Day Skipper 7-day on board course [Theory + Practical]

Course information

Duration:

7 days

Course Description

Become a confident skipper in 7 days

If you want to complete your Day Skipper practical course but need extra theory first, this course is for you! Join us on board for a 7-day course that combines more theory and practical experience in order to succeed in your Day Skipper practical course.

You’ll spend more time on the water, get hands-on practice to apply your theoretical knowledge, and gain a deeper understanding of navigation protocols.

In preparation for this course, you’ll need to complete a short theory prep online before arriving in Greece: the Essential Navigation and Seamanship Course. We’ll provide all the details and support you need to complete it easily.

For Who?

This course is for anyone 16 years and older who hasn’t yet completed the Day Skipper theory. It’s a great way to strengthen your knowledge before heading out on the water.

You’ll need to have completed the Essential Navigation and Seamanship theory first (we’ll provide all the details).

 

What will you learn?

At first you will bring your basic knowledge of navigation up to the level required for Day Skipper. You will cover:

  • Tides: streams, heights, curves & diamonds

  • Navigation: DR, EP & course to steer

  • Passage planning & pilotage (tidal & non-tidal)

  • Meteorology (incl. Greek weather sources)

  • Lights, shapes & light characteristics

  • Seamanship & safety

  • Electronic navigation aids

  • Med mooring techniques

After 7 days of practical and theoretical tuition on board of a yacht, you will be able to skipper a small yacht safely by day, in both tidal and non-tidal waters. You will receive your Day Skipper practical sailing license after you successfully complete your week on board!

What is included?

You’ll get extra time on the water and the support you need to connect theory with practice. This includes:

  • Your own cabin on board – only to share with your partner if applicable, complete with bedding, linens, towels, and pillows.

  • Guidance from an experienced instructor to answer all your questions.

  • Two additional days on board during your Day Skipper training to build hands-on experience.

  • A full theory pack, complete with navigation tools, a simulated chart plotter, and printed course materials delivered to you in advance.

  • Included expenses: yacht costs, breakfast, and lunch throughout your course.

  • RYA Yachtmaster and certified RYA sailing instructor on board.

A day on board

The morning starts on deck with a cup of coffee and a briefing. We check the weather, study the wind, and set the day’s destination. A good breakfast sets everyone up for a full day on the water.

Today it’s your turn as skipper. You take charge of the yacht, make decisions, and lead the crew – with the instructor right there to give tips and support. It’s your chance to practise real yacht handling skills and feel the responsibility of being in command.

We dive into navigation with GPS plotters, hand-bearing compass techniques, and expand our theoretical knowledge. Once we reach our destination, you practise manoeuvring the yacht into its berth, honing precision and control. Afterwards, we review the day, answer questions, and share tips to improve your sailing skills.

Then it’s time to unwind. Explore charming Greek streets, enjoy a ice cream, and finish the day with dinner in a cosy taverna. It’s the perfect mix of hands-on sailing, learning, and soaking up the atmosphere of the islands.

“This was an amazing experience 🙏 We all loved your company and having the experience to learn how to sail⛵”

Price List 7-day Day Skipper

High SeasonMid-SeasonLow Season
Jun - July - August - SeptemberMay - OctoberMarch - April - November
7-Day RYA Day Skipper course (single cabin)€2195€2195€1995
7-Day RYA Day Skipper course (shared cabin)€1850€1750€1550
Extras:
Start Yachting - Weekend€495€495€450

All prices for practical courses include yacht expenses, breakfast, and lunch.

All activities ashore and dinner are at your own expense, and travel costs to reach Aegina are not included.

Private option

We offer private versions of all our courses! Depending on the season, the type of boats, and the number of days, from €3,700 up to €7,950, you can book a yacht for yourself and friends/family to enjoy your time in a more intimate setting while learning the skills you want to complete. Your instructor will always be on board for safety but will respect your space.

You can contact us and ask for more info and/or select “private” when enquiring a course.

 

Find out more

Who will be on board?

There will be a maximum of 5 students of each yacht, according the RYA regulations. Other students might follow the same course or a higher level. A mix of students allow everyone to fulfilled their respective syllabus while showing you what the nextcourse for you could be!

The instructor on board will be a commercially endorsed RYA Yachtmaster and he/she will also have an RYA instructor’s certificate and be qualified to teach sailing. Instructors are selected for their personality and teaching skills, to provide a happy, safe and encouraging environment on board!

Before arrival

Complete the 2-day online course for Essential Navigation and Seamanship to come prepared with some basic theoretical knowledge that will not be covered a second time on board.

We have a course guide covering in detail what to expect on your course and, most importantly, what the prerequisite theory and practical knowledge is. We recommend you read this as it includes answers to the most commonly asked questions.  Download our guide: the RYA Day Skipper Course.

Disclaimer

The theory you will cover on board will give you sufficient knowledge to complete your Day Skipper Practical course. However, you will not receive the Day Skipper Shorebased theory certificate, as the theory provided here is intended as preparation for the Day Skipper Practical course and serves more as a refresher.

Want to move from crew to skipper?

Ready to discover the joy
of sailing in Greece?

Read what some of our sailing students have to say, explore our course catalogue, and contact us for more information about each course and our availabilities to come and sail in Greece!

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