XVI Educational Flotilla – Preveza

Educational Flotilla XVI

Autumn ’26 :17–24 October 2026 | Preveza, Greece :A Unique Educational Experience in Greece

A Unique Educational Experience in Greece

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 24 October 2026, departing from Preveza, the sea becomes a real training environment. 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

ISSA Inshore Skipper 

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

 ISSA Offshore Skipper

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 

ISSA Catamaran Skipper 

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

ISSA Master of Yacht 

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.