RYA Training FAQ
Experienced Team: Our Training Centre is staffed with proficient sailing instructors, skippers, engineers, and yachting professionals, each possessing over a decade of experience in the field.
Local Expertise: Drawing from our extensive experience and local knowledge gained from working with diverse yachts and sailors in the area, we ensure that your sailing adventure is not only successful but also unforgettable.
Qualified Crew: All our crew members are well-trained and adequately qualified to deliver high-quality services, prioritizing the safety of our guests. Our skippers hold a minimum qualification of the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore, and every crew member is certified in First Aid.
Passion for the Sea, Travel, and Adventure: We share a profound passion for the sea, travel, and adventure, which is reflected in our commitment to providing exceptional experiences.
Attention to Detail: Our meticulous attention to detail ensures that every aspect of your sailing journey is carefully considered and executed to perfection.
Commitment to Safety: The safety of our guests is our foremost priority, and our crew members are dedicated to maintaining the highest safety standards throughout your sailing experience.
Dedication to Learning and Success: Opt for our services, and you'll engage with seasoned sailors and instructors who have accumulated years of expertise in the global yachting industry, guaranteeing a valuable and successful learning experience.
Environmental Concern: We are committed to environmental responsibility, reflecting our dedication to preserving the beauty of the marine environment.
Choose us for an enriching learning experience, where our team's dedication and expertise will ensure a memorable sailing journey.
RYA Training in the Saronic / Aegean Region:
- Combine Learning with Holidays: Learning to sail in the picturesque Saronic / Aegean region offers the perfect blend of training and holiday experience.
- RYA Syllabus and High Standards: Opting for an RYA course signifies a commitment to learning through the RYA syllabus and adhering to the high standards set by the Royal Yachting Association.
- Intensive Courses: Particularly for Day Skippers and Coastal Skippers, the courses are intense, spanning 5 days to cover new techniques, skippering skills, and practical navigation theory.
Balancing Intensity with Enjoyment:
- Fun Amidst Learning: Despite the intensity, our courses ensure that you have enjoyable moments.
- Local Expertise: Our instructors possess in-depth knowledge of the area and local weather patterns, ensuring a well-rounded experience.
- Idyllic Stops: Daily lunch stops anchor the yacht in the Ionian's idyllic bays, allowing you to swim in the crystal-clear waters.
Dynamic Itinerary:
- Varied Ports and Destinations: Expect to spend each night in different ports, exploring at least 6 destinations within the Saronic / Aegean.
- Daily Decisions: Your instructor will decide daily destinations based on weather conditions and course progress.
- Cultural Exploration: Besides sailing skills, you'll have the opportunity to indulge in local cuisine and immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of each port.
Embark on an enriching sailing journey, where RYA training meets the beauty of the Saronic / Aegean region, ensuring both education and a memorable holiday experience.
Day One: Welcoming Start to Your Sailing Experience:
- Join the yacht and meet your instructor and fellow crew members.
- Receive a warm welcome and a briefing on yacht basics and the surrounding area.
- Enjoy a collective tea or coffee session to foster camaraderie, discuss course details, and share expectations.
Daily Routine and Training Schedule:
- Commence each training day with a hearty breakfast.
- Training days start at 09.00 and conclude by 19.00, with a break for lunch and a swim in the idyllic Saronic bays.
- On the night sail day, the routine adjusts to allow for extra rest and preparation for the passage.
Adapting to Weather Conditions:
- Your experienced RYA instructor optimizes training based on weather conditions.
- In calm conditions, focus on chartwork and boat handling; when the wind picks up, practice raising anchors and sails for sailing.
- Adaptations to the routine consider the daily seasonal patterns in the area, ensuring optimal learning opportunities.
Exploring Saronic / Aegean Destinations:
- Throughout the week, visit a minimum of 6 destinations.
- Experience a minimum of 4 hours of night sailing.
- Cover a distance of at least 100 nautical miles during the course.
Performance Assessment and Improvement:
- Regular debriefings by your instructor provide valuable insights into your performance.
- Receive constructive feedback to enhance skills and address any weaknesses.
Embark on a week of comprehensive RYA training, where each day brings new experiences, adaptability to weather conditions, and a focus on skill development in the beautiful Saronic setting.
The RYA Day Skipper certificate is the minimum accepted certificate by the most authorities worldwide in order to charter a yacht. In addition the holders of an RYA Day Skipper certificate can apply to the RYA for an ICC ( International Certificate of Competence ) which is internationally recognised.
Depending on your reservation and the yacht that will be used for the course, you will be accommodated on a bunk bed, or a double bed cabin or saloon berth. Accommodation may be shared and saloon berths may be used. The size of our tuition yachts is 39ft to 46ft, 3 – 4 cabins and 1 – 4 heads. All of our tuition yachts are fully coded, very well maintained, fully equipped and comply with the Greek and International safety regulations.
Culinary Delights with aegeanMode:
- Explore Mediterranean food and cuisine as an integral part of your training experience with aegeanMode.
- We take pride in providing fresh, high-quality provisions to enhance your culinary journey.
Abundance of Local Produce:
- Enjoy a variety of local, fresh products available on the yacht throughout the course.
- Immerse yourself in the rich flavours of the Mediterranean with our thoughtfully curated provisions.
Comprehensive Meal Coverage:
- aegeanMode ensures ample provisions for breakfast and lunch, as well as dinner on the night of the sail.
- Revel in a seamless culinary experience, allowing you to focus on both training and gastronomic enjoyment.
Accommodating Special Dietary Needs:
- Inform us about any allergies or specific dietary requirements, and we will adjust our provision list accordingly.
- For those with severe allergies, please notify us before booking to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Indulge in a holistic experience with aegeanMode, where the joy of sailing is complemented by the richness of Mediterranean flavours and a commitment to catering to your dietary preferences.
Fuel
Water, gas
Mooring fees
Bed linen & towels
Safety equipment
Provisions for breakfast & lunch
Soft drinks
Cost of drinks & meals ashore
Cost of flights to / from our base
Travel insurance
The average cost for a drink ashore is 5 euros and the average cost for dinner about 20 euros. Every business in Greece is obliged to accept credit and debit cards. Nevertheless, a bit of cash is always useful. ATMs can be found at the most places we are visiting where you can get some cash.
During the high season the temperature gets quite high in the Mediterranean and the sun is really hot, so some sun protection would be prudent. Sun glasses, a hat and sun protection cream are more than useful. If you are not used to drinking lots of water or if you get dehydrated easily, then some re-hydration sachets might be useful. Sometimes it gets a bit chilly in the evening, so don’t forget to bring a light jacket or a fleece together with the rest of your stuff.