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Sailing & Mentoring
Skipper students practising on the deck of a yacht

In Shore or Off Shore: which skipper course is right for me?

The difference between the In Shore and Off Shore skipper courses, what each certificate lets you do, and how to choose the right sailing course in Lefkada, Greece.

· 1 min read · לקריאה בעברית

One of the most common questions we get at Sailing & Mentoring is which skipper course to choose. The answer mostly depends on one thing: where do you want to sail?

In Shore skipper course

The In Shore course lets you rent and operate a boat up to 24 metres, within 20 miles of the coast. It suits most people who dream of a sailing holiday between the Greek islands, or anywhere you hop between bays and nearby islands.

The course includes 5 hours of theory and 5 days of practical training, and it welcomes people with no previous experience.

Off Shore skipper course

The Off Shore course lets you rent and operate a boat in international waters. It suits anyone planning longer passages, crossings between countries or sailing far from the coast.

What do both courses cover?

  • Theory: weather, navigation, maritime rules, sailing safety and more.
  • Practice: sailing, mooring, handling different sea conditions, working with sails and more.

How to choose

In Shore Off Shore
Sailing range Within 20 miles of the coast International waters
Boat length Up to 24 metres Per certificate
Good for beginners Yes For going further

If you are just starting out, In Shore is a great first step. You can follow it with further training and the VHF radio course for yacht skippers.

Not sure? Message us on WhatsApp at +30 698 729 6682 and we'll help you choose.

FAQ

What is the difference between In Shore and Off Shore?

The In Shore course lets you rent and operate a boat up to 24 metres and up to 20 miles from the coast. The Off Shore course lets you rent and operate a boat in international waters.

Do I need previous experience to start?

No. The In Shore skipper course at Sailing & Mentoring is also suitable for people with no previous sailing experience.

  • #Skipper course
  • #In Shore
  • #Off Shore