Transition from passenger to confident skipper. Intensive live-aboard training in the sheltered waters of the Ionian.
"Tired of Being Just a Passenger?"
Sailing as a guest is fun, but relying on others to make decisions limits your freedom. Maybe you dream of chartering a yacht for your family, but the thought of docking a 45ft boat, navigating at sea, or handling a sudden wind shift feels overwhelming. Without a recognized license and the right training, the helm feels like a forbidden zone.
"From Zero to Captain in 1 Week"
This course is your transition from passenger to commander. We don't just teach you to pass an exam; we train you to manage a yacht. You will learn to dock stern-to in Mediterranean harbors, read the weather, and navigate safely day and night. By the end of this week, you won't just hold a licenseβyou will hold the confidence to skipper your own yacht anywhere in the world.
The ISSA Inshore Skipper is the most popular entry-level skipper's license. It qualifies you to skipper sailing yachts up to 24 meters (78ft) in coastal waters (up to 20 miles offshore), both day and night.
This intensive hands-on course covers everything from engine checks and sail trimming to complex navigation and emergency procedures. It is fully ICC (International Certificate of Competence) compliant, making it the perfect license for chartering holidays in the Mediterranean and beyond.
ISSA licenses are recognized by leading charter and insurance companies worldwide, giving you access to charter bareboat yachts globally.
With an ISSA Inshore Skipper license, you can operate a boat up to 24m in coastal waters up to 20 nautical miles offshore, both during day and night.
Note: ISSA skipper licenses have no expiry date!
License Front
License Back
| Start Date | End Date | Availability | Price From | Info | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 10, 2026 | October 17, 2026 | AVAILABLE | β¬1400 | 4 spots left | |
| October 17, 2026 | October 24, 2026 | AVAILABLE | β¬1300 | 4 spots left |
We recommend reading the ISSA Inshore Skipper handbook before arrival. We also offer a 4h online training with one of our instructors β 250β¬ fee apply. During the week, we combine practical sailing during the day with short theory sessions.
You will be part of the Inshore Skipper Sailing Course and you will get hands on training on the fundamentals of skippering a yacht. Daily intensive training to gain experience and self confidence to navigate a sailing boat.
Upon passing the exams, you receive your official ISSA credentials, allowing you to skipper bareboat yachts or progress to Offshore Skipper training or Catamaran Training Endorsement.
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 5 students per boat, every student gets maximum helm time and practice daily.
Unlike some other certifications that require renewal every 5 years, the ISSA Inshore 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: 38Β°41'N 20Β°43'E
Operating Season: April β October
Google Maps: Sail2day Lefkada base
Charter Base Info