Learn to sail in Greece
Up your sailing skills in the heart of the Ionian from our base in historic Lefkas, Greece. Our fully RYA-accredited sailing schools are the perfect place to gain a qualification, from the RYA Yacht Starting course through to RYA Day Skipper, RYA Competent Crew certification and beyond.
Learn to sail or hone your skills in the calm conditions and easy line-of-sight navigation of the Ionian Islands. Whether you're completely new to sailing or want to earn your RYA Day Skipper qualification and start notching up those nautical miles, our Ionian Islands Sailing School has something to offer all levels.
Why not combine your course with a family holiday on our Flotilla Starter course or our Flotilla Hero course? Climb aboard and share unforgettable family experiences while gaining your RYA Start Yachting or RYA Day Skipper certificate. On the Flotilla Hero course, up to two can earn an RYA Day Skipper certification or up to three crew members can gain their RYA Competent Crew qualification.


Prices and availability
Level | Course | April and November | May and October | June-September |
Beginner | RYA Competent Crew | ** | ** | ** |
Beginner | Flotilla Starter | ** | ** | ** |
Some experience | Flotilla Hero | ** | ** | ** |
Intermediate | RYA Day Skipper | ** | ** | ** |
**For availability and Flotilla Hero course price please talk to our Holiday Planners.
Practical information
You can find additional helpful information in our Lefkas Sailing School Joining Instructions.
What to bring
- Tickets, money, passport and driving licence if you plan to hire a car.
- Clothing: Greece enjoys a pleasant temperature all year, however May, June, September and October evenings can be cool, so a fleece and long trousers are recommended. Bring some light wet weather gear with you just in case.
- Please remember to bring photo ID and onepassport size photo with you if you are taking the RYA Day Skipper course (and above) so that certificates can be issued.
RYA Day Skipper practical and RYA Competent Crew
RYA Day Skipper practical candidates must have completed an RYA Day Skipper theory course before taking Flotilla Hero and are encouraged to read the RYA Day Skipper practical book beforehand as well. Day Skipper theory courses can be taken at our Port Solent, UK school or online.
Successful completion of this course will provide you with RYA Competent Crew or Day Skipper (non-tidal) qualification. For the Day Skipper course, each candidate should bring two passport photos for certification paperwork.
Accommodation
- You will be sleeping aboard your private yacht.
- Duvet, sheets, pillow and a shower towel are all provided.
- Please note: bring your things in a soft holdall as there is little storage on board the yacht.
Flights and transfers
If you have booked your course taking Sunsail flights, you will be met at the airport by a member of staff and transferred to Lefkas by coach with other Sunsail guests.
If you have arranged your own flights, on arrival at the airport you will find a taxi rank, or we can book your transfer at the base for you.
Yacht course itinerary
Embarkation, course start Sunday 6pm
Welcome meeting Monday 9am
Course finish Friday 5pm
Disembarkation Sunday 10am
Sunday arrival
On arrival at our Lefkas base you will be introduced to your skipper, who will get you settled on board your yacht and give a basic introductory briefing. After stowing your luggage, you have the rest of the day to yourself and can meet the other members of the crew.
If there’s anything you’d like to know about your boat or any available facilities please ask your skipper or a member of the Sunsail team. However, a full yacht and safety briefing will be given on Monday morning at the start of your course.
Monday welcome meeting
This is a good opportunity to meet the other course members. Your Sunsail skipper will give a brief for the week, covering course content and the sailing itinerary.
Monday to Friday
Each day starts at approx 9am and finishes at approximately 6pm One day will be extended to allow four hours of night sailing. Your yacht is already provisioned for the five-day course, including breakfast and lunch on board. There's free time in the evening when the crew can dine ashore wherever they wish. During the week you will visit various ports and marinas.
Friday 5pm
Your course ends back at the base, where you can enjoy a drink or sample local cuisine watching the sunset over the bay.
Saturday
This is a great day to explore Lefkas Island. Hire a car or use the local bus route. The west of the island has some stunning beaches, and if you ask at reception we can recommend our favourites.
Sunday departure
Please vacate your cabin by 9.30am.
Children on courses
Sunsail welcomes your older children on any of our courses at any time of year, provided they are accompanied by at least one adult. However, to participate in courses they must meet the minimum age requirements.
- Competent Crew Certification Course- Minimum age 12+
- RYA Day Skipper Certification Course- Minimum age is 16+
Course provisioning
- Breakfast and lunch are provided on board together with one evening meal. You are welcome to purchase any extra nibbles you may require, but there are a number of restaurants to dine at every night.
- We do not specifically cater for vegetarian or other dietary needs, but please inform us at the time of your booking or call a member of our aftersales team and we'll endeavour to do so.
- Evening meals are at your own expense. Your skipper can recommend good restaurants at each overnight stop.
- Please note: you will be expected to help with the cooking, washing up and general housekeeping of the yacht.
Marina fees
Mooring fees are not included in the course fees. However, at most destinations there are little (if any) costs. Cost incurred for berthing will be spilt between the crew.
Places to visit and activity options
Car hire is available from Lefkas Town, so don’t forget your driving licence
Contact numbers
Reservations 023 9222 2224
After Sales 023 9222 2894
Base address
Lefkas Marina
East Shore Lefkada
311 00
Greece
Tel: +30 26450 29622