Learn to Sail and qualify as a skipper in the Greek Islands
Learn to sail in Greece, where calm Ionian waters and relaxed island life make training feel like a holiday. Seafarer’s RYA-accredited courses combine expert instruction with warm hospitality. Beginners gain the confidence to skipper their own yacht in welcoming sailing destinations.
RYA Courses From £716pp
Why learn to sail in Greece
Here’s why Greece is one of the best places to learn to sail:
- Calm waters: Sheltered Ionian bays are beautiful, safe, and ideal for first-time sailors.
- Steady progress: Short routes provide constant practice in relaxed conditions.
- Learning that feels like a holiday: Sunshine and easy daily routines make progress feel natural.
- Supportive atmosphere: Our experienced instructors and friendly base team help every student feel comfortable and confident.
- Expert guidance: Seafarer’s RYA-accredited instructors teach in small groups, building skill and confidence.
Sailing Area: Explore the Ionian Islands
Discover the sheltered waters around Lefkada, the heart of the Ionian Sea. Gentle afternoon breezes, short island hops, and well-protected harbours make this one of the most enjoyable sailing areas in Greece. Each route brings new scenery and easy passages, the perfect setting to learn to sail in Greece.
Weather & Sailing Conditions
The Ionian offers reliable, learner-friendly weather from spring to autumn. It is one of the best regions to learn to sail in Greece.
- Temperature: Low 20s °C in spring and autumn, rising to mid-30s °C in July and August.
- Winds: Typically Force 2–5, gentle in the morning and building through the afternoon.
- Sea state: Mostly protected, with open-water options farther north or south for advanced practice.
- Training value: Calm mornings are ideal for manoeuvres; stronger afternoon breezes build confidence under sail.
Highlights
Yachts
Our fully coded RYA Training Yachts in the Ionian are the perfect places to train and gain confidence as you work towards your goals. Below you can find full information on our 3 training yachts, Bartholome, Anna and Kos 469.
Dates and prices
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Whats Included
6 Days Tuition with an RYA Instructor
Mooring Fees
Fuel & other yacht running costs
Bed Linen & towels
£50 discount for RYA Day Skipper Theory
Provisions for breakfast & a light lunch
Optional Extras
Ensuite Cabin – £50pp
Make the yacht private (4 pax) – 50% of 5th person price
ICC Assessment – £100pp (Stand alone)
Cruising Scheme Logbook – Available here
Competent Crew Skills Book – Available here
Day Skipper Course Notes – Available here
Meet the Instructor Team
Tryston Green – Yachtmaster Instructor & Chief Instructor
Tryston hails from South Africa and is now into his third season with Seafarer, taking the helm this year as chief instructor. With Southern Ocean sailing in his blood, and a wealth of local knowledge in the Ionian, Seafarer Training is in very safe hands. Tryston has overall responsibility for all course delivery in Nikiana, ensuring that all courses are both safe and fun.
Kasia Roslonska – RYA Cruising Instructor
Kasia returns to our instructor team following a great season with us in 2024, having started with us a few years ago as a flotilla 1st mate. With a wealth of local knowledge in the Ionian and her flotilla crew experience, she knows exactly how to teach our students for their Mediterranean journey ahead.
Alex Surkov – RYA Cruising Instructor
We are delighted to welcome Alex to the Seafarer Instructor team for 2025. Alex has recently qualified as an RYA Cruising Instructor and brings bags of enthusiasm. After some pre-season training alongside our experienced instructors, Alex is now enjoying exploring the Ionian and sharing his ever-increasing knowledge with our students.
Frank Honan – RYA Cruising Instructor
Frank is back for a second season in Nikiana, building on the knowledge gained last year and is looking forward to sharing that knowledge with his students in 2025.
Booking a Training Course
To book or check availability get in touch with our experienced team on one of the links below.
Getting there and away
Nikiana Harbour, on the east coast of Lefkada, is easy to reach by air or road. Courses in the Ionian run Sunday to Sunday. Embarkation is from 14:00 on arrival day and disembarkation is around 09:00 on departure day. Instruction runs Monday 09:00 – Saturday 17:00.
ATOL protection
If you book flights through Seafarer, your package is ATOL-protected. We have traded since 1995, so you can book with confidence.
Flights
Sunday charter flights from Gatwick, plus scheduled services from Heathrow, Stansted, Luton, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, and Edinburgh. Flights from other European airports operate on Sundays and throughout the week.
Bus & Taxi
Direct Seafarer transfers from Preveza Airport take about 30 minutes. Regular buses run from Nikiana to Nydri, Vassiliki, and Lefkas Town. There, onward services connect to Athens, Corinth, Thessaloniki, and Igoumenitsa.
Ferry
Regular ferries run from Kefalonia to Vassiliki (40 minutes from base) and Meganisi to Nydri (10 minutes). Less frequent services connect Corfu, Paxos, Kefalonia, Ithaca, and Zante with Lefkas Town (15 minutes from base).
FAQs about learning to sail in Greece
Do I need any sailing experience?
No, you don’t. Our RYA Competent Crew and Start Yachting courses are ideal for beginners who want to learn to sail in Greece for the first time.
How long is the course?
Courses run for six training days, from Sunday to Sunday. Therefore, you’ll have plenty of time to practise and relax under the Ionian sun.
Will I earn an RYA qualification?
Yes. All courses are RYA-accredited, so you’ll receive the correct certificate once your instructor confirms your competence.
Where will I stay?
You’ll live on board the training yacht during your course. Because everything is included, it’s a comfortable and authentic sailing experience.
When is the best time to learn to sail in Greece?
The season runs from April to October. Early and late months are cooler, while summer offers warm water and steady afternoon breezes.
Which airport should I fly to?
Fly to Preveza (PVK). It’s the closest airport, and Seafarer transfers take around 30 minutes to reach the Nikiana base. In addition, if Seafarer arranges your flights, your entire package is ATOL-protected for complete peace of mind.
What’s included in the price?
Your course fee covers tuition, yacht accommodation, fuel, bed linen, breakfast and light lunches, and all essential training materials.
Is the course suitable for solo travellers?
Yes, absolutely. Many students join alone because small groups and shared accommodation create a friendly, supportive atmosphere on board.
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