XVI Educational Flotilla – Preveza to Platania,Pelion
About This Flotilla
Educational Flotilla XVI — Autumn ’26
17–25 October 2026 | Preveza to Platania, Pelion
A Unique Educational Sailing Experience from the Ionian Sea to the Aegean
The Educational Flotilla returns for its 16th edition, introducing a multidimensional training model that extends far beyond the boundaries of a classroom, a single harbour or a predetermined scenario.
From 17 to 25 October 2026, the fleet completes an exceptional one-way passage from Preveza to Platania, Pelion. Beginning in the Ionian Sea, the voyage continues through Ithaca, Messolonghi and Trizonia before passing through the Corinth Canal and entering the Saronic Gulf. From Aegina and Lavrion, the fleet sails into the open Aegean towards Skyros and Kymi before completing the journey in Platania.
Participants live, sail and train onboard modern sailing yachts and catamarans as active members of an organised educational flotilla. They do not simply attend lessons. They assume onboard roles, handle the yacht, work with the crew, evaluate changing conditions and make real decisions at sea.
The Sea Becomes the Classroom:In a conventional sailing school, many situations are described or simulated. During the Educational Flotilla, the situations are real.
Every day creates a different training environment:
- A different harbour and a new approach
- New anchorages and changing mooring conditions
- Different wind directions and intensities
- Changes in weather and sea state
- New geographical areas and navigational demands
- Real marine traffic
- Different requirements for the yacht and its crew
- Unexpected situations requiring composure and sound judgement
Participants do not repeat the same exercises inside a familiar harbour. They learn to adapt, observe, assess and apply their knowledge in every new environment.This continuous change transforms the voyage into a dynamic and complete training programme.
A Multidimensional School at Sea:The Educational Flotilla brings every aspect of modern sailing education together within one real voyage.
Navigation connects with meteorology. Yacht handling connects with the operation of onboard systems. Safety connects with preparation. Technical knowledge connects with problem-solving. Individual competence connects with communication and teamwork.
Training includes:
- Planning and completing real passages
- Yacht handling under sail and power
- Approaching, mooring and departing from different harbours
- Anchoring under varying conditions
- Navigation and assessment of meteorological information
- Daily technical inspections and equipment management
- Safety procedures and emergency response
- Crew organisation, communication and leadership
- Decision-making under real operating conditions
- These skills are not taught in isolation. They work together, just as they do when commanding a yacht during an actual voyage.
Three Levels Within One Training Mission:The flotilla operates as one integrated school with three distinct levels: Beginners, Advanced and Expert.
Beginners establish strong foundations and build confidence. Advanced participants develop greater independence, technical competence and offshore experience. Experienced skippers train in command, crew leadership and the management of complex operational situations.Each participant trains according to their level while also operating as part of a larger, organised fleet. Individual development is therefore combined with the experience of a real flotilla operation.
Choose Your Training Pathway:Each participant selects the programme that matches their existing knowledge, previous experience and personal or professional objectives.
- Beginners
NASC Open Sea Sailing Diploma
A complete programme for those beginning their sailing journey and seeking the essential theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for safe and independent sailing.
Explore the NASC programme
Designed for participants who want to develop the knowledge, practical skills and confidence required to command a sailing yacht in coastal waters.
Explore the official ISSA Inshore Skipper programme
- Advanced
An advanced programme for experienced skippers seeking to develop their competence during offshore passages, longer distances and more demanding sailing conditions.
Explore the official ISSA Offshore Skipper programme
Specialised training in catamaran operation, focusing on twin-engine manoeuvring, stability, sailing performance, docking, anchoring and multihull-specific systems.
Explore the official ISSA Catamaran Skipper programme
- Expert
The highest level within the ISSA sailing training pathway, designed for experienced skippers preparing for advanced yacht command, offshore voyages, crew leadership and positions of greater professional responsibility.
Explore the official ISSA Master of Yacht programme
Participation in each programme and the award of the corresponding qualification are subject to the official entry requirements, required previous experience and successful completion of the relevant assessment.
We Do Not Simulate the Experience — We Live It
The real value of the programme is not measured only in nautical miles or in the qualification a participant may obtain.It lies in experiences that cannot be fully recreated inside a classroom: approaching an unfamiliar harbour for the first time, responding to changing weather, adapting the passage plan, working effectively with the crew and accepting responsibility for a decision that must be made at the right moment.The Educational Flotilla XVI does not simply prepare participants for an examination. It trains them to think, operate and accept responsibility like real skippers.
It is a complete school at sea and an educational experience unique in its structure, scope and practical dimension in Greece.
By the End, You Have Not Simply Completed a Course
You have planned and completed a real voyage. You have sailed in open waters, approached different harbours, responded to changing weather and operated as an active member of a real crew.
You have gained experience that cannot be taught through books alone or fully reproduced inside a classroom.
The Educational Flotilla XVI is a complete offshore sailing school and a training experience unlike any other in Greece.
Day by Day
Preveza to Ithaca | 35–40 NM
Following yacht handover, provisioning, crew familiarisation and the opening flotilla briefing, the fleet departs from Preveza and begins its passage through the Ionian Sea towards Ithaca. Depending on conditions and harbour availability, the overnight stop may be in Vathy or another suitable harbour or anchorage on the island.
Flotilla Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Preveza — The Journey Begins
Located at the entrance to the Ambracian Gulf, Preveza combines a lively waterfront with a long maritime tradition. Yacht preparation, safety checks and the initial route briefing take place here before the fleet begins its passage through the Ionian Sea.
Ithaca — The Island of Odysseus
Messolonghi — The Historic Lagoon City
Trizonia — A Harbour in the Corinthian Gulf
Aegina — Arrival in the Saronic Gulf
Skyros — Tradition in the Heart of the Aegean
Kymi — On the Eastern Coast of Evia
Platania, Pelion — The Final Destination
Location
Address
Maria, Preveza 481 00, Greece
Coordinates
38.9579° N, 20.7551° E
Flotilla Information
Price starting from
€450Similar Flotillas
Flotilla FAQs
Everything you need to know about this flotilla
It is an eight-night liveaboard educational sailing voyage in which participants train and operate as active members of a real yacht crew. The programme combines hands-on training, real passages, different sailing environments and professional guidance under changing weather and sea conditions.
The Educational Flotilla XVI takes place from 17 to 25 October 2026. It begins in Preveza and concludes in Platania, Pelion, with planned arrival early in the morning on 25 October.
Yes. Participants are organised into Beginners, Advanced and Expert groups according to their experience, existing knowledge and training objectives.