Contact us

    7-Day Island-hopping Sail Training in Greek Cyclades

    1st - 7th Sep 2025

    An Unforgettable Sailing Trip

    Set sail on a hands-on sailing adventure through the stunning Cyclades islands, starting and ending in Lavrion, Greece (20m from Athens Airport).

    This 7-day island-hopping route blends immersive sailing training with the beauty of classic Aegean destinations-Kea, Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Syros, and Kythnos—making it the ideal trip for intermediate sailors, aspiring skippers, or those preparing for RYA practical courses. Each day offers new sailing conditions, docking challenges, and opportunities to build skippering confidence under the guidance of a professional RYA instructor. Take turns at the helm, plan short passages, anchor in stunning bays, and log valuable sea time—all while enjoying the charm of whitewashed villages, turquoise anchorages, and Greek island life. You can join this trip as part of an RYA practical course (Competent Crew / Day Skipper / Coastal Skipper), or simply to sharpen your sailing skills while exploring some of the Aegean’s most iconic islands.

    • 7 days of liveaboard coaching on a 46ft Bavaria Cruiser
    • Ideal for RYA Day/Coastal Skipper or as a refresher/mile-builder
    • Includes skills coaching, navigation, sail trim, mooring, and more
    • Combine learning with island discovery and relaxed nights onboard

    7-Day Island Hopping

    4.9 rating of 46 reviews

    Bavaria 46C - 4 cabins

    1st - 7th Sep 2025

    14 - 65 years old

    Meet interesting and active people from all over the world, and discover new spots.

    3 - 8 guests onboard

    600 nautical Miles

    Great weather all year

    Lavrion Port, Greece (Athens airport)

    No assumed knowledge

    ⏬ Download Trip Presentation ⏬

    Upcoming Trip Dates

    Essential Skills Practiced During Mile Building

    Passage Planning & Navigation

    Passage Planning & Navigation

    • Planning the route before departure, taking into account weather, tides, currents, hazards, and stopovers. • Identifying way points, adjusting course, and ensuring the passage is safe and efficient.

    Night Sailing & Watchkeeping

    Night Sailing & Watchkeeping

    • Sailing in darkness with limited visibility using navigation lights, radar, AIS, and chart plotters. • Watchkeeping involves standing shifts (watches) during long passages, where crew members rotate roles.

    Sail Handling & Trim Optimization

    Sail Handling & Trim Optimization

    • Adjusting sails to maximize speed, efficiency, and comfort based on wind conditions. • Understanding how different sail settings affect the boat's performance.

    Heavy Weather Sailing & MOB

    Heavy Weather Sailing & MOB

    • Techniques to handle strong winds, rough seas, and unexpected squalls. • Using storm sails, heaving-to, deploying drogues, and managing crew fatigue. • Practicing man-overboard drills.

    Anchoring & Mooring Techniques

    Anchoring & Mooring Techniques

    • Learning how to safely anchor in different seabed conditions. • Mooring in various settings, including marinas, pontoons, and mooring buoys.

    Radio Communication & COLREGS

    Radio Communication & COLREGS

    • Using VHF radio to communicate with harbormasters, coast guards, and nearby vessels. • Understanding Collision Regulations (COLREGs) for right of way at sea.

    Different islands to visit

    Visit Kea, Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Syros, and Kythnos on a 7-day island-hopping adventure from Lavrion. With optional night sailing and professional sail coaching, this trip is ideal for those looking to build skills and confidence. Approx. 150NM logged over the week, with opportunities for skippering practice and passage planning under guidance.

    1

    2

    3

    4

    5

    6

    7

    Greece - Lavrion

    A Perfect Sailing Gateway

    Greece - Lavrion

    Lavrion, on Greece’s southeastern coast, is a vibrant port and perfect starting point for sailing the Aegean. Its marina and proximity to Cape Sounion make it both practical and scenic.

    itinerary map-mobile

    * example mile builder stops, subject to weather

    Typical Itinerary

    A region in the Aegean Sea celebrated for its timeless beauty, clear waters, deep-rooted sailing heritage, and the steady Meltemi wind that offers both a challenge and a thrill for sailors navigating between its iconic islands.

    Lavrion → Kea (15 NM)

    • Morning: Arrival, safety briefing, yacht familiarisation. • Afternoon: Short introductory sail to Kea, ideal for initial sail handling and crew coordination. • Practice: Hoisting sails, basic helming, MOB under power. • Evening: Dock in Korissia, Kea’s main port. Dinner ashore at a traditional taverna. ⚓ Overnight: Kea – calm anchorage, relaxed start.

    Kea → Andros (25 NM)• A longer coastal sail north, introducing passage planning and watch rotations. • Practice: Basic navigation, tacking/gybing drills, reefing in moderate wind. • Arrival in Gavrio, Andros – green hills, fewer tourists. • Optional evening walk or dinner ashore. ⚓ Overnight: Gavrio Port or nearby anchorage.
    Andros → Tinos (30 NM)• A more challenging sail along the windy Andros-Tinos channel. • Practice: Sail trim, weather routing, heavy weather helming (if Meltemi active). • Arrival in Tinos, a culturally rich and spiritual island. • Explore the town or visit the Panagia Evangelistria church. ⚓ Overnight: Tinos Marina.
    Tinos → Mykonos (10 NM)• A short but scenic passage—perfect for skippering rotations and docking practice. • Practice: Close-quarters maneuvering, anchoring techniques. • Afternoon in iconic Mykonos – explore town, or enjoy a swim stop before entering port. ⚓ Overnight: Mykonos Marina or nearby anchorage.
    Mykonos → Syros (20 NM)• Head to the administrative capital of the Cyclades, Syros. • Practice: Traditional pilotage, entry into a busy marina. • Explore Ermoupoli, known for its neoclassical buildings and cosmopolitan vibe. • Theory review and route planning for final days. ⚓ Overnight: Ermoupoli Marina.
    Syros → Kythnos (20 NM)• A rewarding sail to Kythnos, a quiet and rustic island. • Anchor in the stunning Kolona Bay – a twin beach anchorage. • Practice: Anchoring drills, dinghy handling, emergency scenarios. • Relax with a swim or beach walk. ⚓ Overnight: Anchored in Kolona Bay.
    Kythnos → Lavrion (23 NM)• Final sail back to Lavrion, with emphasis on student-led navigation and skippering. • Practice: Passage execution, logbook updates, final evaluations. • Debrief, feedback session, optional farewell dinner. ⚓ End of an epic offshore mile-building adventure!
    Tips from instructors

    Avoiding Seasickness & Staying Healthy

    To prevent seasickness, stay hydrated, eat light meals, and get plenty of fresh air. If you start feeling queasy, focus on the horizon and try to stay out of enclosed spaces. Consider taking seasickness tablets, ginger, or using acupressure wristbands as a preventive measure. Rest is key—fatigue can make seasickness worse. Keeping the cabin well-ventilated and practicing good hygiene will help you feel your best throughout the trip. A healthy crew makes for a smoother, more enjoyable sail!

    Tips from instructors

    Prioritize Seamanship and Boat Handling

    A great sailor knows their vessel inside and out. As you sail, focus on refining basic skills like tacking, gybing, and sail trimming. In particular, pay close attention to the boat's responsiveness in different wind conditions. Practicing tight turns and smooth maneuvering will make you more comfortable when entering marinas, docking, or navigating tight spaces. Don't rush, and always double-check your lines and fenders before any docking or anchoring. Consistent practice will boost your confidence.

    Tips from instructors

    Mastering Passage Planning

    A well-planned passage makes all the difference, especially on longer legs. Always study your route the night before, considering potential obstacles, wind forecasts, tides, and alternate anchorages or harbors. During the day, use the GPS and charts to confirm your course and make necessary adjustments. Remember to regularly monitor your position and check your speed. A good practice is to plan your arrival at a port during daylight, so you have plenty of time for entry and maneuvering.

    Tips from instructors

    Communicate and Delegate

    Clear communication among the crew is essential for a smooth sail. As the skipper, delegate tasks to ensure everyone remains engaged—whether it's adjusting sails, keeping watch, or taking bearings. Encourage a team environment where everyone feels comfortable asking questions and providing input. This teamwork builds confidence, improves safety, and allows for smoother transitions between shifts or tasks, especially during challenging weather or longer passages.

    Tips from instructors

    Avoiding Seasickness & Staying Healthy

    To prevent seasickness, stay hydrated, eat light meals, and get plenty of fresh air. If you start feeling queasy, focus on the horizon and try to stay out of enclosed spaces. Consider taking seasickness tablets, ginger, or using acupressure wristbands as a preventive measure. Rest is key—fatigue can make seasickness worse. Keeping the cabin well-ventilated and practicing good hygiene will help you feel your best throughout the trip. A healthy crew makes for a smoother, more enjoyable sail!

    Tips from instructors

    Prioritize Seamanship and Boat Handling

    A great sailor knows their vessel inside and out. As you sail, focus on refining basic skills like tacking, gybing, and sail trimming. In particular, pay close attention to the boat's responsiveness in different wind conditions. Practicing tight turns and smooth maneuvering will make you more comfortable when entering marinas, docking, or navigating tight spaces. Don't rush, and always double-check your lines and fenders before any docking or anchoring. Consistent practice will boost your confidence.

    Tips from instructors

    Mastering Passage Planning

    A well-planned passage makes all the difference, especially on longer legs. Always study your route the night before, considering potential obstacles, wind forecasts, tides, and alternate anchorages or harbors. During the day, use the GPS and charts to confirm your course and make necessary adjustments. Remember to regularly monitor your position and check your speed. A good practice is to plan your arrival at a port during daylight, so you have plenty of time for entry and maneuvering.

    Tips from instructors

    Communicate and Delegate

    Clear communication among the crew is essential for a smooth sail. As the skipper, delegate tasks to ensure everyone remains engaged—whether it's adjusting sails, keeping watch, or taking bearings. Encourage a team environment where everyone feels comfortable asking questions and providing input. This teamwork builds confidence, improves safety, and allows for smoother transitions between shifts or tasks, especially during challenging weather or longer passages.

    Tips from instructors

    Avoiding Seasickness & Staying Healthy

    To prevent seasickness, stay hydrated, eat light meals, and get plenty of fresh air. If you start feeling queasy, focus on the horizon and try to stay out of enclosed spaces. Consider taking seasickness tablets, ginger, or using acupressure wristbands as a preventive measure. Rest is key—fatigue can make seasickness worse. Keeping the cabin well-ventilated and practicing good hygiene will help you feel your best throughout the trip. A healthy crew makes for a smoother, more enjoyable sail!

    Tips from instructors

    Prioritize Seamanship and Boat Handling

    A great sailor knows their vessel inside and out. As you sail, focus on refining basic skills like tacking, gybing, and sail trimming. In particular, pay close attention to the boat's responsiveness in different wind conditions. Practicing tight turns and smooth maneuvering will make you more comfortable when entering marinas, docking, or navigating tight spaces. Don't rush, and always double-check your lines and fenders before any docking or anchoring. Consistent practice will boost your confidence.

    Tips from instructors

    Mastering Passage Planning

    A well-planned passage makes all the difference, especially on longer legs. Always study your route the night before, considering potential obstacles, wind forecasts, tides, and alternate anchorages or harbors. During the day, use the GPS and charts to confirm your course and make necessary adjustments. Remember to regularly monitor your position and check your speed. A good practice is to plan your arrival at a port during daylight, so you have plenty of time for entry and maneuvering.

    Tips from instructors

    Communicate and Delegate

    Clear communication among the crew is essential for a smooth sail. As the skipper, delegate tasks to ensure everyone remains engaged—whether it's adjusting sails, keeping watch, or taking bearings. Encourage a team environment where everyone feels comfortable asking questions and providing input. This teamwork builds confidence, improves safety, and allows for smoother transitions between shifts or tasks, especially during challenging weather or longer passages.

    Never sailed before?

    You can still join the trip if you are in good physical and health condition,
    but we strongly recommend completing our RYA Competent Crew course as a minimum.

    See beginner courses

    What's included

    Accommodation onboard

    Opportunity to practice navigation, passage-making, and mooring techniques

    Food provisioning

    Free WiFi by Starlink

    Safety gear and wet weather clothing

    RYA recognized Instructor

    All necessary bedding and towels

    A mix of short coastal hops and longer offshore passages

    Fuel

    Final cleaning

    What's not included

    Marina fee, shared by crew, subject to passage

    Restaurant onshore

    Flexible Payment

    400 EUR Deposit

    Pay when booking

    Remaining

    Due 30 days before the trip starts

    NOTE: Only applies to bookings made a minimum of 60 days before the trip.

    Testimonials

    Our students loved it

    4.9

    /5

    Excellent

    4.9

    /5

    Excellent

    Mile building tour gallery

    Set sail on our mile-building adventure between Malta and Sicily, guided by an expert instructor, where you’ll experience the best of the Mediterranean’s coastal beauty and rich history.

    • Test
    • Test
    • Test
    • Test
    • Test
    • Test

    Recent Instagram photos

    Frequently Asked Questions

    All Frequently asked questions

    Explore all our courses and tours

    Contact us

    Email us

    Please feel free to drop us a line. We will respond as soon as possible.

    WhatsApp us

    Please feel free to text us and ask anything about the course and trips.

    Careers

    We are a small, growing sailing school that aim to become to the the leading RYA training centre in the Mediterranean area.