F.A.Q

26 March 2023 26 March 2023 Last Updated: 22 December 2023

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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:

First of all, you cannot bring bulky luggage onto the yacht; space is very limited. Therefore you should use soft/foldable bags (i.e. sports bag). Life on the yacht is simple and practical; it does not require the things you regularly bring on vacations. Brought items should be practical, sporty and necessary. The list below should help you in that regard.

Electronics have a massive impact on our normal life and some people can't live without them... Although we recommend leaving them at home, you can still bring the essentials, especially the ones that don't take up too much space (mobile phone, tablet, etc.). There is 12V power on the yacht at all times, so you can use a car charger. We only have 220V when we are connected to shore power i.e. in a marina. y.

A waterproof bag is recommended to store valuable items such as your passport, credit cards, cash and insurance documents. Seasickness is a condition even seasoned sailors can experience, so it is best to be prepared. If you feel like there is a risk of being affected, bring high quality medication, such as seasickness pills or patches. Your sailing voyage will be a lot more enjoyable!

Materials needed for summer programs

2 Hats (usually 1 of them falls into the sea)
Sunglasses
Casual pants and shorts
Short-sleeved t-shirts
Long-sleeved t-shirt (for sun protection)
Clean shoes with white rubber bottom (sport shoes)
Light Sweater
Windbreaker (not too thick)
Underwear and socks
Swimsuit and towel
Shampoo
Sun cream and lip moisturizer. (15-30 proof)
Spare shorts, socks and underwear
Special medicine
Sleeping bag or blanket (pillows, sheets and pillowcases are in your cabin.)
Sailing gloves.
Sandals or flip-flops(for marinas)
Safety strap for Sun glasses
Hygienic kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving kit ...)
CDs, books, magazines
Food: Participants will do the shopping together. We recommend you to bring only very special or vital food items.

Materials required for winter programs

Hats, Wool Hats
Sunglasses
Comfortable pants
Clean shoes with white rubber bottom (sport shoes)
For rainy weather, waterproof boots or shoes
Wool sweater
Water-resistant thick coat.
Water-tight jumpsuit pants (not required, if applicable)
Spare pants, sweaters, socks and underwear
Sailing Gloves
Lip cream
Special medicine

Cabins (rooms ın a vessel) are usually well-equipped to meet all your needs but they are not as spacıous as the ones you can fınd ın a house. We recommend you to bring easily collapsible bags enabling you to place your belongings in cabins. You should bring a beach towel, sunglasses, sunblock, sports shoes for short land tours, hat, and, of course, your notebook. A light cloth will protect you from the cool summer evenings. If there is any medicine/s you take regularly, please don’t forget to bring them and inform the instructor about this issue. Walking on deck and inside the yacht, while wearing shoes, is strictly prohibited. If you don’t want to walk barefoot on-board, you must bring special boat shoes or soft-soled slippers. All yachts have a limited fresh water supply, so you should be careful about water consumption; wasting fresh water should be avoided. Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the yacht, we kindly request that you follow this rule. Smoking on deck is allowed but you should always consider other members of the yacht and be careful on windy days. Your maximum attention is requested to avoid unwanted situations.

You must keep you belongings in a safe place, always secured, so they don’t fall or break loose while at sea. NEVER throw paper into the toilet! Use the bin provided for toilet paper. No foreign matter should be thrown into the toilets, as they can become easily blocked and could be out of service till the end of the trip… Always tell the captain/instructor when leaving the boat in harbours and anchorages; you should always know the times of departure. You should avoid jumping into the sea during docking and anchoring. Only after the engine is stopped and the captain gives permission, you can dive overboard! Please inform the captain/instructor about anything unusual you notice on board, so they can be aware of the situation.

Water sport equipment should not be used without the knowledge and guidance of the captain/instructor. All portholes (cabin windows) should be kept closed while at sea. You should be careful walking on varnished sole (floor) inside the yacht, especially with bare feet, because you can easily slip. You should inform the captain about chronic conditions and allergic problems before the tour and all the precautions should be taken beforehand. You could be miles away from the nearest land or medical facility when you have a crisis. You should participate in all briefings given by captain, and ask questions when you don’t understand. The captain might change the route or the stops if they deem it necessary for the safety of the crew and vessel (i.e. weather or sea conditions). The captain’s decisions are final. Always comply with the Code of Safety first!

When at sea, it is important to know where to sit, so you should ask the captain where and also fınd proper handholds. You should listen to the captain carefully, especially during tacks (turns with sails on). Be careful when walking around on deck at sea, you can easily lose your balance and fall; so always keep one hand on the yacht! Please do not do anything without asking (i.e. loosing ropes/knots, playing with the winches or pulleys, etc.) Do not touch electronic devices!

You should know the locations on the life jackets on board and learn how to use them. You should put them on if the captain says so (especially in rough weather and night voyages). DO NOT challenge the captain’s orders, it is against sailing etiquette. Those that object will be marooned on the first deserted island…

If you fall into the sea, don’t try to swim to the yacht; just swim to the life jacket/life sling thrown to you from the yacht. Try to stay afloat, try not move from much from your initial location and don’t panic. The yacht will come back to you, it is just manoeuvring.

If you see someone fall into the sea, immediately shout “MAN OVERBOARD” and throw something that floats (life sling, life jacket, mattress, fender, etc.) towards the person. Try not to lose sight of the person. The captain will proceed with the recovery immediately.

Learn the locations of the fire extinguishers and how to use them. Do not smoke inside the yacht; explosive gases can leak from the batteries and create a fire.

After applying sunblock, please lay on a towel and not just on the deck. The oily area may cause an accident… Ask the captain about the proper location for drying your swimsuits and towels.

When you go down inside the cabin, turn around and proceed backwards down the ladder, making sure you keep a good grip on the side handles. Never open windows and hatches while at sea. All heavy and/or breakable items (glasses, bottles, kitchenware, etc.) should be stowed properly. Do not put personal items onto the navigation table, if the captain puts something on the table; do not take it.

Water Usage

Fresh water is limited on board a yacht, so you should use water carefully. For example, rinse yourself only after your last swim for the day. You might swim multiple times during the day and it would be a waste of water to shower after each time. Dishes are washed with sea water, and then rinsed with fresh water. Fruits and vegetables can be rinsed with sea water. You can even cook potatoes, pasta, eggs, octopus, etc. in sea water.

Use of Toilet

Listen to the captain’s briefing about the use of toilets. Nothing can be thrown into the toilet, not even toilet paper! It is always a good idea to turn on the music before using the toilet… Pump the toilet thoroughly but don’t overdo it, the water will fill up the holding tanks quickly and then they have to be pumped out. When finished, leave a small about of water in the toilet bowl to avoid odour.

Use of Electricity

All electricity on board a yacht is supplied by batteries. That means you have to save it whenever you can. Turn off lamps immediately after use. Refrigerators use sizable amounts of electricity, so never leave the refrigerator door unclosed and when accessing the fridge: do it quickly. Buy drinks cold so there is less load on the fridge. Food containers should always be sealed. That way they don’t leak into the refrigerator and cause a mess! They should be stored in a way that they don’t fall over and break.

12V power is supplied on board via cigarette sockets (like the ones in cars). That means you can charge your phone, notebook, tablet, etc. with a car adapter. 220V shore power will be available at some stops along the route but many places use generators for power and do not supply 220V to yachts.

Waste and Environmental Pollution

Do not throw anything into the sea that fish can’t eat! Use soap and detergents sparingly. Buy marine-friendly detergents. Avoid polluting the sea at all costs! Sound is easily carried when at sea, so be careful about noise. Refrain from playing loud music or having loud conversations; it may disturb other yachts.

In summary

Life jackets are in your cabin.
Never press any buttons you don’t know! Never turn any valves or disconnect hoses. If you suspect a problem, do not intervene! Notify the captain immediately.
Never throw toilet paper, trash, hair, cigarette butts, etc. into the toilet bowl! There is nothing more inconvenient than an unusable toilet at sea
If you feel ill or uncomfortable, inform the captain.
Do not smoke in the cabins due to the risk of fire!» Do not leave electrical equipment plugged in and unattended, especially in your cabin.
When cruising: please conserve fresh water and electricity.
Storage space on board a yacht is limited! Secure fragile possessions properly.
Never use outdoor shoes on board a yacht! Use special deck shoes or go barefoot.
Always secure your cabin doors! Waves cause the yacht to move and open doors can cause serious injury.
ALWAYS close hatches/windows when underway and when washing the boat
Deck surfaces are slippery when wet!
The captain is 100% responsible for the safety and comfort of the crew! Please cooperate with them.

While there are many rules, life at sea is always beautiful!

Even though sail training can be done in different languages, you are expected to know the general nautical terminology in English. There are many books dedicated to the subject, that you can read and vast amounts of resources on the internet. It is recommended you take advantage of these resources and acquaint yourself with English nautical terminology.

One of the books with such information is featured on the right. Click on the button to download it!

sailing training book

Sailing Dictionary

There is a small sailing dictionary for your reference below.

Abaft

Toward the stern of a boat, or behind it.

Abeam

At right angles to the centreline of a boat.

Adrift

Floating without any means of propulsion, and without >mooring.

Aft

At, near, or toward the stern of a boat.

Aground

When a boat is stranded on the shore, or on the bottom of the body of water, it is said to have run aground.

Alee

Toward the opposite to the source of the wind side of a boat.

Aloft

Overhead.

Amidships

In the middle of the boat

Aport

To the port side of the boat.

Apparent wind

The combination of the true wind and the wind caused by the boat's own speed. This is the wind felt on the boat, as well as the one shown by the telltales.

Ashore

To be on or to go to the shore.

Astern

Toward the boat's stern.

Autopilot

A device - may be electronic or mechanical - used for keeping the boat on course without having to steer it (the same idea as on airplanes). It uses a compass, and is attached to the boat's steering mechanism.

Backing wind

A change in wind direction running counterclockwise, as in from west to southwest.

Backstay

A rigging wire used to keep the mast from moving forward, as well as to vary the amount of bend in the mast.

Backwinded

If your sails are filled with the wind on the opposite side to what you want (for example, if they are trimmed for the starboard tack, but you get the wind from the port side), you are said to be backwinded.

Bail

To get rid of water accumulated in the boat.

Ballast

A very heavy material, such as lead or iron, placed in the keel of the boat, or in the bilge. It is used to provide stability. Oftentimes the crew is also a ballast - especially on smaller boats, or in a jocular way.

Battens

Thin strips of wood or plastic inserted into batten pockets used to stiffen the leech (to preserve the shape of the sail).

Beam

The widest part of a boat.

Bearing

A direction an object is relative to the observer (based on the compass heading).

Block

A pulley - a nautical term. Often with more than one wheel (sheave being the proper name) to increase its mechanical advantage.

Boom

A spar (a wooden or metal pole) attached to the mast at a right angle, used to support the foot of a sail.

Bow

The front end of a boat.

Bowsprit

A spar that's attached to the bow of a boat, along the of the boat. The forestay can be attached to it - thus allowing for a greater sail area.

Breakers

Waves that have entered a shallow water, and built up in height. By doing this they "break" at the crest, producing a curled up formation.

Centerboard

A pivoting board that prevents the boat from sliding sideways.

Centerline

The center of the boat: from the stern to the bow.

Chart

A nautically specialized map.

Cleat

A fitting for securing a line. It can be wooden, metal or nylon.

Clew

An aft corner of a triangular sail.

Cockpit

The rear area of the boat from where the crew operates.

Deck

A permanent covering over the hull of the boat.

Ensign

A flag indicating the nationality of the vessel.

Fairlead

A piece of hardware or equipment, usually place next to cleats, that directs mooring lines and prevents chafing of the rope/hull.

Foil

An attachment on the forestay, comprising a groove into which the luff of the jib can be fed.

Foot

The bottom edge of the sail - the one attached to the boom.

Foresail

A foresail is the sail (such as a jib) located immediately in front of the main mast. It is attached to the forestay.

Forestay (sometimes called a jibstay, or a headstay)

A cable supporting the mast, running from the bow to the top of the mast.

Give-way vessel

A boat that has to stay clear of the right-of-way, or stand-on boat.

Gunwale

The top edge of the side of the hull.

Hatch

A small opening with a "door" on deck, allowing entry under the deck.

Halyard

A line used to raise things on a boat, for example "the main halyard" is the line used to raise the mainsail. It is a part of running rigging.

Head

The top part of a triangular sail. OR A toilet in a cruiser boat.

Headsail

Any sail located in front of the main mast.

Hull

The body of the boat.

Jib

The front sail.

Jibsheet

The line used to pull the jib in or let it out.

Keel

A weighted extension of a boat below it that prevents the boat from sliding sideways.

Knot

A nautical term for speed: one nautical mile per hour. Also a term indicating a method of tying a line.

Lash

To tie something using a light rope.

Leech

The aft edge of the triangular sail - the one that's not attached to anything.

Leeward

The direction to which the wind is blowing.

Luff

The fore edge of a sail.

Luff up

To luff up means to bring the boat's bow so close to the wind, that the leech of the sail begins to flap.

Mainsail

boomed sail projecting aft from the mast

Mainsheet

The line used to pull the mainsail in or let it out.

Mast

The pole attached to the deck at the right angle, holding up the sails.

Masthead

The top of the mast.

Mizzen

The sail set on the second (aftermost, or rear) mast - as on a ketch.

Mooring

Permanent anchorage. It consists of a heavy weight (or an anchor), a chain of a certain length, and a buoy. Mooring is also often used for piers, instead of pilings.

Nautical almanac

A book containing all current data: navigational, tidal, astronomical and so on. It is published annually.

Outhaul

A device located on the aft part of the boom, used to secure the clew, so that the foot is kept tense.

Pier

A wooden structure (although it may be built from other materials) built over the water, used by boats for landing.

Piling

A thick post supporting or mooring a dock or pier. It is deep inside the seabed, and it projects above the water level.

Port Side

The left side of the boat.

Range

The distance between two objects (horizontally).

Rigging

The assembly of the boat.

Rudder

The underwater, movable plate used for steering, and for providing resistance to sideways motion caused by waves and wind. It is being controlled by the helmsman (helmsperson?) with a help of a tiller or a steering wheel.

Shackle

Part of the indispensable equipment on the boat. It is a small device used for attaching lines to other things, like sails.

Sheet

A line used to trim sails.

Shroud

The wires holding the mast at the sides.

Spar

A general name for all masts, booms, gaffs, and bowsprits.

Spreaders

The wooden or metal struts that are attached horizontally to the upper section of the mast, on both sides. They widen the angle of the shrouds, and thus provide a better support for the mast.

Stand-on vessel

A boat that has the right-of-way over the give-way vessel. It must maintain its course and speed.

Starboard Side

The right side of the boat.

Stays

Wires supporting the mast - fore and aft.

Stern

The back of the boat.

Surf

A continuous line of breakers at the shore.

Tack

The fore corner of a triangular sail.

Telltales

Short pieces of yarn attached to the shrouds, or the sails. At the shrouds they indicate the direction of the wind (the apparent wind ), and at the sails they help to check the air flow over the sail, so that proper trimming is easier.

Tiller

A spar attached to the rudder by the rudder head, used to control the direction of the boat. Another possibility for steering mechanism is a steering wheel.

Trampoline

The space on a catamaran, usually made of some kind of mesh, located between the two hulls. It's a place for the crew (like a cockpit on dinghies and cruisers).

Traveler

A track (usually metal) with a fixture sliding on it. The fixture holds the main sheet (usually), and the sliding allows for changing angles of the sail.

True wind

The strength and direction of the actual wind blowing. While sailing, the true wind is never felt - it is always a combination of the true wind, and the boat's speed (called the apparent wind ), and it is always a little forward to the true wind.

Trysail

A very small sail, used in a very heavy weather instead of a mainsail.

Winch

A mechanical device used to assist in pulling on lines. It is a reel-like part of the hardware.

Windward

The direction from which the wind is blowing.

Zigzagging

Alternating tacks on approximately equal distances.