George Burton, the founder and Principal of Aegean Sailing School, sadly passed away in York at the end of February after a short illness. George was a man with a big heart and big personality. He first learned to sail in the Sea Cadets and qualified to skipper open boats by the time he was 12 [...]
Important Change to Day Skipper Certificate
One of the key announcements at the recent RYA Yachtmaster Instructors' Conference was that, from 2017, there will be a single RYA Day Skipper Practical certificate. The distinction between Tidal and Non-Tidal Practical courses will end. This brings the RYA in line with other international sailing schemes who do not differentiate between the certificates obtained [...]
Cyclades Circuit 1∼8 October
Join us sailing around the world-famous Cyclades. This group of islands, set in the centre of the Aegean, have the picturesque villages with brilliant white houses and churches that often feature on postcards of Greece. This year our mile-building trip to the Cyclades will take place on 1 - 8 October. The water is often still warm enough for [...]
Argolic Exploration – 7∼14 May
Our first 2016 mile-builder will run from 7 to 14 May and will explore the beautiful, unspoilt Argolic Gulf on the eastern Peloponnese. This area is one of Greece's best secret sailing locations. You'll visit the historic city of Nafplion in the north, the unique and stunning island of Monemvasia in the south, and many picturesque ports [...]
Chief Instructor Vacancy
We're looking for a Chief Instructor to lead our friendly and enthusiastic team of sailing instructors. Candidates should have a wide range of experience instructing at all levels and should feel confident that they can promote the vision and values of Aegean Sailing School. All applicants must possess RYA Yachtmaster Instructor Sail, up to date commercial endorsement and [...]
Nektarios of Aegina & the Ship’s Engine
On Monday 9 November the island of Aegina, where we are based, was buzzing. Thousands of people visited for one of the last great holidays of the year - the Feast Day of St Nektarios of Aegina. The day always seems to be sunny for the procession and this year was no exception. So what's [...]
‘Early Bird’ Discounts for 2016
If you're organised enough to be planning your 2016 sailing now, you can save on your RYA course or sailing holiday with our 'Early Bird' offer. The first 20 people to make a booking with us for 2016 will get a 16% discount on the price of their sailing course. Here's what you could save: over 800 [...]
Greek Food : More than just Moussaka
Greek food is known for the freshness of its ingredients. That hasn't changed but the variety and quality of dishes has improved recently. When we first arrived here in 2000 we were impressed by the taste of the food but disappointed by the lack of variety. Greeks are traditional and it seemed to us that [...]
‘Ithaka’ with Sir Sean Connery
My thanks to George Giaglisis for sending me this lovely recital of the poem Ithaka. I thought it was well worth sharing with you. Ithaca was written by Constantine P. Cavafis, an ethnic Greek poet who was born in Alexandria (although his father acquired British nationality and the family lived in Liverpool for a while). [...]
Worried About Coming to Greece?
We've had a few phone calls and emails from people who are worried about coming sailing in Greece this year. Maybe you've seen scenes of demonstrations in Athens, or long queues at the ATMs? It's natural to be concerned when there are negative images on the news. But what's it really like? See what these [...]