LEARN TO SAIL IN GREECE WITH ATHENS SAILING ACADEMY

 LEARN TO SAIL IN GREECE WITH ATHENS SAILING ACADEMY

 

Greece is recognised as one of the most ancient regions on Earth. Millennia ago, early civilisations thrived in this remarkable country. Greece has a longer coastline than the entire continental United States. Notably, this nation could fit within the state of Texas. There is no disputing that the Aegean Sea, with its myriad islands and charming villages, is among the finest cruising grounds worldwide. It is a veritable paradise for sailors.

  The Athens Sailing Academy stands as the oldest ASA-affiliated sailing school in Europe. We have educated hundreds of students, facilitating their journey toward achieving their sailing aspirations. Greece offers an exceptional learning environment, with favourable summer weather, temperate seas, and numerous opportunities for exploration after sailing. The local cuisine is esteemed for its exceptional flavour and health benefits.

  Our institution is situated on Poros Island, conveniently located close to Athens and easily accessible via fast ferry from the port of Piraeus. The island is a cosmopolitan island with many excellent restaurants, lots of local shops with local products. The island has had a history of connection with the sea. It is the home of the Greek Naval Officers training academy, that was founded in 1760. Its importance as a yacht base and its vibrant fishing fleet keep the waterfront busy.

We operate primarily within the Saronic Gulf and the Cyclades Islands, both of which present excellent sailing conditions. Weather conditions may vary, generally ranging from a gentle force 3 to a more invigorating force 6; however, sea and wave conditions are typically calm. The region benefits from abundant sunshine, with water temperatures remaining pleasantly warm during the mid-summer months, eliminating the necessity for fleece or wet-weather gear.

 

SAILING SCHOOL CERTIFICATIONS

  The Athens Sailing Academy offers a range of opportunities for novice and experienced sailors alike to enhance their sailing skills. Our unique programs are structured as week-long trips, available in both private and group formats.

  We proudly feature a dedicated “Women’s Only Sailing School,” led by Captain Laurel Seaborn, a Canadian with extensive sailing experience since the age of eight. Captain Seaborn has accumulated nautical knowledge aboard notable vessels, including the Interceptor from “Pirates of the Caribbean” (also known as Lady Washington) and the Surprise from “Master & Commander” (known as HMS Rose).

 Sailing School Class itinerary

 The curriculum includes weekly classes. The students live on the teaching yacht for the week, immersing themselves in life on board a sailing yacht. The instructor does not stay on the yacht, so students have an extra amount of privacy. The format for the week is to have theory instruction in the morning, about 2-3 hours, then enjoy lunch and to go sailing in the afternoon for about 4 hours. You normally will be back at the dock by 5-6pm.

 

We integrate all our courses. The “Yacht Crew” package, which encompasses basic keelboat and coastal cruising (ASA101/103), and, in alternate weeks, a “Skippers” package that covers bareboat cruising and navigation (ASA104/105) for those with more experience.

For our ASA104+015 courses, the instructor, at the end of the week, will take the students out for 2 days to local islands nearby, practicing the navigation skills they learnt in the classroom.

  For individuals who wish to engage in offshore sailing, the Academy conducts 'Mile-building' cruises. These 'mile-building' cruises are designed to provide students with the opportunity to sail to lesser-known Greek islands. Participants will undertake offshore passages of 100 nautical miles or more, where they will learn essential skills such as watchkeeping, night sailing, and living aboard a sailing yacht in open waters. This program serves as an excellent means to experience authentic sailing while practicing advanced navigation skills, allowing participants to explore islands that are often overlooked by tourists and experience a historically rich Greece.

All courses will occur aboard our fleet of Jeanneau yachts, which vary in length from 32 to 48 feet. We also provide advanced coastal certification (ASA106), and for those interested in multihull sailing, we offer (ASA114).

 A FULL-SERVICE SAILING SCHOOL

 The Athens Sailing Academy operates as a full-service institution. We maintain a diverse fleet of yachts, ranging from 33 to 55 feet, all of which are French-built Jeanneaus. These vessels are designed to accommodate families seeking a comfortable and enjoyable learning experience together.

 Couples may enrol in private courses for a duration of one week, which offers a personalised instructional environment and the flexibility to progress at their own pace. Families are also welcome to participate in private sailing classes, enabling parents and children, including teenagers, to sail while concurrently working toward their Skipper’s License.

Upon successful completion of the 'Bareboat Skipper's License,' we provide yachts for charter, allowing graduates to independently explore the Greek islands. Furthermore, we are pleased to offer discounted rates to all ASA members who choose to charter a yacht from our Academy.