Master passage planning, watchkeeping, and crew management. Live-aboard offshore training designed for experienced skippers extending their range.
"The Coast is No Longer Enough"
You are a confident skipper during the day, but the open sea is a different beast. Losing sight of land and managing a crew through a 4-hour night watch requires a completely different set of skills. The fear of heavy weather, equipment failure far from port, or "blind navigation" often stops good inshore skippers from becoming great offshore commanders.
"Master the Art of Passage Making"
This course bridges the gap between coastal hopping and blue water cruising. We take the safety net away. You will learn to handle the yacht in rougher conditions, and manage "life at board" 24/7. By the end of this training, you will have the leadership skills to command a vessel up to 60 miles offshore, giving you the freedom to cross seas, not just bays.
The ISSA Offshore Skipper Sail license is for experienced skippers who want to extend their range. While the Inshore license limits you to up to 20 miles from the coast, the Offshore license qualifies you to skipper yachts up to 24 meters on passages up to 80 nm offshore, including night sailing.
This is not a "learn to sail" course; it is a "learn to command" course. The focus shifts from basic handling to Passage Planning, Watchkeeping, and Crew Management. You will log significant sea miles and practice advanced navigation scenarios that prepare you for the unpredictability of the open sea.
ISSA licenses are recognized by most leading charter and insurance companies, giving you the access to charter yachts around the world.
With ISSA Offshore Skipper license you can operate a boat up to 24 m in open waters up to 80 nautical miles, both during the day and night.
Note: ISSA skipper license has no expiry date!
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| Start Date | End Date | Availability | Price From | Info | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 24, 2026 | October 31, 2026 | AVAILABLE | €1350 | 4 spots left |
We recommend reading the theory before your arrival. We also offer a 4h online training with one of our instructors – 250€ fee apply. During the week, we combine practical sailing with short theory sessions.
You will be part of the Offshore Skipper Sailing Course and you will get hands on training on passage planning, watchkeeping systems, and night navigation offshore.
Upon passing the exams, you receive your official ISSA credentials, allowing you to skipper bareboat yachts globally up to 80 nm offshore or progress to Master of Sailing Yacht certification.
Digital confirmation is issued approximately one week upon completion, with physical plastic cards mailed 20-30 days after course sign-off.
Yes. With a strict limit of up to 6 students per boat, every student gets maximum helm, navigation, and watchkeeping rotation practice daily.
Unlike some other certifications that require renewal every 5 years, the ISSA Offshore Skipper Sail certificate is valid for life.
In SAIL2DAY CLUB we offer support to all of our students after completing their training / getting their licenses. You will be able to participate in some of our more advanced or specific trainings, take part in an assisted sailing holiday trip or charter a boat from our fleet or from our partners.
Not sure where to start to learn to sail?
Our sailing school and instructors are certified by ISSA Sailing Schools Association and provide Crew, Skipper & VHF Certificates that are valid for life.
Our instructors are dedicated to help you gain and improve your skills in sailing, docking, manoeuvring and more, from theory to practice.
ISSA Certificates are globally recognized and valid for life. Charter a yacht or skipper your own boat. Inshore Skipper (ICC), VHF Radio, Offshore Skipper.
Whether you are a newcomer or an experienced sailing enthusiast, we are here to support and guide you, to achieve your goals.
Our base in Lefkada, Greece is an ideal destination, carefully chosen to provide you with an unforgettable, safe and seamless sailing training experience!
Real stories from charter guests and sailing students
Protected from all sides, Vliho Bay in Lefkada offers calm waters and instant access to the South Ionian island archipelago.
Location: Vliho, Lefkada Island, Greece
Coordinates: 38°41'N 20°43'E
Operating Season: April – October
Google Maps: Sail2day Lefkada base
Charter Base Info