If you already have basic knowledge of sailing and wish to move up to the next level, the Day Skipper course will provide you with the experience required to skipper a yacht.
Pre-course requirements:
Minimum age: 16 for students accompanied by an adult or 18 for unaccompanied students.
It is not possible to complete this course as a complete beginner. You will be expected to have completed the Day Skipper Theory course before joining us in Greece.
It is assumed that you are proficient in the topics covered in the Competent Crew course and that you understand the basics of sailing, rope work, seamanship and have experienced at least 100 miles on a cruising yacht as an active crew member.
Our Day Skipper Combined course includes the online, Day Skipper theory and should you wish, the SRC (VHF radio license)
Thessalia Sailing runs the 5 day course from Sunday to Thursday. You will arrive in Volos on Saturday, the boat is ready to board at 1530 and you will spend the first night on the boat, getting to know your fellow students.
The course begins on Sunday morning and we head out into the gulf.
Each day we endeavour to stop for lunch and a swim in a new, idyllic spot.
Evenings are spent either in a small fishing harbour, sampling the fresh Greek food, or at anchor in a secluded bay enjoying Liz's home-cooked meals.
Day Skipper students will have a chance to navigate a short night passage.
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 evening.
Course content:
Preparation for sea, deck work, navigation, pilotage, meteorology, rules of the road, maintenance and repair work, engines, victualling, emergency situations, yacht handling under power, yacht handling under sail, passage making, night cruising.
Duration:
5 days
Dates for 2025:
(Alternate dates may be available on request)
May 10th-14th
June 7th-12th
June 14th-19th
July 12th-17th
August 2nd -7th
August 16th-21st
August 30th-September 4th
September 13th-18th
Maximum Student to Instructor ratio: 5:1
Method of assessment:
There are no exams. Your instructor will assess your progress throughout the course.
Certificates awarded:
RYA Day Skipper
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.
Not included:
Meals eaten ashore and the cost of getting here. (Please refer to our getting here page)
2025 prices
Price per person including VAT
Low season (May-June 20th + September 6th-October)
€980
High season (June 21st-September 5th)
€1,190