Performance Sailing Courses
Advanced Sailing Training on our Figaro3
At ionianMode racing we offer a complete range of performance sailing courses, foil sailing training, and offshore racing programmes based on the Beneteau Figaro 3, the world’s first foiling production yacht. Located in Sivota, Lefkada, in the heart of the Ionian Sea, our training centre provides the ideal environment for sailors who want to enhance their skills, increase their confidence, and experience the thrill of modern offshore sailing. From 2–5 day Figaro 3 performance courses, private coaching, and advanced sail-trim workshops, to full regatta preparation and participation in events like the AEGEAN 600 and Ionian & Aegean Regatta, we deliver professional, high-intensity training for ambitious sailors, Yachtmasters, instructors, and offshore racing enthusiasts. Our programmes blend expert coaching, real performance data, high-speed maneuvers, and the latest techniques in foil sailing, making IonianMode the leading destination for advanced sailing training in Greece
5-DAY Performance Course / Private & Individuals
The 5-Day Performance & Offshore Course is our most complete and intensive training programme, designed for sailors who want to reach a professional level of skill, confidence, and offshore capability. Over five days, you train on the Beneteau Figaro 3, mastering foil handling, advanced sail trim, high-speed maneuvers, offshore navigation, and night sailing — exactly the techniques used in modern offshore racing.
This course is ideal for experienced skippers, Yachtmasters, instructors, and ambitious sailors who want to push their limits, prepare for regattas like the AEGEAN 600, or gain real offshore experience in a structured, coached environment. If you want to become faster, smarter, and more capable offshore, this is the programme that transforms your sailing.
DAY 1 & 2
The programme begins with advanced foundations, including a full systems briefing, foil theory and activation, precision tacks and gybes, upwind and downwind speed work, and an initial data and GoPro performance review. As the course progresses into high-level handling, sailors work on dynamic sail trim, reading flow stripes, shaping the sails through mast bend, cunningham, outhaul and backstay adjustments, while also practising high-speed manoeuvres, reefing and headsail transitions, race starts, acceleration and mark-rounding drills.
DAY 3
The third day focuses on offshore preparation, covering navigation, routing, weather models, laylines and sail-selection strategy, followed by offshore systems such as energy management, water ballast handling and advanced autopilot modes. Emergency drills, including offshore MOB, reefing in strong winds and steering-failure scenarios, build confidence before the offshore passage.
DAY 4
Day four delivers a full offshore experience with a 6–10 hour passage that transitions from daytime sailing into sunset and night sailing. Sailors rotate through a watch system, practise steering in low visibility, adapt to heavy-weather conditions when present, and receive continuous performance and endurance coaching.
DAY 5
The final day brings everything together with a mini regatta simulation that includes two to three short races, real-time VMG and polar-based decision-making, race starts and tactical exercises. The course concludes with a full performance review using video and data analysis, a breakdown of speed curves, a communication assessment, and an individual improvement plan, followed by certification and recommendations for future regattas or joining the IonianMode Performance race team
3-DAY Performance Essentials Course / Private
The 3-Day Performance Essentials Course is designed for sailors preparing for regattas, advanced skippers, and instructors who want to master foil engagement, advanced manoeuvres and performance sailing techniques on the Figaro 3.
DAY 1
The first day follows the full high-performance foundation syllabus, identical to the 2-day programme, covering Figaro 3 orientation, foil handling, advanced trim, manoeuvres, and speed development in both upwind and downwind conditions.
DAY 2
On the second day, the training focuses on fast and efficient sail changes, including J2 to J3 transitions, reefing under load, and switching between heavy-weather and VMG modes while maintaining control and speed. Sailors work on stability and depower techniques using vang, cunningham and traveller adjustments, and refine high-wind steering with twin rudders. Performance analysis is introduced through log interpretation, SOG versus boat speed evaluation, live polar use, identification of performance windows and establishing clear crew communication patterns.
DAY 3
The third day expands into offshore skills, starting with short-handed watch systems, autopilot modes, basic calibration, weather and routing concepts, and coastal navigation planning. Night-sailing preparation follows, covering steering and trimming by feel, light discipline and safety procedures including early MOB detection at night. The course concludes with a 2–4 hour mini offshore leg where sailors rotate through helm, trim and navigation roles while receiving live coaching. A final debrief summarises performance, provides individual assessments, and outlines recommended next steps for those aiming to progress into the advanced 5-day offshore and regatta preparation programme.
2-DAY Performance Training Course
The 2-Day Performance Training Course is designed for intermediate to advanced sailors, Yachtmasters and instructors who want an intensive introduction to high-performance sailing and foil handling on the Beneteau Figaro 3. Over two focused days, sailors develop a deep understanding of the systems, balance and power of this foiling monohull while building the core skills required for advanced performance sailing.
DAY 1
The first day covers full orientation of the Figaro 3, detailed foil theory, weight placement, twin-rudder handling, and precise manoeuvres including tacks, gybes and acceleration techniques. Sailors also work on trim fundamentals such as traveller, mainsheet and sail-shape control, with an emphasis on maintaining speed and using heel and balance to activate the foils.
DAY 2
The second day moves into more dynamic training, focusing on high-speed downwind sailing, apparent wind management, foil engagement, and the choreography of gybes and manoeuvres at speed. Sailors practise downwind modes with jib or code sails, learn to maintain target VMG, and perform short course loops that combine boat handling, tactical positioning and trim discipline. Throughout the course, participants rotate helming and trimming positions while receiving continuous coaching and feedback. A final video and performance review closes the programme, highlighting progress and recommending next steps for those wishing to continue into the 3-day or 5-day advanced training pathways.
| Pre-Course Experience | Minimum: RYA Day Skipper Level |
| Assumed Knowledge | Minimum: RYA Day Skipper Theory Level |
| PRICES | 5 Day Course for Individuals 1500€ per person 5 Day Private Course 7500€ 3 Day Private Course 5500€ 2 Day Private Course 4000€ |
| Minimum Recommended Age | 16 |
| Students – Instructor Ratio | 5:1 maximum |
| What’s Included |
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| Not Included |
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| Certificate Granted | ionianMode racing Figaro3 Certificate |
Our Daily Routine
Next Steps After the Figaro 3 Performance Training
After completing your Performance Sailing course on the Figaro 3, we encourage you to continue developing your skills through structured progression. Many sailors choose to advance to the next course level, moving from the 2-day to the 3-day, and from the 3-day to the 5-Day Offshore & Regatta Preparation Programme, which offers deeper offshore experience and night sailing practice. If you are aiming for competitive sailing, your next step is to join one of our Regatta Programmes, including events such as the AEGEAN 600 or the Ionian & Aegean Regatta, where you can put your training into real racing conditions. Sailors looking to strengthen their all-round seamanship often combine performance sailing with RYA courses such as Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper, or Yachtmaster preparation. Finally, for those who wish to continue their journey with us, we offer personalised coaching plans, advanced trim workshops, and opportunities to join the IonianMode Performance race team for selected events throughout the year.
