Sailing
school

Training starts with an online theory course that introduces you to the yacht. You need to pass the theory exam before progressing to the next stage.

You then practise at sea with an experienced instructor, applying your skills on a real yacht. If you have already completed theory and passed the exam at another school, you can join us for practical training only.

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I have never sailed. Can I become a skipper?

Absolutely. You can learn to skipper without previous sailing experience, but it requires active participation and attention.

The training is intensive and can be challenging, much like learning to fly: there is a lot to take in, but the right approach makes it achievable.

Around 30% of our new skippers arrive with no experience, complete their training and go on to adventures of their own. Your commitment to learning makes the difference.

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Can I get a refund if I realise skipper training is not for me?

Yes. We offer an unconditional full refund if you decide within three days of the first theory lecture.

Курс — 10 онлайн-лекций по 90 минут, 2 семинара и экзамен. Встречаемся онлайн во вторник и четверг в 20:00, в воскресенье в 10:00 по Москве. Одно занятие длится 90 минут.

There is homework, and completing it is required to take the exam. It helps prepare you for both the exam and practical training.

What if I’m ill and miss a class?

If you miss a lecture, you can watch the recording. I do recommend joining live so you can ask questions and work through exercises together. You retain access to the recordings indefinitely.

I am worried it will be too technical. Can I really pass?

There is a lot to learn, but the course is designed to make it clear and manageable. Every topic comes with real examples, discussion, diagrams and videos.

Questions are always welcome. Your instructor will explain things as many times as you need to feel confident at the exam. Curiosity and active participation matter most.

How many exam attempts do I have?

You can retake the theory exam at intervals of one week. There is no limit on attempts within six months.

How long is my theory exam valid if I take practical training later?

Your theory exam is valid for six months. If you take practical training after that, you will need to retake it. You keep all the preparation materials indefinitely.

Practical training consists of eight intensive days in a small group of five aboard a 40-foot yacht with a licensed instructor. You apply your theory directly at sea.

You will practise berthing, sailing, dealing with faults and anchoring. Several longer passages also give you a chance to test your skills in real conditions.

On the final day, your instructor conducts an exam. Passing it allows you to apply for an international skipper licence.

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How should I prepare, and what should I pack?

After payment, you receive detailed guidance on packing, getting to the start and choosing flights. We also cover useful practicalities such as SIM cards and currency exchange.

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Can I bring a friend who does not want a licence?

Yes. Your friend or partner can join you and enjoy life aboard while you train. During your lessons they can swim, relax in a café or explore coastal towns.

Bear in mind that training involves repeated exercises such as berthing and manoeuvring. This is a learning week, so its rhythm differs from a sailing holiday.

If your friend takes part, they may also be able to qualify as crew. That can help you charter together and enjoy future sailing holidays as a team.

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What will I receive after practical training?

After completing the training and passing the exam, you can receive the Inshore Skipper qualification and a VHF radio certificate. The course information lists online availability within three days, allowing you to begin arranging charters and planning trips.

We will help you choose a suitable boat, suggest routes and support the charter process from start to finish. You can also join Sailing Man or an expedition with an experienced skipper to build more confidence.

When you want to progress, you can take further courses towards an Offshore qualification.

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Which qualifications will I receive?

After you pass theory and practical exams, we arrange the ISSA Inshore Skipper licence and VHF/SRC radio certificate. ISSA is the International Sailing Schools Association, and our school is listed in its official directory.

Which boats can I skipper?

The Sail category covers sailing yachts and catamarans up to 24 metres. For motorboats, we arrange the Power category. We will discuss the appropriate qualifications and requirements before practical training.

Where are the qualifications accepted?

Charter companies in many countries accept them. Before booking, we check the licence category and the country’s and company’s requirements. Inshore covers coastal passages within 20 nautical miles in moderate weather. For more demanding routes, we offer Offshore PRO.

Validity & delivery

The ISSA licence has no expiry date. Delivery of the physical card usually takes around six weeks; we will confirm electronic availability after the exam.

Gather your friends for your first voyage. We will help you choose a boat and route suited to your experience.

Or join Sailing Man in Greece as skipper of your own crew. Experienced instructors will be nearby, and we will take care of the route and programme.

After the course, you join our private skipper community. We exchange routes, personal guides and experience, get to know one another and meet in Moscow. When you are ready to go further, join Offshore PRO.