Learn to Sail

RYA Sailing Courses

Nearly 30 years specialising in RYA sailing training. From beginner to Day Skipper and beyond. Expert instruction in Greece, Croatia and the UK.

RYA accredited
Greece · Croatia · UK
Small groups
ATOL protection
Mon–Fri 09:00–19:00 · Sat 09:30–17:00
0208 324 3118
Greece · Croatia · United Kingdom

RYA Sailing School

Sailing Courses in Greece, Croatia & the UK

Our recreational RYA sailing school runs small-group training in Greece, Croatia and the UK. Choose 6-day Mediterranean weeks with warm island sailing, often alongside our summer flotillas with access to kids’ clubs.

UK courses are 5 days and focus on tidal skills and confident boat handling. From your first sail to Day Skipper — we guide you every step of the way.

30

Years of RYA training

5:1

Max student to instructor ratio

3

Locations: Greece, Croatia, UK

98%

Would book with us again

Course Pathway

The pathway to becoming a Skipper

Our sailing courses build practical skills step by step, so you grow from crew to skipper at a pace that suits you.

01

RYA Start Yachting

A gentle beginner course covering steering, basic sail handling, and essential safety. Ideal for children or adults taking their first step into sailing. Not required before Competent Crew.

03

RYA Day Skipper Theory

A theory course taught online or in class that gives you the navigation, weather, and seamanship knowledge needed for the Day Skipper Practical and for planning your own passages.

02

RYA Competent Crew

A hands-on course for beginners who want to learn to sail properly. You’ll build practical seamanship, ropework, and sail-handling skills so you can crew confidently on coastal trips. No experience required.

04

RYA Day Skipper Practical

For sailors with basic experience. You’ll learn coastal navigation, passage planning, and boat handling in tidal and non-tidal waters. On completion, you can skipper small yachts on short daytime coastal passages.

Man practising winching on a sailing yacht during an RYA training course, with blue sea and mountains in the background

Find Your Course

Not sure where to start?

Use our Course Finder to discover the right RYA course for your experience level and ambitions.

Where We Sail

Three Outstanding Sailing Destinations

Warm-water Mediterranean weeks in Greece and Croatia alongside our summer flotillas, plus focused tidal training in the UK.

GR

Greece

6-day courses in the Ionian Sea. Warm conditions, beautiful anchorages, often alongside our summer flotillas with access to kids’ clubs.

HR

Croatia

6-day courses sailing the Dalmatian coast from Split. Crystal-clear water, historic islands, and excellent conditions all season.

UK

United Kingdom

5-day tidal training focusing on confident boat handling and navigation. Weekend refreshers also available. Mooring fees and linen not included.

Training Locations

Explore our Sailing Locations

  • Greece Training Centre
    Greece
    Greece Training Centre
    Greece Training Centre
    6-day weeks in warm, sheltered waters with relaxed island passages. Many summer dates run alongside our flotillas with access to kids’ clubs. Best for: first-timers, Competent Crew, Day Skipper Practical.
  • Croatia Training Centre
    Croatia
    Croatia Training Centre
    Croatia Training Centre
    6-day weeks with short hops between historic harbours and clear, forgiving seas, great for building skills and confidence. Best for: Competent Crew, Day Skipper Practical.
  • UK Training Centre
    UK
    UK Training Centre
    UK Training Centre
    5-day practical courses and popular weekend refreshers with structured tidal practice and expert RYA instructors. Ideal preparation for sailing abroad. Best for: Day Skipper Practical, refreshers.

What’s Included

Everything you need for a great week

All the essentials are taken care of so you can focus on learning to sail.

Sailing Courses in Greece, Croatia & the UK

6 days* tuition with an RYA Cruising or Yachtmaster Instructor

Sailing Courses in Greece, Croatia & the UK

All mooring fees* at harbours throughout the week

Sailing Courses in Greece, Croatia & the UK

Fuel and gas for the whole time you are on the yacht

Sailing Courses in Greece, Croatia & the UK

Linen and towels* provided in cabins and saloon

Provisions for breakfast & a light lunch while onboard**

Sailing Courses in Greece, Croatia & the UK

A chance to experience what flotilla sailing is all about

* UK centre: mooring fees and linen are not included. Bring a sleeping bag and towel.  ** UK centre: dinner is also included.

Guest Reviews

98% of students say they’d train with us again

Feefo Reviews

★★★★★

“Alex was an excellent trainer. Knowledgeable, patient and knows exactly how hard to push people. He makes his students really feel the role they’re training for and take responsibility for it. His passion and humour made this a really great week.”

Feefo Reviews

★★★★★

“Really good organisation pre-holiday. Great tuition and company. Boat and facilities spot on. Planning a reunion with fellow crew in a couple of months.”

Mr Peter Burrows

Why Seafarer Training

Holiday-feel Courses. Real RYA skills.

Small groups, patient instructors, and personal service that people come back for — year after year.

01

Patient, Expert Instructors

Guests consistently praise clear, calm coaching and supportive crews. Our instructors make learning feel natural, not pressured.

04

Flotilla Energy in Summer

Many Med dates run alongside our flotillas, with access to kids’ clubs — making it a true family sailing holiday.

02

Small Groups, More Helm Time

Maximum 5:1 student to instructor ratio. Everyone steers, everyone learns, everyone builds real confidence.

05

Personal Service

Helpful before, during and after the week. Smooth booking and flexible help when plans change.

03

Med or UK, Same High Standard

6-day Greece and Croatia weeks, 5-day UK tidal training, weekend refreshers — all to the same RYA standard.

06

Trusted & Accredited

Over 30 years of hands-on experience. RYA accredited training centre and ATOL protected.

Common Worries

Think Sailing is not for you? Think again.

New to our sailing school? Your worries, answered.

Common Questions

“I’ve never sailed.”

Most students start from scratch. We teach step by step in small groups.

“I get seasick.”

We choose sheltered routes, plan sensible days, and share practical tips.

“Will I slow the group down?”

No. We teach at a mixed pace and balance tasks so everyone learns comfortably.

More Questions

“I’m nervous about safety.”

RYA standards, modern safety kit, and a maximum 5:1 student to instructor ratio.

“I’m coming alone.”

Small crews and a shared goal make it easy — we can also arrange same-sex cabin shares.

“What if the weather turns?”

We adapt the plan. Safety and learning always come first.

Common Questions

FAQs about our Sailing Courses

Do I need any experience?

No. Our sailing courses are designed for beginners. You start from first principles in small groups with patient instructors, and build skills steadily toward Day Skipper.

Do I need theory before Day Skipper Practical?

Theory is recommended. Our sailing school offers online and classroom options and will advise the best order for you. On the boat you must show Day Skipper theory-level knowledge.

How long are the courses?

Greece and Croatia run as 6-day weeks. UK courses are 5-day, with popular weekend refreshers also available.

What's included, and what costs extra?

Tuition, fuel and gas, mooring fees, onboard provisions and linens are included in the Med. UK variations apply: mooring fees and linen are not included, and dinner is included. See centre pages for details.

Where do we sleep, and how private is it?

You live aboard the yacht. Cabins may be shared; we pair same sex where possible. Solo sailors are welcome and quickly become part of the crew.

Is it safe, and what happens in bad weather?

We follow RYA standards with modern safety kit and a maximum 5:1 ratio. If conditions deteriorate, we adjust the plan. Safety and learning always come first.

Peace of Mind

Book With Confidence

Seafarer is licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL 9511) and all air holidays we operate are ATOL protected. We are also members of ABTOT (Membership No. 5660), providing additional protection for bookings without flights.

We have been trading since 1995 — all your deposits and balance payments to us are fully financially secure.

ATOL Protected

ATOL Protected — Licence 9511

All flight-inclusive holidays are fully ATOL protected

ABTOT Member

ABTOT Member — No. 5660

Additional protection for bookings without flights

Book Your Course

Ready to Start Sailing?

To book or check availability, get in touch with our experienced team.