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.
Here’s why Greece is one of the best places to learn to sail:
“We had such a fantastic experience with Seafarer! Tryston, our skipper, did an amazing job of blending proper training with a truly enjoyable family holiday. He struck the perfect balance between teaching us essential sailing skills and making sure the whole experience felt relaxed and fun. We came away having learned so much, and at the same time, we caught the sailing bug – now we can’t wait to get back out on the water. Highly recommended for anyone wanting both professional training and a memorable holiday!”
Dr Lyudmyla MacLeod
“Alex was a great instructor throughout the whole week. Having not sailed anything larger than a dinghy for over 30 years, Alex was patient and thorough with both the practical and theoretical elements of the course. He was also great company onboard and made the week really enjoyable.”
“It is no wonder Tryston is head instructor as his teaching skills are outstanding. He puts his students at ease, builds confidence and celebrates every success. His passion and dedication will rub off on you!”
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.
The Ionian offers reliable, learner-friendly weather from spring to autumn. It is one of the best regions to learn to sail in Greece.
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 Orestis.
| Course Date | Sharing a cabin for 2 | Special Offer | Single occupancy of a cabin | Special Offer | Courses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19-April | £995 | £1,445 | SY, CC, DS, CS* | ||
| 26-April | £995 | £1,445 | SY, CC, DS, CS* | ||
| 3-May | £995 | £1,445 | SY, CC, DS, CS* | ||
| 10-May | £995 | £1,445 | SY, CC, DS, CS* | ||
| 17-May | £1,095 | £1,555 | SY, CC, DS, CS* | ||
| 24-May | £1,095 | £1,555 | SY, CC, DS, CS* | ||
| 31-May | £1,095 | £1,555 | SY, CC, DS, CS* | ||
| 7-June | £1,095 | £1,555 | SY, CC, DS, CS* | ||
| 14-June | £1,095 | £1,555 | SY, CC, DS, CS* | ||
| 21-June | £1,095 | £1,555 | SY, CC, DS, CS* | ||
| 28-June | £1,195 | £1,755 | SY, CC, DS, CS* | ||
| 5-July | £1,195 | £1,755 | SY, CC, DS, CS* | ||
| 12-July | £1,195 | £1,755 | SY, CC, DS, CS* | ||
| 19-July | £1,195 | £1,755 | SY, CC, DS, CS* | ||
| 26-July | £1,195 | £1,755 | SY, CC, DS, CS* | ||
| 2-August | £1,195 | £1,755 | SY, CC, DS, CS* | ||
| 9-August | £1,195 | £1,755 | SY, CC, DS, CS* | ||
| 16-August | £1,195 | £1,755 | SY, CC, DS, CS* | ||
| 23-August | £1,195 | £1,755 | SY, CC, DS, CS* | ||
| 30-August | £1,195 | £1,755 | SY, CC, DS, CS* | ||
| 6-September | £1,195 | £1,755 | SY, CC, DS, CS* | ||
| 13-September | £1,095 | £1,555 | SY, CC, DS, CS* | ||
| 20-September | £1,095 | £1,555 | SY, CC, DS, CS* | ||
| 27-September | £1,095 | £1,555 | SY, CC, DS, CS* | ||
| 4-October | £1,095 | £1,555 | SY, CC, DS, CS* | ||
| 11-October | £1,095 | £1,555 | SY, CC, DS, CS* | ||
| 18-October | £1,095 | £1,555 | SY, CC, DS, CS* | ||
| 25-October | £1,095 | £1,555 | SY, CC, DS, CS* |
| Practical Course | Description | Ideal for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SY | Start Yachting | Younger children, those looking just to relax | |
| CC | Competent Crew | Children 12 or over, adults wanting to learn | |
| DS | Day Skipper | Those wishing to skipper as part of a flotilla | |
| CS | Coastal Skipper* Enquire for availability | More experienced sailors, ideal for bareboat charter |
| Price per person, per week | Sharing a cabin for 2 | Special Offer | Single occupancy of a cabin | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28th February 2026 | £995 | £795 | £1,415 | £1125 |
| 7th March 2026 | £995 | £795 | £1,415 | £1125 |
| 14th March 2026 | £995 | £795 | £1,415 | £1125 |
| 21st March 2026 | £995 | £795 | £1,415 | £1125 |
| 28th March 2026 | £995 | £795 | £1,415 | £1125 |
| 4th April 2026 | £995 | £795 | £1,415 | £1125 |
| Price per person, per week | Sharing a cabin for 2 | Special Offer | Single occupancy of a cabin | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 May 2026 | £1,195 | £1,695 | ||
| 20 June 2026 | £1,750 | £2,195 | ||
| 25 July 2026 | £1,750 | £2,195 | ||
| 29 August 2026 | £1,750 | £2,195 | ||
| 26 September 2026 | £1,595 | £1,995 | ||
| 24 October 2026 | £1,295 | £1,795 |
6 Days Tuition with an RYA Instructor
Fuel & other yacht running costs
Mooring Fees
Bed Linen & towels
£50 discount for RYA Day Skipper Theory
Provisions for breakfast & a light lunch
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
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.
We are delighted to welcome Danny back to the Seafarer team for 2026. Danny has recently qualified as an RYA Cruising Instructor and brings bags of enthusiasm. With plenty of local experience, and seasons as a flotilla skipper under his belt, Danny is looking forward to sharing his knowledge with our students in the Ionian this season.
To book or check availability get in touch with our experienced team on one of the links below.
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.
Your flight inclusive holiday with us (should you choose this option) is financially secure as we are ATOL licensed, making the entire package ATOL protected. We have been trading since 1995 so you can book with total confidence.
Sunday charter flights available from Gatwick alongside scheduled flights from Heathrow, Stanstead, Luton, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh. Flights to other European centres available both on Sundays and other days during the week.
Direct Seafarer transfers from Preveza airport that takes roughly 30 minutes. Regular buses from Nikiana harbour to Nydri, Vassiliki and Lefkas town, from Lefkas town there are regular buses to Athens and Corinth plus less frequent services to Thessaloniki and Igoumenitsa.
Regular ferries from Kefalonia to Vassiliki (40 minutes from base) and from Meganisi to Nydri (10 minutes from base). Less frequent ferries from Corfu, Paxos, Kefalonia, Ithaca and Zante to Lefkas town (15 minutes from base).
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.
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.
Yes. All courses are RYA-accredited, so you’ll receive the correct certificate once your instructor confirms your competence.
You’ll live on board the training yacht during your course. Because everything is included, it’s a comfortable and authentic sailing experience.
The season runs from April to October. Early and late months are cooler, while summer offers warm water and steady afternoon breezes.
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.
Your course fee covers tuition, yacht accommodation, fuel, bed linen, breakfast and light lunches, and all essential training materials.
Yes, absolutely. Many students join alone because small groups and shared accommodation create a friendly, supportive atmosphere on board.
