WHAT KIND OF TRAINING DO YOU GIVE?
Generally, we train aboard sailing yachts around the Aegean coasts of Turkey and the Greek Islands, starting from our home base of Marmaris/Rhodes. Training consists of both practical and theoretical lessons. Usually, theoretical topics are reinforced by practical training. Lessons are taught following the standard given by the American-based MCA-approved IYT (International Yacht Training) company. The school, instructors and yachts are periodically checked by IYT, to insure they are up to IYT standards. MCA-approved IYT certificates are valid almost anywhere in the world, being the most widely accepted yachting certificates. For example: an MCA-approved IYT Bareboat Skipper certificate enables you to charter and sail a yacht almost anywhere in the world.
WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM?
MCA-approved IYT (International Yacht Training) ıs an American system. It allows students to be taught in their own language. But at the same time, English nautical terminology has to be learned (it is the international nautical language); it is used to name all the parts of a vessel and to communicate in sailing terms.
IN WHICH LANGUAGES DO YOU TEACH?
You can study in English, Turkish and Russian. English is the standard teaching language. You need to organize other languages in advance.
WHAT CERTIFICATE DO I NEED TO RENT A BOAT?
MCA approved, IYT Bareboat Skipper certificate or the ICC certificate of the European Union. It is equivalent to the British standard RYA Day Skipper certificate.
HOW LONG DOES THE IYT BAREBOAT SKIPPER TRAINING TAKE?
Standard IYT training consists of a 3-step process. Each step is a one week course,IYT International Crew, IYT Flotilla Skipper and IYT Bareboat Skipper. You can participate in these one week training sessions at different times. In addition, it is possible to receive the MCA-approved IYT Bareboat Skipper certificate in 14 days by enrolling in a two week intensive training program.
WHERE WILL I STAY DURING TRAINING?
You will live on board the training yacht, in either a single or double cabin. Cabins are distributed according to gender, being a couple and the number of people of board.
WHAT KIND OF VESSEL IS USED FOR TRAINING?
Our main training yachts are a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 51 and a Beneteau 50, both spacious and comfortable yachts designed by the world-renown Bruce Farr. In addition, other boats are used according to demand.
CAN I BRING GUESTS?
Of course you can! But since guests will occupy living space on board; meaning we can’t take another student in that place, you will have to pay a fee for the guest. Since the guest will not get a certificate, the price will be less than a regular student. Guests will also participate in sailing and share tasks with other members of the crew.
WHAT IS THE POSSIBILITY OF NOT GETTING A CERTIFICATE?
The chances of not receiving a certificate are quite low; the majority of participants are successful in completing the training program. The instructors work with students one-on-one and help reinforce their weak areas. Students also have the opportunity to ask questions at any time. These are some of the advantages of spending 24 hours a day on board a yacht! Obviously, if you don’t study, don’t participate in training sessions or don’t concentrate during theoretical and practical lessons, there is not much we can do. Nevertheless, IYT training consists of multiple levels, therefore you will get the a certificate according to the level you can pass; then you can still come back and continue your education from that level.
HOW LONG ARE THE CERTIFICATES VALID FOR?
For most MCA-approved IYT documents, the renewal date is five years from issue. The renewal can be made through our school (we will handle all paperwork for you) or you can contact IYT directly and do it yourself.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
Education, training materials (course booklet, examination and tests), MCA-approved IYT certificate, accommodation on the yacht, marina fees, diesel fuel, transit log, fresh water and electricity. All other costs are shared by students.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
Transportation to and from the yacht, buses, taxis, transfer fees, health insurance, food and beverage costs. All of these costs will be shared by the students.
HOW CAN I REGISTER?
First of all, check the Schedule for an available space and then select an appropriate route and date. You can use our reservation system to book a space or contact us by phone/email for assistance.
HOW CAN I MAKE A PAYMENT?
You can use a wire transfer, Paypal and credit card for deposit or prepayment. All information is on the Reservation page. You may also pay cash for the remainder of the payment when you arrive to the yacht.
DO I NEED HEALTH INSURANCE?
As with all sports, there is a slight chance that you may injure yourself. If your current health insurance does not cover water sports, a separate insurance can be extended to cover it. This type of health insurance is usually used for traveling and covers around 30 days; it usually costs in the range of 35 to 50 euros.
WHEN DOES THE TRAINING START AND END?
The training period starts from Saturday. You can arrive to the boat after 17:00 and settle in. Students can meet each other, get acquainted, transit log and necessary documents are prepared for training (application form filled, training materials distributed, photocopy of passport and pictures, etc.) Provisions, beverages and other necessities are available in shops located right in the marina. Usually it is best to stock up for a one week period and then make another shopping when necessary. It is recommended to agree on a common list of needs and then go shopping together; it is a fun and easy solution. Saturday night you can dine out (there are some excellent restaurants/cafes in and around the marina), visit some local bars, check out the nearby clubs and have some fun! After breakfast on Sunday, there is a short briefing and then the yacht is prepared. We start our trip Sunday afternoon and usually return Friday evening. After cleaning the yacht and finishing your final exam, you may leave the yacht. If you wish, you can stay aboard until 9:00 on Saturday, after that we have to prepare the yacht for the next group.
WHICH YACHT AND INSTRUCTOR WILL I GET?
According to the number of people in the group, the school will decide which yacht to use for training. Instructors will be determined by the language needs of the group.
CAN I STAY WITH MY SPOUSE OR FRIEND IN THE SAME CABIN?
If you make the reservation together, or if you specified it at the time of registration, we can make sure you will stay together.
IS MY IYT LICENSE VALID IN MY OWN COUNTRY?
Since every country has jurisdiction on their own territory, governments give their own yacht licenses. So if you are a citizen of a country, sail on the territory of that country and the vessel is registered to that country, you will need to use their own licenses. But even if one of these conditions doesn’t exist, you can use your MCA-approved IYT licenses. In general, you can use your IYT license in your own country on a foreign-flagged vessel (i.e. charter). There are also many countries that accept MCA-approved IYT licenses alongside their own (check the IYT website for more info). That having been said, it it worth mentioning that IYT certificates are the most widely accepted licenses in the world and are the preffered choice for both newcomers and veterans alike.
WHEN CAN I GET TRAINING?
We train in Marmaris all-year round. The weather from November to March will be windy and there is more rain, similar to spring conditions. However, during this period the yacht is not crowded, so you have a better chance of booking the date you want. Another bonus is that the instructor will work more closely with you, as there are fewer students than in summer. Due to abrupt weather changes during the winter months, we usually sail inside Marmaris Bay for practical lessons and provide theoretical lessons either on the yacht or at the school building. During the summer months, we embark on coastal passages along the Turkish coast or Greek Islands. More details about routes can be found here:
HOW EARLY SHOULD I BOOK?
The Schedule is in real time. You can book the dates that appear empty, even just one day in advance. School holidays, national holidays and the high season (May to October) is usually filled up pretty quickly, so it is best to book early.
HOW CAN I GET AN IYT MOTOR YACHT CERTIFICATE?
MCA-approved IYT certificates can be both sail and motor. The exam is the same, the only difference is that you will receive both sail and motor yacht practice. Although you can get sail training at almost any time of the year, the demand for motor yacht courses is much lower; due to extra costs. It usually works like this: we will charter a suitable motor vessel and the student/s will pay the charter fee and related fuel costs. It is best if there is a group of students for the motor yacht lessons, because then you can divide the related costs equally amongst the group.
IF I HAVE AN IYT SAIL OR MOTOR CERTIFICATE, HOW CAN I GET THE OTHER?
If you have either the IYT sail license or IYT motor license, getting the other one is quite easy. You will study additional modules and pass the required exam. IYT has a modular education system.
HOW CAN I CONTINUE MY EDUCATION?
After you have completed your training at our sailing school, you can attend further training sessions in the future. Before progressing to the next step in your sailing adventure, you have to amass a certain number of sea miles on board a vessel. All details can be found here: