Embark on an unforgettable sailing adventure in Greece with Seafarer Training! Based in Nikiana, Lefkas, we offer RYA courses that take you on an island-hopping journey through the stunning Ionian Sea. Learn hands-on sailing skills and explore new destinations each night. Whether you’re a complete beginner or aiming to skipper your own yacht, our expert instructors will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the crystal-clear waters.
Seafarer training Greece offers the perfect pathway to skippering your own yacht with training leading straight into the supported independence of a flotilla holiday and beyond. Read on for more details of our training centre or click the icons below to head straight to that section.
The RYA or Royal Yachting Association is the UK national governing body and is widely known for offering some of the finest sailing courses in the world. These internationally recognized qualifications, delivered by certified instructors, provide a structured learning path that combines theory with hands-on experience, ensuring you have the skills to sail anywhere. All courses are run over 6 days (Monday to Saturday) at a maximum ratio of 5 students to 1 instructor and will take you to a different harbour each night, a perfect way to experience the Ionian while learning all the skills you need to sail your own yacht.
The South Ionian islands sit just off the coast of Western Greece and create a wonderful protected expanse of water which is perfect for training. Lefkas, the most northerly island, with its rugged coastline and lush greenery, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture. Kefalonia enchants visitors with its stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming villages nestled amidst olive groves. Meganisi beckons with its serene atmosphere, secluded beaches, and traditional tavernas serving freshly caught seafood. Kalamos captivates with its tranquil ambiance and unspoiled landscapes, providing a haven for relaxation and exploration. Meanwhile, Ithaka, steeped in mythology and history, invites travellers to uncover its ancient ruins, olive groves, and crystal-clear waters, embodying the essence of a quintessential Greek island escape.
These islands, plus many smaller ones offer the vibrant atmosphere of bustling harbors along with the serene beauty of secluded anchorages, all waiting to be explored.
Reliable weather in the Ionian makes this a hugely popular sailing destination, with temperatures ranging from the low 20s in the early/late season up to the mid-30s in July and August. Sailing conditions are generally moderate with winds typically force 2-5, and a largely protected body of water to explore. More open-water sailing is available to the north or further south.
The winds tend to be light in the mornings, giving excellent opportunities to practice boat handling. By mid-afternoon, the wind builds providing pleasant sailing conditions. There are numerous locations with stronger gusts to demonstrate more advanced sailing skills safely.
Our fully coded RYA Training Yachts in the Ionian are the perfect places to train and gain confidence as you work towards your goals. Below you can find full information on our 3 training yachts, Bartholome, Anna and Kos 469.
| Price per person, per week | Sharing a cabin for 2 | Special Offer | Single occupancy of a cabin | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-April | £895 | £1,315 | ||
| 27-April | £895 | £1,315 | ||
| 4-May | £895 | £1,315 | ||
| 11-May | £895 | £1,315 | ||
| 18-May | £995 | £1,415 | ||
| 25-May | £995 | £1,415 | ||
| 1-June | £995 | £695 | £1,415 | £895 |
| 8-June | £995 | £695 | £1,415 | £895 |
| 15-June | £995 | £695 | £1,415 | £895 |
| 22-June | £995 | £695 | £1,415 | £895 |
| 29-June | £1,095 | £876 | £1,595 | £1,276 |
| 6-July | £1,095 | £876 | £1,595 | £1,276 |
| 13-July | £1,095 | £876 | £1,595 | £1,276 |
| 20-July | £1,095 | £876 | £1,595 | £1,276 |
| 27-July | £1,095 | £876 | £1,595 | £1,276 |
| 3-August | £1,095 | £876 | £1,595 | £1,276 |
| 10-August | £1,095 | £876 | £1,595 | £1,276 |
| 17-August | £1,095 | £876 | £1,595 | £1,276 |
| 24-August | £1,095 | £876 | £1,595 | £1,276 |
| 31-August | £1,095 | £876 | £1,595 | £1,276 |
| 7-September | £1,095 | £876 | £1,595 | £1,276 |
| 14-September | £995 | £796 | £1,415 | £1,132 |
| 21-September | £995 | £796 | £1,415 | £1,132 |
| 28-September | £995 | £796 | £1,415 | £1,132 |
| 5-October | £995 | £796 | £1,415 | £1,132 |
| 12-October | £995 | £796 | £1,415 | £1,132 |
| 19-October | £995 | £796 | £1,415 | £1,132 |
| 26-October | £895 | £716 | £1,315 | £1,052 |
| PLUS - A £100 VOUCHER OFF YOUR FIRST SEAFARER FLOTILLA HOLIDAY | PLUS - A £100 VOUCHER OFF YOUR FIRST SEAFARER FLOTILLA HOLIDAY |
6 Days Tuition with an RYA Instructor
Mooring Fees
Fuel & other yacht running costs
Bed Linen & towels
£50 discount for RYA Day Skipper Theory
Provisions for breakfast & a light lunch
Ensuite Cabin – £50pp
Make the yacht private (4 pax) – 50% of 5th person price
ICC Assessment – £100pp (Stand alone)
Cruising Scheme Logbook – Available here
Competent Crew Skills Book – Available here
Day Skipper Course Notes – Available here
Tryston hails from South Africa and is now into his third season with Seafarer, taking the helm this year as chief instructor. With Southern Ocean sailing in his blood, and a wealth of local knowledge in the Ionian, Seafarer Training is in very safe hands. Tryston has overall responsibility for all course delivery in Nikiana, ensuring that all courses are both safe and fun.
Nathan is in his third season with Seafarer, having progressed from flotilla crew to Cruising Instructor. He has plenty of experience in the local area and his flotilla skipper background has given him a wealth of informal training skills to enhance the delivery of RYA courses.
We are delighted to welcome Alex to the Seafarer Instructor team for 2025. Alex has recently qualified as an RYA Cruising Instructor and brings bags of enthusiasm. After some pre-season training alongside our experienced instructors, Alex is now enjoying exploring the Ionian and sharing his ever-increasing knowledge with our students.
To book or check availability get in touch with our experienced team on one of the links below.
There are a multitude of ways to travel to our base in Nikiana, whether you are joining us for the week or combining it with a larger trip. We are located in Nikiana Harbour, right in the heart of the village, which is easily reachable by both public and private transport. Courses in the Ionian run from Sunday to Sunday with training yachts being available to embark from around 14.00 onwards on the first day and disembarking around 9.00 at the end of the course. The instruction starts at 9.00 on the Monday morning and finishes at around 17.00 on the Saturday evening.
Your flight inclusive holiday with us (should you choose this option) is financially secure as we are ATOL licensed, making the entire package ATOL protected. We have been trading since 1995 so you can book with total confidence.
Sunday charter flights available from Gatwick alongside scheduled flights from Heathrow, Stanstead, Luton, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh. Flights to other European centres available both on Sundays and other days during the week.
Direct Seafarer transfers from Preveza airport that takes roughly 30 minutes. Regular buses from Nikiana harbour to Nydri, Vassiliki and Lefkas town, from Lefkas town there are regular buses to Athens and Corinth plus less frequent services to Thessaloniki and Igoumenitsa.
Regular ferries from Kefalonia to Vassiliki (40 minutes from base) and from Meganisi to Nydri (10 minutes from base). Less frequent ferries from Corfu, Paxos, Kefalonia, Ithaca and Zante to Lefkas town (15 minutes from base).
