If you already have basic knowledge of sailing and wish to move up to the next level, the RYA Day Skipper course will provide you with the experience required to skipper a yacht.

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Pre-course requirements: 

Minimum age: 16 for students accompanied by an adult or 18 for unaccompanied students.

It is not possible to complete this course as a complete beginner. You will be expected to have completed the Day Skipper Theory course before joining us in Greece.

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You may also wish to include the online SRC course with this package. There is no requirement for the SRC (vhf license) for your Day Skipper license, but if you are going to skipper yachts, you will need a license to operate the vhf at some point. It is an online course with the RYA followed by a short exam on board the boat.

Cost: €210 including the exam.

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It is assumed that you are proficient in the topics covered in the Competent Crew course and that you understand the basics of sailing, rope work, seamanship and have experienced at least 100 miles on a cruising yacht as an active crew member.

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Thessalia Sailing runs the 5 day course from Sunday to Thursday. You will arrive in Volos on Saturday, the boat is ready to board at 1530 and spend the first night on the boat getting to know your fellow students.

The course begins on Sunday morning and we head out into the gulf.

Each day we endeavour to stop for lunch and a swim in a new, idyllic spot.

Evenings are spent either in a small, fishing harbour, sampling the fresh Greek food, or at anchor in a secluded bay enjoying Liz's home-cooked meals.

Day Skipper students will have a chance to navigate a short night passage.

We will arrive back in Volos on Thursday evening, leaving you free to travel home on Friday or Saturday. You can stay on the boat on Thursday evening.

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Course content: 

Theory:

Day Skipper online theory.

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Practical:

Preparation for sea, deck work, navigation, pilotage, meteorology, rules of the road, maintenance and repair work, engines, victualling, emergency situations, yacht handling under power, yacht handling under sail, passage making, night cruising.

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Duration: 5 days

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Dates for 2025: (Alternate dates may be available on request)​

September 13th-18th Fully booked

October 4th-9th Fully booked​​

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Dates for 2026: (Alternate dates may be available on request)

May 2nd-7th

May 9th-14th

May 16th-21st

May 30th-June 4th

June 13th-18th

June 27th-July 2nd

July 4th-9th

July 11th-16th

July 25th-30th

August 15th-20th

August 22nd-27th

August 29th-September 3rd

September 12th-17th

September 19th-24th

September 26th-October 1st

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Maximum Student to Instructor ratio: 5:1

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Method of assessment: 

There are no exams. Your instructor will assess your progress throughout the course.

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Certificates awarded: 

RYA Day Skipper

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Included in the price: 

Breakfast, lunch and 2 evening meals on board the yacht. You’ll get freshly laundered linen & towels, pillows, and bedding. Also included are fuel and mooring fees.

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Not included: 

Meals eaten ashore and the cost of getting here.​​ (Please refer to our getting here page)