Advanced Coastal Course (ASA 106)

The final itinerary will be determined by the weather and wind forecast and waypoints may shift throughout the voyage. There will be an evening - overnight passage during the course and exams will be proctored once returning to port on the final day of the course.

Day 1 – Saturday | Alimos Marina, Athens The Advanced Coastal Cruising course with a Sailing Collective instructor begins Saturday afternoon at Alimos Marina, one of the largest marinas in the Mediterranean and the start to the Saronic and Cycladic itineraries. After meeting your instructor and fellow crew, you will be introduced to the chartered monohull and begin the process of preparing the vessel for the week ahead. The afternoon is devoted to provisioning, reviewing safety equipment, and conducting a detailed technical briefing on the yacht’s systems and handling characteristics. With your instructor, the group will also review weather forecasts and chartwork to plan the itinerary and discuss the training objectives for the voyage ahead. The evening concludes with final preparations and a restful night aboard before departing Athens.

Day 2 – Sunday | Alimos Marina to Poros An early morning departure marks the start of your first leg departing Alimos Marina and heads south into the Saronic Gulf bound for Poros. This passage serves as an excellent introduction to the week’s training, focusing on sail trim, watch organization, navigation, and vessel handling under way. As the pine-covered hills of Poros come into view, the crew will practice harbor approaches and docking techniques before securing the yacht along the lively waterfront. The evening offers time to explore the island village and enjoy dinner ashore.

Day 3 – Monday | Poros to Serifos Weather and wind conditions permitting, Day 3 features one of the longer offshore passages of the course as the yacht departs the Saronic Gulf and heads into the open waters of the Cyclades toward Serifos. This leg emphasizes offshore navigation, passage planning, and teamwork during a sustained day under sail. The dramatic cliffs and whitewashed village of Serifos rise above the harbor as the yacht approaches late in the day. After mooring in the sheltered bay, the evening is spent relaxing and reviewing the day’s sailing lessons.

Day 4 – Tuesday | Serifos to Milos The course continues southward with a sail to Milos, an island renowned for its volcanic landscapes and protected natural harbors. Upon arrival, the focus shifts to practical boat-handling exercises. Under the guidance of your instructor, the crew will conduct multiple docking and maneuvering drills, practicing close-quarters handling, line management, and communication in harbor conditions. The evening provides time to rest and enjoy Milos before the next phase of training.

Day 5 – Wednesday | Circumnavigating Milos & Overnight Passage Day 5 is devoted to sailing around the dramatic coastline of Milos, giving the crew the opportunity to refine sail handling and navigation while exploring the island’s remarkable geography from the sea. After completing the circumnavigation, the crew prepares the yacht for an overnight passage. An early evening meal and rest period precede the departure, allowing everyone to be well prepared for night sailing. Once under way, the instructor will guide the crew through watch rotations, nighttime navigation, and offshore seamanship as the yacht sets course north toward Hydra.

Day 6 – Thursday | Arrival in Hydra At first light the yacht approaches Hydra, arriving in the island’s famous horseshoe harbor around 8:00 a.m. Known for its preserved architecture and car-free streets, Hydra offers a striking contrast to the open sea crossed overnight. After securing the yacht, the crew enjoys a relaxed morning ashore and time to rest after the passage. Later in the day, the instructor will lead a debrief reviewing the night sail and the advanced cruising skills practiced during the voyage.

Day 7 – Friday | Hydra to Alimos Marina The final leg of the course begins with a morning departure from Hydra for the return sail to Alimos Marina. This passage provides one last opportunity to apply the techniques learned throughout the week—navigation, sail management, communication, and confident boat handling. Arriving back in Athens in the afternoon, the crew completes the course with a final review of the week’s training, closing a rewarding seven days of advanced sailing across some of Greece’s most celebrated waters.