RYA Training FAQ
Why Choose IonianMode?
When it comes to learning to sail in Greece, IonianMode stands out as a premier training center offering top-notch instruction, modern yachts, and an unbeatable sailing experience. Here’s why IonianMode should be your first choice:
1. RYA-Accredited Training Center
IonianMode is an RYA-recognized training center, ensuring that all courses meet the highest international standards. Whether you’re a beginner or advancing to Yachtmaster level, you’ll receive professional tuition from experienced instructors.
2. Expert Instructors
Our team consists of highly experienced RYA Yachtmaster Instructors who bring real-world knowledge and hands-on expertise. They are dedicated to helping you gain confidence and master essential sailing skills in a supportive learning environment.
3. Ideal Training Location
Located in the stunning Ionian Sea, IonianMode offers the perfect setting to learn to sail. The region provides sheltered waters, predictable winds, and breathtaking scenery, making it an excellent place for sailors of all levels.
4. State-of-the-Art Training Yachts
We use a modern fleet of well-maintained yachts, including monohulls and catamarans, equipped with the latest safety and navigation systems. Our boats provide a comfortable and realistic environment for training.
5. Comprehensive Course Offerings
IonianMode offers a wide range of sailing courses, including:
Beginner to Coastal Skipper Training
Yachtmaster Offshore Preparation
Specialist Courses (VHF, First Aid, Sea Survival, Powerboat Level 2)
Mile-Building Trips
No matter your sailing goals, we have a course tailored to your needs.
6. Flexible Learning Options
We understand that everyone learns at their own pace. That’s why we offer both practical and online theory courses through our Moodle-based platform, allowing students to prepare before stepping on board.
7. Small Groups for Personalized Training
Our courses maintain small student-to-instructor ratios, ensuring hands-on learning and personalized coaching. This enhances your overall experience and boosts your confidence on the water.
8. A Friendly and Supportive Community
IonianMode fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as part of a couple, you’ll meet like-minded sailors and become part of an enthusiastic sailing community.
9. Stunning Sailing Routes & Destinations
Our training base in Sivota Bay, Lefkada, provides immediate access to some of the most beautiful sailing areas in Greece, including:
The Lefkada/Meganisi/Ithaca/Kefalonia Channel
Hidden anchorages and picturesque harbors
Crystal-clear waters and sun-soaked islands
10. Complete Support Beyond Training
At IonianMode, we don’t just teach you how to sail—we guide you through the entire journey. We offer:
Consultancy for boat ownership if you're considering buying your own yacht.
Career guidance for those pursuing a professional yachting career.
Yacht delivery services for new and second-hand boat owners.
Join Us and Start Your Sailing Journey!
IonianMode is more than just a sailing school—it’s your gateway to mastering the art of sailing in one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Whether you’re looking for a structured sailing course or a learn-to-sail holiday experience, we have the expertise, facilities, and passion to make it unforgettable.
Book your course today and set sail with IonianMode!
A Structured Learning Experience
Your RYA training with IonianMode is designed to be progressive and practical, building your confidence and abilities at sea. Whether you’re starting as a beginner or preparing for advanced qualifications, each course follows a structured yet flexible format to suit your learning needs.
Hands-On Practical Training
Expect to spend most of your time on the water, gaining real-life sailing experience under the guidance of our expert instructors. Training includes:
Boat Handling: Learn how to maneuver a yacht confidently in different conditions.
Navigation & Chart Work: Understand the essentials of passage planning and pilotage.
Sail Trim & Rigging: Master sail settings for efficiency and performance.
Safety Drills & Procedures: Practice essential safety measures, including MOB (Man Overboard) recovery.
Night Sailing Experience (for advanced courses): Learn how to navigate safely after dark.
A Supportive Learning Environment
Our courses maintain small groups, allowing for one-on-one instruction and personalized feedback. You’ll learn at your own pace in a relaxed yet professional setting, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident at every stage.
Live-Aboard Experience
Most of our RYA courses are run as live-aboard training, giving you a fully immersive sailing experience. You’ll sleep onboard, prepare meals with your crew, and experience life at sea while honing your sailing skills.
Daily Briefings & Debriefs
Each day starts with a detailed briefing on the plan, weather conditions, and learning objectives. At the end of the day, we review progress, discuss challenges, and set personal goals for improvement.
Assessment & Certification
Your instructor will continuously assess your progress, providing constructive feedback along the way. Depending on the course, there may be a final practical and/or theory assessment. Upon successful completion, you’ll receive an official RYA certificate, a valuable qualification recognized worldwide.
A Fun & Memorable Experience
While our courses are designed to challenge you, they are also about enjoying the adventure of sailing in one of the world’s most stunning locations. Expect a balance of structured learning, teamwork, and the freedom to explore beautiful Greek islands and the Greek cuisine at the local restaurants and tavernas
Get Ready to Set Sail!
Your journey with IonianMode is more than just a course—it’s an experience that will stay with you for life. Whether you’re learning for leisure, adventure, or a professional career, our training ensures you leave with confidence and the skills to sail anywhere in the world.
Book your RYA course with IonianMode today and start your sailing adventure!
Day One: Getting Settled Onboard
From the moment you step aboard, you’ll be welcomed by your RYA instructor and introduced to the rest of your crew. Your instructor will provide an initial briefing on the yacht, essential safety protocols, and the surrounding area. Once everyone has arrived, you’ll have time to settle in, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee together, and discuss the course structure, your expectations, and personal learning goals.
A Typical Training Day
A great training day starts with a solid breakfast. Each day, lessons begin promptly at 09:00 and run until around 18.00, with a break for lunch and a swim in one of the Ionian’s breathtaking bays. Except for the night sail day , each day of your trip will end in a different destination. This gives you the opportunity to explore the area, immerse yourself in the local culture, and taste the authentic Greek cuisine at nearby tavernas and restaurants.
Adapting to the Elements
Your experienced RYA instructor will maximize training opportunities based on the day’s weather conditions. When the winds are light, you’ll focus on essential skills like chartwork, navigation, and boat handling. When the breeze picks up, you’ll hoist the sails and put theory into practice. The Ionian’s reliable weather patterns allow us to fine-tune our daily plan to ensure you get the most out of your training.
Your Sailing Experience
Over the course of the week, you will:
✅ Visit at least six stunning Ionian destinations
✅ Sail a minimum of 100 nautical miles
✅ Experience at least four hours of night sailing
✅ Gain hands-on experience in maneuvering, passage planning, and navigation
As the course progresses, you’ll receive regular debriefings and personalized feedback from your instructor. These reviews will help you identify strengths, develop new skills, and refine any areas that need improvement.
By the end of your training, you’ll not only have earned an RYA qualification but also gained the confidence to set sail on your own adventures.
This version enhances readability, engages the reader, and maintains a structured, informative flow. Let me know if you’d like any tweaks! ⛵🚀
The RYA Day Skipper certificate is the minimum qualification required by most authorities worldwide to charter a yacht. It demonstrates that you have the skills and knowledge to safely skipper a yacht in familiar waters during daylight hours.
Additionally, holders of the RYA Day Skipper certificate can apply for the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) through the RYA. The ICC is internationally recognized and often required for yacht charters in many European countries, including Greece, Croatia, France, Italy, and Spain. It serves as proof of competency for sailing in both inland and coastal waters, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
By obtaining your RYA Day Skipper and ICC, you open the door to independent sailing adventures worldwide, whether you're looking to charter a yacht for a holiday or take the first step toward a career in yachting
Accommodation & Training Yachts
Your accommodation during the course will depend on your reservation and the yacht being used. You may be assigned a bunk bed, a double cabin, or a saloon berth, with accommodation often shared among crew members. Saloon berths may also be used when necessary.
Our training fleet consists of modern, well-equipped yachts ranging from 39ft to 49ft, featuring 3 to 4 cabins and 1 to 4 heads (bathrooms). Every yacht in our fleet is fully coded, meticulously maintained, and compliant with both Greek and international safety regulations. They are equipped with essential navigation and safety equipment, including:
✅ Life jackets & safety harnesses
✅ VHF radio & emergency communication systems
✅ AIS & modern navigation tools
✅ First aid kits & fire safety equipment
✅ Fully equipped galley for onboard meals
Designed for both comfort and performance, our tuition yachts provide the ideal environment for hands-on training, ensuring you gain real-world sailing experience in a safe and supportive setting
Food on Board
When you join us for a sailing adventure, you can expect delicious and fresh food to fuel your journey. We provide ingredients for a continental breakfast, light lunches, and snacks throughout the day. Every day, we sail to a new destination, where you’ll have the opportunity to experience authentic Greek cuisine at local tavernas and restaurants—perfect for enjoying the local flavors after a day on the water.
In addition to the local dining experiences, we also provide everything you need to prepare a meal before the night sail. Whether you're in the mood for a light bite or a hearty meal, our onboard supplies ensure you have all the ingredients to create something tasty.
Please note that we are unable to cater to special dietary requirements. However, students are welcome to bring their own food to accommodate any specific needs.
What's Included in the Price - Individuals
When you join us, we ensure that everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable sailing experience is covered. The following are included in the price:
- Fuel – All fuel costs for your sailing adventure are included.
- Water & Gas – Fresh water and gas for cooking are provided onboard.
- Mooring Fees – All mooring fees for the duration of your trip are included.
- Bed Linen & Towels – Clean bed linen and towels are provided for your stay.
- Safety Equipment – We supply all necessary safety equipment to ensure your journey is safe and secure.
- Provisions for Breakfast & Lunch – We provide ingredients for continental breakfast, lunch, and snacks onboard.
- Milk and Fruit Juice– A selection of soft drinks is available throughout your trip.
Please Note: For private training sessions, provisions, fuel, mooring fees, and the instructor's meals are not included in the price.
What's Not Included in the Price - Individuals
While we cover most of your sailing needs, there are a few additional costs to keep in mind. These are not included in the price:
- Cost of Drinks & Meals Ashore – Any meals or drinks consumed at local restaurants or tavernas are not included.
- Cost of Flights to/from Our Base – Travel costs to and from our base are the responsibility of the participant.
- Cost of Transfer to/from Airport
- Travel Insurance – We recommend you arrange your own travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances.
How Much You Will Spend Ashore
While most of your trip is covered, it's helpful to know the approximate costs you may incur when enjoying meals and drinks ashore:
- Drinks – The average cost for a drink ashore is between 5-7 euros.
- Dinner – The average cost for a meal at a local restaurant is around 20-30 euros per person.
In Greece, all businesses are required to accept credit and debit cards, making it easy to pay with your card. However, it’s always a good idea to carry a little bit of cash as well. ATMs are available in most of the places we visit, allowing you to easily withdraw cash if needed.
What to Bring With You
During the high season, the Mediterranean sun can be intense, so it's important to stay protected and comfortable. Here’s a list of essentials to bring along:
- Sun Protection – Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen are essential to protect yourself from the strong sun.
- Re-hydration Sachets – If you’re not used to drinking large amounts of water or if you get dehydrated easily, re-hydration sachets can be a helpful addition.
- Light Jacket or Fleece – While the days are hot, the evenings can sometimes be a bit chilly, so make sure to bring a light jacket or fleece for the cooler moments.
- Comfortable Clothing – Don’t forget to pack clothing suitable for warm weather, along with swimwear for enjoying the sea.
- Non-slip Footwear – A pair of sturdy, non-slip shoes is recommended for safety on deck.
- Personal Medications – If you take any medications, be sure to bring an adequate supply for the duration of your trip.
- Camera or Phone – To capture all the beautiful moments and views during your sailing experience.
- Waterproof Bag or Case – Keep your valuables safe and dry by packing them in a waterproof bag or case.
