The RYA Day Skipper course is designed to build on your existing sailing experience and put your theory knowledge to the test. We will improve your sailing skills through structured sessions run by our fully qualified RYA instructors.

You will learn how to skipper a yacht safely, taking charge of your yacht during the passages with the instructor by your side for support and guidance.

The RYA Day Skipper course lasts 5 days, either from our base at Vounaki Beach Club or following the flotilla. It also includes a night sail of a minimum of 4 hours. Your instructor may stay on the yacht with you on day 6 to get you back to base as you won't have your qualification on your person. Available for £499pp when staying at Vounaki Beach Club or £999 based 1 or 2 people following the flotilla, (maximum of 3 further people can join the course for £50pp supplement, max 5 people on the course). These courses are subject to availability.

The lowdown

5-day course
night sail of minimum 4 hours
RYA Day Skipper theory must be completed before starting course
£499pp and must be pre-booked
Starts from Neilson Vounaki Beach Club and Marina

How to prepare for the RYA Day Skipper Course?

Completing your RYA Competent Crew is a great place to start as it gives you a solid foundation of sailing, crewing, and living aboard skills.

Additionally, it is essential that you have completed your RYA Day Skipper theory before you start the RYA Day Skipper practical course. This can be done online or in a classroom and takes around 40 hours. By completing both of these courses you are setting yourself up for the best possible chance of success. If you cannot complete the Day Skipper course successfully, you may get an Action Plan. The Action Plan explains the areas to work on and steps to take in the future to obtain the RYA Day Skipper certificate.

If you are unsure that you are at the correct level, please contact our sales team for more information.

What will you learn?

On the Day Skipper course, you can expect busy, fun-filled days. There is a long syllabus to cover, so getting going in the morning is very important.

Our instructors will always try to make time for a quick dip, or maybe even a lunch stop in a bay, however, you must remember we have a limited time to get through the course.

This can also mean getting into the harbour a little later than some other yachts, so you must be prepared to longline or anchor off, instead of being on the town quay every night. Your yacht will be fully MCA coded for training.

What is the Day Skipper syllabus?

The Day Skipper syllabus will cover everything you need to do to successfully complete the course.

This will include preparation for sea, deck work, navigation, pilotage, meteorology, rules of the road, maintenance and repair work, understanding and knowledge of engines, victualling, managing in emergency situations, yacht handling under power, yacht handling under sail, passage planning and night cruising.

Full details of each aspect of the syllabus can be found here.

Course information

Centre name: Neilson Vounaki Marina
Centre location: Vounaki Marina, Paleros
Course duration: 5 days
Maximum student-to-instructor ratio: 5:1
Course material: Students will have access to appropriate RYA literature for the duration of the course. This can also be purchased in the marina office.
All courses will be delivered in English
How to book: The Day Skipper course is available to guests staying at Vounaki Beach Club and those on flotilla. You will need to pre-book your RYA Day Skipper before departure, available for £499pp when staying at Vounaki Beach Club or £999 based 1 or 2 people following the flotilla, (maximum of 3 further people can join the course for £50pp supplement, max 5 people on the course). These courses are subject to availability..

What does the course include?

5 days sailing
Access to appropriate RYA literature for the duration of your course (RYA books available to purchase from the Marina Office)
Charts and navigation equipment
Certificates (upon successful completion)
Fully RYA-coded yacht
Fuel and yacht Insurance
Calm and experienced instructor
The Day Skipper course is available to guests staying at Vounaki Beach Club and those on flotilla. You will need to pre-book your RYA Day Skipper before departure, available for £499pp when staying at Vounaki Beach Club or £999 based 1 or 2 people following the flotilla, (maximum of 3 further people can join the course for £50pp supplement, max 5 people on the course). These courses are subject to availability..
Your instructor may stay on the yacht with you on day 6 to get you back to base as you won't have your qualification on your person.

Day skipper course reviews

South Ionian Flotilla - Mrs Charlotte Tighe

12 October 2022

Our first sailing flottila was excellent and a great way to practice our newly acquired day skipper sailing skills with the support of the fantastic Neilson lead boat. After a briefing each morning on...

Southern Ionian 1 week Flotilla - Mr Dominic Young

24 October 2019

My first sailing holiday after qualifying as a day skipper and it was a perfect, stress free experience with amazing lead crew. We knew we would have a great time before we flew. We were unprepared...

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