Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose Sapphire Yachting?
Sapphire Yachting is a wholly-owned UK Company and a member of the British Marine Federation and the Marine Leisure Association based in the UK. We are regularly inspected by the Royal Yachting Association and all of our RYA Instructors are native English speakers. We use the largest School Yacht in Greece to give our students as much comfort as possible – not “squeezed in” to a typical 34/36ft training boat. Stewart Turner is our Principal who constantly monitors standards of instruction and often runs the Courses himself. We pride ourselves on running relaxed and informative Courses in magnificent sailing conditions.
Why should I choose the Sporades?
Flying time is 3.5 hours direct from major UK Airports. The yachts are five minutes away from the Airport. The sailing conditions in the Sporades are perfect for sailing instruction. We expect daily winds of between F3 and F5. In other areas of Greece the winds can be very unpredictable with either no wind at all or blowing F8! The Sporades retain their original Greek feel with a mixture of quiet harbours, BBQ beaches and completely unspoilt overnight anchorages. The area has been designated a Marine sanctuary and is abundant with dolphin and other marine wildlife.
Can I combine the RYA Course with some time ashore?
Yes. Apartments and Hotels in the Sporades Islands are very inexpensive. Many of our RYA customers ask us to recommend accommodation ashore prior to or following their RYA Course and we are very happy to do this.
What is a typical day like on an RYA Course in the Sporades?
We sail around the Sporades Islands for the five days of the Course choosing a different anchorage or berthing situation each night. Typically we would sail at around 9.30 a.m. and depending upon the Course programme for that day, stop for a lunch/swim before sailing to the next Island. We would normally berth around 5.00 p.m. On one night during the Course dependent upon the weather a night sail of about 4 hours will be arranged.
Is there a minimum age?
No. We are happy to take people of any age as long as they are able to wear an adult-size life jacket.
Is there a maximum age?
No. We are happy to take people of any age as long as they are fit enough to move around the yacht.
If I have not done Day Skipper Theory can I do Day Skipper Practical Course?
Yes – depending upon your previous experience. We would recommend however that you have a basic understanding of charts and simple navigation. Sapphire Yachting also run combined RYA Theory and Practical Courses over seven days.
Will my RYA Certificate be enough to Charter a Yacht from Sapphire Yachting?
If you have completed a Day Skipper or an International Certificate of Competence (sail) with us we will happily arrange the charter of a yacht for you at a discounted rate for your first charter.
Can I do an RYA Competent Crew and RYA Day Skipper Practical Course together?
Yes. This combined Course is very popular. As long as you have some previous sailing experience – perhaps dinghy or past flotilla – we will happily take you on our combined Course. It is run over 14 days and includes two days of basic RYA Coastal Theory. Accommodation is provided on the School yacht for the duration. You will also have two days free to explore the Island of Skiathos.
Can I do an RYA Theory Course and RYA Practical Course together?
Yes. This is a really good way of learning. We run these combined Courses normally over 9 or 10 days. You fly to Skiathos on a Wednesday and spend two days in the classroom before joining the School yacht on the Friday for the RYA Practical Course. On your return on the following Wednesday we complete the combined Course in the classroom. The combined Course has become really popular in recent years for both Day Skipper and Coastal Skipper candidates. Pam or Stewart can advise of latest availability and prices.
My partner wants to do Competent Crew and I want to do Day Skipper. Can we do this together?
Yes. We encourage mixed Courses with all RYA levels from Competent Crew to Coastal Skipper.
Can we book as a family or as a group of friends?
Yes. We are happy for families or groups to book the whole yacht and we would encourage as many of the family members/group to take part in a Course. However there is no requirement to take part in any Course but come and enjoy the sailing.
Can I come on the Course if I am single and on my own?
Yes. This is quite normal and a large proportion of our students come on their own. We will allocate you either a cabin on your own or share of a bunk cabin with a member of the same sex. We do not make a surcharge for sole occupancy of a cabin. As an alternative to sharing a bunk cabin you are welcome to sleep in our very large saloon area.
What clothes should I bring?
Everybody brings too many clothes. Living in Greece is very informal and nobody ‘dresses’ for dinner. Bring shorts and casual tops for evening wear except for the extremes of the season when you may want long trousers and a light jumper. During the day for the RYA Courses we recommend swimwear and shorts and t-shirts. Although we have bimini sunshade on the yacht we strongly recommend that you bring a hat and lots of suncream. Soft soled shoes and shoes you can wear in the sea are also handy.
Do you have any Special Offers or Discounts?
We usually have a special offer during the London International Boat Show period in January each year. We also offer discounts to groups of more than two people who book together. During the season we sometimes have last minute places caused by cancellations. If you are prepared to move quickly then you may get a huge discount!
I am a vegetarian. Can you cater for me?
No problem. We normally eat a light breakfast of bread, cereals and fruit and have salads with vegetarian options for lunch. We eat ashore in the evenings in local Greek tavernas which cater very well for vegetarian tastes. The tavernas in the Sporades specialise in fresh fish, salads and a variety of non-meat dishes.