RYA Training FAQ
Our Training Centre consists of experienced sailing instructors, skippers, engineers, and yachting professionals. Having spent more than a decade in the area and working with a variety of yachts and sailors our experience and our local knowledge, together with our passion for sailing can guarantee that your sailing adventure will be successful and unforgettable.
All of our crew members have been trained and are adequately qualified to provide high quality services with the safety of their guests as their first priority. The minimum qualification held by our skippers is the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and all of our crew members hold First Aid Certificates.
Our passion for sea, travel and adventure
Our attention to detail
Our commitment to safety
Our dedication towards your learning and success
Our concern for the environment
Choose us to learn and you’ll work with seasoned sailors and instructors who have spent many years working in the yachting industry worldwide.
Learning how to sail in an area like the Ionian seems the ideal way to combine training with holidays. Nevertheless attending an RYA course means that you have chosen to learn how to sail following the RYA syllabus and the RYA high standards of training. The course, especially for the Day skippers and the Coastal Skippers, is intense as you will have 5 days to learn new techniques, to develop skippering skills and to transfer the theory of navigation into practice. On the other hand that doesn’t mean that you will not get some fun time. Our instructors have deep knowledge of the area and the local weather patterns so during the day they will make sure that the yacht will be anchored in one of the idylic bays of the Ionian for lunch stop daily, giving you the chance to swim in the crystal clear waters of the Ionian. It is expected also to spend the night in different ports every day so you will visit at least 6 destinations of the Ionian. The every day’s destination is a decision that your instructor will take daily depending on the weather conditions and the progress of the course. In any case you will have time to taste the local cousine and explore the local culture and traditions.
On day one you will join the yacht and you will meet the rest of the crew and your instructor. On your arrival you will be welcomed by your instructor and briefed about the basics regards the yacht and the suroundings. Once everyone has arrived you will have the chance to have a cup of tea or coffee all together to know each other and discuss some details of the course and your expectations.
A good training day starts always with a good breakfast. The training days are expected to start daily by 09.00 and finish latest by 19.00 During the day you will have a stop for lunch and swim in one of the idylic bays of the Ionian. The day that the night sail will take place is an exception as your instructor will adjust the daily routine accordinghly in order to get some extra time to rest and prepare yourselves for the passage.
Your experienced RYA instructor will take the maximum benefit of the weather conditions.For example, when there is no wind you will be practicing on chartwork and boat handling techniques and when the wind picks up you will get the anchor and sails up and start sailing. The weather conditions of the area follow some seasonal patterns daily, your instructor will adjust the routine on this in order to take the maximum advantage.
During the week you will visit minimum of 6 Ionian destinations, you will experience minimum of 4 hours night sail and you will cover at least 100 N.M. As the course progresses during the week you will be debriefed frequently by your instructor regards your performance in order to develop skills and improve any weaknesses.
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 36ft to 46ft, 3 – 4 cabins and 1 – 2 heads. All of our tuition yachts are fully coded, very well maintained, relatevely new ( oldest 2008 newest 2018 ), fully equipped and comply with the Greek and International safety regulations.
For us at Ionian Mode, this is a great opportunity to introduce you to Mediterranean food and cousine alongside your training. Fresh food and good quality provisions will be provided by us. Variety of local fresh products will be available at any time on the yacht during the course. We provide adequate provisions for breakfast and lunch, as well for the dinner at the day of the night sail. If you have any allergies or special dietary needs, please contact us in order to add the necessary goods in our provision list. If you suffer by severe allergies please inform us of them before booking.
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.
