Cyprus, with its mild climate, stable winds, and well-developed maritime infrastructure, is considered one of the best places in the Mediterranean for sailing training. It attracts both beginners dreaming of their first sailing experience and experienced sailors seeking to improve their skills or earn an international license. Nautical schools on the island operate year-round, and training takes place in comfortable conditions—in clear waters, under the sun, and surrounded by picturesque bays.
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Why is Cyprus a good place to learn sailing?
Cyprus’s main advantage is its stable weather conditions. The coast enjoys nearly 330 sunny days a year, and the water temperature rarely drops below 18°C. Winds are moderate, with no stormy periods, making the waters safe and predictable for training maneuvers.
The island’s infrastructure is fully adapted to nautical sports: modern marinas, yacht maintenance, charter companies, and a well-developed system of certified schools. Here, you can take courses from the basic level to obtaining an international captain’s certificate ( RYA, IYT, or ISSA ).
Main training centers
Yachting training in Cyprus is concentrated in several maritime cities: Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, and Ayia Napa. Each offers its own schools with different programs.
Limassol is the center of sailing training in Cyprus.
Limassol is the island’s main marina, home to the Limassol Marina, considered one of the best in the Eastern Mediterranean. It is also home to internationally recognized schools:
- Limassol Sailing School & Club is the oldest sailing school in Cyprus, founded with the support of the Cyprus Sailing Federation. It trains adults and teenagers according to World Sailing standards. Programs include basic sailing, skipper courses, and regatta participation.
- Cyprus Yachting Academy (CYA) – accredited center IYT (International Yacht Training) offers courses in Bareboat Skipper, International Crew, and Coastal Yachtmaster. Theoretical classes are held in classrooms at the marina, and practical training takes place on modern sailing yachts.
- RYA Training Centre Limassol is an official center of the British Royal Yachting Association. Courses are taught by licensed instructors and are conducted in English. Upon completion, graduates receive an international certificate recognized in Europe and Asia.
Larnaca – training with experienced captains
Larnaca Marina has schools specializing in practical training:
- Larnaca Sailing School – teaches By British system RYA Competent Crew And Day Skipper. Classes are held both weekdays and weekends, making them convenient for tourists.
- Bluewave Yachting Cyprus is a private school offering a personalized approach. Programs, ranging from two to ten days, cover navigation, mooring, maneuvering, and basic meteorology.
- The Cyprus Offshore Sailing Club is a public organization uniting sailing enthusiasts. It offers training followed by participation in competitions and club regattas.
Paphos – yachting with a focus on practice
Paphos attracts those who prefer less theory and more practice. Classes are small, and programs are geared toward sailing enthusiasts.
- Paphos Sailing Centre offers courses for beginner sailors and small boat owners. Classes are held in Paphos Port and along the coast of Peyia.
- West Coast Sailing Cyprus offers IYT training and practical training on the Paphos-Polis-Akamas routes. Express courses lasting 3-5 days are available.
Ayia Napa and Protaras – yachting in the tourist area
The eastern part of the island is more geared toward short-term programs. Introductory courses designed for tourists and beginners are held here.
- Ayia Napa Sea Academy offers Intro to Sailing courses where you can learn the basics of yacht handling and terminology in 1–2 days.
- Protaras Sailing & Watersport School operates seasonally from April to October, combining sailing lessons with sailing on catamarans and Laser class sailboats.
What licenses can be obtained?
Cyprus follows international educational standards, and graduates receive internationally recognized certificates. The main ones are:
- IYT Bareboat Skipper – gives the right to operate a sailing yacht up to 24 m long in the coastal zone (up to 20 miles from the shore).
- RYA Day Skipper is a British license for independent sailing and yacht charter.
- IYT Yachtmaster Coastal is an advanced level that confirms the skipper’s qualifications for routes up to 60 miles from the coast.
- ISSA Offshore Skipper is the European standard for hobbyists who want to operate charter vessels.
All courses cover navigation theory, meteorology fundamentals, international navigation regulations (COLREGs), radio communications, safety and offshore practice.
Duration and format of training
The basic yachtsman course lasts from 5 to 10 days, including lectures and practical on-water training. Intensive programs are conducted in a “live-on-board” format—students live on the yacht, participating in maneuvering, sail setting, and mooring.
To obtain an international license, you must prove at least 200 nautical miles of practice, including night sailing and solo navigation. Many schools organize training trips along the coast of Cyprus or to the Greek islands.
Tuition fees
Prices depend on the format, language, and level of the course:
- basic programs for beginners – from 700 to 900 euros ;
- courses Day Skipper / Bareboat Skipper – 1000–1300 euros ;
- advanced Yachtmaster – from 1500 euros and up ;
- short introductory classes (1–2 days) – 100–250 euros.
The cost typically includes training, yacht rental, fuel, and insurance. Theoretical materials and exams are paid for separately.
Languages of instruction and accessibility
Most schools offer classes in English, but programs in Russian, Greek, and German are available in the major centers of Limassol and Larnaca. Classes are offered year-round, although the number of practical courses is reduced from November to March due to lower student numbers.
Additional features
After completing their training, students can join Cyprus’s yacht clubs to participate in local regattas and training. The largest events are the Limassol Boat Show and the Cyprus International Sailing Championship, which bring together captains and teams from across the region.
In addition, many schools help graduates obtain documents for an International Yachtsman’s Certificate (ICC – International Certificate of Competence), which allows them to charter a yacht in any European country.
Why study in Cyprus?
Cyprus combines ideal natural conditions, European-level education, and a friendly atmosphere. Training is supervised by certified instructors, and the island’s waters are safe and diverse, from open seas to sheltered bays.
In addition to practical skills, training in Cyprus provides the opportunity to see the island from the water, visit secluded beaches, and gain experience navigating real-world sea routes.
Sailing lessons in Cyprus combine practice, relaxation, and a true sea adventure. Here, you can progress from beginner to certified captain, gaining an international certificate and confidence in your abilities. Cyprus is the ideal place where the sea becomes a school, and learning becomes a journey.
