Who is this course for?

This course is designed for complete beginners, former charter guests, and anyone ready to move from being a passenger to becoming an active crew member. No prior knowledge is required.

Do I need prior sailing experience?

No prior sailing experience is required. The course is designed to build your skills from the ground up through practical training.

Will I receive a certification?

This is a non-certified course. You will receive a Sailing Flavors Certificate of Completion and a personal logbook to track your sailing progress.

What will I be able to do after the course?

You will understand how a sailboat works and confidently perform essential tasks such as helming, sail handling, anchoring, and knot tying.

What type of boat will we train on?

Training takes place on a modern 44–49 ft monohull commonly used in charter sailing.

Bring a soft bag, sailing shoes, windproof jacket, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing suitable for sailing.

Do you operate in all weather conditions?

Safety is the priority. Training adapts to conditions, but sailing is avoided in unsafe weather such as strong winds exceeding safe limits.

”Salty”
Fundamentals

7 days · Saronic Islands · The basic ingredients for sailors

— from €2.000 per person —

Essentials

Group

6 students + instructor + chef

Dates

Sept 19-26, 2026

Sailing area

Saronic Gulf, Greece

Departure

Alimos Marina, Athens

Yacht

44-49ft monohull

Food

Daily breakfast & lunch

”Salty”
Fundamentals

7 days · Saronic Islands · The basic ingredients for sailors

— €2.000 per person —

Group: 6 students + instructor + chef

Dates: Sept 19–26, 2026

Sailing area: Saronic Gulf, Greece

Departure: Alimos Marina, Athens

Yacht: 44–49ft monohull

Food: Daily breakfast & lunch, water, coffee, snacks

The First Steps

This is where your journey as a sailor truly begins. This course is your essential introduction, transforming curiosity into real, hands-on skill. We focus entirely on practical learning from the very first moment you step aboard. You will take the helm, trim sails, tie knots, and learn the rules of the sea. By the end, you'll move from guest to capable, confident crew.

Helm Control

Sail Handling

Essential Knots

Safety Skills

Woman at the left helm looking up at the sails, monohull heeling under full sails, Salty Fundamentals training in Greece.

What You`ll Learn

Map of the Saronic Gulf region, background for Salty Fundamentals sailing itinerary.

Training Area

We sail in a protected area of the Saronic Gulf, characterized by short passages and diverse conditions. The focus is entirely on skill acquisition and this condensed geography allows us to maximize training scenarios, from docking in traditional ports to anchoring in secluded bays within minimal sailing distances.

Poros, Town

The Boat

Mid-size monohull: ideal for skill-building

You will train on a modern 44-49ft monohull, selected for its stability and responsive handling. This industry-standard size is ideal for learning core skills in a safe and uncluttered environment, providing the perfect foundation to build confidence at sea. Vessels we typically use include the Beneteau Oceanis 46.1, Dufour 47, Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440, and Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490.

Training Area

We sail in a protected area of the Saronic Gulf, characterized by short passages and diverse conditions. The focus is entirely on skill acquisition and this condensed geography allows us to maximize training scenarios, from docking in traditional ports to anchoring in secluded bays within minimal sailing distances.

Poros, Town

Training Area

We sail in a protected area of the Saronic Gulf, characterized by short passages and diverse conditions. The focus is entirely on skill acquisition and this condensed geography allows us to maximize training scenarios, from docking in traditional ports to anchoring in secluded bays within minimal sailing distances.

Lagoon 42

10 Guests / 4+2 Cabins / 4 Wc

The Boat

For the week, the boat becomes your home at sea.

Choose between the classic sailing feel of a monohull or the spacious comfort of a catamaran, depending on the size of your group. Choose between the classic sailing.

Choose between the classic sailing feel of a monohull or the spacious comfort of a catamaran, depending on the size of your group.

Not sure which suits you best? Monohull vs Catamaran →

Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 sailing with full sails, aerial side view, Salty Fundamentals training in Greece.

Photo of one of Sailing Flavors skippers raising the main sail.

The Instructor

Your guide on the water

You'll be learning from qualified RYA instructors who have thousands of sea miles behind them – from long ocean passages to years in the charter industry.

We choose them not just for their sailing skills and teaching ability, but for who they are. Professional, relaxed, and genuinely good company, they'll be right beside you, helping you grow with patience and a smile.

Monohull sailing on a broad reach under full sails, skipper explaining a maneuver to attentive crew, Salty Fundamentals training in Greece.

The Food

Fresh Food Onboard, Local Flavors Ashore

A chef joins the trip so you can focus on learning, not on preparing meals. Before you sail, we'll ask about food preferences and dietary needs – everything gets planned ahead. The chef handles shopping and cooking, preparing fresh breakfast and lunch on board each day, leaving you more time and energy for training.

Evenings, we'll dine ashore at authentic, hand-picked tavernas. Over good food, we'll talk about the day, debrief maneuvers, and share stories – turning dinner into a natural extension of your learning.

Fresh plate of food prepared by our chef, onboard Salty Fundamentals training in Greece.

Woman at the helm looking up at the sail, deep blue Aegean Sea, Salty Fundamentals sailing training.

Scenes From Our Trainings

Behind every capable crew member are hours of practice, moments of breakthrough, and the joy of feeling it click. These are some of those first steps.

average rating is 5 out of 5

Mihail shared his sailing expertise willingly and with endless patience. Always respectful, we felt completely safe and had great fun. His teaching style is much appreciated!

Roxana, Romania

average rating is 5 out of 5

Over 50 years I've sailed with many skippers. Mihail, you have exceeded all my expectations. A great sailor and instructor – truly memorable and inspiring.

Erwin, UK

average rating is 5 out of 5

Bowline, sheet‑bend, right of way—I learned so much this week. Sailing with Mihail felt like poetry in motion. A memory for life. Thank you for this unforgettable experience!

Stefanie, Netherlands

average rating is 5 out of 5

Mihail taught me so much in just one week. He guided our group with utmost care across the sea and wind. A wonderful learning experience from start to finish.

Cougan, Ireland

average rating is 5 out of 5

We learned so much and felt like family. Expert control, constant communication, and the perfect blend of ports and anchorages made this an unforgettable training journey.

Ellen, Australia

average rating is 5 out of 5

Extremely knowledgeable sailor and excellent instructor. He made my whole family feel welcome and safe throughout the week. Five stars all around – highly recommended.

Greg, USA

average rating is 5 out of 5

Mihai is a great mentor, patient instructor, and highly knowledgeable. We sailed a lot, overcame technical challenges, and had the adventure we were looking for. Truly exceptional.

Gigi, Romania

average rating is 5 out of 5

Thank you for teaching me the ropes and sharing your passion. I might become a sailor in the future! Great spots and recommendations made the week unforgettable.

Maxime, Belgium

average rating is 5 out of 5

Thank you for trusting us to help on the boat. I was more than happy to learn every step of the way. Your passion for sailing made me enthusiastic too. Unforgettable!

Laura, Netherlands

What people say