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RYA Combined Course

This ‘fast-track’ package combines the Competent Crew and Day Skipper courses into a two-week sailing experience, suitable for ages 16+

Skill levelBeginner
duration2 weeks
DeliveryPrivate or Shared

What to Expect

This 'fast-track' package combines the Competent Crew and Day Skipper courses into a convenient two-week sailing program, including a few days off in between. Prior to arriving in Greece, participants will complete two online courses: the Competent Crew theory course and the RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship course. The combined course will teach you everything, from the basics of sailing, to the essentials of skippering your own yacht. You will develop your yacht handling under power and sail, in marinas, mooring, and man overboard recovery. Course costs cover breakfast and lunch on board, two evening meals, linens, towels, and access to showers and shore facilities.

*For special requests and considerations regarding medical conditions, disabilities, or reduced mobility, please refer to page 6 of our booking terms.

Assumed Knowledge

  • No prior sailing experience needed
  • Minimum age: 16
  • Basic fitness level

Where we sail

Our training base is Gouvia Marina on Corfu Island. The RYA courses take place in the beautiful North Ionian islands which offer a fantastic mix of coastal sailing and Island hoping. There is no set itinerary for the courses however our instructors endeavour to sail to a new destination each day throughout the week, with an eye on the weather forecast to achieve best possible sailing conditions. With their local knowledge, you will be sure to reach some ‘off the beaten track’ spots.

Getting there

Your journey begins in Gouvia Marina, a short drive from the airport on Corfu Island.

Unlike our flotilla holidays, our RYA courses do not include flights and transfers as standard. Many people like to arrange their own flights and transfers to Corfu, particularly when combining the course with other onshore activities.

We can arrange flights and transfers for you on request. Simply drop us an email or give us a call!

Course Schedule

Week 1 - RYA Competent Crew course: SundayArrival Day - students can arrive at any time during the day, instructors will be available to meet at the Marina between 12 noon and 5PM. If you will be arriving after this please let us now.
Week 1 - RYA Competent Crew course: Monday - FridayTraining sessions commence and typically run from 9AM to 6PM. On Friday evening you'll head back to Gouvia Marina and your instructor will be off-duty for the weekend.
Week 2 - RYA Day Skipper course: Saturday-SundayEnjoy a relaxed weekend in Gouvia Marina with opportunities to explore Corfu town or visit the beach.
Week 2 - RYA Day Skipper course: Monday – FridayTraining sessions commence and typically run from 9AM to 6PM. Certificates are awarded on the Friday and the instructor will depart from the training yacht.
Week 2 - RYA Day Skipper course: SaturdayAnother laid-back day in Gouvia is just what you need after two weeks of training!
Week 2 - RYA Day Skipper course: SundayStudents disembark training yacht by 8.30 am.

Before you get to Greece

All students are required to complete the online RYA Competent Crew theory and RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship course course before they arrive, which includes:


  • RYA Competent Crew course book
  • RYA Day Skipper course book
  • Sailing and key sailing terms
  • Knot-work
  • Theoretical and practical skills

Whats included

  • 14 nights accommodation aboard the yacht
  • 10 full days tuition
  • Sunshine and swim stops
  • Online theory tuition pack
  • All RYA course material and Logbook
  • All fuel, water and marina fees
  • All breakfasts, lunches and 4 dinners on board
  • Bed linen and towels
  • Waterproof jackets

Whats excluded

  • Flights

Customer reviews

Will was a great. He made the training fun and empowered us all to achieve the skills required .The night passage was into the moonlight and we anchored overnight in a wilderness bay. We did some fab sailing in and around the Faraway islands .The food was excellent too ! We all thoroughly enjoyed the training week.

Kate, RYA Combined course

Thank you for an amazing 2 week RYA Combined course with our fab instructor. 4 of the family are now qualified Day Skippers and our 15 year old son Competent Crew! We had an amazing time learning to sail.

Julie, RYA Combined Course

Our Training Yachts

Our courses are taught on our dedicated Beneteau 393 or Beneteau 361 training boats. These are spacious cruising yachts, set up exclusively for teaching and equipped with all the essentials.

Why do the RYA Combined course?

Accelerate your learning

Fast-track your qualifications with a comprehensive course that combines the Competent Crew and Day Skipper programs. This course will teach you everything, from the basics of sailing, to the essentials of skippering your own yacht. You will develop your yacht handling under power and sail, in marinas, mooring, and man overboard recovery.

Get qualified to sail anywhere!

The RYA Day Skipper is a recognised qualification that demonstrates competence, accepted by insurance and charter companies globally. It is ideal for those planning flotilla or yacht charter holiday and automatically qualifies you for an International Certificate of Competency (ICC)

Become a confident skipper

The RYA Day Skipper course enhances your leadership skills and confidence as a yacht captain, ensuring the safety and comfort of all on board. It offers a rewarding experience, enabling you to confidently take family and friends sailing.

Combine your RYA Course with a Flotilla Holiday

  • One Week Paxos Flotilla
  • Two Week Whole Ionian Flotilla
  • Two Week Faraway Islands Flotilla

Learn the ropes on Flotilla

Not quite ready to dive into an RYA course but eager to learn the basics of sailing? Consider booking a skippered flotilla, where you can learn the ropes from an experienced skipper.

Meet your RYA instructors

Joe
Cruising Instructor
Pete
Chief RYA Yacht Master Instructor
Tim
Meg
Cruising Instructor
Will
Chief RYA Yacht Master Instructor
Tom
Instructor
Sean
RYA Instructor

Course FAQs

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