RYA Coastal Skipper Course in Greece

RYA Coastal Skipper with Sail Ionian is an advanced-level, intensive practical course designed for confident and experienced sailors aiming to refine their seamanship and take full command of a yacht on coastal and offshore passages, by day and night. It is a substantial step up from Day Skipper, demanding a higher level of competence, judgement, and precision under pressure. 

Who this course is for 

This course is for sailors who already have significant skippering experience beyond RYA Day Skipper level. You should be capable of managing a yacht and crew independently, making sound navigational and seamanship decisions, and handling challenging conditions with confidence. 

RYA Coastal Skipper is not a refresher course or a progression for newly qualified Day Skippers — it is aimed at those who are already experienced skippers seeking professional-level training and preparation for extended coastal or short offshore passages. 

Prerequisites 

Before joining, you must have: 

A minimum of RYA Day Skipper Practical qualification or equivalent. 

Completed the RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory Course with strong working knowledge of advanced navigation, tidal calculations, meteorology, and Collision Regulations. 

Logged at least 15 days at sea, including 2 as skipper, and a minimum of 300 nautical miles, plus 8 night hours. However, most students who succeed on this course have well beyond the minimum requirements, often with several years of skippering experience in varied conditions. 

Consultation with our Chief Instructor

This is an advanced course — there is no time for basic practice or theory revision. You will be expected to demonstrate competence from day one. 

Before booking the course, our Chief Instructor will discuss all candidates previous experience to assess their suitability for the course and ensure the highest chance of passing. 

What you will learn 

Throughout the intensive live-aboard week, you’ll develop the competence to plan and execute extended coastal passages in varied and demanding conditions, covering: 

Advanced passage planning and pilotage (by day and night). 

Yacht and crew management during long passages. 

Heavy-weather sail handling and precise boat control under sail and power. 

Leadership, decision-making, and watch-keeping organisation. 

Night exercises, complex navigation, and emergency management. 

What to expect 

The Coastal Skipper Practical is a challenging course that will push your skills and decision-making. We sail longer distances with passages of more than 60 nautical miles, introduce night passages, and simulate realistic offshore conditions. Expect long days, detailed debriefs, and intensive practical assessments. 

Sail Ionian often extends passages beyond the central Ionian, reaching north towards the approaches of the international ferry port at Igoumenitsa — a busier commercial area ideal for advanced pilotage, navigation, and traffic management exercises.