Go from absolute beginner to Day Skipper in 10 days, able to confidently skipper a yacht.

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Pre-course requirements:

Minimum age: 16 for students accompanied by an adult or 18 for unaccompanied students.

You will need to complete the Day Skipper Shore-based course before coming to Greece but you do not need any practical experience beforehand.

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The course includes the RYA Day Skipper Shore-based online course, delivered by Navathome.com, an RYA-recognised training centre specialising in online training.

You have 6 months to complete the theory course, so you can begin learning the theory before coming to Greece. After 2 weeks on the boat, you will have a wealth of experience.

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You will arrive in Volos on Saturday and spend the first night on the boat. We begin on Sunday morning with the 5 day, RYA Competent Crew course, during which you will learn to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout, row a dinghy and assist in all the day to day duties on board.

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We return to Volos on Thursday evening and you have Friday and Saturday to explore and take in the stunning surroundings of Mount Pelion whilst brushing up on your navigation skills in preparation for the Day Skipper. You can stay on the boat during this time.

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Then on Sunday, it's back to sea for the RYA Day Skipper Practical course.

 

We will arrive back in Volos on Thursday evening, leaving you free to travel home on Friday or Saturday.

You can stay on the boat on Thursday night.

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Dates for 2025: (Alternate dates may be available on request) 

June 7th-19th

July 5th-17th

August 9th-21st

September 6th-18th

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Course content:

Shorebased section:

Charts and Publications, tidal awareness, anchoring, safety, buoyage, visual and electronic navigation, rules of the road, weather forecasts.

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Practical course:

Week 1:

Knowledge of sea terms and parts of a boat, her rigging and sails, sail handling, ropework, fire precautions and fire fighting, personal safety equipment, man overboard, emergency equipment, avoiding seasickness, helmsmanship, general duties, manners and customs, rules of the road, use of the dinghy.

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Week 2:

Preparation for sea, deck work, pilotage, maintenance and repair work, engine checks, victualling, emergency situations, yacht handling under power, yacht handling under sail, passage making, night cruising

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Maximum Student to Instructor ratio: 5:1

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Method of assessment: 

There are no exams for the practical sections. Your instructor will assess your progress throughout the course.

The navigation course includes an online examination.

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Certificates awarded: 

RYA Competent Crew, RYA Day Skipper, RYA Day Skipper Shorebased certificate.

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Included in the price: 

Breakfast, lunch and 2 evening meals on board the yacht. You’ll get freshly laundered linen & towels, pillows, and bedding. Also included are fuel and mooring fees and the online theory course with assistance from an RYA Instructor.

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Not included: 

Meals eaten ashore and the cost of getting here (Please refer to our getting here page)