning experience, allowing students to engage comfortably with the course content and instruction.

Seven days of sailing adventure. We surpass the RYA's minimum requirement of five days, providing an extended course spanning seven full days. This extended duration allows participants to extract maximum value from their sailing journey.

Our sailing courses depart from our two sailing bases: - Pier 1 Alimos Marina, Athens, Greece or Kallithea Marina (auxiliary base) - Paros Harbour, Paros Island, Cyclades How to I reach Alimos Marina? Alimos Marina is ideally located just 15 km from the center of Athens, 8 km south of the port of Piraeus, and 30 km from the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport. It is fully serviced by an extensive public transportation network, including trams, buses, and taxis, which operate nearly throughout the day, with stops located 500 meters from the marina. Right outside the marina is the first Kalamaki stop, where buses A1, B1, B2, and X96 pass. For passengers using the tram to travel to and from the center of Athens, Piraeus, and Voula, the "Pikrodafni" stop is located right outside the marina’s main entrance. Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" is approximately 40 minutes from the marina. Additionally, the X96 bus route that serves the airport–Piraeus route offers direct access to the marina to and from the airport. For those traveling by car, the marina is easily accessible from the center of Athens by following Syngrou Avenue and Poseidonos Avenue towards Glyfada. Also, those traveling via the E75 highway should head towards Glyfada via Poseidonos Avenue. How to I reach Paros Harbour? To reach Paros Harbour from Paros Airport, the quickest option is taking a taxi, which takes about 15–20 minutes and costs around €20–€25. Alternatively, you can use the public bus service, which connects the airport to Parikia in approximately 30–40 minutes for around €3–€5, though schedules may vary. If you arrive to Paros by ferry, you will only have to walk 5'-10' to reach the boat's location.

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 environment. For added privacy, you can choose to reserve a private cabin. If you would like to book a course with your family or group of friends, you can also explore our private tuition options for a tailored experience.

No. You'll be sleeping in the training boat throughout your RYA Competent Crew Course, ensuring an immersive learning experience.

The weekly boat itinerary is carefully crafted just days before your course begins, with a keen consideration for prevailing weather conditions. You will embark on an enchanting seven-day experience of island hopping throughout the course, exploring a diverse array of captivating destinations. Our primary sailing areas span across two mesmerizing regions: a) the Saronic Gulf, featuring Salamina, Aegina, Poros, Hydra, Palaia Epidavros, and the Methana Peninsula; b) the Cyclades, inviting you to discover the beauty of Kea, Kythnos, Syros, Tinos, and Andros. Over the course of the week, you will accrue approximately 170 nautical miles, ensuring not only a thrilling adventure but also the acquisition of valuable sailing expertise.

The Competent Crew course serves as an ideal initiation into the world of sailing, offering comprehensive instruction in various crucial aspects. Throughout the course, participants will delve into the following areas: Knowledge of Sea Terms and Parts of a Boat: Gain a solid understanding of nautical terminology and the different components of a boat. Boat Rigging and Sails: Learn the intricacies of boat rigging and the art of handling sails effectively. Sail Handling and Ropework: Master the skills involved in manipulating sails and handling ropes with confidence and precision. Fire Precautions and Fighting: Acquire essential knowledge about fire safety measures on board and learn effective firefighting techniques. Personal Safety Equipment: Familiarize yourself with the proper usage and importance of personal safety equipment for a safe sailing experience. Man Overboard: Learn the necessary procedures and techniques for responding to and managing a man overboard situation. Emergency Equipment: Understand the functionality and use of emergency equipment, ensuring preparedness for unforeseen circumstances. Meteorology: Grasp the basics of meteorology to enhance your ability to navigate and respond to changing weather conditions. Seasickness: Gain insights into preventing and managing seasickness for a more comfortable and enjoyable sailing experience. Helmsmanship: Develop proficiency in helmsmanship, refining your ability to steer and navigate the boat with skill and confidence. General Duties: Acquaint yourself with the various general duties involved in maintaining a vessel and ensuring smooth sailing operations. Manners: Cultivate proper etiquette and practices for a harmonious and respectful sailing environment.

Certainly. When you successfully finish your RYA Competent Crew course, you'll be awarded an RYA Competent Crew certificate, acknowledging your acquired sailing expertise.

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.

Examinations are not required for the initial levels of RYA sailing qualifications. Instead, your instructor will evaluate your competence and track your progress during the course.

Utilization of the training vessel and its equipment Instructor fees Fuel and water expenses Harbor fees Course learning materials On-board breakfast and lunch Provision of fresh bed linen and towels End cleaning RYA Certificate

S/Y First Beneteau 45F5 Pininfarina S/Y Oceania Beneteau 50 S/Y Plan Sea Bavaria 40 Available discounts Only one type of discount at a time can be applied. Group reservation and multiple week discount only available in high and mid-season. Former student discount available on all prices. * If you're traveling solo, you'll have your own berth in an up-and-down bunk bed cabin; we never expect participants to share a double cabin with a stranger. For couples or friends, the double aft cabin on the boat is available as an option. ** Couples of friends who would like to share a private double cabin are entitled to a 5% discount.

To inquire for availability: Use our Contact Form or call us specifying the dates or time window you're interested in joining. Expect swift responses, even for last-minute reservations. To make a reservation: A reservation is only valid after receipt of a 50% deposit, if the reservation is made over two months before the start date of the course.If the reservation is made less than two months before the start of the course, the full amount of the course fees must be paid to confirm your reservation. You will receive a Payment Analysis to that effect, which also includes our Terms and Conditions.Upon receipt of your deposit or full payment, we will get back to you to confirm your booking and provide our Booking Form and the Joining Instructions for the course.